GA 557 | Meeting Customer Demand with Gary Cihak

GA 557 | Meeting Customer Demand with Gary Cihak

Author: Ron Pereira: Lean Thinker & Co-Founder of Gemba Academy December 5, 2024 Duration: 23:13

This week’s guest is Gary Cihak. Ron and Gary discussed Gary’s Six Sigma Green Belt project, what he learned from it, how he dealt with the resistance that followed, and more. An MP3 audio version of this episode is available for download here.

In this episode you’ll learn: 

  • The quote that inspires Gary (3:21)
  • About Gary and his background (3:52)
  • How he was introduced to continuous improvement (4:29)
  • The problem Gary was trying to solve with his Six Sigma Green Belt project (5:07)
  • A project Ron worked on (8:23)
  • What Gary did and learned from his project (9:03)
  • The resistance he was met with (10:37)
  • Tactics he used with frontline workers (11:45)
  • Getting leadership buy-in (12:38)
  • Navigating the transition from batch production to one-piece flow (13:23)
  • What he learned about people (19:12)
  • Advice to those at the beginning of their lean journeys (20:05)

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 588 | When Lean Doesn’t Stick with Holly Plaga [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 23:10
This week’s guest is Holly Plaga. Ron and Holly discussed why lean doesn’t always take root, the mindset necessary for success, creating a sustainable lean culture, Holly’s “favorite mistake,” and more. An MP3 audio vers…
GA 587 | The Differences Between Six Sigma Belts with John Knotts [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 31:26
This week’s guest is John Knotts. Ron and John, a Senior Coach at Gemba Academy, discussed cultural alignment in continuous improvement, the key differences between the various Six Sigma belts, how continuous improvement…
GA 586 | Being Kaizen Ninjas with Kirsten Gallagher and Adam Lawrence [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 30:10
This week’s guests are Kirsten Gallagher and Adam Lawrence. Ron, Kirsten, and Adam discussed Kirsten and Adam’s individual backgrounds, what it means to be a “kaizen ninja,” how to handle reluctant participants, and more…
GA 585 | OKRs and Accountability with Philipp Schett [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 32:24
This week’s guest is Philipp Schett. Ron and Philipp discussed OKRs, accountability, making structural changes, balancing transparency and autonomy, and more. An MP3 audio version of this episode is available for downloa…
GA 584 | Radical Love Leadership with Mike Schoenberger [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 31:21
This week’s guest is Mike Schoenberger. Ron and Mike discussed the concept of “Radical Love Leadership,” improving the human connection at work, his company Sunco’s values, and more. An MP3 audio version of this episode…
GA 583 | Misconceptions About Lean with Alen Ganic [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 31:57
This week’s guest is Alen Ganic. Ron and Alen discussed how Alen simplifies complicated topics, the powers of lean beyond manufacturing, dealing with “CAVE” people, and more. An MP3 audio version of this episode is avail…
GA 582 | Living Conditionally vs. Unconditionally with Andy Crocker [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 31:17
This week’s guest is Andy Crocker. Ron and Andy discussed Andy’s book, “The Unconditionals,” what it was like working on a project for NASA, the importance of stability, and more. An MP3 audio version of this episode is…
GA 581 | Managing by Influence with James Turk [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 29:28
This week’s guest is James Turk. Ron and James discussed James’ book “The Giving Game,” choosing between leadership styles, dealing with personality conflicts, and more. An MP3 audio version of this episode is available…