The Edges of Lean – Details, episodes & analysis

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”

CONNECT WITH Corinna Freitag

Website: https://www.corinnafreitag.de/ 

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/drcorinnafreitag/   

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

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."

CONNECT WITH David Buck

Website: https://infinitylifestyledesign.com/tma/ 

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/infinitylifestyle/  

When I was first working, one of the early lessons imparted to me was that whatever happened at home was not pertinent to my work life.  That has been a difficult lesson for me to unlearn.  It was one of many limiting beliefs that I wasn’t even aware I was carrying into my lean and continuous improvement work. Jeeva Sam joined me at the Edges of Lean to share his insights into some of the limiting beliefs that hold us back and what we can do about them. 

Jeeva Sam

Jeeva Sam is a seasoned pastor turned advisor and mentor specializing in helping individuals and couples navigate through challenges in their personal and professional lives. With over 35 years of experience as a pastor and has led numerous individuals to achieve personal and professional growth, Jeeva uses his spiritual background to guide clients toward self-awareness and relationship harmonization. Based in Canada, Jiva has a unique approach to counseling and mentorship that focuses on addressing limiting beliefs, fostering healthy mindsets, and enhancing communication skills.

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KEY TOPICS IN THIS PODCAST:

00:00:01 Getting to the Root Causes of Limiting Beliefs

00:05:57 Addressing Relational Stress to Improve Workplace Productivity

00:10:59 The Importance of Inner Work for Personal and Professional Success

00:16:29 Exploring Childhood Influences on Adult Behavior and Relationships

00:25:24 Reprogramming Beliefs Through Positive Affirmations and Supportive Company

00:28:49 The Importance of Coaches, Mentors, and Accountability Groups

00:30:08 Couples Masterminds and Gender-Specific Mentorship in Business

00:33:51 The Importance of Mentorship and Coaching for Young Entrepreneurs

KEY TAKEAWAYS 

• Identifying and addressing limiting beliefs is crucial for personal and professional development.
• Relational stress can significantly impact productivity and effectiveness in the workplace.
• Acknowledging the influence of childhood experiences on behavior is essential for self-awareness.
• Cultivating positive beliefs and affirmations can lead to a mindset shift and improved outcomes.
• Seeking mentorship and coaching early on can provide valuable insights and support for growth.

Memorable Quotes From Jeeva Sam

“Replace unhealthy beliefs with positive affirmations to reprogram your mindset for success."

"Surround yourself with individuals who uplift and challenge you to grow beyond your limitations."

CONNECT WITH Jeeva Sam    

Website: https://thesams.ca/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jeevasam/ 

Titter/X: https://x.com/jeevasam 

Lean practitioners often discuss the importance of delivering value to customers and understanding their needs. However, Danny Nathan takes this to a new level with his unique approach to lean customer development. His business is a testament to this. Intrigued by his methods, I invited him to join me on a journey to the Edges of Lean, where he shared his insights and practices. 

Danny Nathan:

Danny is a versatile entrepreneur who has made a name for himself by helping companies create and launch new products and ventures. With a background in various fields like product design, marketing, and strategy, Danny is known for his ability to solve complex business challenges. As the founder of Apollo 21, a company that combines business consultancy, product design, and venture studio, Danny helps companies foster innovation, drive growth, and overcome obstacles to scaling by developing cutting-edge technology.

KEY TOPICS IN THIS PODCAST:

00:02:59 - Transition from Acting to Technology

00:04:14 - Types of Products Developed by Apollo 21

00:10:42 - Challenges with Misunderstanding MVP

00:12:02 - Lean Customer Development Explained

00:13:14 - Importance of Validating Customer Needs

00:18:13 - Learning from Customer Development

00:20:04 - Identifying Ideal Customer Groups

00:21:34 - Process of Customer Interviews

00:26:24 - Creating Conviction Through Learning

00:27:00 - Differentiating Apollo 21's Approach

00:29:13 - Ensuring Against Post-Launch Failure

00:30:37 - Customer Observation Techniques

00:39:06 - Handling Multiple Stakeholders

00:40:17 - Heuristic vs. Data-Driven Processes

KEY TAKEAWAYS: 

• Lean customer development is about discovering the purest pain point and validating the need, potential solution, and willingness of customers to pay for it before building anything.
• The focus should be on delivering value to the customer and understanding their needs. 
• Lean customer development helps streamline the process of bridging the gap between discovery and minimum viable product (MVP).
• The concept of an MVP has evolved and can be interpreted differently by different organizations.
• The goal of an MVP is to learn as quickly as possible, mitigate risk, and minimize cost and time expenditure.
• Innovation is great, but it is crucial to innovate something that is valuable to the customer and that they are willing to buy.
• Lean Startup provides a clear-cut series of actions to move towards creating something new, but it is vital to adapt and customize the methodology to fit specific needs.
• Lean customer development involves talking to customers, asking the right questions, and gaining a clear understanding of their pain points and needs. 
• The process starts with defining the problem space and then talking to a wide range of people to discover pain points and potential solutions. 
•  

Memorable Quotes From Danny Nathan::

“Fall in love with the problem and not the solution.”

CONNECT WITH Danny Nathan::

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/amongmany/ 

Website: https://apollo21.io  

Have you earned an advanced degree? What was the dissertation process like for you?  Have you thought about going back to school for a PhD?  Are you wondering how to succeed and come out of the process with new knowledge, ready for your next challenge, and with your continuous improvement skills and self-confidence honed? Dr. Jen Harrison works with students as a dissertation coach, and she joined me at the Edges of Lean to share the pitfalls and the keys to success with researching and writing your dissertation, all while becoming more collaborative. 

Jen Harrison

Dr. Jen Harrison is a highly experienced dissertation coach with a Ph.D. in Children’s and Victorian Literature from Aberystwyth University in Wales, UK. Over the past decade, she has successfully coached and supervised first-generation, ESL, and non-traditional students in the UK and USA, helping many achieve first-class degrees. Dr. Harrison's expertise extends to providing support in writing, research design, motivation, and research methods. As the CEO of Read.Write.Perfect., she utilizes her background in secondary school English teaching, private tutoring, and experience in nursery and primary schools to offer exceptional writing and research services.

KEY TOPICS IN THIS PODCAST:

00:02:02 - Transition to Dissertation Coaching

00:03:07 - Role of a Dissertation Coach

00:04:45 - Misalignment in Graduate Programs

00:06:21 - Field Non-Specific Coaching

00:08:29 - Pressure and Personal Stories

00:11:02 - Academic Year and Deadlines

00:15:31 - Realizing Misalignment with Goals

00:18:14 - Coachability of Students

00:20:14 - Applying Classroom Teaching Skills

00:25:13 - Differences Between US and UK Academia

00:32:21 - Advocating for Proper Supervision

KEY TAKEAWAYS 

• Set boundaries with your program and supervisor early on and stick to them.
• Build a strong support network of friends, family, and resources to help you through the process.
• Understand your why - know your purpose and goals for pursuing a graduate degree.
• Seek feedback and ensure you receive constructive feedback that helps you improve.
• Take time for self-care and prioritize your mental health throughout the process.
• Be proactive in advocating for what you need from your supervisor and program.
• Prepare for the transition after completing your dissertation by identifying your next steps and finding something to be excited about.
• Reflect on the structure and expectations of your program and adjust accordingly to meet your needs.
• Remember that resilience and perseverance are keys to navigating the challenges of a graduate degree.

Memorable Quotes From Jen Harrison

“Have a network, establish your network early on, and that doesn't just mean the people in your institution.”

CONNECT WITH Jen Harrison      

Website: https://readwriteperfect.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jennifer-harrison-769a89172/

Titter/X: https://twitter.com/perfect_write

Free Call for Podcast Listeners: https://calendly.com/readwriteperfect/back-on-track-coaching-consultation-podcasts

Here at the edges of Lean, I love to talk with people who have taken Lean thinking into spaces far from the shop floor.  Tirrell Payton is a lean thinker bringing lean to pharmaceutical marketing – a highly regulated, people-focused business area and one of the places where people are very likely to say, “You can’t do lean here!”.  He joined me at the Edges of Lean to discuss why and how he does it. 

 Tirrell Payton

Tirrell Payton is a dynamic and compelling individual who brings energy and storytelling to any platform. As the leader of Nooma Group Consulting, Tirrell combines southern charm with strategic expertise honed at Kellogg. With a deep understanding of the realities and constraints of business and drug development, Tirrell and his team drive impactful transformation through innovation in large organizations. Tirrell specializes in bringing a fresh perspective to complex topics such as agility and transformation, organizational development, leadership and change management, management consulting, pharma (clinical operations, marketing), and entrepreneurship.

KEY TOPICS IN THIS PODCAST:

00:00:32 Bringing lean thinking to pharmaceutical marketing

00:03:49 Challenges of applying agile in regulated industries

00:08:04 Insights into the tendencies of the pharma industry

00:10:13 The challenges of not considering humans in decision-making

00:11:53 Shifting from software to the pharma industry

00:15:01 The importance of understanding regulations

00:23:12 Challenges in pharmaceutical marketing

00:28:09 Bringing people together post-pandemic

00:33:06 Lack of focus on outcomes versus activities

00:37:34 Applying scientific thinking across the company

00:43:28 Attributes of successful leaders

KEY TAKEAWAYS 

• The pandemic has disrupted collaboration and created social isolation, making it harder for teams to prioritize and work effectively. 
• Building a sense of community and belonging within the organization is crucial for productivity and performance. 
• Many marketers focus on activities and outputs rather than driving outcomes and impacts. 
• Defining and measuring key performance indicators (KPIs) for outcomes can be a struggle in marketing. 
• Leaders in the pharma industry need to model the behavior they want to see, demonstrate empathy, and invite people to the journey. 
• Software alone is insufficient to solve organizational problems. Cultural systems and disciplined processes are necessary. 
• Young professionals should prioritize developing strong writing skills and empathy, as these qualities can set them apart and enhance their thinking and communication abilities. 

Memorable Quotes From Tirrell Payton 

"Learn to write. Learning to write forces you to clarify your thinking, and it makes you a better thinker.”

CONNECT WITH  Tirrell Payton

Website: https://www.noomagroup.com/leadership/ 

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tirrellpayton/  

We have been looking at different aspects of communication here at the Edges of Lean, and one aspect I wanted to explore more was the neuroscience of communication. Creative entrepreneur, writer, and coach Aurora Winter joins me to bring insight on that topic and highlight the power of stories. 

Aurora Winter  

Aurora Winter is a successful entrepreneur, bestselling author, TV writer-producer, and founder of SamePagePublishing.com. With expertise in film and neuroscience, Aurora helps people craft impactful stories that boost brands, books, and businesses. Winner of the Outstanding Nonfiction Book of the Year Award, her book "Turn Words Into Wealth" reveals seven ways to generate seven figures. She emphasizes the power of words to elevate income, impact, and influence. Passionate about meaningful discussions and valuable content creation, Aurora covers various topics, including the neuroscience of communication, marketing, pivoting, creating multiple income streams, turning books into movies, writing fiction and nonfiction, publishing, and more. 

KEY TOPICS IN THIS PODCAST:

00:00:14 - Exploring the Neuroscience of Communication

00:00:58 - Aurora Winter's Background and Journey

00:08:34 - Addressing the Midbrain in Communication

00:14:34 - The Power of Stories in Communication

00:20:40 - Impact of Stories on Belonging and Meaning

00:27:13 - Stories as Tools for Change and Inspiration

00:36:51 - Where to Find Aurora Winter Online

00:41:54 - Advice for Young People Starting Out

KEY TAKEAWAYS:

• Communication is a powerful tool that can significantly impact productivity and profitability.
• The midbrain, which is responsible for social connection and belonging, should also be addressed by highlighting the value of the message to others. 
• Stories are a powerful tool in communication as they convey values and provide meaning to the audience. 
• Opening a presentation with a question or half of a story can create interest and engagement from the audience. 
• Fiction, particularly science fiction, can shape and change the world by introducing new ideas and perspectives. 
• When starting any endeavor, it is vital to follow your interests and passions, explore different opportunities, and always look for beauty in every situation.

Memorable Quotes From Aurora Winter 

"Stories teach values, and science provides information."

CONNECT WITH Aurora Winter    

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/aurorawinter/  

Website: https://www.aurorawinter.com/ Gifts: 1. www.turnwordsintowealth.com 2. www.magicmysteryandthemultiverse.com 

I believe lean thinking is the best way to manage a business and develop people. Even though I have much experience and many great examples to share, it does not mean I am always successful in persuading people. Carlos Alvarenga is a communications researcher who has delved into what it takes to be persuasive. He joined me at the Edges of Lean to talk about his new book: “The Rules of Persuasion,” and to explain why persuasion is a skill we can all learn. 

Carlos Alvarenga

Carlos A. Alvarenga is an independent communications researcher, writer, and coach. With a background in management consulting and academia, he has worked as an adjunct professor at the Robert H. Smith School of Business and as the Executive Director of World 50 Labs. Carlos is pursuing a Ph.D. in Communications and Rhetoric at the University of Maryland. Carlos resides in Bethesda, MD, with his wife, a physician/researcher, and they have two sons. His diverse experiences and educational background contribute to his expertise in effective communication strategies.

KEY TOPICS IN THIS PODCAST:

00:01:10 - Carlos's Background and Current Work

00:07:41 - The Elements of Character in Persuasion

00:11:34 - The Elements of Argument in Persuasion

00:12:19 - The Importance of Sequence in Presentations

00:14:27 - The Role of Emotion in Group Dynamics

00:22:50 - The Seven Kinds of Emotion in Persuasion

00:25:34 - The Importance of Emotion in Persuasion

00:33:36 - The Importance of Safety in Lean Transformation

00:37:14 - The Different Audiences in Persuasion

00:39:37 - The Dangers of Persuasion in the Wrong Hands

00:43:45 - Applying Persuasion in One-on-One Interactions

00:47:07 - Advice for Young Professionals

KEY TAKEAWAYS 

• Persuasion is a skill that can be learned and developed by anyone. 
• Persuasion is different from influence and manipulation. 
• The three modes of persuasion are character, argument, and emotion. 
• Character includes elements like status, origin, language, style, categories, and associations.
• Arguments include elements like logic, evidence, witnesses, authorities, laws, and standards.
• Understanding the chemistry of persuasion can help in crafting effective messages. 
• The order and sequence of elements in persuasion are crucial for success.

Memorable Quotes From Carlos Alvarenga

"If your ideas walk out the door with you at night, if your projects would die if you quit tomorrow, you haven't persuaded anyone.”

CONNECT WITH Carlos Alvarenga      

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/carlos-alvarenga/  

Website: https://www.carlosalvarenga.com/ 

How much time are you spending every day on communication? How effective and efficient is your communication? We live in a swirl of communication – email, instant messages, text messages, and social media posts. And sometimes we even talk to each other! Geoff Weinstein says communication is a real “Edges of the Lean” frontier – one of the places where we can all leverage lean thinking to reduce waste and improve our lives. He joined me at The Edges of Lean to discuss lean communication – and by the way, he has gifts for you that you can download at http://geoffweinstein.com/gifts 

Geoff Weinstein:

Geoff Weinstein is a seasoned professional with over 20 years of experience in serving the financial industry. He specializes in regulated industries where individuals struggle to articulate their ideas. Geoff's expertise lies in helping busy leaders align company culture with AI and digital transformation strategies. He works directly with clients to streamline broken communication processes, emphasizing the importance of clear, concise, and influential communication. Geoff's mission is to make lean communication the standard in workplace communication, enabling organizations to thrive in the fast-paced world of digital transformation.

KEY TOPICS IN THIS PODCAST:

00:01:00 - Geoff Weinstein's Background and Public Speaking

00:07:04 - The Mid-Office Communication Role

00:12:37 - Defining Lean Communication

00:15:21 - Communication as a Two-Way Process

00:18:14 - The Importance of Audience-Focused Communication

00:20:34 - Typical Communication Issues in Organizations

00:25:03 - The Evolution of Email Communication

00:27:20 - The Fear of Missing Out in Communication

00:30:23 - Crafting Effective Group Emails

00:35:15 - Example of a Power Paragraph

00:38:27 - Empathy in Communication

00:47:18 - Advice for Young Professionals

KEY TAKEAWAYS: 

• Lean communication involves stripping out stumbling blocks that prevent the recipient from understanding the message. 
• Lean communication focuses on getting the message across quickly and concisely. 
• Email is a common area where waste occurs in communication, such as unnecessary CCs and reply calls. 
• Lean communication requires thinking about the value of the message and who truly needs to receive it. 
• The length of an email should be kept concise, with a power paragraph summarizing the context, problem, and solution. 
• Empathy and understanding the audience's pain points are crucial in lean communication. 
• Lean leaders should also focus on effective communication and provide value to their teams. 
• Face-to-face communication and presentation skills are important areas to develop for lean professionals.

CONNECT WITH Geoff Weinstein:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/geoffweinstein 

Website: https://www.geoffweinstein.com/ 

As lean leaders, we understand that trust is a key component of an effective and efficient culture. George Dom spent years in high-performance environments where trust was not just a nice to have, but it was necessary to assure that the entire team succeeded – and survived! He has joined me at the Edges of Lean to share his insights into developing trust in every environment by being a high-trust leader.

George Dom

George Dom, founder of the High-Trust Leadership Network, is a former naval officer and aviator with extensive leadership experience. He has served in key positions in high-performance organizations, including commanding aircraft carrier fighter squadrons and leading air wings on the USS Dwight D. Eisenhower and USS John F. Kennedy. Dom has also been an instructor and pilot at the Navy Fighter Weapons School (Topgun) and commanded the Blue Angels flight demonstration squadron. Today, he is a respected business aviation manager, speaker, and leadership consultant to Fortune 500 corporations, private companies, and individuals. Dom believes that achieving high performance, both individually and collectively, requires High-Trust Leadership and Focused Engagement. This principle applies not only in sports, the military, and medical teams, but also in the business world. 

KEY TOPICS IN THIS PODCAST:

00:00:21 - George's Background and High-Trust Leadership

00:03:52 - The Importance of Trust in Organizations

00:08:15 - Building Trust Among Thousands of Crew Members

00:10:28 - The Five Questions of Trustworthiness

00:17:44 - The Second Pillar of Trust: Commitment

00:24:28 - The Fifth Pillar of Trust: Communication

00:26:55 - The Role of Debriefing in Continuous Improvement

00:32:23 - The Importance of Understanding Your Team

00:37:28 - The Debriefing Process and Vulnerability

00:39:50 - The Necessity of Clear Communication

00:43:16 - Adapting Connection in Remote Work Environments

00:44:51 - The Challenge of Remote Communication

00:47:56 - Ensuring Message Clarity and Reception

00:51:24 - The Impact of Trust Beyond Safety

00:52:16 - Advice for Young People Starting Out

KEY TAKEAWAYS 

• Trust is built on vulnerability, dependability, and mutual support in both aviation and business settings.
• Trust is a strategic imperative that requires continuous effort and attention.
• Trustworthiness is evaluated based on behavior, not just intentions.
• The five pillars of trust include character, commitment, competence, connection, and communication.
• Character involves walking the talk and living up to shared values.
• Commitment is about being present and leading through challenges.
• Competence is important but secondary to character and commitment.
• Connection is about understanding team members and building strong relationships.
• Communication is the key to ensuring understanding and clarity in interactions.

Memorable Quotes From George Dom

“Communication requires clarity, conciseness, and consistency.”

CONNECT WITH George Dom      

LinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/in/george-dom-b67b207  

Website: https://georgedom.com/