From the Marine Corps to Master Black Belt: Dr. Lucas Chesla on Building a Culture of Excellence
Release Date: 05/21/2025
Cutting Waste, Creating Value: Lean in Construction with Clark Lowe
Lean Into Excellence
In this episode, we speak with Clark Lowe, CEO of O'Connor Company, about the application of Lean and Six Sigma principles in the construction industry. We discuss the challenges and opportunities of implementing these methodologies in a traditionally slow-to-adapt sector, particularly in a fully remote work environment. Clark shares insights on overcoming resistance, the importance of mindset, and how to start continuous improvement processes. He emphasizes the significance of building a culture around these principles rather than focusing solely on numbers. The conversation also touches on...
info_outline
Mastering Cost Management: Insights from Duane Deason
Lean Into Excellence
In this episode, we sit down with , a seasoned expert in cost management, to explore the challenges organizations face in managing costs without sacrificing value. Duane shares insights from his extensive career, discussing the inefficiencies that often arise as companies grow, the importance of cultural awareness in cost management, and the role of leadership in fostering a cost-effective environment. The conversation also touches on the impact of AI on business efficiency and the necessity of internal cost management teams. Duane emphasizes the need for a lean approach to encourage...
info_outline
Unlocking Leadership Potential: The Lionheart Approach wit Eric Rogell
Lean Into Excellence
Get ready for an energizing conversation with Eric Rogell, as we uncover the powerful connection between mentorship and bold leadership! Discover how courage, authenticity, and a modern take on masculinity shape today’s most impactful leaders. Eric also introduces the Lionheart Challenge — a thrilling 30-day journey designed to help you unleash your full leadership potential through timeless archetypes. From the discipline of military training to tackling imposter syndrome in the boardroom, this episode dives deep into how to balance assertiveness with empathy for truly unstoppable...
info_outline
Understanding the Realities of Entrepreneurship with Jim Mirochnik
Lean Into Excellence
In this episode, Jim Mirochnik, CEO of HALOCK Security Labs, shares his journey from a challenging childhood as an immigrant to becoming a successful entrepreneur in the cybersecurity field. He discusses the importance of mentorship, the misconceptions surrounding entrepreneurship, and the critical role of teamwork and patience in achieving business success. Jim emphasizes that failure is a valuable teacher and that the narrative of overnight success is often misleading. He provides insights into building a successful business model and the importance of legacy in entrepreneurship. ...
info_outline
From Hype to Practicality: Making AI Work for Business with David Trier
Lean Into Excellence
This week on Lean Into Excellence, we’re joined by David Trier, an experienced leader in product management and AI operations, as well as the VP of Product at ModelOp. Together, we explore the evolving role of AI in business—cutting through definitions and misconceptions to uncover how organizations can harness AI responsibly. David shares practical insights on balancing innovation with governance and risk management, highlighting why companies must not only embrace AI’s potential for productivity and process efficiency, but also prepare for the challenges it brings. We also dive...
info_outline
Unpacking 'The Impossible Box' with Kristen Hubler
Lean Into Excellence
Join us as we chat with Kristen Hubler, best-selling author and change management specialist, as we explore her path from education into corporate training, the importance of preparing organizations for change, and the effects of the pandemic on digital transformation. Kristin shares how the ADKAR model can be used to manage change and overcome resistance, plus insights from her book, The Impossible Box, which motivates readers to chase their dreams and take practical steps toward their goals. 00:00 Introduction to Change Management and Kristin Hubler 02:59 Understanding Change...
info_outline
Frontline Leadership Unlocked: Empowering Teams with Tania Will Jeppesen
Lean Into Excellence
In this episode, we sit down with Tania Will Jeppesen, founder of The Prepared Leader, to explore the pivotal role and challenges of frontline leadership. Tania shares her journey of equipping these leaders with the tools to thrive, from emotional intelligence and time management to effective communication strategies. Discussion highlights include: Why investing in mentorship, business acumen, and senior leadership buy-in is essential for frontline leadership to succeed. Building leadership routines that bring clarity, reduce overwhelm, and boost operational excellence. Practical...
info_outline
Unlocking Potential: The Art and Impact of Coaching with Ronald Graves
Lean Into Excellence
In this conversation, Ronald Graves, a seasoned leadership coach, discusses the intricacies of coaching, the importance of accountability, and the transformative power of self-discipline. He differentiates coaching from mentoring and training, emphasizing the role of a coach in drawing out potential from within individuals. Ronald shares insights on the coaching process, the significance of confidentiality, and the impact of coaching on personal and professional growth. He reflects on his transition from the corporate world to entrepreneurship and offers wisdom for those considering coaching...
info_outline
Beyond the Certificate: Real-World Six Sigma with Ken Stocco
Lean Into Excellence
In this conversation, Liz Cricenti and Marco Bonilla are joined by guest Ken Stocco to explore common misconceptions around Six Sigma education and continuous improvement. Together, they emphasize that true success goes beyond certifications — it requires critical thinking, real-world application, and mentorship. While tools and methodologies are valuable, they should never replace a practitioner’s ability to adapt, solve problems, and apply practical experience. The discussion reinforces the importance of cultivating a continuous improvement mindset, learning from challenges, and...
info_outline
People Do Change with Elisabeth White
Lean Into Excellence
In this episode, we sit down with Elisabeth White, CEO of Cornerstone Agility and author of People Do Change, for a powerful conversation on human-centric change management. Elisabeth reminds us that change isn’t just a process—it’s an emotional journey. She shares why empathy must be at the heart of leadership during transformation, and how a growth mindset, trust, and community are critical to helping teams move forward. If you lead people through change—or are navigating it yourself—this episode is filled with thoughtful insight on how to do it with clarity, compassion, and...
info_outlineIn this episode of Lean Into Excellence, we sit down with Dr. Lucas Chesla to explore his journey from the Marine Corps to becoming a champion of Lean Six Sigma and organizational transformation.
Drawing from his book Revolutionize Work: A Guide to Enterprise Transformation (co-authored with , Dr. Chesla shares powerful insights on leadership, culture, and the role of data in driving meaningful change. He dives into the importance of storytelling in data analysis, challenges common misconceptions about Lean Six Sigma, and emphasizes how empowered employees are key to sustaining continuous improvement.
This conversation is a must-listen for anyone looking to inspire action, align strategy, and build a culture where excellence is more than a buzzword—it’s how the work gets done.
Dr. Lucas Chesla - LinkedIn: / dr-lucas-chesla-lssmbb-pmp-25aab4102
Revolutionize Work: A Guide to Enterprise Transformation: https://amzn.to/4kbJbik