Chain of Learning® is the leadership podcast for leaders and change practitioners who believe that people, not tools, are the foundation of lasting results.
If you're working to transform your organization's culture, develop leaders at every level, and build teams that are capable, confident, and empowered to solve problems and innovate, this podcast is for you.
Hosted by Katie Anderson, award-winning author of "Learning to Lead, Leading to Learn" and globally recognized expert in people-centered leadership, Chain of Learning explores how leaders break free from the Doer Trap™, and create the conditions in their organization for success and build a vibrant culture where impact is exponential.
Each biweekly episode offers practical insights, reflective questions, and real-world examples to help you:
- Develop leaders at scale, not just one at a time
- Build high-performing cultures of continuous learning, grounded in psychological safety, trust, and empowerment, that thrive and grow
- Lead culture transformation and change leadership with intention
- Strengthen coaching culture, problem-solving, and leadership development across your organization
- Move from managers who focus on outcomes to leaders who develop people, improve performance, and get results
Grounded in human-centered leadership and adult learning practices, and informed by principles of the Toyota Way, Lean thinking, and operational excellence, Chain of Learning features conversations with influential thinkers and leaders shaping the future of leadership at scale and organizational learning. Past guests include Carol Dweck, Michael Bungay Stanier, Rich Sheridan, Barry O'Reilly, Steve Spear, Jim Womack, Gene Kim, and Larry Culp.
Subscribe and follow Chain of Learning® to deepen your impact. Share this podcast with your colleagues, fellow change leaders, and friends so we can strengthen our Chain of Learning together.
Join the conversation: ChainOfLearning.com
Katie Anderson’s website: KBJAnderson.com
Connect with Katie: linkedin.com/in/kbjanderson
Read Katie's Shingo Publication Award-winning book: LearningToLeadLeadingToLearn.com
Download the KATALYST™ Change Leader Assessment: KBJAnderson.com/Katalyst
Popular Episode Topics Include: Leadership Development, Developing Leaders at Scale, The Doer Trap, Coaching Culture, Building a Culture of Learning, Culture Transformation, Change Leadership, Leading Change, Change Readiness, Change Adoption, Stakeholder Engagement, Organizational Change, Lean Leadership, Lean Thinking, Operational Excellence, Toyota Way, Toyota Leadership, People-Centered Leadership, Psychological Safety, Building Trust, Leadership Coaching, Break the Telling Habit, Leader as Coach, Continuous Improvement, Kaizen, Organizational Learning, Problem-Solving Culture, Developing People, High-Performing Teams, Learning Organization, Executive Leadership, Strategic Alignment, Leading Without Authority, Influence, Leading Through Influence, Leadership Identity, Gemba Leadership, A3 Thinking, PDCA, Growth Mindset, Leader Development, Japan Leadership Experience, Learning to Lead Leading to Learn, Leadership Podcast
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If you're passionate about continuous improvement, quality, or operational excellence, chances are Dr. W. Edwards Deming has shaped your journey—even if you haven't realized it yet.
But do you know how this influence came about and the profound impact Deming’s management theories have had on shaping quality and improvement approaches such as Lean, Agile, and DevOps?
I've invited John Willis, author of "Deming's Journey to Profound Knowledge," to today’s episode to explore Deming’s learning journey to become the father of the quality movement and how he influenced the development of the Toyota Production System and Japan’s rebirth following World War II.
We discuss Deming's pioneering management teachings and how you can apply his System of Profound Knowledge to solve problems in today's complex work environments.
We also explore the four lenses of the System of Profound Knowledge—appreciation for a system, understanding variation, theory of knowledge, and psychology—and how integrating these concepts can elevate your approach to leadership and improvement.
Tune in to discover how you can apply these management theories to solve the complex problems within your organization today.
YOU’LL LEARN:
The fundamental essence of leadership and how connecting people with purpose can drive organizational success.
The significance of Deming's System of Profound Knowledge and the integration of its four components.
How experiencing lean principles in action differs from theoretical knowledge and why it's critical for effective change leadership.
The role of psychological safety in fostering an environment where everyone's input is valued.
Insights on how Deming’s principles apply to contemporary challenges, such as generative AI, emphasizing the importance of operational definitions and probability in managing complex systems.
What does “winning” mean to you as a leader? And what is your leadership role in creating a winning strategy and organizational culture?
According to Billy Ray Taylor, CEO and President at LinkedXL and former Goodyear Tire executive, winning is not only about setting a clear strategy and aligning on the goals and metrics, but engaging your team members and defining the actions to get there.
Billy and I recorded this episode back in 2022, just as his book “The Winning Link: A Proven Process to Define, Align, and Execute Strategy at Every Level” was about to be released – and I wanted to bring the conversation here for you to learn from Billy’s wisdom and insights about the humanity of leadership and how to win.
In this conversation you’ll hear stories from Billy’s leadership at Goodyear, highlights from his book, the importance of DEI in building a winning culture, and Billy’s greatest challenge – and greatest learning – as a leader.
Remember, the winning link in your organization is your people, and it’s the connection of links of people together that creates and grows our Chain of Learning.
YOU’LL LEARN:
How to define and align your strategy and goals to ensure organizational success by focusing on clear standards and processes.
The importance of not just making metrics visible – but “making people visible” – by acknowledging their contributions is crucial for fostering a culture of psychological safety and engagement.
The significance of servant leadership in valuing individuals' thoughts and experiences, regardless of their position within the organization.
14 | Become an Astute Political Navigator: Influence Change in Organizations [with Betsy Jordyn]
What's your reaction when you hear the phrase “corporate politics”? Does it make you cringe and want to run away, or do you get curious about how to leverage them to influence outcomes?
In this episode, Betsy Jordyn joins me to discuss the essential skill of how to successfully navigate organizational politics. As a long-time organizational development consultant for companies like Disney, Wyndham, and AAA, Betsy’s expertise on the subject is enlightening.
Throughout our conversation, you’ll learn the difference between good politics and toxic environments and what’s at risk if leaders don’t prioritize a focus on astutely navigating those dynamics. Betsy also shares valuable details about some of the more complex organizational transformations she has led, and how she successfully maneuvered within those political landscapes.
If you’re looking to gain influence and effectively leverage corporate politics and relationships so that you can lead change and step into your full leadership potential, then you won’t want to miss this episode. YOU'LL LEARN:
Steps to help you master the critical skill of being an Astute Political Navigator — one of the eight core Change KATALYST™ competencies to further develop your expertise as an organizational change leader
A transformational framework to help executives and change leaders like you articulate your vision, integrate individual leadership voices, and align organizational goals
How to effectively leverage political dynamics, avoid the trap of becoming another pair of hands, and increase your influence
The power in politics — how to balance diverse perspectives within an organization and differentiate between good politics and a toxic environment
13 | 3 Ways to Break the Telling Habit®: How to Ask Effective Questions to Create Greater Impact
Have you ever had a team member look at you with frustration when you share your great ideas and suggestions with them?
Or, have you ever felt like—with all the things you need to solve and do—you don’t have time to ask questions? Like you’re stuck putting out fires rather than nurturing, growing, and developing the people you lead?
If this resonates, it’s likely you have a “telling habit.”
But, the good news is, you can break it—or rather—you can work at creating better habits. Because you can never actually break a habit. You just replace it with stronger ones.
In this episode, you’ll learn what the “telling habit” is and what you can do to not only recognize it but how you can make three simple shifts that will dramatically increase your effectiveness.
Throughout my life and career, I’ve struggled with a “telling habit”—though at times I didn’t even realize how strong it was or the negative impact it had.
Breaking the Telling Habit is THE most powerful shift you can make as a leader, coach, or human being. If you’re ready to transform into a leader who can navigate the continuums between asking and telling, advocating and inquiring, being an expert and coach, this is one episode you don’t want to miss.
YOU’LL LEARN:
What the telling habit is, how to identify it in yourself, and where it might be derailing you from your purpose and impact as a leader
12 | Beyond Appearances: Build a Culture of Real Continuous Improvement [with Patrick Adams]
What is the difference between authentic cultures of continuous improvement versus superficial displays?
In this episode, Patrick Adams shares his insights on the heart of organizational culture and transformational leadership and highlights the essential elements of a real culture of continuous improvement -- so that you can ensure that you and your organization get it right.
The truth is, there are no quick fixes, “silver bullets,” or prescribed roadmaps to achieve a high-performing organization.
Patrick shares how a long-term commitment and leadership behaviors are necessary to sustain cultures that foster growth, innovation, and people engagement.
If you want to know how to create a real culture of continuous improvement, one where leaders embody the humility to roll up their sleeves, demonstrate respect for their people and customers, and connect everyone to a long-term vision built on purpose, this episode is for you.
YOU’LL LEARN:
The key elements of an authentic continuous improvement culture, including respect for people, stable processes, leadership behaviors, and more.
How quick fixes and pre-packaged roadmaps do not achieve real continuous improvement.
The warning signs of a "continuous appearance" culture, including KPI instability, silos, and not understanding employee and customer value.
About Patrick's experience on my Japan Study Trip and why he believes it's a pivotal experience for any lean practitioner or executive seeking to build a real culture of kaizen and lasting continuous improvement in their organization.
11 | Fulfill Your Transformational Leadership Potential [with Karen Martin]
What’s your purpose as a continuous improvement or lean practitioner? And how can you fulfill your potential as a transformational change leader?
Tune in to my conversation with master operational excellence change leader Karen Martin to find out!
Becoming a transformational change leader means balancing your technical skills to deliver results while cultivating the influence, coaching, and facilitation skills to lead change and develop people to create a high-performing organizational culture.
Whether you are an operational excellence professional or a leader that has a passion for continuous improvement, this episode will inspire you to excel in both the formal role that you were hired to do and the greater potential of the role that you want to lead transformational change.
From learning how to more effectively navigate the complexities of business language to influence leaders, cultivating effective coaching and facilitation skills, and becoming aware of the limiting pitfalls that can hinder your impact – this episode is a must listen.
You’ll Learn:
The difference between the purpose of your role as a continuous improvement or lean practitioner and your potential to become a transformational change leader
How to effectively transfer knowledge and develop problem-solving capabilities, tailoring approaches between reflective and directive coaching
The importance of speaking the language of the business to influence decisions that align with your organization’s goals and growth needs
The risk of short-term improvement kaizen or rapid process improvement events without follow-up to sustain improvement or building the team's skill sets
10 | Unleash Your Leadership Superpower: From Technical Expert to Transformational Leader [with Shawn Carner]
What if you had a new superpower that would unlock your leadership potential?
One so simple yet will amplify your impact, open doors to the C-suite, and accelerate engagement across your organization so that you deliver more business results while realizing your vision for a people-focused learning culture?
This episode unveils your superhero cape so you can unleash your leadership superpowers today to lead organizational change.
Tune in to go beyond leadership theory to actual practice of how to pair your technical expertise with the power, influence, and relational skills to become a transformational change leader.
My guest, Shawn Carner, describes how he moved from an operational excellence practitioner to a senior transformation leader at a global biotechnology company – and gives you real examples of how you can too.
You’ll Learn:
The importance of a leader’s purpose in Leading to Learn®: set direction, provide support, and develop yourself
The power of daily intention setting, reflection, and journaling to unlock your leadership superpowers
How to Break the Telling Habit® and the impact of asking coaching questions
What Shawn learned with me on the Japan Study Trip and how he’s applied lean concepts at Genentech
The value of intentional leadership behaviors to positively influence organizational culture
9 | 8 Essential Skills to Become a Transformational Change KATALYST™
Do you want to move beyond being a tools or process improvement project “doer” or technical expert to a transformational change leader?
Have you wanted to step into greater influence and impact in your organization?
Or perhaps you're a leader seeking to create broader organizational change but don't quite know how?
Leading transformational change to create a high-performing culture or lead lean transformation requires you to pair your technical expertise with social and relational skills that will enable you to catalyze change and accelerate the rate of learning in your organization.
In this episode we’ll explore the importance of your role as a transformational change agent and how you can step into greater impact by growing your leadership skills with my framework – the KATALYST™ model.
“Katalyst” is a mix of the words “catalyst” and "kata" – it is someone who accelerates the rate of learning for organizational progress.
Hit play to discover how you can step into your impact as a transformational leader and bridge the gap between where you are today and becoming an influential change Katalyst ™ in your organization.
You'll Learn:
The 8 leadership competencies in the KATALYST™ model
8 | Wiring the Winning Organization [with Gene Kim and Steven Spear]
Have you ever wondered why some organizations consistently outperform others?
And why, even when using the same tools and methodologies, some companies are able to leverage them to achieve success whereas at others they just become the flavor of the month?
If you are curious about the answers, you won't want to miss this episode with Steve Spear and Gene Kim where we unpack what makes companies “great” and explore key concepts in their new book, “Wiring the Winning Organization: Liberating our Collective Greatness through Slowification, Simplification, and Amplification”.
Together, we peel back the layers of organizational innovation and problem-solving to focus on the critical – and often missing elements – for high performance.
Tune in to discover the role that management systems and leadership play in shaping an organization's success, and the mechanisms that enable innovation, problem-solving, and collaboration across large, complex organizations.
It makes no difference what you call it – lean, agile, DevOps – wiring your organization to win always comes back to the principles of good leadership.
If you are a leader, an operational excellence practitioner, or simply someone aspiring to create and thrive in a winning organization, this is an episode you can't afford to miss.
In this episode you’ll learn:
What defines a winning organization and separates great organizations from “not great” ones
How to navigate from the “danger zone” to the “winning zone”
The three layers of organizational problem-solving and continuous improvement
7 | Intentions vs. Goals: Start with Purpose for Greater Impact and Achievement
What if HOW you go about setting your goals can change the impact you have – even more than the goals themselves?
It’s that time of year for setting goals, to reflect on what you achieved – or didn’t achieve – in the past year and make resolutions and big goals for the coming year.
Yet most of us have it backwards when we go about setting goals. We start with our minds before we connect with our hearts.
In this episode of Chain of Learning, you’ll discover what’s missing for most people in our goal-setting culture. If you really want to create a meaningful impact and be more likely to achieve your goals, you need to start first with your intentions.
Tune into this episode to learn how to make a shift in your thinking – and your goal-setting process – that will leave you more connected with purpose, fulfilled, and equipped to achieve your goals. You’ll understand how to connect who you want to be so that you are set up for what you want to achieve.
In this episode you’ll learn:
The difference between goals and intentions
The importance of aligning actions in the direction of purpose
About the Japanese concept of "kokorozashi" -- a leader's purpose, inner will, and enthusiasm
How a focus only on achieving goals is problematic
Why reflection is the beginning of learning and improvement
A reflection exercise that will set you up for greater impact
Why you must align with your intentions before setting goals
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The difference between key performance actions (KPAs) and key performance indicators (KPIs) and how to leverage them to achieve significant performance improvements.
Actionable advice on creating common meaning through language and connecting with your team, based on real-life examples and practices.
Steps to ensure your enthusiasm to contribute ideas and desire to solve problems don’t impede your ultimate objectives to create capability in others and get results
How to find—and maintain—the ideal balance between providing solutions and facilitating others’ growth
The role of humble (and patient) inquiry, the power of holding space, and techniques to help you master these essential practices
Three simple shifts to Break the Telling Habit® and unlock the true capabilities of your team
How long-term success is built on creating value for customers, fostering a stable environment, and ensuring that improvement initiatives are aligned with the company's overarching vision and goals.
Tune in now for insights and strategies to empower you with knowledge of how to lead your company toward a real, lasting culture of continuous improvement.
ABOUT MY GUEST:
Patrick Adams the founder of Lean Solutions and is the best-selling author of "Avoiding the Continuous Appearance Trap". He's a sought-after leadership coach, consultant, and professional speaker. Patrick’s insights, drawn from extensive experience working with companies of diverse industries and sizes, are driven by a philosophy of constant learning and leadership commitment—essential for building organizational excellence.
Are you enjoying the Chain of Learning podcast? Be sure to subscribe or follow – and to share this podcast with your friends and colleagues so we can all strengthen our Chain of Learning® – together.
TIMESTAMPS:
[04:18] What an authentic culture of improvement looks like
[13:06] How people development, critical thinking skills, and leadership behaviors lead to company-specific results
[14:52] Why committing to a long-term vision, not quick fixes, is key to building a continuous improvement culture
[20:20] What makes a culture of continuous appearance
[25:21] Practical tips for internal CI and lean leaders to create positive change immediately
[31:18] Patrick’s highlights from Katie’s May 2023 Japan Study Trip / Japan Leadership Experience
The importance of having a coach or mentor to support your growth
Tune in now for actionable strategies and insights to equip you to step into your greater transformational leadership potential and position you to lead lasting impact in your organization.
About My Guest:
Karen Martin is the President and Founder of TKMG Academy and Founder of TKMG, Inc., and is an award-winning author of several books, including "Clarity First" and "The Outstanding Organization". Her clients include Fortune 500 companies and government agencies from local to federal levels. With a master’s degree in education, Karen is a mentor at heart and committed to fostering growth and nurturing potential in others to achieve lasting results and lead organizational change.
Are you enjoying the Chain of Learning podcast? Be sure to subscribe or follow – and to share this podcast with your friends and colleagues so we can all strengthen our Chain of Learning® – together.
Timestamps:
03:09 The purpose and potential of a transformational change leader 11:53 Practical advice for accelerated discoveries about how to get results and develop people 16:41 Learning to be an effective change leader through facilitating, overcoming fear, navigating organizational dynamics 27:16 Gaps in continuous improvement cultures and how to overcome them 35:56 Internal-capability challenges and opportunities for change leaders, managers, and executives 37:03 Karen’s example about valuing the people-development side of business
Dive into this episode now to discover the transformative superpowers that will amplify your impact and drive success in your organization!
Looking for more inspiration and actionable tips to step into your leadership impact? Be sure to subscribe and follow Chain of Learning so you never miss an episode.
About my Guest:
Shawn Carner, MBA, is the Director of Operational Excellence at Genentech, part of the Roche Group. An accomplished change agent with a proven ability to develop and implement business process transformations, lead people and deliver business results, Shawn has worked with Genentech since 2005. Shawn is also a talented visual communication expert, a certified ASQ Six Sigma Black Belt, and Master Scuba Instructor.
The difference between Catalyst versus “Katalyst”™
The definition of “kata” as routines that support problem-solving and coaching for improvement
How to move from technical expert to influential leader
How to get your senior team to buy into the vision for a people-centered learning organization and invest the time and effort to get there
If you want to increase your influence and realize your vision of a thriving people-centered learning organization, you won’t want to miss this episode. Tune in now!
Looking for more inspiration and actionable tips to step into your leadership impact? Be sure to subscribe and follow Chain of Learning so you never miss an episode.
Important Links:
Episode webpage with additional resources: ChainOfLearning.com/9
The critical role of leadership and management systems in creating conditions for success
The sociotechnical mechanisms of winning organizations: slowification, simplification, and amplification
Three questions leaders should ask daily to enable a profound organizational transformation
Leadership behavior shifts to be more effective in wiring your organization – and team – to win
Tune in discover how you can build a high-performing organization and wire your organization for greatness.
About my guests:
Steve Spear is a senior lecturer at the MIT Sloan School of Management and is a renowned thought leader in the field of organizational excellence and high-performance organizations.
Gene Kim is a Wall Street Journal bestselling author and former CTO of TripWire, specializing in improving software development and IT management for high-performing technology organizations.
Hit play now – and be sure to grab a pen and paper to capture your reflections – to make plans on how you will take aligned action that will propel you towards the impact that you want in the coming year!
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