📈In this episode of Improvement Nerds, Mark Ryan sits down with Justin Fischgrund—Lean Six Sigma Master Black Belt, engineer, professor, and patent-holding innovator—to explore where Lean thinking and artificial intelligence collide. They dig into how AI can complement, not replace, Lean Six Sigma; the importance of data strategy; and how improveme…

Chick-fil-A’s Secret to Efficiency: How They Master Process Improvement | Featuring David Reid 🚀 Ever wondered how Chick-fil-A moves so fast while delivering top-tier customer service? In this episode of the Improvement Nerds Podcast, we sit down with David Reid, Director of Industrial and Systems Engineering at Chick-fil-A, to uncover the process …

In this episode of Improvement Nerds, we’re joined by Katie Anderson, lean leadership expert and author of Learning to Lead, Leading to Learn. Fresh from her latest study trip to Japan, Katie shares powerful insights on people-centered leadership, continuous improvement, and how strategy deployment connects leaders and frontline teams. Discover the…

The People Factor: Leveraging Job Relations for Sustainable Change In this episode of the Improvement Nerd Podcast, we dive into Job Relations (JR)—a cornerstone of Training Within Industry (TWI). April Thomas Schmidt, a TWI expert, shares how JR helps leaders build trust, strengthen relationships, and drive sustainable change within organizations.…

S2 E4 - Training Within Industry: From World War II to Modern Excellence The Timeless Power of TWI: Building High-Performing Teams Through Training Within Industry In the world of process improvement, few methodologies have stood the test of time like Training Within Industry (TWI). Born out of necessity during World War II, TWI helped the U.S. ram…

Key Topics Discussed: The Art of Political Savvy Office politics is often viewed in a negative light, but as Betsy explains, it’s all about balance and perspective. Politics doesn’t have to be toxic—it can actually foster collaboration and drive initiatives forward. She shares how understanding the balance of power and aligning different department…

🔍 S2 E2 - From Pooh Bear to Process Mapping: Authenticity in Branding and Improvement | Betsy Jordyn Interview 🎙️ In this insightful episode, branding expert and organizational development (OD) strategist Betsy Jordyn joins us to explore the powerful connection between branding and continuous improvement. Betsy shares her passion for helping indivi…

Get ready for an exciting comeback as Tom West, the mastermind behind the Improvement Nerds podcast, returns from a well-deserved hiatus to introduce a brand-new co-host, Mark Ryan! In this episode, Tom reflects on the heart and soul of the podcast—bringing together passionate guests to geek out over the tools, techniques, and experiences that driv…

If you listened to Episode 40, in which Mary Andrawis and I explore the topic, and nerd out a bit about Leadership Speech Acts, you probably sensed that we had a lot more that we wanted to talk about. And you'd be right. In this bonus episode Mary and I revisit Leadership Speech Acts and dive a bit deeper sprinkling in a few complimentary topics su…

In Episode 40, Mary Andrawis and I explore the topic, and nerd out a bit about Leadership Speech Acts. As Mary puts it, "our words can help shape the future if we use them intentionally." In this Episode we explore the four common speech acts of... declarations attestations and assessments requests and offers acknowledgments This is an episode you …

In Episode 39, I have the great privilege of nerding out with the bestselling author, Jodi Brandstetter as we discuss how the improvement method, Design Thinking can be applied to HR - helping to identify, recruit, onboard, and retain top talent. Jodi Brandstetter, SPHR, SHRM-SCP is passionate about being an entrepreneur that focuses on providing t…

In Episode 38, AJ Hobbs and I discuss the multiple ways an belt can add value to an organization. During our conversation we discuss the advantages of becoming a generalist when it comes to improvement. We can appreciate that there are two sides to this coin, generalizing vs. specializing. We do tip our hats to the specialists, but we don't necessa…

In Episode 37, I nerd out with Craig Willis of Skore (www.getskore.com) about the importance of process mapping. Per Craig, organization's need to make mapping processes as simple as having a conversation. In fact, that is Craig's personal mission, to help organizations map at the speed of conversation. Craig's goal is to make process mapping and a…

In Episode 36, guest Minid Epstein gives the Improvement Nerds audience permission to be their authentic selves. To embrace their imperfections and to go forward even when you don't have it all figured out. By practicing Wabi Sabi, you learn to see the beauty in imperfection, no longer allowing perfection to get in your way of becoming who you were…

Have you found yourself at a career crossroads and not known what to do? In Episode 35, Marla Holdread shares that the best thing to do when at a career crossroad, is to think like a designer. Her advice is to stay curious, to be willing to experiment, to reframe the problem, and to collaborate. Marla Holdread is an executive coach, career strategi…

In Episode 34 I have the chance to nerd out with Angie Redmon about some of the strategies that an organization can employ to help improve their work culture, while embarking on a journey to become one of the Best Places to Work. Angie works with companies who aspire to have an award-winning workplace distinction. You’ve heard of these, I’m sure—Be…

Episode 33 is timely for two reasons. One is that the episode is about servant leadership, an important topic considering the current amount of uncertainty in our world. And the other reason is that the episode airs shortly after Veterans Day. Our guest Tom Crea, joins us and nerds out with us about his years of service and the lessons he learned a…

Episode 32 is so streaking awesome. Join me, Jami Downs, and Jeffrey Downs as we nerd out about streaking - not the streaking you're thinking. This streaking includes creating a "be statement", setting a goal, and then streaking your way toward improvement. This episode celebrates the idea of becoming who you want to be through consistent conscious…

How many creative types do you know that can nerd out about Design Thinking and Agile Project Management? Yeah, not many. My guest for Episode 31, Sheena Birt, does that and opens the door for how combining the best of left-braining thinking and right-brain thinking can lead to awesome design in an organized, repeatable way. Sheena Birt is the owne…

How many creative types do you know that can nerd out about Design Thinking and Agile Project Management? Yeah, not many. My guest for Episode 31, Sheena Birt, does that and opens the door for how combining the best of left-braining thinking and right-brain thinking can lead to awesome design in an organized, repeatable way.…

In Episode 30, Mike Bensi and I nerd out about the importance of culture in the workplace. As we dive deep on the topic we talk about the importance of routinely assessing culture and studying what the key drivers of culture might be. In Mike's experience there are many things that impact culture, but the big ones are: trust in leadership communica…

In this Bonus Episode with Laura Pullen McMichael we nerd out about journey of becoming a Certified Black Belt through ASQ. As we reflect on our individual journeys to certify we talk about study strategy, preparing for the exam, passing the exam, and applying our new knowledge to help drive improvement. If you have ever asked yourself, any of thes…

In Episode 29, I nerd out with Amy Woodall about the idea of Extreme Ownership. In Amy's words, "Extreme Ownership is about owning your 50. It is about accepting that in any situation you are 50% of the problem and 50% of the solution." In this episode we dive deep on Extreme Ownership, but we also nerd out about The Dreaded Drama Triangle, leaders…

In this episode, Sarah brings her global health experience, travel nursing experience, and passion for caring for the caregiver to the table as we envision how much better healthcare could be if we provided healthcare professionals the space they need to practice self-care. I struggle to summarize this episode because we touch on so much. We talk a…

In Episode 27 I nerd out with Lindsay Tjepkema about the importance of making authentic connections as a leader, as a business, and as a brand. In this episode Lindsay shares strategies on how leaders and organization's can establish trust while building a strong relationships that will drive engagement and loyalty. Lindsay Tjepkema is the CEO and …

Episode 26 dives deep on the concept that you have to be well before you can have the energy to enact lasting change in your career, your family, your health, in others, etc. In Erica's words, for a person to have whole wellness they need to focus on 6 key things: what they eat, how much they sleep, how they move, what is their purpose, what is the…

In Episode 25 Jeff Veyera and I nerd out about the importance of addressing culture as part of any change or improvement initiative. In this episode we dive deep on culture, engagement, process improvement, and Quality 4.0. Jeff Veyera is a 25 year quality professional, Lean Six Sigma Master Black Belt, Senior Member of the American Society for Qua…

In Episode 24 I nerd out with Lori Lovens about people's natural instincts to innovate or to stay the same. Lori is a dynamic innovator who delivered hundreds of millions of dollars of product innovation growth for Gatorade and other global brands. Her deep understanding of innovation, from ideation through commercialization, was developed over the…

In Episode 23, Stephanie Norling and I connect to discuss the ins and outs of the Communities of Excellence program sponsored by Baldrige. The Communities of Excellence program is a framework that is used by self-defined communities to help them define their approach to leadership, establish a strategy for their community, and implement their plan …

In Episode 22, Gerald Bush, and I get down and dirty about Emotional Intelligence. Specifically, what is it, why its important, and how individuals can strengthen their EQ.Per Gerald, Emotional Intelligence in leaders, and environments that are psychologically safe to take risks go hand in hand. We hope you enjoy the episode. As Chief EQ Officer an…

In episode 21, Jeanette Renshaw, from Smart Scale Consulting, and I nerd out hard core about the importance of standardizing first, then scaling second. Some of the other things we nerd out about include systems thinking, the Goal, pizza trackers, and inspection. Jeanette is true improvement nerd, she is a problem solver with a passion to help comp…

In Episode 20, Jason Barnaby and I nerd out hardcore about helping people to address self-doubt and to take the first steps toward doing what they are passionate about. As Jason puts it, he wants to "Torch Fear and Ignite Hope." Which is the mission of the company he founded, Fire Starters, Inc. These days, achieving his mission of #IgniteHope and …

In this episode Ryan Sullivan and I nerd out about creating and building community that empowers each of us to explore and to be our whole, authentic selves. Especially as parents. Ryan shares his passion about being a father (loving his wife and daughter and soon to arrive newborn with a whole heart), growing his Christian faith, creating a fulfil…

In episode 18, I nerd out with KJ McGlinn about the importance of having a servant's heart and giving. Per KJ, "those that give, get". Regardless of the size of the gift. As a representative of the Make A Wish organization, KJ helps to bring dreams to life for patients and families facing medical complications. KJ does this by building a community …

In Episode 17, I nerd out with Karen Valencic about managing conflict and creating flow through her leadership approach called Spiral Impact. Karen Valencic is founder Spiral impact, a Performance Improvement Company specializing in leadership and team development. As a degreed-tenured engineer, effectiveness and practicality informs her work; 30 y…

In Episode 16, Jeremiah and I nerd out about his upcoming book Mental Wealth. Mental Wealth is Jeremiah's approach for helping others achieve financial well-being and freedom. Jeremiah, who grew up a region kid, has overcome the circumstances of a poor school system, having a kid at an early age, and $210,711 worth of debt. Now, Jeremiah has dedica…

Why not have two episodes with Katie Rasoul? In a follow up to Katie's full episode, I wanted to create a bonus episode were all we do is get nerdy about her amazing book Hidden Brilliance: A High-Achieving Introvert's Guide to Self-Discovery, Leadership, and Playing Big. In this bonus episode Katie and I try our best to provide a brief recap of he…

Episode 15 is a must listen to episode about the importance of creating psychological safety at work. My guest, Katie Rasoul shares a masterful story about how organization’s need to strive to give people more than a job. That they need to give them a purpose. Katie is a leadership coach, keynote speaker and team culture expert helping leaders chan…

Join Andrea Butcher and I for Episode 14 as we nerd out about The Leadership Challenge. Highlighting the specific behaviors that help to create an effective leader. Andrea is a visionary—she knows how to lead organizations from big picture to execution. She is a dynamic speaker, coach, and facilitator. As the President of HRD, she leads the organiz…

In Episode 13, Shelley Brown and I nerd out about mindfulness, among other topics - empathy, leadership, self-awareness, compassion, and meditation. Shelley Brown is a Baltimore based mindfulness speaker, webinar, in-person workshop facilitator and the founder of ROI Mindfulness. She facilitates workshops around the United States with leaders from …

Episode 12 with Travis Lozier was a lot of fun to create. In this episode Travis and I discuss Process Based Management and celebrate the forward-thinking organizations that view their processes as assets. Travis is the Chief Quality Officer at Jordan Johnson Inc. Travis's personal mission is to unlock human potential. Travis claims to be a 100% Ce…

During this episode, Emily and Dane nerd out with me about their process improvement approach, called Enable Management Systems. The Enable Management System is all about helping everyone in the organization to unite around common goals, while engaging in routine dialog about what is working and what is not working. This is a true passion for Emily…

Nerding out with Mark Ryan about Lean Coffee was a lot of fun. For several years now, Mark Ryan and Sarah White have been hosting Lean Coffee session in Indianapolis, Indiana. The focus of the sessions are to help bring improvement professionals together to connect, share, and learn. I encourage you t connect with Mark Ryan on LinkedIn. And, to sta…

In this episode in #nerdout with a fellow #improvementnerd, Jacqueline Martinez. Be warned, this gets really nerdy, really fast as Jacqueline starts the episode out by talking about the value that HR can create in an organization. As she shares this summary, she talks about the way HR functions as an end-to-end value stream, what she calls "hire to…

In this episode, I nerd out with Eric Eicher, co-owner of RightHAND, a consulting company that helps organizations through creative storytelling, brand strategy, and problem definition.By Thomas West and Eric Eicher

Join me as I #nerdout with Nick Smarrelli, CEO of GadellNet. As Nick Smarrelli puts it, "creating a culture that is values-driven is the responsibility for every leader". Organization's values can't be complex, or un-actionable. And that they can't just be a collection of words posted on the wall. Values should serve as the organization's compass. …

Join Julie Kratz and I as we Nerd Out about the importance of Diversity and Inclusion, and a hope for a better and brighter future.By Thomas West and Julie Kratz

In Episode 6 Amanda Cross and I sit down a discuss how her work has a technical writer has changed over the last 15 years. In this conversation Amanda promotes the importance of becoming a learning organization through sharing knowledge and best practices to elevate everyone's performance.By Thomas West and Amanda Cross

In this episode Alex Perry asks one of the hardest questions I have ever been asked. "What improvement or important change has ever happened absent of good communication?". I was stumped. Still am actually. During this episode, you will see that Alex is a ball of energy. Her path to becoming a professional coach, like most, was not a straight line.…

This past week LP and I had the pleasure of attending the Health Systems Process Improvement conference in Savannah, Georgia. In this episode we nerd out about the conference and share some of our key takeaways.By Thomas West and Laura Pullen McMichael