The Lean Solutions Podcast

What You’ll Learn in This Episode:
In this episode of the Lean Solutions Podcast, Patrick Adams and Shane Daughenbaugh explore what the first 90 days should look like after discovering Lean or stepping into a new organization. Once someone understands the principles of continuous improvement, what should they actually do first? They discuss how your approach must shift depending on your level of influence. Whether you’re an executive, middle manager, or individual contributor, rushing into tools and events can create resistance instead of momentum.
They advise spending time in direct reports' roles, having one-on-one conversations, and documenting feedback to identify common issues and improve processes. They also highlight the value of using emotions as flags and leveraging AI to analyze data for better decision-making. They agree on the importance of empathy and trust-building in leadership.
Key Takeaways
Your Role Determines Your Strategy
Start with Listening, Not Implementing
Culture Before Tools
Perspective Changes Everything
Links: 
Lean Solutions 2026 Summit
Lean Solutions Website
⁠⁠Click Here For Shayne Daughenbaugh’s LinkedIn⁠
⁠⁠⁠Click Here For Patrick Adams’ LinkedIn⁠⁠

What You’ll Learn in This Episode:
In this episode of the Lean Solutions Podcast, Andy Olrich and Catherine McDonald explore what happens after the strategy day is over. Once goals are set, how do organizations move from planning to real execution? They highlight the challenges of managing too many goals and the necessity of engaging teams in the strategy process. 
They unpack why teams often struggle—not because they lack ideas—but because they have too many priorities and not enough clarity on where to start. The discussion focuses on practical frameworks for filtering, prioritizing, and executing goals in a way that aligns strategy with daily work.
Key Takeaways:
Teams don’t struggle from a lack of ideas—they struggle from too many priorities.
Don’t start where it’s exciting—start where it’s expensive.
Use structure to remove subjectivity.
Links:
Lean Solutions 2026 Summit
Lean Solutions Website
⁠⁠Click Here For Catherine McDonald’s LinkedIn⁠⁠
⁠⁠Click Here For Andy Olrich’s LinkedIn⁠⁠

What You’ll Learn in This Episode
In this episode, hosts Catherine McDonald and Shayne Daughenbaugh discuss what coaching in the workplace really means. Why it’s far more than a buzzword. The conversation breaks down the difference between coaching, training, and mentoring, and explains how coaching serves as a powerful leadership approach for developing people, building trust, and sustaining continuous improvement.
They emphasize how coaching shows up in day-to-day work through huddles, Gemba walks, and one-on-ones, and how lean tools like PDCA naturally support a coaching mindset.
Key Takeaways
Coaching is a leadership approach, not an event.
Coaching is different from training and mentoring.
Every day work creates coaching opportunities.
Links
Lean Solutions 2026 Summit
Lean Solutions Website
⁠⁠Click Here For Shayne Daughenbaugh’s LinkedIn⁠
⁠Click Here For Catherine McDonald’s LinkedIn⁠⁠

What You’ll Learn: 
The second half dives deeper into the people side of continuous improvement. Dave explains how Nemawashi and intentional conversations help build alignment, trust, and momentum. Listeners learn why asking thoughtful questions—like “who else should we talk to?”—can naturally expand buy-in and lead to better decisions. The episode wraps with reflections on leadership, learning, and staying connected within the Lean community.
Key Takeaways:
How Nemawashi helps build buy-in naturally
Why asking “who else should we talk to?” strengthens decisions and alignment

Human, Pet, and Animal Nutrition Company: Website
Click Here for Dave Kippen's LinkedIn
Lean Solutions Website

What You'll Learn:
In the first half of the episode, the conversation focuses on the foundations of effective change and project success. Dave shares insights on the importance of executive support, strong project management, and understanding the real problems teams are trying to solve. The discussion highlights why improvement efforts often stall and how leaders can create clarity by engaging the right stakeholders early.
Key Takeaways:
Why executive support can make or break improvement efforts
How a clear problem definition sets the foundation for success
Links:
Click Here for Dave Kippen's LinkedIn
Human, Pet, and Animal Nutrition Company: Website
Lean Solutions Website