From Hype to Practicality: Making AI Work for Business with David Trier
Release Date: 09/17/2025
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...
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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...
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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...
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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...
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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...
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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...
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From the Marine Corps to Master Black Belt: Dr. Lucas Chesla on Building a Culture of Excellence
Lean Into Excellence
In 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 Kirk Nicholas), 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...
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Managing On Purpose with Mark Reich
Lean Into Excellence
In this episode of Lean Into Excellence, we’re joined by Mark Reich, Senior Coach at the Lean Enterprise Institute and author of the new book Managing on Purpose. Mark brings decades of experience in Lean leadership, including 23 years at Toyota, to a powerful conversation on what it really takes to build and sustain a culture of continuous improvement. We dive deep into the principles of Hoshin-Kanri and why it's critical for aligning strategy from the top down and bottom up. Mark explains how tools like A3 problem-solving and daily management are not just techniques—but essential...
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Back to Basics: Why White & Yellow Belt Training Matters
Lean Into Excellence
We’re excited to welcome back Doug Bruce to Lean Into Excellence for a powerful conversation about the often-overlooked value of White and Yellow Belt training in the Lean Six Sigma journey. In this episode, we break down why these entry-level certifications aren’t just for beginners—they’re essential for building a strong foundation of continuous improvement across any organization. We discuss: ✅ How individuals at all levels benefit from early-stage training ✅ Why companies should invest in de
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The Continual Evolution of the Customer Corrective Action Request
Lean Into Excellence
In this episode of Lean Into Excellence, we’re shaking things up! Chuck Gillis steps in for Marco Bonilla as we welcome special guest Mike Daley to the conversation. Together, we dive into the evolution of Corrective Action Request (CAR) and Root Cause Corrective Action (RCCA)—exploring how these essential processes have transformed over time to drive lasting improvements. If you’re in quality, process improvement, or leadership, this episode is packed with insights to help you tackle issues at the so
info_outlineThis 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 into the future of AI in the enterprise, the rise of ModelOp, and what leaders can do today to ensure safe, effective, and scalable adoption of AI.
Dave Trier, Vice President of Product at ModelOp
Dave has more than 20+ years of experience as a Data & Analytics, Model Operations/MLOps, and AI strategy expert. Most notably, in a previous role as a manager and consultant at Accenture, he led large-scale enterprise transformation projects and helped pioneer the space of ModelOps through various Accenture consultancy tools and solutions. Prior to joining ModelOp, where he defines and executes strategy for ModelOp Center, Dave held several technology and data leadership roles. This included VP of Advanced Analytics Services at Teradata, and Chief Technology Officer at Powered by Action. With his two decades of technology and product management experience and multiple patents in his name, Dave helps ensure ModelOp continually delivers cutting edge innovation, helping enterprises implement and drive business transformation with ground-breaking technologies—from AI, big data, and cloud computing, to IoT solutions.
Connect with him on LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/in/davidetrier/
Learn more about ModelOp: https://www.modelop.com/