Brian Meyers, owner of Fat American Manufacturing, delivered an unforgettable keynote at Gemba Summit 2025 about the reality of leading lean transformation.

Meyers shared three powerful rules from his 14-month transformation journey: never go backwards when you make an improvement, show total and unwavering commitment (even if it means burning the old binders), and focus on burden and flow rather than chasing individual wastes. His message was direct and honest-lean transformation is uncomfortable, there are no guarantees, but with courage and commitment, you can navigate the path forward.

Key Takeaways:

• Once you make an improvement, that's the new standard-no backup plans
• Close the escape hatches and show unwavering commitment to change
• Focus on removing burden from your people and creating flow in your processes
• Walk your Gemba backwards to find and pull bottlenecks
• Move quickly from understanding to action-the faster you implement, the faster principles stick
• Learn from those who've gone before and help others onto the stage

• Name: Brian Meyers
• Company: Fat American Manufacturing
• Website: fatamericanmfg.com
• LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/brian-meyers-256833a3/
• YouTube: youtube.com/@LeanbyDoing

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