Quality Time With MoreSteam
On Quality Time with MoreSteam, a variety of guests will join host Dan Swartwout to discuss continuous improvement, operational excellence, and business-related issues. You can find new episodes of Quality Time with MoreSteam on moresteam.com.
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Daily Management or Daily Chaos with Darren Walsh
01/20/2026
Daily Management or Daily Chaos with Darren Walsh
On this episode of Quality Time with MoreSteam, Darren Walsh joins the show. Darren is a Lean leadership coach and author with over 30 years driving transformations across industries like medical devices, aerospace, and healthcare. Oh, and also video games. We definitely talk about video games. Darren wrote the book Making Lean and Continuous Improvement Work: A Leader's Guide to Increasing Consistency and Getting Significantly More Done in Less Time. It’s been getting a lot of buzz in the world of Lean. Darren wrote his book after seeing the same struggles everywhere he went. Teams want to improve. But they can't seem to make it stick. There are thousands of certified Green Belts and Yellow Belts, but most organizations still struggle with day-to-day problems. Darren spent years researching why that happens and how to fix it. Darren shares stories from his time at Sega in the 90s. As a member of Generation X, host Dan Swartwout finds this topic especially interesting. Darren also talks about building sustainable improvement cultures as opposed to chasing quick wins. It’s a great conversation with one of the foremost leaders in continuous improvement. What should daily management actually accomplish? Why do frontline managers play a bigger role in continuous improvement than most people realize? Learn the answers to these questions and more. And of course, because it’s Quality Time with MoreSteam, there are some laughs along the way. Plan. Do. Check. And act by downloading this episode! In this episode, you will hear about: 1:46 - Darren’s background 5:23 - Why Darren wrote Making Lean and Continuous Improvement Work 9:06 - The number one takeaway from Darren’s book 11:44 - Continuous Improvement at Sega 16:55 - The first 30 or 60 days at a multi-site transformation 20:16 - Implementing Lean in smaller businesses 22:26 - Frontline managers who spend time on the wrong things 25:18 - Visiting the Gemba with the right mindset 28:50 - Organizations that want to improve but get stuck 33:31 - The standard work of Lean management 37:12 - Darren’s next book (and how you can help!) Additional Resources: Subscribe to Quality Time With MoreSteam
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Thomas Paider and Lean Lessons Learned in 2025
01/06/2026
Thomas Paider and Lean Lessons Learned in 2025
Quality Time with MoreSteam is starting 2026 by bringing back one of the most popular episodes from 2025. Host Dan Swartwout opens the show with a look back at the amazing lineup of guests who joined the show last year, from Shingo Prize winners to Lean Enterprise Institute board members to college professors and healthcare leaders. Then, Dan introduces one of his favorite interviews from last year, the conversation with Thomas Paider. Tom is the co-author of The Lean IT Field Guide and Vice President for Technology Infrastructure and Computing at Nationwide. He also serves on the Board of Directors for LEI. Think about this. Why do so many people think Lean is just about cutting costs? In reality, Lean is so much more. Tom talks about the misconceptions that hold technology teams back and what really changes when leaders focus on moving people to more valuable work. He explains how Lean, Agile, and DevOps actually fit together. He also talks about why leaders should initially focus on changing their own management system. Tom talks about what thriving IT cultures look like. He also explains why visual management matters in the IT sector and how going to see different industries sparks creativity. Tom’s profound words are worth hearing again in 2026 as Quality Time with MoreSteam kicks off the new year. In this episode, you will hear about: 0:15 - Dan looks back on 2025 5:53 - Introducing Thomas Paider 7:20 - Tom's Background 10:34 - Working on Y2K 12:11 - Key Messages from the Lean It Field Guide 14:05 - The Operational Definition of IT 15:45 - The First Steps in a Lean IT Journey 19:39 - Misconceptions About Lean in the Technology Space 22:05 - Moving People to More Valuable Activities 24:38 - Agile in IT 28:08 - The Early Days of the Lean IT Transformation at Nationwide 30:12 - Advice for IT Teams Starting Their Lean Journeys 32:51 - Learning from Other Industries 35:24 - Overcoming Resistance 37:55 - Lean, Agile, and DevOps 42:18 - Tom's Proudest Moments at Nationwide 44:00 - Peyton Manning 45:02 - The Future of Lean Technology 48:19 - Tom's Experiences as a Runner Additional Resources: Subscribe to Quality Time With MoreSteam
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A Kaizen Carol
12/23/2025
A Kaizen Carol
Grant Gemberson just wanted to push that year-end Kaizen event into January and get on with his holiday to-do list. Instead, Gemberson received an unexpected visit from three ghosts: the Ghost of Projects Past, the Ghost of Present Performance, and the Ghost of Future States. (You know where this is going, right?) In this special holiday edition of Quality Time with MoreSteam, host Dan Swartwout shares a Lean Six Sigma twist on a seasonal classic. During this episode, you will follow Grant through conference rooms, Gemba walks, and two very different futures as he confronts his own “we tried that once” mindset. MoreSteam’s own Josh Cantie narrates the action. This episode is fun and festive, but it also deals with some important questions. Why do improvements sometimes fade? What counts as real support from leaders? And what does it look like when Kaizen is a daily habit, not just an event on the calendar? It’s holiday fun and continuous improvement in one short, special episode. Happy holidays from MoreSteam!! In this episode, you will hear about: 1:37 - Meet Grant Gemberson 2:31 - The Ghost of Project's Past 6:33 - The Ghost of Present Performance 8:54 - The Ghost of Future States 11:54 - The Closing Scene Additional Resources: Subscribe to Quality Time With MoreSteam
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Peg Pennington On Using Lean Management To Drive Strategic Alignment
12/09/2025
Peg Pennington On Using Lean Management To Drive Strategic Alignment
On this episode of Quality Time with MoreSteam, host Dan Swartwout shares highlights from a recent MoreSteam webinar with company president Peg Pennington. That webinar was titled “Driving Strategic Alignment with the Lean Management System.” It was one of MoreSteam’s most anticipated (and successful) webinars of the year. During her presentation, Peg focused on a familiar problem. The strategy seems clear at the top, but the daily work does not match that strategy. In response, Peg explained what it means to treat Lean management as a real system instead of a set of projects. In her view, Lean management is four connected systems. First, the strategy system: setting a true north and choosing the few “big rocks” that really matter. Second, the problem-solving system: using value stream thinking and methods like A3 or DMAIC to turn strategy into real change. Third, the daily management system: leader standard work, huddles, and the daily routines that keep your team from backsliding. And finally, the people system: Go See, Ask Why, Show Respect. In this episode, Peg describes the leadership behaviors that create more problem solvers. Between clips from Peg’s webinar, Dan jumps in to recap key takeaways from what you just heard and to set the table for the next clip. Together, they’ll show you what it takes to keep strategy, operations, and people moving in the same direction. In this episode, you will hear about: :22 - Introducing the Lean Management System 4:19 - The Strategy System 9:52 - The Problem Solving System 14:10 - Where to start with the Lean Management System 16:42 - Understand, simplify, automate 21:20 - The Daily Management System 28:35 - The People System 32:21 - Process Improvement in action Additional Resources: Subscribe to Quality Time With MoreSteam
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Lessons From Thirty Years of Quality Management with Steve Adams
11/25/2025
Lessons From Thirty Years of Quality Management with Steve Adams
Steve Adams brings decades of real experience to Quality Time with MoreSteam. He graduated from West Point and served in the Army Corps of Engineers. Eventually, Steve spent thirty years at Procter & Gamble, where he drove improvement on a global scale. Along the way, Steve even got Deming’s autograph. Yes, the W. Edwards Deming! Host Dan Swartwout talks to Steve about solving problems and the commitment to quality. With Steve, you get 30 years of real stories from the plant floor. And one more thing… you’ll never guess what classic TV show is referenced in this episode. After the interview, Dan shares the audio from a recent episode of MoreSteam’s Street Stats YouTube series. Street Stats focuses on making business statistics useful and practical. After you’re done listening to this episode of Quality Time with MoreSteam, go check out more Street Stats! In this episode, you will hear about: 1:40 - Steve's background 2:27 - Going to Proctor & Gamble 3:41 - Steve's role in the Total Quality Movement 4:37 - Analytical problem solving 6:45 - Centerlines in manufacturing 12:22 - Meeting W. Edwards Deming 14:21 - Deming's 14 Points 15:40 - Quality products require quality components 16:52 - Steve's time as a consultant 20:05 - Peter Falk, Columbo, and continuous improvement 24:32 - Street Stats on Quality Time With MoreSteam Additional Resources: Subscribe to Quality Time With MoreSteam
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Dave Harry is The Process Whisperer
11/11/2025
Dave Harry is The Process Whisperer
On this episode of Quality Time with MoreSteam, Dave Harry joins the show. Dave is well known throughout the world of continuous improvement as “The Process Whisperer.” Before becoming a Lean Six Sigma legend, Dave spent years as a US Navy helicopter pilot. He even gave Paul Newman a helicopter ride! (Yes, the Paul Newman.) As Dave explains, helicopter pilots understand Six Sigma better than most people. When you're flying a million parts in formation and 99.9% success won’t cut it, you learn to work for perfection. In his conversation with host Dan Swartwout, Dave walks through his journey from military aviation to major OpEx roles with Northrop Grumman and Rolls-Royce. Toyota Kata also gets serious attention in this conversation. Dave is a self-proclaimed “Kata Geek” who has attended 10 Toyota Kata summits. Additionally, Dave shares what he learned from 15 years of judging ASQ's International Team Excellence Awards. Learn what separates breakthrough teams from box checkers. Want to keep your virtual team engaged? Dave has plenty of tips. Yes, he’s having fun and keeping things silly. But when it comes to teamwork and process improvement, Dave is dead serious about getting results. The Process Whisperer makes friends for life wherever he goes. Now it’s your turn to become friends with Dave Harry. In this episode, you will hear about: 1:42 - What it means to be a Process Whisperer 3:13 - Dave’s background as a US Navy helicopter pilot 5:32 - The Paul Newman story 7:16 - Dave’s academic background 8:46 - Moving to the corporate world 10:02 - Becoming the Process Whisperer 12:59 - Projects that generated big cost savings 16:01 - Opening Process Whisperer Consultants 18:10 - Toyota Kata 24:25 - Post-pandemic challenges for Lean leadership 29:09 - Judging the ASQ International Team Excellence Awards 35:50 - Making friends for life Additional Resources: Subscribe to Quality Time With MoreSteam
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Change Management That Actually Works with Kim Scibelli
10/28/2025
Change Management That Actually Works with Kim Scibelli
On this episode of Quality Time with MoreSteam, Kim Scibelli joins the show. Kim is a Lean Six Sigma Black Belt who leads supply chain and operations at AVS Bio. And after coaching teams through transformations for years, Kim has learned that you can't “pizza party” your way to culture change. Why do people say they want things to get better but resist when changes actually happen? Kim talks about identifying blockers at every level and developing strategies to help them get on board. She also discusses the importance of giving teams the freedom to experiment. For example, Kim describes the time she gave a terrified team permission to try something new. That one act of trust led to a new cart design that rolled out across 23 distribution centers. Kim explains the difference between agreement and alignment and why confusing the two can derail change efforts. She also talks about vulnerability in operational excellence and what self-reflection actually looks like for leaders. Of course, host Dan Swartwout once again manages to weave some classic TV into the show. This time, it’s Dragnet and The Price is Right. The episode ends with Kim explaining why she stays in change management. Her answer about making work better for people and helping them feel seen and heard is the perfect way to end this conversation. And that’s just the facts. In this episode, you will hear about: 1:52 - Change management is hard 3:17 - Resistance to change 9:10 - Mistakes leaders make when leading change 10:25 - Being self-aware 11:59 - Giving your team the freedom to try something new 15:02 - Change management and being vulnerable 18:12 - You can't “pizza party” your way to culture change, 24:31 - The difference between agreement and alignment 27:05 - Doing things differently 33:02 - The lasting impact of successful change management Additional Resources: Subscribe to Quality Time With MoreSteam
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Simulating Success with Dr. Lars Maaseidvaag
10/14/2025
Simulating Success with Dr. Lars Maaseidvaag
On this episode of Quality Time with MoreSteam, Dr. Lars Maaseidvaag joins the show to talk about one of his areas of expertise, process modeling and discrete event simulation. Lars has worked in continuous improvement for over 30 years. He's also from Ann Arbor, Michigan, which creates some good natured tension when he talks to Ohio State graduate (and your host) Dan Swartwout. In easy-to-understand terms, Lars explains discrete event simulation and why it matters. For example, he tells us about helping a large hospital during the pandemic. The hospital had a thousand people backed up in the parking lot trying to get screened. Lars and his team quickly built a simulation model to address the situation. As a result, they found solutions that saved the hospital thousands of dollars per day, with no new equipment required. Most Lean Six Sigma tools handle stable processes just fine. But what happens when you've got fluctuating demand and everything depends on everything else? Lars walks us through how simulation helps with these messy situations. He also talks about MoreSteam’s own Process Playground, which lets you run simulations without learning to code or buying expensive software. Lars and Dan bond over bratwurst and argue about the Ohio State vs. Michigan rivalry. They also discuss George Box's line that all models are wrong but some are useful. As this episode shows, some podcasts are useful, too. In this episode, you will hear about: 1:16 - Meet Lars 5:20 - What is discrete event simulation? 8:02 - The process at a coffee shop 11:58 - How process modeling helped reduce wait times at a hospital 15:39 - How simulation reveals solutions that other Lean tools might miss 20:10 - Interdependencies and interactions in simulation modeling 23:04 - Examples of interdependencies in blackjack 25:15 - Using Process Playground in EngineRoom 28:45 - The building blocks analogy 32:27 - Pitfalls to avoid: analysis paralysis 36:22 - Process modeling and roller coasters 42:09 - All models are wrong, some are useful Additional Resources: Subscribe to Quality Time With MoreSteam
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Empathy Meets Efficiency with April Thomas
09/30/2025
Empathy Meets Efficiency with April Thomas
On this episode of Quality Time with MoreSteam, April Thomas joins the show. Most Lean Six Sigma professionals didn't start their careers as hospice social workers. April did. April is a Lean Six Sigma Black Belt whose mission is to be an advocate, a catalyst, and a coach for transformational change. Being a hospice social worker taught her about empathy and helping people through difficult transitions. Those skills transfer directly to April’s work in continuous improvement and organizational change. During her conversation with host Dan Swartwout, April explains her grief-informed approach to change management and how leaders can support teams through major workplace changes. April also discusses why psychological safety affects data quality and how to recognize change fatigue before it becomes a problem. Also, April recently got her motorcycle license. Does riding a motorcycle apply to continuous improvement? You know it! This episode is perfect for both business leaders and cool riders. In this episode, you will hear about: :57 - From hospice social worker to Lean Six Sigma Black Belt 4:56 - Learning to ride a motorcycle 6:53 - How riding a motorcycle applies to continuous improvement 10:16 - Looking at resistance and change through the lens of grief and loss 12:29 - Continuous improvement, change fatigue, and employee wellbeing 14:54 - Leadership and empathy 17:58 - Psychological safety and continuous improvement 20:34 - Being an advocate, a catalyst, and a coach for transformational change Additional Resources: Subscribe to Quality Time With MoreSteam
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Making Conference Connections That Count with Brent Godwin
09/16/2025
Making Conference Connections That Count with Brent Godwin
Brent Godwin of The Lubrizol Corporation steps into the spotlight on this episode of Quality Time with MoreSteam. Earlier this year, Brent attended MoreSteam’s Best Practices for Operational Excellence Conference (BP4OpX) for the very first time. At the conference, leaders in operational excellence and continuous improvement share best practices during keynote presentations, workshops, and peer-to-peer discussions. Now, Brent joins the show to talk about his experiences at the conference. Brent and Dan talk about networking opportunities, fresh ideas for speeding up Lean Six Sigma projects, and what makes BP4OpX genuinely different. Lindsay Van Dyne, MoreSteam’s Vice President of Marketing, also joins the show to share how the design and programming of the conference play a vital role in MoreSteam’s mission. Join Brent, Dan, and Lindsay as they discuss how bringing people together makes important things work better for the whole wide world. Yes, the whole wide world! In this episode, you will hear about: 1:57 - Meet Brent 3:39 - MoreSteam's mission and BP4OpX 4:45 - Brent's expectations and experiences 6:13 - The design of the conference 7:43 - Leaders from different industries at BP4OpX 10:22 - Two presentations that made a big impression on Brent 13:10 - Networking opportunities at the conference 18:08 - The "icebreaker" that opened BP4OpX 20:38 - Insights and strategies to take back to the team 21:19 - Advice for leaders attending in the future 23:51 - Working with Wendy's and Stephanie Chen Additional Resources: Subscribe to Quality Time With MoreSteam
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Keep Asking Why with Eric Olsen
09/02/2025
Keep Asking Why with Eric Olsen
Dan welcomes back Eric Olson to Quality Time with MoreSteam. Eric is a professor of industrial technology at Cal Poly State University and lead of the Future of People at Work Initiative. In this episode, the conversation shifts focus from AI to workplace dynamics and lean education. At the start of the conversation, generational differences in today's workforce take center stage. Then, Eric and Dan talk about building lean communities from the ground up and the challenges of scaling improvement initiatives. Eric also describes his hands-on approach to teaching the Green Belt curriculum at Cal Poly. For teams looking to get started with Lean, Eric suggests starting with simple questions to help nurture a culture of continuous improvement. This is another fun episode. Eric tells us why the future of people at work should include a midday nap. And be prepared! You might find yourself debating whether butter belongs in the refrigerator or on the counter. In this episode, you will hear about: 1:29 - The next generation of workers 4:49 - Central Coast Lean 8:57 - Teaching Gren Belt at Cal Poly 16:01 - Start out by asking “why?” 18:58 - Questioning a process 22:43 - Financial performance in Lean organizations 24:40 - Talking to CEO’s who don’t know about Lean 25:51 - The next Future of People at Work symposium Additional Resources: Subscribe to Quality Time With MoreSteam
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The Efficiency Engine That Powers Make-A-Wish with Taylor Pack
08/19/2025
The Efficiency Engine That Powers Make-A-Wish with Taylor Pack
On this episode of Quality Time with MoreSteam, Dan Swartwout welcomes Taylor Pack, Senior Manager of Process at the Make-A-Wish Foundation. Taylor started her career working retail at Cracker Barrel. She became a Lean Six Sigma Master Black Belt through her experience at Bridgestone and the U.S. Coast Guard. Now she uses continuous improvement to help grant more wishes for children with critical illnesses. Taylor shares how Make-A-Wish operates entirely on donor funds. Every improvement in efficiency directly impacts the organization's ability to reach more families. She explains how her small team has streamlined operations across the organization with impressive results. During the conversation, Taylor discusses how process improvements have reduced workloads for overburdened staff and accelerated communication between departments. Listen and find out how Taylor and Make-A-Wish use Lean Six Sigma and process improvement to grant more wishes and change more lives. In this episode, you will hear about: 1:31 - The Make-A-Wish Foundation 4:02 - Taylor’s background 6:20 - Taking the job with Make-A-Wish 7:38 - Continuous improvement and Make-A-Wish 10:31 - Lean Six Sigma projects at Make-A-Wish 17:07 - Improving the handoff process 19:34 - Data analysis at Make-A-Wish 23:04 - Other key metrics 26:38 - Continuous improvement outside of manufacturing 29:21 - Buy in 36:05 - The impact of granting wishes 42:49 - The evolution of continuous improvement at Make-A-Wish 47:24 - The impact of Lean Six Sigma in the non-profit sector Additional Resources:
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Making Things Better For Everyone with Josh Howell
08/05/2025
Making Things Better For Everyone with Josh Howell
On this episode of Quality Time with MoreSteam, host Dan Swartwout welcomes Josh Howell, President of the Lean Enterprise Institute. Josh went from Starbucks barista to leading lean transformations at thousands of locations worldwide. Now he's working alongside lean legends Jim Womack, John Shook, and Peter Ward. Josh shares how his store was randomly selected for Starbucks' "model cafe" experiment with lean. That background led to his promotion from store manager to corporate headquarters when Starbucks expanded lean throughout the company. During the conversation, Josh explains why standardization and innovation are friends, not enemies, and discusses his framework for helping leaders develop humble inquiry skills. The conversation also covers how AI serves as a thinking companion and why Josh still feels as challenged today as when he first began putting these ideas into practice. Plus, there's some good-natured ribbing about college football when this Notre Dame alum cleverly fires back at Dan's historical trivia. Listen and find out why this 'luckiest lean learner in the world' believes most organizations are missing the boat on actual work improvement and focusing too much on management activities instead of where the real value creation happens. In this episode, you will hear about: 1:40 - Josh's background 3:28 - Josh responds to Eric Olsen (cliffhanger!) 10:18 - The journey from Starbucks to LEI 15:51 - Interacting with the legends of Lean 19:20 - The definition of Lean 21:14 - Lean thinking and meaningful work 24:50 - Standardization and innovation 27:45 - The coach as learner 29:39 - The Lean Transformation Framework 34:51 - Josh reflects on his career trajectory 37:06 - Sustaining Lean practices 40:40 - It's 2025, so we gotta talk about AI 45:34 - Being successful at Lean is challenging 49:18 - Football talk to close out the show Additional Resources: Subscribe to Quality Time With MoreSteam
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When AI Becomes Your Study Buddy with Eric Olsen
07/22/2025
When AI Becomes Your Study Buddy with Eric Olsen
On this episode of Quality Time with MoreSteam, host Dan Swartwout welcomes Eric Olsen, Professor of Industrial Technology at Cal Poly State University. Eric spent 20 years in industry with companies like Caterpillar and Hewlett Packard before jumping into academia. Dan started the interview with a bunch of questions about Lean, but the conversation took a sharp turn into artificial intelligence territory. Eric shares how he's experimenting with AI for everything from writing to problem-solving. He uses it as his go-to learning tool. Of course, the big question looms: how do people find new ways to contribute when AI keeps getting better?" Eric tackles this head-on through his work with the Future of People at Work initiative, where different improvement methodologies team up to solve bigger challenges. Hear how one continuous improvement expert is using AI to revolutionize his own learning process! In this episode, you will hear about: 2:04 - Eric’s background 4:39 - Eric’s time at The Ohio State University 6:00 - The recent Future of People at Work symposium 7:35 - The future of Future of People at Work 11:06 - Adding extra value in the age of AI 18:15 - Engaging with AI 22:47 - Students using AI 25:33 - Eric’s question for Josh Howell, President of the Lean Enterprise Institute Additional Resources: Subscribe to Quality Time With MoreSteam
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Behavior Is the Lean Advantage with Drew Locher
07/08/2025
Behavior Is the Lean Advantage with Drew Locher
On this episode of Quality Time with MoreSteam, Dan Swartwout hosts two-time Shingo Prize winner Drew Locher. Their conversation covers lean-driven process improvement and team leadership. Drew believes that 80% of continuous improvement is behavioral. So, have you created a safe environment for your team? Do you avoid blame-and-shame language? And because change must be directional and done with purpose, are the reasons for change clearly outlined? Find out why these are keys to operational excellence. Value stream mapping. Boom! PDCA. Of course! There are also some fun callbacks to previous episodes as Drew brings a new perspective to familiar themes. Did we mention that Drew is from the Philly area and trusts the process? You know this will be good. In this episode, you will hear about: 0:46 - Drew's background 7:05 - Value stream mapping mistakes 13:18 - Why some leaders are reluctant to visit the Gemba 15:22 - Toyota Kata and PDCA 19:27 - Lean thinking outside of manufacturing 25:15 - Overcoming negative mindsets 31:43 - Creating the right work environment 35:27 - Leadership behaviors that drive continuous improvement 39:43 - Comparing leadership and management 42:01 - Unleashing The Power of 3P 49:31 - The Philadelphia Eagles 50:39 - Ideas about the future Additional Resources: Subscribe to Quality Time With MoreSteam
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Welcome Back, Michael
06/24/2025
Welcome Back, Michael
On this episode of Quality Time with MoreSteam, Dan Swartwout welcomes Michael Hathaway to the show. Michael is MoreSteam's eLearning Content Manager. Before joining MoreSteam, Michael taught at charter schools in Houston and Columbus. Now, Michael uses the lessons he learned as a professional educator to develop eLearning for continuous improvement professionals. Some educational concepts are universal, whether you’re teaching kids or Lean Six Sigma Black Belts. Clear storytelling. Rapid feedback. Constant experimentation. That sounds like continuous improvement, right? But it's also great teaching. Listen to this episode to learn more! Yeah, we tease him a lot, 'cause we got him on the spot, Welcome Back, Michael! In this episode, you will hear about: 2:07 - Michael’s background in education 3:20 - From middle school to MoreSteam 5:17 - Applying the lessons learned as an educator 7:44 - Continuous improvement at Yes Prep and KIPP 13:56 - Using data to create more effective eLearning 16:12 - Updating content as learning evolves 19:28 - Teaching the soft skills of continuous improvement 22:03 - Motivating learners 26:46 - Working with Mel Coyle at MoreSteam 28:27 - The future of eLearning Additional Resources: Subscribe to Quality Time With MoreSteam
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A Philly Special in Healthcare
06/10/2025
A Philly Special in Healthcare
On this episode of Quality Time with MoreSteam, host Dan Swartwout sits down with Dr. Mary Reich Cooper and Michael Anderson from the Jefferson College of Population Health at Thomas Jefferson University. The conversation explores how Lean Six Sigma and operational excellence are put to work in healthcare settings. Michael is a Lean Six Sigma Master Black Belt. Mary brings experience as a physician and holds a law degree. Their unique backgrounds shape the way they tackle challenges at Jefferson, from managing change to finding better ways to support patients and staff. This episode also looks at the realities of standardizing care in a people-focused environment and the ongoing effort to improve handoffs in healthcare. With a few nods to football (Fly, Eagles Fly) and life in Philadelphia, you will get a look at continuous improvement in action at one of the country’s leading academic health institutions. In this episode, you will hear about: 2:46 - Medicine, Law, and Lean Six Sigma 5:53 - Informatics 7:26 - Leveraging diverse backgrounds while collaborating 11:40 - Healthcare and “widgets” 13:14 - Lean Six Sigma and patient safety 15:56 - Advice for other healthcare organizations 18:44 - Using Lean Six Sigma to fight staff burnout 20:40 - Continuous improvement in the healthcare curriculum 22:08 - What healthcare can learn from other sectors 23:16 - Handoffs in healthcare 25:32 - Future trends in process improvement and healthcare Additional Resources: Subscribe to Quality Time With MoreSteam
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Process Modeling and Why Everybody Should Have a Jamie
05/27/2025
Process Modeling and Why Everybody Should Have a Jamie
What’s better than one Lean Six Sigma Black Belt? Two! On this episode of Quality Time with MoreSteam, host Dan Swartwout welcomes Lean Six Sigma Black Belts Raquel Chase-Kelly and James Perry to the show. Raquel and James work for Dartmouth Hitchcock Medical Center and Clinics and use process modeling to streamline hospital operations and improve patient care. Process modeling lets you rapidly simulate and anticipate how a system reacts to different situations. During this fun, informative chat, James and Raquel explain how MoreSteam’s Process Playground helped Dartmouth Health clear a 155-car backup at a drive-through flu clinic and fix an MRI backlog. This episode also covers building a model with imperfect data and fighting staff burnout. Of course, as always, there are some laughs along the way. Listen and find out why everybody should have a Jamie. In this episode, you will hear about: 2:23 - The backgrounds of our guests 5:22 - Using Process Playground during the pandemic 6:37 - Streamlining the drive-through flu clinic 9:29 - Starting out with process modeling, simulations, and Process Playground 11:05 - Building models with imperfect data 13:09 - Fixing the MRI backlog 14:50 - Modeling shows the need for additional staff 16:03 - Using Process Playground to advocate for staff well-being 18:48 - The magic of process improvement 20:57 - Teaching process improvement at the Dartmouth Hitchcock Value Institute Learning Center 25:05 - Collaborating with other healthcare providers 26:14 - Advice for beginners in process improvement 27:49 - Future challenges in healthcare 32:00 - Closing thoughts Additional Resources: Subscribe to Quality Time With MoreSteam
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Managing Change with Dr. Larry Inks
05/13/2025
Managing Change with Dr. Larry Inks
On this episode of Quality Time with MoreSteam, Dan Swartwout welcomes Dr. Larry Inks to the show. Larry is a Professor of Management and Human Resources at The Ohio State University who previously ran talent management for Cardinal Health. Dan and Larry discuss why one clear goal keeps a team focused. They also explore change management, including the emotional aspects of change, and the differences between management and leadership. Listen and find out why Larry is one of the foremost experts on talent management and team effectiveness. In addition to being informative and helpful, this is one of the most entertaining episodes of Quality Time with MoreSteam. Larry kept Dan laughing throughout the conversation. Clutter in your junk drawer? It’s here. Cleaning out your garage? We’ve got it. Even WKRP in Cincinnati? Absolutely. You won’t want to miss this one. In this episode, you will hear about: 1:08 - Larry's background 5:07 - Building successful teams 7:04 - Setting goals that work 9:54 - Empathy, compassion, and organizational leadership 11:36 - The difference between managing and leading 13:14 - Being authentic as a leader 16:35 - Making changes that last 21:30 - Helping people work through the emotional side of change 25:24 - The quiet resistance to change 27:20 - Remote work versus return-to-office 34:31 - Thoughts on resilience Additional Resources: Subscribe to Quality Time With MoreSteam
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When the Gemba is the Gridiron
04/29/2025
When the Gemba is the Gridiron
Step onto the field with host Dan Swartwout as he explores a new playbook for improvement. In this episode of Quality Time with MoreSteam, Dan tells the story of the fictional Columbus Tigers, a football team that turns around its losing streak using Lean Six Sigma. (There actually was a Columbus Tigers pro football team about a century ago!) Football is familiar territory for many, and this episode uses the game as a fresh lens for understanding process improvement. Dan breaks down Lean Six Sigma concepts in plain language and shows how tools like process maps and dashboards can drive real change. The action on the field becomes a guide for tackling challenges in any organization. See how the strategies behind winning games translate to smarter teamwork, fewer errors, and better results everywhere. Lean Six Sigma steps out of the factory and onto the gridiron, making continuous improvement accessible, practical, and a little more exciting. In this episode, you will hear about: 1:32 - Introducing the Tigers 4:05 - Lean Six Sigma defined 5:59 - The DMAIC framework, starting with Define 7:38 - Measure 9:21 - Analyze 12:29 - Improve 14:51 - Control 16:16 - The results 17:31 - Recapping the Lean Six Sigma tools used by the Tigers 21:42 - The purpose of this episode Additional Resources: Subscribe to Quality Time With MoreSteam
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From Chaos to Order with Dr. Jim Cole
04/15/2025
From Chaos to Order with Dr. Jim Cole
On this episode of Quality Time with MoreSteam, Dr. Jim Cole joins the podcast to share how process improvement has guided his work in both military and healthcare settings. Dr. Cole introduces tools like the Marine Corps Planning Process, OODA loops, and operational risk management. Jim shares how these military methods helped him tackle challenges in civilian healthcare. To that end, Dr. Cole reflects on creating efficient systems for bed availability and managing variation to establish standard work. This conversation highlights how practical tools and strong leadership can transform even the toughest situations into opportunities for improvement. Plus, for you music fans, there are references to AC/DC, Cheap Trick, and Stray Cats! In this episode, you will hear about: 2:41 - Jim's background in the military and medicine 4:39 - Growing up in Suburban Chicago 7:05 - College, the military, and medical school 7:53 - The Navy Seals 10:52 - Process Improvement and Fleet Marine Force Warfare Officer Training 15:28 - The OODA Loop: Observe, Orient, Decide, Act 16:45 - Operational Risk Management 19:57 - Using military training in Process Improvement for civilian healthcare 24:02 - Addressing hospital bed availability 29:17 - Introducing Process Improvement to an initially reluctant team 31:33 - Variation and Standard Work 34:07 - Reviewing the data and performance metrics 35:59 - Keys to leadership 38:17 - Depictions of surgery in movies and TV 41:21 - From chaos to order Additional Resources: Subscribe to Quality Time With MoreSteam
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Managing on Purpose with Mark Reich
04/01/2025
Managing on Purpose with Mark Reich
On this episode of Quality Time with MoreSteam, host Dan Swartwout talks with Mark Reich. Mark is Senior Lean Coach at the Lean Enterprise Institute and author of the new book, Managing On Purpose. Mark’s book is a practical guide to Hoshin Kanri, a strategy deployment system that combines long-term vision with day-to-day execution. Managing On Purpose features step-by-step tools and a detailed case study to help organizations align strategy with action while developing their leaders. Mark shares stories from his career, including his time managing Toyota’s corporate strategic planning for North America. He explains how tools like “catchball” and “obeya” help organizations foster collaboration and track progress effectively. Mark also emphasizes the importance of leadership behaviors in creating a culture where problems are opportunities for growth. This episode is packed with insights on strategy deployment, leadership development, and creating purpose-driven organizations. Don’t miss this fun, informative conversation with one of Lean's most experienced practitioners. In this episode, you will hear about: 1:48 - Mark’s background 5:34 - Working for Toyota in Japan 7:28 - The Toyota Supplier Support Center (now the Toyota Production Systems Support Center) 9:49 - Writing Managing on Purpose 12:40 - An introduction to Hoshin Kanri 18:04 - PDCA (Plan. Do. Check. Act.) 20:43 - Understanding problems at the Gemba 24:11 - The concept of Obeya 28:48 - The concept of Catchball 34:04 - Value-creating work versus non-value-creating work 37:34 - Hoshin Kanri and leadership 40:10 - Initial feedback to Managing on Purpose 42:30 - The changing business environment 46:02 - The opportunity for everybody to innovate 49:02 - Mark’s next project Additional Resources: Subscribe to Quality Time With MoreSteam
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Building Trust on the Shop Floor - Kim Koning's Lean Six Sigma Playbook
03/18/2025
Building Trust on the Shop Floor - Kim Koning's Lean Six Sigma Playbook
In this episode of Quality Time with MoreSteam, Dan Swartwout chats with Kim Koning, Aurorium's Global Director of Operational Excellence and a Lean Six Sigma Master Black Belt. Kim shares his journey from wrestling mats in Indiana to leading global process improvement initiatives. He also reflects on how lessons from his early career as a plant manager and his MBA in finance shaped his approach to leadership and continuous improvement. Kim shares why Gemba walks are his favorite part of the day and how they help build trust on the shop floor. Another standout moment is when Kim recounts his “aha” realization—the day he saw Lean Six Sigma as the key to staying competitive. At home, Kim’s audience of eight might roll their eyes at his continuous improvement experiments. But on Quality Time with MoreSteam, his experiments find a much bigger audience. In this episode, you will hear about: 2:00 - Kim’s background 2:52 - Wrestling with continuous improvement 4:36 - Going to Purdue 5:45 - Plant management 7:24 - Gemba walks 9:27 - Statistics and probability 11:24 - Kim’s thoughts on Lean Six Sigma and operational excellence 20:44 - The Best Practices for Operational Excellence Conference 23:36 - The Master Black Belt challenge 26:23 - Kim’s “aha!” moment Additional Resources: Subscribe to Quality Time With MoreSteam
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Cheers to 25 Years - Highlights from Quality Time with MoreSteam
03/04/2025
Cheers to 25 Years - Highlights from Quality Time with MoreSteam
We’re throwing a party for the big 2-5! MoreSteam is turning 25, and what better way to celebrate than with the 25th episode of Quality Time with MoreSteam! This special episode takes you on a journey through 25 standout moments from the podcast. Host Dan Swartwout revisits some of the most interesting, surprising, and entertaining highlights from past episodes. From creative uses of Lean Six Sigma to moments that made us laugh (or think twice), this collection captures everything we love about continuous improvement—and then some. It’s a greatest-hits celebration packed with sharp takes, unexpected twists, and plenty of reasons to celebrate 25 years of making things better. Cheers to MoreSteam! In this episode, you will hear about: 1:11 - Peg Pennington 2:01 - Rich “Raz” Razgaitis 2:37 - Alan Payne 3:25 - Shawn Washburn 4:09 - Alan Goodman 4:53 - Ken Robinette 5:41 - Emmanuel Aouad (“Gemba Walk”) 7:30 - Omar Mora 8:11 - Karina Kretz 9:00 - Maria Fry 10:05 - Generative AI and Process Improvement 11:27 - MoreSteam’s Best Practices for Operational Excellence Conference 13:00 - Brian Bross 14:14 - Dino Tripodis 15:22 - Kevin Keller 16:25 - Peter Ward 17:37 - Meredith Brody 18:46 - Getting in the Holiday Spirit 19:38 - Ryan Weiss 24:13 - Thomas Paider 26:23 - Chris Spranger 27:37 - Bill Hathaway 29:09 - Writing Jokes with Generative AI 32:54 - The 25th Moment Additional Resources: Subscribe to Quality Time With MoreSteam
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Bill Hathaway Reflects on a Quarter Century of MoreSteam
02/18/2025
Bill Hathaway Reflects on a Quarter Century of MoreSteam
MoreSteam is celebrating 25 years of process improvement! In this episode, MoreSteam founder and CEO Bill Hathaway joins the show to talk about all the milestones, mistakes, and defining moments. Bill shares stories from his early days in manufacturing, including a memorable encounter with instrument panels that didn’t quite fit (spoiler: kicking them wasn’t the best solution). He also talks about the leap from corporate life to starting MoreSteam, how the company got its unique name, and what it was like running the business out of his home—with his dog as VP of Security. The conversation covers lessons in leadership, the evolution of process improvement, and why unglamorous work is often the most important. Bill also reflects on the future of MoreSteam and the role of technology, like generative AI, in solving tomorrow’s problems. Join us for a candid discussion about the past, present, and future of Lean Six Sigma, operational excellence, and continuous improvement at MoreSteam. In this episode, you will hear about: 1:59 - Bill’s First Experiences with Quality and Process Improvement 5:36 - The Beginning of MoreSteam 10:49 - The Name of the Company 13:36 - The Challenges of Running a Business Out of Your Home 15:17 - Moving Into MoreSteam’s First Office 18:10 - Mistakes Along the Way 22:53 - From Content to Software: EngineRoom 25:10 - Bill’s Secret to Leadership 28:06 - Connecting to MoreSteam’s Mission 30:12 - In Praise of Unglamorous Activities 31:26 - The Future of MoreSteam 35:50 - The Team Sport of Continuous Improvement Additional Resources: Subscribe to Quality Time with MoreSteam
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Chris Spranger’s Guide to Making Work Easier and More Fun
02/04/2025
Chris Spranger’s Guide to Making Work Easier and More Fun
Chris Spranger’s Lean Six Sigma journey began unexpectedly during a co-op at a firetruck manufacturer. Initially uninterested in quality work, he soon became fascinated by tracking production data and solving shop-floor problems. A mouse pad from his boss featuring 'ASQ Certified Six Sigma Black Belt' and a Christmas gift request for Lean Six Sigma by Michael George sealed the deal—Chris was hooked. In this episode of Quality Time with MoreSteam, Chris chats with Dan about how he has applied Lean tools across industries like healthcare, aerospace, and public service. He shares insights on adapting methodologies to different organizational needs, engaging stakeholders effectively, and why soft skills are critical for success. Chris also explores Measurement System Analysis (MSA), explaining how it ensures reliable data collection and highlights inconsistencies in processes. It’s all about making work easier and more effective! Tune in to hear why Chris believes improving processes isn’t just about efficiency—it’s about creating better days at work for everyone involved. In this episode, you will hear about: 1:45 - How a firetruck factory introduced Chris to Lean Six Sigma 3:45 - The role of a mouse pad and a book in shaping his career path 6:26 - Applying Lean tools across diverse industries 9:14 - Common misconceptions about Lean Six Sigma 13:11 - Why communication and people skills are key to success 19:22 - People skills: the art and the science of Lean Six Sigma 20:49 - How MSA ensures consistent and reliable measurements 24:11 - Detecting inconsistencies with MSA Additional Resources: Subscribe to Quality Time With MoreSteam
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Hitting Your Lean IT Stride with Thomas Paider
01/21/2025
Hitting Your Lean IT Stride with Thomas Paider
In this episode of Quality Time with MoreSteam, Thomas Paider joins the show. Tom is the co-author of The Lean IT Field Guide: A Roadmap for Your Transformation. He is also the Vice President for Technology Infrastructure and Computing at Nationwide and a member of the Board of Directors of the Lean Enterprise Institute. This is a phenomenal conversation. According to our host Dan Swartwout, this episode contains some of the most profound thoughts on Lean in the history of the podcast. Tom makes complex ideas about Lean and Agile approachable and engaging. If you’re interested in how Lean principles can reshape IT and create thriving workplace cultures, this episode is one you won’t want to miss! In this episode, you will hear about: 1:33 - Tom's Background 4:50 - Working on Y2K 6:27 - Key Messages from the Lean It Field Guide 8:25 - The Operational Definition of IT 10:02 - The First Steps in a Lean IT Journey 13:56 - Misconceptions About Lean in the Technology Space 16:22 - Moving People to More Valuable Activities 18:55 - Agile in IT 22:25 - The Early Days of the Lean IT Transformation at Nationwide 24:29 - Advice for IT Teams Starting Their Lean Journeys 27:08 - Learning from Other Industries 29:41 - Overcoming Resistance 32:12 - Lean, Agile, and DevOps 36:35 - Tom's Proudest Moments at Nationwide 38:17 - Peyton Manning 39:19 - The Future of Lean Technology 42:36 - Tom's Experiences as a Runner Additional Resources: Subscribe to Quality Time With MoreSteam
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Ryan C. Weiss Has The Right Mindset
01/07/2025
Ryan C. Weiss Has The Right Mindset
In this episode of Quality Time with MoreSteam, Ryan C. Weiss joins the program. Ryan is an author, entrepreneur, and president of Effective Performance Strategies. He also tells one of the best stories about continuous improvement. That story involves tools, skills, mindset, and an orangutan. (Yes, an orangutan.) You won’t want to miss it. In addition to that great story, Ryan and host Dan Swartwout talk about the power of the SIPOC, eliminating bad handoffs, and the importance of parallel paths. Maybe you already have the tools. You might already have the skills. But without a doubt, this conversation with Ryan C. Weiss will put you in the right mindset for operational excellence! In this episode, you will hear about: 0:48 - Ryan's Background 3:35 - Ryan's Experiences in College 11:12 - Ryan Path Changes From Medicine to Finance 16:05 - From the Corporate World to Entrepreneur 18:36 - The Fitbit Story 22:27 - The Orangutan Story 29:40 - Dale Carnegie and Continuous Improvement 31:49 - Building SIPOCs 33:49 - Broken Handoffs 37:05 - Getting People Involved in Processes 39:51 - SIPOC-Focused Software 42:31 - Ryan's Podcast Additional Resources: Subscribe to Quality Time With MoreSteam
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A Visit From... Whom?
12/24/2024
A Visit From... Whom?
This isn’t your typical Quality Time with MoreSteam! To celebrate the season, we’re bringing you a festive treat — a Lean Six Sigma-inspired version of 'Twas the Night Before Christmas. Packed with value streams, Gemba walks, and continuous improvement cheer, this playful adaptation blends holiday magic with the principles of operational excellence. Pause for a moment to recharge, reflect, and enjoy a fun story that blends the holiday spirit with a touch of improvement inspiration. Here’s to a new year filled with fresh ideas, smoother processes, and plenty of opportunities to grow. Additional Resources: Subscribe to Quality Time With MoreSteam
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Yellow Belts, Big Results with Meredith Brody
12/10/2024
Yellow Belts, Big Results with Meredith Brody
In this episode of Quality Time with MoreSteam, Meredith Brody from Constellation joins the show to discuss the successful implementation of a Lean Six Sigma Yellow Belt program. Constellation has a winning program called the Embedded Lean Practitioner Program. As a LSS Black Belt and Principal Project Manager at Constellation, Meredith shares firsthand experiences and practical advice on how to design and execute a successful program that aligns with organizational goals. Listeners will get a clear picture of what it takes to kickstart a Lean Six Sigma initiative – from setting clear goals and engaging stakeholders to tracking success. This episode is a must-listen for organizations aiming to boost efficiency, improve quality, and build a culture of continuous improvement. By hearing from someone who's helped successfully implement a process improvement training program, you’ll walk away with practical insights to help drive real change in your own organization. Join Meredith and host Dan Swartwout for an engaging discussion that offers guidance on creating a big impact with an effective training program. Plus, there are a few laughs along the way. All organizations can benefit from continuous improvement. This podcast is perfect for leaders, managers, and professionals committed to operational excellence and innovation. In this episode, you will hear about: 1:28 - Meredith’s background 6:34 - The inception of the Embedded Lean Practitioner program 9:12 - Piloting the program 10:34 - Changes in the program over time 13:50 - Responding to feedback about the program 17:29 - Using simulations to enhance learning 23:32 - Communicating ROI to senior leadership and other stakeholders 26:10 - Promoting the program within the organization 28:31 - Why people participate in the program 31:28 - How Meredith uses Lean Six Sigma outside of work 33:55 - Working with MoreSteam Additional Resources: Subscribe to Quality Time With MoreSteam
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