podcast

Lean Coffee Episode 5

by Jamie Flinchbaugh on 09-26-25

From Miss Piggy to Spinal Tap, and Will Starbucks Discover Customer Value? In Episode 5, Mark Graban and Jamie Flinchbaugh are going back in time (apologies to Huey Lewis and the News) to the 1990s and examining companies that were iconic then and trying to find new ground today. But

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Happy Heuristics Podcast

by Jamie Flinchbaugh on 09-25-25

Happy Heuristics was a single-season podcast, in partnership with MG Strategy’s Jeff Grimshaw, that explores the use of heuristics in leadership. Heuristics, or rules of thumb, help speed up and make more consistent decisions in a complex world. Each episode explores a theme, and Jeff and Jamie Flinchbaugh each offer

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Dr. Shannon Flumerfelt on Coaching Through Difficult Situations with Lean Tools

by Jamie Flinchbaugh on 09-18-25

Dr. Shannon Flumerfelt, Founder of Charactership Lean Consulting and Endowed Professor of Lean at Oakland University, joined host Jamie Flinchbaugh to discuss her systematic approach to coaching leaders through difficult situations and complex problem-solving challenges.   Dr. Flumerfelt shared her framework for handling difficult coaching situations, which begins with understanding

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Dynamic Work Design with Nelson Repenning & Don Kieffer

by Jamie Flinchbaugh on 09-04-25

  Nelson Repenning and Don Kieffer joined host Jamie Flinchbaugh to discuss their collaborative book “There’s Got to Be a Better Way” and their approach to dynamic work design. Nelson Repenning is the School of Management Distinguished Professor at the MIT Sloan School of Management, while Don Kieffer is a

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Transforming Intel’s Culture Through Problem Solving with Melinda Manente

by Jamie Flinchbaugh on 08-21-25

  Melinda Manente, Process Improvement Coach & Facilitator at GBMP Consulting Group, joins Jamie Flinchbaugh on the People Solve Problems podcast to share her extensive experience in creating transformational change within organizations. With over 30 years of experience at global Fortune 100 companies including Cisco, Parker Hannifin, Intel, and General

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Lean Coffee Episode 4

by Jamie Flinchbaugh on 08-11-25

Episode 4: “Crossover event with the JIT Cafe: Daily Coffee and Productivity Routines”  In Episode 4, Mark Graban and Jamie Flinchbaugh are joined by the hosts of the Just-in-Time Cafe podcast, Elisabeth Swan and Tracy O’Rourke. This is the second joint episode, the first being episode 45 of Lean Whiskey.

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Dr. Greg Jacobson: From ER Doctor to Continuous Improvement CEO

by Jamie Flinchbaugh on 08-07-25

In this episode of People Solve Problems, host Jamie Flinchbaugh welcomes Dr. Greg Jacobson, CEO and Co-founder of KaiNexus, for an insightful conversation about the intersection of medical training, psychological safety, and continuous improvement culture. Greg’s journey into the world of Lean and Kaizen began in 2004 when his department

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Building Leaders Through Alignment at Toyota with Mark Reich from the Lean Enterprise Institute

by Jamie Flinchbaugh on 07-24-25

In this episode of People Solve Problems, host Jamie Flinchbaugh welcomes Mark Reich, Senior Coach and Chief Engineer of Strategy at the Lean Enterprise Institute. Mark brings a wealth of experience from his 23 years at Toyota, where he learned and led management systems, followed by 13 years at the

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Bridging Generations: Laurie Harbour of Wipfli on Manufacturing’s Future

by Jamie Flinchbaugh on 07-10-25

    Laurie Harbour, Partner at Wipfli LLP, joined Jamie Flinchbaugh on the People Solve Problems podcast to discuss leadership’s critical role in integrating the next generation of manufacturing talent. Laurie, author of Tradition Meets Transformation, brings over 35 years of manufacturing experience helping companies improve efficiency and profitability. Laurie

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Kevin Tarrant: Solving Human Capital Problems in a Constantly Changing World

by Jamie Flinchbaugh on 06-26-25

Kevin Tarrant, Ex-CHRO of WABCO and current President of HR Co-Pilot Consulting, brings 40 years of human capital experience to Jamie Flinchbaugh’s People Solve Problems podcast. With a background spanning manufacturing, high tech, software development, and service industries across global organizations, Kevin shares insights from his extensive career, including his

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