Explore every episode of the podcast Lean Focus Podcast

How do you create a sense of urgency when there’s no crisis?

In this episode of the Lean Focus Podcast, Damon Baker sits down with Bret Snyder, CEO of W. L. Gore & Associates, to explore what it takes to lead transformation inside one of the world’s most admired companies — when everything looks fine from the outside.

For decades, Gore thrived on its legendary innovations like GORE-TEX® Fabric and built a culture admired around the world — nimble, accountable, and deeply customer-focused. But by 2020, growth was slowing, decision-making had become cumbersome, and Gore was over-reliant on one materials set while lagging behind U.S. GDP growth. There wasn’t a consistent downward trend — just a slow drift and a growing concern from leadership about future relevance.

Bret shares how he stepped into his first CEO role, embraced humility, and led Gore’s transformation by:

• Recognizing the dangers of success when it breeds complacency, 
• Reconnecting the organization to its roots of innovation, agility, and customer obsession, 
• Addressing over-dependence on a single material science capability and unlocking new growth engines, 
• Introducing the Gore Business System — lean principles tailored to Gore’s unique culture, 
• Building alignment without tearing down the company’s proud legacy

This is a story of stewardship, courage, and leadership at the highest level — driving change, restoring focus, and painting a bold picture of the future when there’s no obvious burning platform.

If you’re a CEO, senior leader, or business strategist, this episode is a must-listen.

Listen now and learn how Bret Snyder is redefining what transformation looks like when “good” just isn’t good enough.

Full Transcript: https://leanfocus.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/Lean-Focus-Pocast_Episode-02_Bret-Snyder.txt 

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In this premiere episode of the Lean Focus Podcast, host Damon Baker sits down with Fawaz Khalil, CEO of ModusLink, a Steel Partners company, to explore one of the most compelling turnaround stories in recent years.

When Fawaz took the helm, ModusLink was on life support—revenues were half of what they once were, the company hadn’t turned a profit in over a decade, and customer confidence was shattered. The team had seen “transformation” efforts come and go—with little to show for it.

Fawaz changed that.

In this conversation, Fawaz shares exactly how he:

• Stopped the bleeding and rebuilt customer trust,
• Used strategy deployment and lean principles to drive cultural change,
• Shifted a skeptical, fatigued organization toward ownership and accountability,
• Navigated the challenges of executing a global transformation during a pandemic,
• Delivered consistent profitability and shareholder dividends after years of losses.

This is a rare, behind-the-scenes look at what it takes to rescue a business from the brink—and the leadership it demands.

If you’re a CEO, executive, or business leader serious about real transformation—not just buzzwords—this is an episode you don’t want to miss.

See the full transcript here: https://leanfocus.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/Lean-Focus-Pocast_Episode-01_Fawaz-Khalil.txt