Lean Blog Interviews - Healthcare, Manufacturing, Business, and Leadership

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Started in 2006, the Lean Blog Interviews Podcast is a series of conversations with experts and thought leaders in the field of lean manufacturing and management. Hosted by Mark Graban, a Lean practitioner, consultant, and author, the podcast offers insights, experiences, and tips for implementing and improving Lean practices in various industries.

The podcast has a conversational format, with Graban engaging with his guests on a wide range of topics related to Lean. The guests come from different backgrounds, including healthcare, manufacturing, and service industries, and share their unique perspectives and experiences on Lean implementation.

The podcast explores different aspects of Lean, including its history, principles, and tools, as well as its application in different industries and contexts. Graban and his guests delve into topics such as continuous improvement, value stream mapping, process improvement, and culture change, and Lean Startup, among others.

Particular emphasis is given to leadership and management system concepts, including the Toyota Production System and related methods. But, we don‘t talk about ”Lean Six Sigma” much around here, if that interests you... but if you agree that Lean is more than ”just a bunch of tools in the improvement toolbox,” this is the place for you. We focus more on Lean as a culture, a philosophy, and a management system. You’ll learn, and our guests will inspire you.

One of the unique aspects of the podcast is its frequent focus on Lean in healthcare. Graban is a well-known advocate for Lean in healthcare, and many of his guests are experts in this field. They discuss topics such as patient safety, quality improvement, and waste reduction in healthcare settings. They also share their experiences and successes in implementing Lean in hospitals, clinics, and other healthcare organizations.

Another notable feature of the podcast is its emphasis on practical advice and real-world examples. The guests share their experiences and insights into what works and what doesn’t when it comes to implementing Lean practices. They provide tips for overcoming common challenges and share success stories that can inspire others to adopt Lean principles.

The podcast is also notable for its inclusivity and diversity. Graban features guests from a range of backgrounds and experiences. This diversity of perspectives enriches the discussions and provides a more comprehensive understanding of the challenges and opportunities of Lean implementation.

Overall, the Lean Blog Interviews Podcast is a valuable resource for anyone interested in Lean manufacturing and management. Whether you are new to Lean or a seasoned practitioner, the podcast offers insights, tips, and inspiration for improving your organization’s performance and achieving your Lean goals. With its engaging format, practical advice, and diverse range of guests, the podcast is a must-listen for anyone interested in continuous improvement and operational excellence.

Visit the blog at www.leanblog.org. For feedback, email [email protected].

All past episodes, with show notes and more, can be found at www.leancast.org.

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Recent Hosts, Guests & Topics

Here's a quick summary of the last 5 episodes on Lean Blog Interviews - Healthcare, Manufacturing, Business, and Leadership.

Hosts

Mark Graban

Previous Guests

Bill Canady
Bill Canady is a seasoned global business executive and U.S. Navy veteran, currently serving as the CEO of Arrowhead Engineered Products. He has led over 30 operating companies and thousands of employees across the industrial and consumer products landscape. Previously, he was the CEO of OTC Industrial Technologies, where he significantly boosted revenues by 43% and earnings by 78%. Bill is also an author, known for his books 'The 80/20 CEO' and the upcoming 'From Panic to Profit'. He is a strong advocate for Lean methodologies and the 80/20 principle, using them as complementary tools for business transformation. Bill's leadership philosophy emphasizes creating a culture of continuous improvement and problem-solving, making Lean a condition of employment, and aligning Lean initiatives with business growth.
Christopher R. Chapman
Christopher R. Chapman is an experienced agile coach and consultant with a strong background in software development and agile transformation. He founded Derailleur Consulting in 2010, where he has been instrumental in guiding teams and leaders in adopting agile frameworks such as Scrum and Kanban. His work integrates applied systems thinking, drawing inspiration from thought leaders like W. Edwards Deming. Chapman is also known for fostering communities through initiatives like #SystemsThinkingTO and shares his insights through his popular Substack newsletter, The Digestible Deming. His expertise lies in blending experiential learning with practical tools to enhance decision-making and leadership effectiveness.
John Willis
John Willis is an accomplished IT management expert with over 45 years of experience. He has made significant contributions to Deming's Journey to Profound Knowledge and co-authored The DevOps Handbook. John focuses his current research on DevOps, DevSecOps, IT risk, modern governance, and audit compliance. Throughout his career, he has sold companies to Docker and Dell and played a foundational role at Opscode (now Chef). He founded Gulf Breeze Software, an award-winning IBM business partner recognized for its successful deployment of Tivoli technology for enterprise clients. John has authored six IBM Redbooks on enterprise systems management and served as the founder and chief architect of Chain Bridge Systems. He has written more than 11 books and launched over 10 startups, establishing himself as a significant innovator in the IT industry.
Mike Eisenberg
Mike Eisenberg is a filmmaker and the owner of Tall Tale Productions, which he founded in 2010 after earning his B.A. in Journalism from Marietta College in Ohio. He has a background in professional baseball, having been drafted by the Cleveland Indians in the MLB Draft and playing three seasons before transitioning to filmmaking. His work focuses on patient safety, inspired by his father, Dr. John Eisenberg, who was a leader in national patient safety efforts as the director of the Agency for Healthcare Research & Quality (AHRQ) until his passing in 2002. Mike's recent documentary, 'The Pitch: Patient Safety's Next Generation,' explores innovations in patient safety and technology. He is also a speaker at hospitals, universities, and conferences, providing insights on the importance of trust and resilience in healthcare.
Jacquie Maupin
Jacquie Maupin is a professional with a background in journalism and military leadership, which has significantly influenced her approach to problem-solving and stakeholder engagement in healthcare improvement. She is known for her expertise in communication skills and has been involved in leading workshops that focus on enhancing these skills for effective presentations and data-driven narratives. Jacquie is also a co-presenter at the Healthcare Systems Process Improvement Conference, where she shares her insights on bridging the gap between analysis and action in process improvement.

Topics Discussed

Lean continuous improvement 80/20 principle business transformation leadership Kaizen operational excellence culture change profitability data-driven leadership agile coaching Scrum Kanban systems thinking Deming philosophy leadership behaviors organizational quality process behavior charts Red Bead Experiment Deming's Journey to Profound Knowledge IT management DevOps agile methodologies psychological safety incident management cybersecurity risk management patient safety healthcare technology trust medical errors advanced command centers virtual reality AI applications systemic improvements communication standardized protocols smart design communication skills process improvement journalism stakeholder engagement data-driven narratives effective presentations

YouTube Channel

Channel Info

Mark Graban
@MarkGraban

Channel Stats

Subscribers: 3,270
Total Videos: 1,554
Total Views: 1,188,294
Joined: Jun 26, 2006
Location: United States

Description

Mark Graban's channel includes podcast episodes, educational videos, speaking clips and talks, webinars, and more.

Mark is the author of the Shingo-Award winning book "Lean Hospitals: Improving Quality, Patient Safety, and Employee Engagement." Mark is also a co-author, with Joe Swartz, of "Healthcare Kaizen: Engaging Front-Line Staff in Sustainable Continuous Improvements" (also a Shingo recipient) and "The Executive Guide to Healthcare Kaizen." His most recent book is "Measures of Success: React Less, Lead Better, Improve More." He is also the creator and editor of the anthology book "Practicing Lean." Mark also blogs and podcasts at www.LeanBlog.org.

He serves as a consultant to organizations through his company, Constancy, Inc, and also through the firm Value Capture. He is also a Senior Advisor to the technology company KaiNexus. He has focused on healthcare improvement since 2005, after starting his career in industry at General Motors, Dell, and Honeywell.

Instagram Profile

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@mgraban
Mark Graban

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Followers: 1,067
Posts: 1,001

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Account Type: Business
Privacy: Public

Biography

New book: “The Mistakes That Make Us.” Author of "Lean Hospitals” & “Measures of Success,” consultant, speaker, blogger, podcaster, & sea lion fan

Episodes

Here's the recent few episodes on Lean Blog Interviews - Healthcare, Manufacturing, Business, and Leadership.

0:00 56:49

Leading Lean for Profitable Growth: CEO Bill Canady on Driving Business Transformation

Hosts
Mark Graban
Guests
Bill Canady
Keywords
Lean continuous improvement 80/20 principle business transformation leadership Kaizen operational excellence culture change profitability

My guest for Episode #526 of the Lean Blog Interviews Podcast is Bill Canady, a seasoned global business executive, U.S. Navy veteran, and current CEO of Arrowhead Engineered Products.

Bill has led over 30 operating companies and thousands of employees across the industrial and consumer products landscape. Formerly CEO of OTC Industrial Technologies, he helped drive impressive growth-boosting revenues by 43% and earnings by 78%.

Bill is also the author of The 80/20 CEO and the upcoming From Panic to Profit, and he's a vocal advocate for using Lean and the 80/20 principle as complementary tools for transformation.

Join Bill for a live Q&A webinar on April 23rd via KaiNexus!

We discuss Bill’s personal Lean journey, which began with Six Sigma and evolved into a deep appreciation for the power of Lean and continuous improvement. He shares how daily management, Kaizen events, and a focus on flow became core to his leadership toolkit—not just on the shop floor but also across the “carpeted” functions like order-to-cash and sales. As CEO, Bill doesn’t just support Lean; he expects it. He talks candidly about making continuous improvement a condition of employment, not through fear, but by creating a culture where people feel safe, engaged, and energized by problem-solving.

You’ll hear Bill’s insights on applying Lean as a strategic enabler for profitable growth—not just a cost-cutting tool. He explains how the 80/20 principle helps companies focus their improvement energy on what really matters and how Lean helps teams sustain those improvements. He also shares real-world lessons on leadership, cultural alignment, and navigating resistance to change—especially among those clinging to old firefighting habits.

Whether you’re a Lean practitioner, an executive, or someone aspiring to lead, this conversation is packed with practical wisdom. Bill offers a compelling blueprint for how to lead with humility, clarity, and purpose—using Lean and the 80/20 mindset to build resilient, high-performing organizations.

Questions, Notes, and Highlights:

  • Can you share your origin story with continuous improvement and Lean?
  • What was the context in which you were first introduced to these methodologies?
  • How did your role evolve from operations into broader P&L responsibility?
  • How did your perspective on Lean shift when you became a CEO?
  • What role does daily management play in sustaining operational excellence?
  • How do you apply Lean principles outside the factory floor—especially in “carpet land”?
  • As a CEO, how do you strike the balance between solving problems yourself and enabling others to be problem solvers?
  • How do you respond when leaders or team members resist Lean thinking or default to old firefighting habits?
  • What does it mean to make Lean a “condition of employment,” and how do you introduce that mindset?
  • How do you ensure people understand Lean isn’t about layoffs, but about redeployment and growth?
  • How do you connect Lean initiatives with business growth, not just cost reduction?
  • Do you have an example of how improving quality or delivery led directly to business growth or profitability?
  • What inspired you to write your first book, The 80/20 CEO?
  • Why are the first 100 days so critical for a new leader?
  • How does the 80/20 principle help leaders prioritize improvement efforts?
  • What’s the relationship between 80/20 analysis and Lean execution in your approach?
  • What can we do to help more CEOs understand and embrace Lean as a strategic business system?
  • How can companies start building momentum with Lean—even if they’re just getting started?
  • What’s the focus of your new book From Panic to Profit, and how does it expand on your first?

This podcast is part of the #LeanCommunicators network

0:00 59:02

From Noise to Knowledge: Embracing Data-Driven Leadership - Christopher R. Chapman

Hosts
Mark Graban
Guests
Christopher R. Chapman
Keywords
data-driven leadership agile coaching Scrum Kanban systems thinking Deming philosophy continuous improvement leadership behaviors organizational quality process behavior charts Red Bead Experiment

My guest for Episode #525 of the Lean Blog Interviews Podcast is Christopher R. Chapman. He's an experienced agile coach and consultant with a background in software development and agile transformation.

Episode page with video, transcript, and more

Since founding Derailleur Consulting in 2010, he has guided teams and leaders in adopting agile frameworks like Scrum and Kanban while integrating applied systems thinking inspired by Deming and other thought leaders.

Christopher is also known for cultivating communities through initiatives such as #SystemsThinkingTO and for sharing his insights in his popular Substack newsletter, The Digestible Deming.

In this episode, Chris and I discussed our upcoming collaborative workshops--"From Noise to Knowledge, Executive Leadership Through Data Driven Insight"--scheduled for

We highlighted how the sessions will blend experiential learning, such as the Red Bead Experiment, with practical tools like process behavior charts to help leaders decode variation and improve decision-making. The conversation emphasized the Deming philosophy as a core framework, exploring how leadership behaviors and systemic practices directly impact team performance and overall organizational quality. We also noted the engaging social aspect of the workshops, mentioning optional outings to local MLB baseball games as an opportunity for continued dialogue.

The discussion then shifted to our personal journeys with continuous improvement, agile methodologies, and the evolution of leadership roles. Chris shared insights from his transition from software development to coaching senior management, focusing on moving beyond traditional, isolated team interventions toward a holistic, systems-oriented approach. We both underlined the need for leadership to embrace a mindset shift--recognizing that issues within teams often reflect broader organizational constraints. We also debated common pitfalls, such as misinterpreting data due to superficial analyses, and argued for using robust, statistical tools to establish meaningful insights, setting the stage for transformative change in management practices.

Questions, Notes, and Highlights:

  • How do Deming's principles transform executive leadership and team performance?
  • What key insights does the Red Bead Experiment offer for practical improvement?
  • In what ways do process behavior charts enhance decision-making in complex systems?
  • How can agile methodologies and Deming's philosophy be integrated effectively?
  • What systemic issues underlie team challenges, and how should leadership address them?
  • How can statistical process control complement traditional metrics in agile environments?
  • What strategies enable leaders to shift from reactive problem-solving to proactive system improvement?
  • How do extrinsic incentives impact collaboration and quality within teams?
  • What methods best embed systems thinking into agile practices?
  • How can workshop formats foster lasting changes in leadership mindsets?

This podcast is part of the #LeanCommunicators network

0:00 1:00:08

John Willis on Deming's Journey to Profound Knowledge in IT & DevOps

Hosts
Mark Graban
Guests
John Willis
Keywords
Deming's Journey to Profound Knowledge IT management DevOps continuous improvement agile methodologies systems thinking psychological safety incident management cybersecurity risk management

My guest for Episode #524 of the Lean Blog Interviews Podcast is John Willis, an accomplished IT management expert with over 45 years of experience. His extensive body of work includes contributions to Deming's Journey to Profound Knowledge and co-authoring The DevOps Handbook.

See video, transcript, and more

Hosts a podcast that I was recently on, "Profound."

John focuses his current research on DevOps, DevSecOps, IT risk, modern governance, and audit compliance. Over the course of his career, he has sold companies to Docker and Dell, and he played a foundational role at Opscode (now Chef).

In addition, John founded Gulf Breeze Software, an award-winning IBM business partner recognized for its successful deployment of Tivoli technology for enterprise clients. He has authored six IBM Redbooks on enterprise systems management and served as the founder and chief architect of Chain Bridge Systems. Altogether, John has written more than 11 books and launched over 10 startups, cementing his reputation as a significant innovator in the IT industry.

In this episode, the discussion navigates the intersection of lean principles, agile methodologies, and Deming's philosophies as they apply to modern IT and operations. John delves into how systems thinking, profound knowledge, and psychological safety underpin effective incident management and cybersecurity practices. The conversation explores practical challenges and the proactive strategies necessary for integrating legacy improvement methods with today's cloud innovations and infrastructure as code.

Throughout the episode, John examines the real-world application of these timeless principles, offering listeners actionable insights into continuous improvement and risk management. He highlights the importance of questioning established norms and embracing complexity to drive operational excellence, providing a compelling roadmap for navigating the evolving digital landscape.

Questions, Notes, and Highlights:

  • Could you share your origin story regarding Lean and continuous improvement--specifically, what you learned during your early years at Exxon?
  • How have you seen Deming's principle of eliminating fear put into practice in IT and entrepreneurial settings?
  • Is the phenomenon you described established fact or more of a hypothesis?
  • How can we confirm or measure the validity of that knowledge?
  • Why do you consider cyber terrorism one of today's most significant threats?

This podcast is part of the #LeanCommunicators network

0:00 48:26

Innovating Patient Safety: Mike Eisenberg Discusses Healthcare Technology and Trust

Hosts
Mark Graban
Guests
Mike Eisenberg
Keywords
patient safety healthcare technology trust medical errors advanced command centers virtual reality AI applications systemic improvements communication standardized protocols smart design

My guest for Episode #523 of the Lean Blog Interviews Podcast is Mike Eisenberg. He's been a filmmaker since 2010 with his production company, Tall Tale Productions, after completing his B.A. in Journalism at Marietta College in Ohio.

Episode page with video, transcript, and more

Mike’s father, Dr. John Eisenberg, was a leader in national patient safety efforts as the director of the Agency for Healthcare Research & Quality (AHRQ) until his passing in 2002. His legacy is prevalent throughout Mike’s presentation, as well as his approach.

His new documentary, released last September, is titled “The Pitch: Patient Safety's Next Generation.” 

He previously joined us in Episode #329, where we discussed his film "To Err is Human."

In 2006, Mike was drafted by the Cleveland Indians in the MLB Draft and played 3 seasons of professional baseball before beginning his filmmaking career. He now speaks at hospitals, universities, and conferences, where his insight provides a new perspective on a problem that persists across the globe.

In today's episode, we explore the evolution of patient safety and the transformative role of technology in healthcare. The conversation dives into how innovations—from advanced command centers to cutting-edge virtual reality and AI applications—are redefining how hospitals prevent and respond to medical errors. The discussion challenges the conventional blame-and-shame approach and instead highlights the importance of building systems that foster trust and resilience among healthcare professionals and patients alike.

We also examine the nuances of integrating technology into complex healthcare environments, discussing how effective communication, standardized protocols, and smart design can work together to minimize human error. Drawing insightful parallels with industries like aviation, the episode offers a fresh perspective on the critical need for systemic improvements and the potential for new technological solutions to drive the next generation of patient safety.

Questions, Notes, and Highlights:

  • How is technology transforming patient safety in healthcare?
  • What role do advanced command centers, virtual reality, and AI play in preventing medical errors?
  • How can healthcare shift away from a blame-and-shame culture?
  • What strategies build trust and resilience among healthcare professionals and patients?
  • How do effective communication, standardized protocols, and smart design minimize human error?
  • What lessons can be learned from the aviation industry regarding safety and error management?
  • What challenges arise when integrating technology into complex healthcare environments?
  • How can innovation drive the next generation of patient safety?

This podcast is part of the #LeanCommunicators network

0:00 44:30

Bridging the Communication Gap in Lean: What We Can Learn from Journalism with Jacquie Maupin

Hosts
Mark Graban
Guests
Jacquie Maupin
Keywords
communication skills Lean process improvement journalism stakeholder engagement data-driven narratives effective presentations

Episode page with video, transcript, and more

My guest for Episode #522 of the Lean Blog Interviews Podcast is Jacquie Maupin.

She joins the podcast to discuss her upcoming workshop at the Healthcare Systems Process Improvement Conference (HSPI) hosted by the Society for Health Systems. She and her co-presenter, Lauren Todd from HCA Healthcare, will lead a session titled "From Analysis to Action: Bridging the Gap with Effective Presentations" on February 19.

This interactive workshop is designed to help attendees sharpen their communication skills, structure data-driven narratives, and effectively engage executives and stakeholders. Whether you're attending this year or considering next year's event, this conversation offers valuable insights into the intersection of Lean, process improvement, and communication.

In this episode, we discuss how journalism and communication skills can enhance Lean and process improvement efforts. Jacquie shares how her background in journalism and military leadership shaped her approach to problem-solving, stakeholder engagement, and storytelling in the world of healthcare improvement. We explore the parallels between investigative reporting and Lean methodology—how asking the right questions, structuring information effectively, and communicating insights clearly can drive meaningful change.

We also dive into Jacquie's upcoming workshop, where she and her co-presenter, Lauren Todd, will guide attendees through strategies for tailoring presentations to different audiences, crafting compelling data-driven narratives, and influencing decision-making. Whether you're attending this year or looking for ways to elevate your communication skills in process improvement, this episode is packed with valuable lessons.

Questions, Notes, and Highlights:

  • Can you share your Lean origin story and career path?
  • How did your background in journalism and the military shape your approach to process improvement?
  • What sparked your interest in healthcare and led you to Georgetown University Hospital?
  • What were some of the most impactful projects you worked on at Georgetown?
  • How does process mapping help break down silos and improve collaboration?
  • What journalism skills translate well to process improvement and Lean work?
  • How do you approach communicating with executives to ensure your message is understood?
  • What challenges have you faced in presenting Lean concepts to different audiences?
  • How can process improvement teams better tell their success stories and demonstrate value?
  • What insights will attendees gain from your upcoming workshop at the Healthcare Systems Process Improvement Conference?

 

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