The Edges of Lean explores topics in continuous improvement (lean thinking, creative problem solving, six sigma) that get overlooked. Meet the people practicing lean in odd places or with different twists, always with a focus on respect for people and continuous learning.
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Données mises à jour le 04/07/2026
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Do you consider yourself to be “good with people?" Some of us are born with the skill of creating relationships and working well with others; some of us struggle, especially people whose strengths are in science and technology, and we all could learn to be better at it! Whether you are a natural "people person" or not, Corinna Freitag has essential advice for all of us about the trait of positive intelligence and how it can enhance our work and personal relationships.
Corinna Freitag
Corinna Freitag is an Executive Coach, Advisor, and Speaker with over 30 years of expertise in natural and human sciences, spanning academia, industry, and continuing education. She holds a Ph.D. in chemistry and is a certified Executive Coach. She earned her Associate Certified Coach (ACC) credential from the International Coaching Federation (ICF), the gold standard in professional coaching.
With a career that has taken her across multiple countries, Corinna spent over 18 years working globally in the automotive and chemical industries. She has held diverse roles, collaborating with colleagues at all levels—from the shop floor to Senior Vice Presidents. Her extensive experience ultimately led her to serve as the Global Operational Excellence Leader for over five years.
KEY TOPICS IN THIS PODCAST:
00:02:19 - Challenges for STEM Professionals in Management
00:05:01 - Client Struggles with Social Skills
00:06:03 - Neurodivergence and Technical Focus
00:07:02 - Rewiring the Brain and Changing Habits
00:10:05 - Coaching Approach: Assessments and Targets
00:15:09 - Coaching Style: Directive vs. Non-Directive
00:20:01 - Emotional Intelligence and Career Advancement
00:23:15 - Client Success Stories
00:29:48 - Positive Intelligence Explained
00:39:41 - Advice for Young Professionals
KEY TAKEAWAYS:
Positive intelligence is approaching challenges with a positive mindset.
Some STEM professionals struggle with social skills and building relationships.
It is possible to change and improve social skills with practice and coaching.
Assessments and goal-setting are vital tools in coaching to track progress and measure improvement.
The concept of positive intelligence helps rewire the brain and change habits.
Building empathy and understanding for others is crucial in improving relationships and resolving conflicts.
Training mental toughness is a positive mindset that can help individuals overcome challenges and thrive in work and life.
Memorable Quotes From Corinna Freitag
"Train your mental toughness... handle challenges with a positive rather than a negative mindset”
What’s the only thing we all have the same amount of? It’s the number of hours in our day. We live in a culture that is focused on productivity, but David Buck, the author of The Time Optimized Life, has a different perspective on time. He says we should be thinking about time optimization, not time management, and he bases his approach on lean thinking. I invited him to spend a little time with me at the Edges of Lean to share his insights. Note: this conversation is especially important for people who are considering retirement or other major work transitions!
David Buck
David Buck is the author of The Time-Optimized Life and brings over 35 years of experience in organizational and time management to his work. Drawing from an affluent career in business development, where he worked with Fortune 500 companies and innovative small businesses, David developed a comprehensive understanding of business and began thinking about a life strategy that balances career with personal fulfillment.
Having led numerous teams, David understands the difference between productivity and mere busyness. He believes strongly that people in their late 40s and beyond should have the option to pursue fulfilling lives without compromising their career aspirations. As his first customer, David embodies his philosophy, showing his clients that they do not have to choose between a rewarding career and a satisfying personal life. Instead, he guides them in crafting a lifestyle that excites and sustains them, whether it involves full-time work, part-time engagement, or a purposeful retirement.
KEY TOPICS IN THIS PODCAST:
00:04:45 The focus on retirement and life after work
00:08:40 The importance of human connections and meaningful activities in retirement
00:11:41 Defining one's purpose and guiding principles for using time
Ep 134 Continuous Improvement in a Time of Political Turmoil with Phyllis Leavitt
Épisode 134
jeudi 17 octobre 2024 • Durée 42:34
It’s election season in the United States, and it affects us all, no matter how involved we are in politics. Deep fractures run through our families, neighborhoods, and workplaces, affecting our ability to live and work with each other. Phyllis Leavitt’s new book, America in Therapy, directly addresses this problem and what we can do about it. She joined me at the Edges of Lean to talk about the intersections of political division and continuous improvement.
Phyllis Leavitt
Phyllis Leavitt’s journey into psychology began long before her formal education. Growing up in a close-knit community, she was always drawn to helping others and understanding the complexities of human emotions. This passion led her to volunteer at local shelters and community centers during her teenage years, where she witnessed firsthand the profound impact of trauma and the power of compassionate support.
Phyllis Leavitt graduated from Antioch University in 1989, earning a Master's in Psychology and Counseling. She co-directed Parents United, a sexual abuse treatment program in Santa Fe, New Mexico, until 1991, after which she dedicated herself to private practice full-time. Over the course of 34 years as a psychotherapist, Phyllis worked with children, families, couples, and individual adults, specializing in issues related to abuse and dysfunctional family dynamics, their consequences, and the essential components of healing. She is the author of two books, "A Light in the Darkness" and "Into the Fire."
KEY TOPICS IN THIS PODCAST:
00:01:44 Motivation for writing the book "America in Therapy"
00:06:00 The role of dysfunctional family dynamics in societal issues
00:11:48 Identifying and understanding symptoms of trauma and abuse
00:20:00 Bringing psychological principles to national conversations
00:26:10 Importance of seeing individuals, not labels
Ep 133 Meetings that Don't Suck with Jonathan Vehar and Cathi Brese Doebler
Épisode 133
jeudi 10 octobre 2024 • Durée 36:53
One of the things that frankly drives me crazy about how people think about continuous improvement is a focus on cost savings rather than increasing productivity and engagement< so I was excited to chat with Jonathan Vehar and Cathi Brese Doebler about a brilliant method to increase productivity, drive engagement and save money. They joined me to talk about their new book. “How to Make Meetings Not Suck” Listen in and consider how their approach might enhance every meeting, from your daily morning huddle to those three-day leadership retreats.
Jonathan Vehar
Jonathan Vehar is on a mission to make meetings better. With years of experience as a leader, executive, and facilitator, he knows what works and what does not. Known as an "innovation thought leader" by Fast Company, Jonathan takes a fresh but productive approach to improving "how teams collaborate". He has worked with top companies like Disney, Intel, NASA, and Pfizer, and his insights have been featured in Forbes, the Wall Street Journal, and Fast Company. Jonathan is also the co-author of six books on leadership, and his latest book, How to Make Meetings Not Suck, comes out in August 2024.
Cathi Brese Doebler
Cathi Brese Doebler brings over 25 years of experience in meeting facilitation, training, and leadership development. Cathi is passionate about helping others learn and grow. Cathi has been a Senior Consultant and Leadership Solutions Facilitator at the Center for Creative Leadership since 2013 and has worked with organizations like Fiserv and McBride & Lucius. She has also collaborated with several colleges, including the University of Buffalo and Erie Community College, blending her expertise in leadership with education.
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KEY TOPICS IN THIS PODCAST:
00:02:43 The importance of having fun at work
00:10:55 The purpose of having agendas for meetings
00:15:29 The cost of unproductive meetings
Ep 132 The Hidden Side of Coaching with Kelly Mallery
Épisode 132
mardi 24 septembre 2024 • Durée 32:52
Who are you when you are coaching? How are you presenting yourself to your learner? How might your inner emotional state affect your coaching effectiveness? Kelly Mallery coaches using the Toyota Improvement Kata and she joined me at the Edges of Lean to share some of her insights and what she has learned about the hidden side of coaching.
Kelly Mallery
Kelly Mallery serves as the Operational Excellence Manager for two Viant Medical sites while running her own coaching business, Kelly Mallery Coaching & Consulting LLC. She became part of Viant Medical in 2023, bringing her over 11 years of diverse manufacturing experience across industries such as solar, industrial consumer products, and aerospace. Throughout her career, Kelly has consistently focused on continuous improvement, and in the past five years, she has shifted her focus from practicing to coaching others. In 2020, she joined the Kata Girl Geeks, and by 2023, she founded Kata School Northeast, where she has established herself as a seasoned coach and 2nd coach. Kelly resides in the Upper Valley, situated between Vermont and New Hampshire, with her family.
KEY TOPICS IN THIS PODCAST:
00:01:06 Kelly's background and role in coaching
00:02:56 Integrating coaching practices into business operations
00:08:38 Developing self-awareness as a coach
00:11:08 Giving specific feedback to coaches
00:14:51 Bringing attention to a coach's emotional state
00:18:41 The impact of self-awareness on organizational culture
00:22:42 Creating trust and healthy conflict through self-awareness
00:28:22 Treating people as vehicles vs. human beings
00:29:27 Kelly's plans and coaching business
00:31:09 Advice for young professionals on self-awareness
KEY TAKEAWAYS:
Ep 131 Unblocking the Organization with Jurriaan Kamer
Épisode 131
jeudi 19 septembre 2024 • Durée 36:16
We know that autonomy is one of the factors that leads to high employee satisfaction and that organizational alignment is required to achieve company goals. But how do you get both autonomy and alignment? Jurriaan Kamer believes that companies can achieve aligned autonomy, and there are specific actions leaders can take to reach this goal. He joined me at the Edges of Lean to share his experience and insights.
Jurriaan Kamer
Jurriaan Kamer is a Dutch expert in organizational change and co-founder of Unblock, a modern management consultancy. He is also a keynote speaker and the author of two influential books. His latest release, "Unblock: Clear the Way for Results and Develop a Thriving Organization," offers practical strategies for leaders to enhance ownership, speed up decision-making, and reduce bureaucracy for better outcomes.
Previously, Jurriaan wrote "Formula X," a business novel inspired by Formula 1 racing, recognized by Forbes as a must-read for navigating an uncertain market. With over a decade of experience, he helps organizations eliminate ineffective strategies and foster high levels of autonomy.
KEY TOPICS IN THIS PODCAST:
00:02:20 Agile Principles vs. Practices
00:06:34 Organizational Culture and Scalability
00:09:38 Leadership Principles and Organizational Culture
00:12:40 Organizational Dysfunctions and Results
00:18:41 Formula One Behind the Scenes
00:21:25 Unblocking Organizational Challenges
00:24:15 Strategy as a Hypothesis
00:29:17 Control Needs in Leadership
Ep 130 Continuously Reducing Racism in Your Company Culture with JD Mass
Épisode 130
lundi 26 août 2024 • Durée 40:10
A diverse organization is a competitive advantage –innovation and problem-solving thrive when people from diverse backgrounds work together. No matter who we are, when we move into that diverse environment, we all, no matter our race, carry baggage from racism in our culture. JD Mass has written a book called “Race for What,” addressing the causes of racism and steps white folk can take to heal from the harm of racism and begin to connect as humans. He joined me at the Edges of Lean to share his insights.
JD Mass
JD Mass grew up in St. Louis, one of America’s most segregated cities, where his parents raised him in the black community. He worked closely with his childhood friend, Nelly, during the first four years of Nelly’s career, witnessing his rise to international fame. JD later joined a global community of black ex-patriots focused on health, peace, and sharing. Throughout these experiences, he saw the highest impact of racism and power structures. To better understand cultural development, JD earned a degree in organizational psychology. His journey is fueled by a desire to understand the roots of racism and promote a more humane, loving world.
KEY TOPICS IN THIS PODCAST:
00:06:04 Defining culture and its impact
00:08:27 Exploring the roots of racism
00:19:54 Letting go to experience new possibilities
00:21:59 Experiencing a peaceful community in Israel
00:24:02 Applying cultural appreciation to lean implementations
00:29:20 Step 2: Acknowledging the harm of our culture
00:30:26 Step 3: Letting go of power, privilege, and fears
00:32:29 Step 4: Appreciating the value of other cultures
Ep 129 Continuously Upgrading Your Thinking with Fletcher Ellingson
Épisode 129
lundi 29 juillet 2024 • Durée 37:42
As lean thinkers, we often look at life as a series of problems to be solved. I know I do this: I will be somewhere and see something that is working quite right, and I immediately think about the root cause of the issue and potential countermeasures to try. Do you do that, too? That is why I loved this conversation with Fletcher Ellingson, who talks about how to live a “feel good life,” building grace. And wait till you hear what he says about our values do not mean jack!
Fletcher Ellingson.
Fletcher is a speaker, coach, and author of the best-selling book The Practice of Feeling Good. Using a combination of science and psychology, he helps his clients break free from financial struggle, overwhelm, and persistent worry so they can spend more time doing what they love, contribute to their families, and impact their communities. Fletcher also hosts a regional weekly TV show, is a regular contributing columnist, and is a professional magician. He has helped hundreds of entrepreneurs and successful professionals embrace the principles of The Practice of Feeling Good. As a result, they have radically shifted their thinking and have been able to produce outstanding outcomes in their health, wealth, and relationships.
KEY TOPICS IN THIS PODCAST:
00:01:22 - Roles and Mentorship
00:02:05 - Early Interest in Positive Thinking
00:02:46 - Influence of Early Experiences
00:04:50 - Discovering Magic and Its Impact
00:06:07 - The Joy of Performing Magic for Adults
00:07:04 - The Practice of Feeling Good
Ep 128 Continuously Improving Connection with Your Preteen with Marcus Aurelius Higgs
Épisode 128
jeudi 11 juillet 2024 • Durée 35:12
If you are a lean thinker, you are probably working to continually improve your skills in communicating with the adults in your life. You may also be working to bring some lean thinking into your family life. But what if you have some pre-teens in your family circle? They can be very challenging to work with – and that is where Marcus Higgs can help us. He works with parents of pre-teens to help them improve their connection with the kids at a time when the kids are beginning to establish their unique identities.
Marcus Aurelius Higgs.
Marcus Aurelius Higgs works with Certain Future to support parents of pre-teens (10-14 y.o.), helping them show up and maintain meaningful relationships with their children during these 'identity-breaking' years. He collaborates with parents who want to be present with their son or daughter before it is too late to bridge the gap. Using 'The SHOW UP Framework,' Marcus helps parents benefit by ensuring they are confident in their communication when their tween starts having big emotions, knowing how to be present when their pre-teen starts to withdraw, so their child continues to trust them and naturally opens up difficult conversations, and understanding how to support their child in ways that develop self-belief and resilience.
KEY TOPICS IN THIS PODCAST:
00:03:25 - Identity Breaking Phase
00:04:09 - Development of Friendships
00:05:12 - Coaching a Young Musician
00:10:12 - The Concept of "Not Yet"
00:12:42 - Pygmalion Effect on Parenting
00:13:22 - Common Issues Parents Face
00:16:01 - Show Up Framework Overview
Ep 127 Continually Improving Lead Generation with Jamaul Ford
Épisode 127
lundi 8 juillet 2024 • Durée 40:49
You took the big plunge and started your own business. Maybe you already have a customer or two. But what comes next? Jamaul Ford is a second-generation entrepreneur with some great ideas about what you already know about learning cycles for finding and connecting with customers. Let's listen to what he has to say.
Jamaul Ford
Jamaul Ford, or Jamaul the Maven, is an accomplished second-generation entrepreneur whose business journey goes beyond commercial success. His mission revolves around fostering growth, empathy, and community. With a strong belief in understanding and connecting with people, Jamaul's business approach centers on empowering others to succeed. He has successfully scaled diverse businesses, taking startups from zero to 10k and guiding enterprises to reach milestones of 100k and beyond. As a leader, he actively engages with his team, values learning from every experience, and advocates for open collaboration and collective growth.
KEY TOPICS IN THIS PODCAST:
00:01:04 Second Generation Entrepreneurship
00:06:22 Finding Your Passion in Business.
00:10:45 Lean continuous improvement techniques.
00:12:04 Listening to customers for success.
00:18:34 Creative problem-solving in business.
00:21:29 Understanding client needs.
00:23:42 What qualifies as a lead.
00:31:17 Using GPT prompt for research.
00:16:23 Negotiating unique employment structures for flexibility in retirement
00:19:54 Building relationship capital at work and personal life
00:23:20 Embracing diversity and continuous improvement in retirement planning
00:26:56 The challenge of transitioning to retirement and finding purpose
00:31:37 Sharing life stories and family histories as a productive activity
KEY TAKEAWAYS:
Time optimization emphasizes proactive planning for adaptable, effective scheduling.
Optimizing time allows for prioritizing amid unexpected events.
Defining life purpose is essential for a meaningful retirement transition.
Planning diverse activities helps prevent monotony in retirement.
Work-life flexibility, supported by relationship-building, allows responsiveness to personal needs.
Relationship capital at work enables flexibility and smoother work-life transitions.
Documenting life stories creates a lasting legacy for future generations.
Lean principles applied to personal life improve time management with small changes.
Memorable Quotes From David Buck
"Practice patience, as meaningful things often take longer than expected; it allows you to learn, grow, and appreciate the journey."
00:19:50 Calculating the financial cost of meetings
00:22:28 Suggestions for running effective meetings
00:25:14 The CIDR framework for meeting purposes
00:27:14 Differences between in-person and virtual meetings
00:32:19 Managing hybrid meetings effectively
00:33:14 How to connect with Jonathan and Kathy
00:34:02 Advice for young professionals starting their careers
KEY TAKEAWAYS:
Thoughtful planning and structure are essential for effective meetings, requiring a clear purpose and well-organized processes.
Ineffective meetings are costly, with an average financial impact of $336,000 in one year.
Virtual, in-person, and hybrid meetings present unique challenges, but we can manage them effectively with the right tools and techniques.
The elements for successful meetings include a Power Agenda, defined roles, clear purpose (using the CIDR framework), and strong follow-through.
The "Power Agenda" focuses on unique components like meeting duration, role assignments (e.g., scribe), processes, and desired outcomes to make meetings more efficient.
The 3 Ps (Purpose, Process, Product) framework helps guide meetings to stay on track, ensuring clarity and respect for the time.
Respecting time by preparing agendas in advance and assigning clear roles is a simple way to improve meeting effectiveness, countering the excuse of not having time for preparation.
The CIDR framework (clear purpose, intentional design, defined roles, and respectful interaction) is crucial for making meetings productive and meaningful.
Memorable Quotes:
“Effective meetings don’t just happen — they require thoughtful planning, clear purpose, and respect for everyone’s time.”
Integrating coaching practices into business operations enhances organizational performance and effectiveness.
Self-awareness is essential for coaches, allowing them to recognize their biases and emotional states, which can significantly influence the learner's experience.
Developing emotional intelligence within organizations fosters trust and encourages healthy conflict, improving team dynamics and performance.
Evolving from viewing individuals as mere tools for change to recognizing their humanity enriches the coaching approach.
Integrating scientific thinking with emotional intelligence creates a holistic coaching practice that addresses both cognitive and emotional aspects of learning.
Fostering self-awareness throughout an organization can lead to a more collaborative environment and enhance overall performance.
Trust and healthy conflict are vital components of effective teamwork, and self-awareness is the key to cultivating these elements.
Continuous personal and professional growth is crucial for coaches, emphasizing the need for ongoing development in self-awareness and coaching skills.
Memorable Quotes From Kelly Mallery.
"Trust and healthy conflict are vital components of effective teamwork, and self-awareness plays a key role in cultivating these elements."
00:14:04 - Example of Empowering Stories in Daily Life
00:20:47 - Crafting Intentional Messages
00:22:13 - The Importance of Values in Lean Thinking
00:34:00 - Common Issues Clients Face
00:35:12 - The Overflow Effect on Relationships
KEY TAKEAWAYS:
The practice of feeling good involves learning how to feel good on demand, which includes feeling safe, secure, connected, enthusiastic, and optimistic.
Shifting our thinking is essential for producing new and outstanding outcomes in our health, wealth, and relationships.
Creating empowering stories about our circumstances can lead to a more positive and fulfilling life.
Practicing gratitude and focusing on the positive can help us feel good and improve our well-being.
Upgrading our thinking and challenging our limiting beliefs can lead to breakthroughs and transformation in various areas of our lives.
Taking the time to define our standards and aligning our actions with them can lead to greater success and fulfillment.
Memorable Quotes From Fletcher Ellingson.
"Get around the people who already have the results that you want.
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