Shows / Lean Blog Interviews: Real-World Lean Leadership Conversations in Healthcare and Beyond
Lean Blog Interviews: Real-World Lean Leadership Conversations in Healthcare and Beyond
Lean Blog Interviews: Real-World Lean Leadership Conversations features thoughtful, in-depth discussions with leaders, authors, executives, and practitioners who are applying Lean thinking in the real world.
Hosted by Mark Graban—author of Lean Hospitals, Measures of Success, and The Mistakes That Make Us—the podcast explores Lean as a management system, a leadership philosophy, and a people-centered approach to continuous improvement.
Episodes span healthcare, manufacturing, startups…
Episodes
- Lean Blog Interviews: Real-World Lean Leadership Conversations in Healthcare and Beyond
#Lean & A Mobile Paramedic Pilot at Geisinger Health *
Episode page Audio remastered January 2023 My guests for Episode #289 are Kathleen Sharp, MBOE, LSS MBB, now the Director of Optimization at McLeod Health, and…
- Lean Blog Interviews: Real-World Lean Leadership Conversations in Healthcare and Beyond
Dean Gruner, MD on ACOs and Healthcare Reform
Joining me again for Episode #288 is Dean Gruner, MD, the recently retired CEO of ThedaCare, a health system in Wisconsin that has long been considered a…
- Lean Blog Interviews: Real-World Lean Leadership Conversations in Healthcare and Beyond
Harry Kenworthy, "Lean Government NOW!"
Joining me today for Episode #287 is another returning guest (see Episode #198), Harry Kenworthy. We're talking about his book, which will be released on…
- Lean Blog Interviews: Real-World Lean Leadership Conversations in Healthcare and Beyond
Dean Gruner, MD on ThedaCare's #Lean Journey
My guest for Episode #286 is Dean Gruner, MD, the recently retired CEO of ThedaCare, a health system in Wisconsin that has long been considered a worldwide…
- Lean Blog Interviews: Real-World Lean Leadership Conversations in Healthcare and Beyond
Is Lean Really Dead? Karen Martin on Leadership, Culture, and Long-Term Thinking
In this episode, Mark and Karen discuss a provocative question she raised: "Is Lean Dead?" (or "dying?"). Karen is the author of books including "Value Stream…
- Lean Blog Interviews: Real-World Lean Leadership Conversations in Healthcare and Beyond
Dr. Margaret Balfour Lean in Psychiatric Care
My guest today for episode #284 of the podcast is Dr. Margaret (Margie) Balfour, the lead author of an article, published in The Joint Commission Journal on…
- Lean Blog Interviews: Real-World Lean Leadership Conversations in Healthcare and Beyond
Jim Lancaster, "The Work of Management"
Joining me today is Jim Lancaster, CEO of the company Lantech, a manufacturer that is the leader in stretch wrap technology and innovation, as well as case…
- Lean Blog Interviews: Real-World Lean Leadership Conversations in Healthcare and Beyond
Dr. Lisa Yerian & Nate Hurle from The Cleveland Clinic
My guests for Episode #282 of the podcast are two continuous improvement leaders from Cleveland Clinic: Dr. Lisa Yerian and Nate Hurle. Lisa is the Medical…
- Lean Blog Interviews: Real-World Lean Leadership Conversations in Healthcare and Beyond
Julie Firman, a CNO's Role in #Lean Transformation
Joining me for Episode #281 of the podcast is Julie Firman, DNP, RN, FACHE, the Vice President/ System Chief Nursing Officer (CNO) at Southern Illinois…
- Lean Blog Interviews: Real-World Lean Leadership Conversations in Healthcare and Beyond
John Dyer, Deming's Red Bead Experiment
A returning guest today for episode #280 is John Dyer, president of his consulting firm, JD&A, Inc., and a contributor for IndustryWeek.com. As we discussed in…
- Lean Blog Interviews: Real-World Lean Leadership Conversations in Healthcare and Beyond
Revisited: Dr. Robert Maurer, Kaizen & the Brain
Back in 2012, I did a podcast interview (Episode 153) with a psychologist and family therapist, Robert Maurer, PhD. It's been almost five years since the…
- Lean Blog Interviews: Real-World Lean Leadership Conversations in Healthcare and Beyond
Tom Bouthillet, Lean and Fire Fighting (the Real Kind)
In the Lean community (and in businesses and hospitals, as well), people often talk about "fire fighting" in a colloquial way. Today, my guest for episode #278…
- Lean Blog Interviews: Real-World Lean Leadership Conversations in Healthcare and Beyond
Kay Kendall, #Lean and Leading the Malcolm Baldrige Way
Joining me for episode #277 of the podcast is Kay Kendall (@KayAKendall), co-author (with Glenn Bodinson) of the excellent book "Leading the Malcolm Baldrige…
- Lean Blog Interviews: Real-World Lean Leadership Conversations in Healthcare and Beyond
Andy Sheppard, #Lean, Change Management & More
My guest for Episode #276 is a Lean consultant (although he might not prefer that term) and an author, A J (Andy) Sheppard. Andy is the author of The…
- Lean Blog Interviews: Real-World Lean Leadership Conversations in Healthcare and Beyond
Katie Anderson, #Lean Reflections on Living in Japan
My guest for Episode #275 is Katie Anderson, following up on her last appearance here in Episode #233. Now, she has been back home in California and shares…
- Lean Blog Interviews: Real-World Lean Leadership Conversations in Healthcare and Beyond
Jay Arthur, ”Lean Six Sigma for Hospitals” *
Remastered January 2022 Episode page: https://www.leanblog.org/274 My guest for Episode #274 of the podcast is Jay Arthur, author of Lean Six Sigma for…
- Lean Blog Interviews: Real-World Lean Leadership Conversations in Healthcare and Beyond
David Veech, His New Book "Leadersights"
Joining me for Episode #273 of the podcast is David Veech, author of the new book Leadersights: Creating Great Leaders Who Create Great Workplaces. David is a…
- Lean Blog Interviews: Real-World Lean Leadership Conversations in Healthcare and Beyond
Steve Thompson, Lean Supply Chain Lessons from Automotive
My guest for Episode #272 is Steve Thompson, Director of Patient Driven Supply Network initiatives for Cardinal Health, a global, integrated healthcare…
- Lean Blog Interviews: Real-World Lean Leadership Conversations in Healthcare and Beyond
Isaac Mitchell, Lean Design in Healthcare
Joining me for Episode #271 is Isaac Mitchell (@IssacMitchell), talking about Lean Design for healthcare, the Society for Health Systems, and more. Isaac is a…
- Lean Blog Interviews: Real-World Lean Leadership Conversations in Healthcare and Beyond
Dr. Paul DeChant & Dr. Diane Shannon on Burnout
My guests for Episode #270 of the podcast are two physicians: Paul DeChant, MD and Diane Shannon, MD. They are co-authors of the recently-released book…
- Lean Blog Interviews: Real-World Lean Leadership Conversations in Healthcare and Beyond
Brian MacNeice & James Bowen, "Powerhouse" Book
Joining me for Episode #269 are Brian MacNeice & James Bowen, co-authors of the recently released book Powerhouse: Insider Accounts into the World's Top…
- Lean Blog Interviews: Real-World Lean Leadership Conversations in Healthcare and Beyond
Tom Ehrenfeld, #Lean Books & Lean Startup
My guest for Episode #268 is a long-time friend of mine in the Lean community and Lean Enterprise Institute circles, Tom Ehrenfeld (@tomehrenfeld). Tom is a…
- Lean Blog Interviews: Real-World Lean Leadership Conversations in Healthcare and Beyond
Steve Shortell on #Lean Healthcare Research
Joining me for Episode #267 is Stephen M. Shortell PhD, MPH, MBA. He is Blue Cross of California Distinguished Professorship, HPM and is a Professor of…
- Lean Blog Interviews: Real-World Lean Leadership Conversations in Healthcare and Beyond
Karyn Ross on Lean for Service Excellence
My guest for Episode #266 of the podcast is Karyn Ross (KRCLean4Service on Twitter), co-author of the new book (with Jeff Liker): The Toyota Way to Service…
- Lean Blog Interviews: Real-World Lean Leadership Conversations in Healthcare and Beyond
Bernita Biekmann on Lean Design for Hospitals
Joining me for Episode #265 of the podcast is Bernita Beikmann, AIA, EDAC, LSSBB, a Principal and Director of Lean Strategy at HKS, an international…
- Lean Blog Interviews: Real-World Lean Leadership Conversations in Healthcare and Beyond
Tyrone Butler on Lean, Six Sigma & More
My guest for Episode #264 is a friend from here in the Dallas / Fort Worth area, Tyrone Butler. He is LSS Managing Partner at his company, Butler Active…
- Lean Blog Interviews: Real-World Lean Leadership Conversations in Healthcare and Beyond
Pascal Dennis, "Andy & Me and the Hospital"
My guest for Episode #263 is another returning guest, Pascal Dennis (@AuthorPascal on Twitter). He was previously a guest on Episodes #96 and #239, talking…
- Lean Blog Interviews: Real-World Lean Leadership Conversations in Healthcare and Beyond
Steven J. Spear, "Beyond the Jargon" of Lean and Improvement
My guest for Episode #262 is Steven J. Spear (@stevenjspear on Twitter). He is author of the fantastic book The High-Velocity Edge: How Market Leaders Leverage…
- Lean Blog Interviews: Real-World Lean Leadership Conversations in Healthcare and Beyond
Jamie Flinchbaugh, Talking About Lean
Joining me for Episode #261 is an old friend and trusted mentor, Jamie Flinchbaugh. Among other things, he's the co-author of the book The Hitchhiker's Guide…
- Lean Blog Interviews: Real-World Lean Leadership Conversations in Healthcare and Beyond
Brad White, on Lean Daily Management for Healthcare
See http://www.leanblog.org/260 My guest for Episode #260 of the podcast is Brad White, author of the recently-released book Lean Daily Management for…
- Lean Blog Interviews: Real-World Lean Leadership Conversations in Healthcare and Beyond
* Steve Bera, Reflections on NUMMI and Lean, Part 2
See http://www.leanblog.org/259 Remastered audio 2025 Today's episode #259 is Part 2 of a discussion I started with Steve Bera in episode #256. Steve was one…
- Lean Blog Interviews: Real-World Lean Leadership Conversations in Healthcare and Beyond
Jim Huntzinger on Deflation, Lean Management & Lean Accounting
Joining me for Episode #258 is a many times returning guest, Jim Huntzinger, the President and Founder of Lean Frontiers (check out Episodes 8, 15, 33, 196…
- Lean Blog Interviews: Real-World Lean Leadership Conversations in Healthcare and Beyond
Tania Lyon, #Lean at St. Clair Hospital & KaiNexus
My guest for episode #257 is somebody I've known for a while in the Lean healthcare community, Tania Lyon. She's the Director of Organizational Performance…
- Lean Blog Interviews: Real-World Lean Leadership Conversations in Healthcare and Beyond
* Steve Bera, Reflections on NUMMI and #Lean, Part 1
See http://www.leanblog.org/256 Remastered audio 2025 I'm really excited to have Steve Bera as my guest for episode #256 of the podcast. I read about him as he…
- Lean Blog Interviews: Real-World Lean Leadership Conversations in Healthcare and Beyond
Mark DeLuzio, "Turn Waste Into Wealth" With Lean
My guest for episode #255 is Mark DeLuzio, author of the recently-released book Turn Waste into Wealth: How to Find Cash in Every Corner of the Company. It's…
- Lean Blog Interviews: Real-World Lean Leadership Conversations in Healthcare and Beyond
Lean in Veterinary Medicine
Episode #254 is interesting to me for a number of reasons. For one, I have a "guest co-host" joining me for the first time. He's Chip Ponsford, DVM, a doctor…
- Lean Blog Interviews: Real-World Lean Leadership Conversations in Healthcare and Beyond
Ash Maurya, "Scaling #Lean" and Lean Startup
Joining me for Episode #253 is Ash Maurya, author of the book Running Lean:Iterate from Plan A to a Plan That Works and his latest, being released this week…
- Lean Blog Interviews: Real-World Lean Leadership Conversations in Healthcare and Beyond
Jordan Peck, from MIT to the VA to Maine Health
My guest for episode #252 is Jordan Peck, a Senior Director in the Center for Performance Improvement at MaineHealth and Maine Medical Center. Jordan and I…
- Lean Blog Interviews: Real-World Lean Leadership Conversations in Healthcare and Beyond
Jim Huntzinger & Russ Scaffede on Lean Leadership
Episode #251 is a bit different in that it's audio shared by the good folks at Lean Frontiers. They recently hosted a webinar where Jim Huntzinger, founder and…
- Lean Blog Interviews: Real-World Lean Leadership Conversations in Healthcare and Beyond
Dr. Jack Billi & Mark Graban on Lean in Healthcare
Episode #250... a big round number. 250 podcasts in just under 10 years. Thanks again to Norman Bodek (my first guest and frequent guest) for the idea back in…
- Lean Blog Interviews: Real-World Lean Leadership Conversations in Healthcare and Beyond
Steve Leuschel on "Lean Culture Change"
My guest for episode #249 of the podcast is Steve Leuschel, author of the book Lean Culture Change: Using a Daily Management System. You might remember a post…
- Lean Blog Interviews: Real-World Lean Leadership Conversations in Healthcare and Beyond
Drew Locher, Lean Office to Lean Enterprise
Joining me for episode #248 of the podcast is Drew Locher, an author, consultant, speaker, and, also like me, a faculty member for the Lean Enterprise…
- Lean Blog Interviews: Real-World Lean Leadership Conversations in Healthcare and Beyond
James Chisholm, ExperiencePoint and Leading Change
My guest for episode #247 is James Chisholm, a principal and co-founder of the Toronto-based ExperiencePoint. James is a pioneer in the design of online…
- Lean Blog Interviews: Real-World Lean Leadership Conversations in Healthcare and Beyond
Steve Montague, Lean, Checklists & Patient Safety
Episode #246 is my second episode in recognition of Patient Safety Awareness Week. My guest is Steve Montague, who talked about Lean and Crew Resource…
- Lean Blog Interviews: Real-World Lean Leadership Conversations in Healthcare and Beyond
Dr. Tom Evans, Improving Healthcare Quality in Iowa
See http://www.leanblog.org/245 Today is the first of two episodes that I'll post here during Patient Safety Awareness Week. I agree with the National Patient…
- Lean Blog Interviews: Real-World Lean Leadership Conversations in Healthcare and Beyond
Dan Markovitz, "Building the Fit Organization," Part 2
See http://www.leanblog.org/244 Joining me again for Episode #244 is Dan Markovitz (@DanMarkovitz on Twitter). Today's episode is part 2 of our discussion…
- Lean Blog Interviews: Real-World Lean Leadership Conversations in Healthcare and Beyond
Michael Bungay Stanier, ”The Coaching Habit” *
Episode page with transcript, links, and more My guest for Episode #243, Michael Bungay Stanier, takes us a bit outside of the Lean realm... but that's good…
- Lean Blog Interviews: Real-World Lean Leadership Conversations in Healthcare and Beyond
Hospital Staff & Leaders Talk About the Culture of Kaizen
Episode #242 is unique in that it's a collection of audio clips from videos that Joe Swartz and I shot in late 2014 at his health system, Franciscan St…
- Lean Blog Interviews: Real-World Lean Leadership Conversations in Healthcare and Beyond
Dan Markovitz, "Building the Fit Organization," Part 1
Joining me for Episode #241 is a returning guest and friend of mine, Dan Markovitz (@DanMarkovitz on Twitter). He was a guest on Episodes #135 (talking about A…
- Lean Blog Interviews: Real-World Lean Leadership Conversations in Healthcare and Beyond
Leah Binder of Leapfrog Group on Patient Safety
My guest for episode #240 is somebody I've wanted to interview for a long time, Leah Binder, the president and CEO of Leapfrog Group, "a voluntary program…
- Lean Blog Interviews: Real-World Lean Leadership Conversations in Healthcare and Beyond
Pascal Dennis, "Lean Production Simplified, 3rd Edition
Joining me for Episode #239 is Pascal Dennis, somebody I really respect and have learned a lot from over the years... I'd call him "sensei" gladly (although he…
- Lean Blog Interviews: Real-World Lean Leadership Conversations in Healthcare and Beyond
Kevin Cahill, on his Grandfather, W. Edwards Deming
Episode #238 is a conversation with somebody I've wanted to talk with for a long time, Kevin Cahill. He is the executive director of the W. Edwards Deming…
- Lean Blog Interviews: Real-World Lean Leadership Conversations in Healthcare and Beyond
Paul Akers, "Lean Health"
Episode #237 is, like the last episode, a bit different... but in a different way. My guest is my friend Paul Akers, author of the new book Lean Health. Paul…
- Lean Blog Interviews: Real-World Lean Leadership Conversations in Healthcare and Beyond
John Toussaint on CEO-Led Lean Healthcare Transformation and Patient Safety
For episode #236, things are a little different than usual. Today, I wanted to share a video discussion between my friends Ted Stiles and John Toussaint, MD…
- Lean Blog Interviews: Real-World Lean Leadership Conversations in Healthcare and Beyond
Sam MacPherson, The Green Beret Way to the Toyota Way
For the episode and more details, visit http://www.leanblog.org/audio235. If you've been a listener of my LeanBlog Podcast series, you might know that I…
- Lean Blog Interviews: Real-World Lean Leadership Conversations in Healthcare and Beyond
Mitch Cahn, President of Unionwear on Lean Manufacturing
Today's guest is Mitch Cahn, president of Unionwear, a manufacturer of hats, bags, and apparel in Newark, NJ. I first learned about Mitch and his company…
- Lean Blog Interviews: Real-World Lean Leadership Conversations in Healthcare and Beyond
Katie Anderson, A Lean Thinker Living in Japan
Today's guest is Katie Anderson, and we're talking about her experiences living in Tokyo for 18 months and what she's learning about Lean culture, Japanese…
- Lean Blog Interviews: Real-World Lean Leadership Conversations in Healthcare and Beyond
Remembering Dr. Michel Tétrault
Today's podcast, #232, is presented with a heavy heart, after the recent passing of my friend Dr. Michel Téatrault, the CEO of St. Boniface General Hospital…
- Lean Blog Interviews: Real-World Lean Leadership Conversations in Healthcare and Beyond
Dr. Eric Dickson, Starting with Lean at UMass Memorial
Today's guest is Eric Dickson,MD, MHCM, FACEP, the president and CEO of UMass Medical Center. Episode #231 of the podcast is a little different than the usual…
- Lean Blog Interviews: Real-World Lean Leadership Conversations in Healthcare and Beyond
* Paul DeChant, MD, MBA on Reducing Burnout Through Lean
Audio remastered May 2025 Episode page Joining me for episode #230 is Paul DeChant, MD, MBA to talk about reducing burnout, especially physician burnout…