GA 537 | Standing Up a Lean and Six Sigma Program with Gary Cihak

GA 537 | Standing Up a Lean and Six Sigma Program with Gary Cihak

Author: Ron Pereira: Lean Thinker & Co-Founder of Gemba Academy July 18, 2024 Duration: 21:12

This week’s guest is Gary Cihak. Ron and Gary discussed what it takes to build a Lean and Six Sigma program, the Job Instruction component of TWI, why 5S isn’t just a series of chores, and more. An MP3 audio version of this episode is available for download here.

In this episode you’ll learn: 

  • The quote Gary likes (2:20)
  • His background and what he’s up to these days (3:04)
  • The early phases and building blocks (5:27)
  • His experience with the Job Instruction component of TWI (6:06)
  • Viewing 5S as more than just a chore (8:18)
  • What Gary is most proud of (13:16)
  • Practical tips for someone new to continuous improvement (15:29)
  • When Gary first “saw the light” (17:11)
  • Advice for when continuous improvement feels like a grind (18:16)

Podcast Resources

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Hosted by Ron Pereira, a lean thinker and co-founder of Gemba Academy, the Gemba Academy Podcast is a deep and practical resource for anyone looking to build a better organization. The conversations here move beyond theory, focusing on the real-world application of methodologies like Lean Six Sigma and Toyota Kata. You’ll hear from practitioners and leaders who share stories from the front lines, detailing how they tackle complex problems, foster genuine productivity, and develop effective teams. Each episode feels like a candid workshop, breaking down concepts into actionable steps you can apply immediately. This isn't about abstract ideals; it's about the tangible work of improvement, from the shop floor to the executive suite. Tune in for a learning experience that challenges conventional wisdom and provides the tools for meaningful change. The Gemba Academy Podcast turns the philosophy of continuous improvement into a clear and accessible path forward for business professionals and educators alike.
Author: Language: en-us Episodes: 100

Gemba Academy Podcast: Lean Six Sigma | Toyota Kata | Productivity | Leadership
Podcast Episodes
GA 539 | Productivity Reimagined with Jacob Stoller [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

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GA 534 | Leadership and The Virtue of Magnanimity with Ricky Shoop [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

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This week’s guest is Ricky Shoop. Ron and Ricky discussed the concept of magnanimity, what it means to be a magnanimous leader, examples of magnanimous historical figures, and more. An MP3 audio version of this episode i…
GA 533 | Mastering Your Life with Malti Bhojwani [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

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This week’s guest is Malti Bhojwani. Ron and Malti discussed personal and professional transformations, different types of motivation, the importance of having a good work/life balance, and more. An MP3 audio version of…
GA 532 | Martial Arts and Continuous Improvement with Chad Senkowski [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

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This week’s guest is Chad Senkowski. Ron and Chad discussed martial arts, Chad’s podcast The Journey, coaching, and more. An MP3 audio version of this episode is available for download here. In this episode you’ll learn:…
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GA 530 |  Keeping People Engaged with Ahmed Radwan [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

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This week’s guest is Ahmed Radwan. Ron and Ahmed discussed engagement, what it means to build a “lighthouse,” sustaining kaizen efforts, and more. An MP3 audio version of this episode is available for download here. In t…

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