GA 565 | Continuous Improvement in Higher Education with Dr. Brad Miller

GA 565 | Continuous Improvement in Higher Education with Dr. Brad Miller

Author: Ron Pereira: Lean Thinker & Co-Founder of Gemba Academy January 30, 2025 Duration: 44:59

This week’s guest is Dr. Brad Miller. Ron and Dr. Miller discussed what it’s like to teach Lean and Six Sigma at a university, the business lessons that can be learned from academia, his grocery store simulation, and more. An MP3 audio version of this episode is available for download here.

In this episode you’ll learn: 

  • The quote that inspires Dr. Miller (3:01)
  • His background (4:29)
  • How he started working at a university (6:51)
  • What students are like these days (9:07)
  • How he structures his classes (13:53)
  • About his grocery store checkout simulation (18:37)
  • How mixing different personalities works (21:39)
  • Balancing “getting it right” with experimenting (32:38)

Podcast Resources

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What else can we learn from the way continuous improvement is taught at the university level?


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 579 | The Big Thinking of a Small Knight with Brian DeVries [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 26:43
This week’s guest is Brian DeVries. Ron and Brian discussed Brian’s new book “The Big Thinking of a Small Knight,” the roles storytelling and leadership play in continuous improvement, and more. An MP3 audio version of t…
GA 578 | Navigating Panic Attacks and Burnout with Eric Recker [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 35:02
This week’s guest is Eric Recker. Ron and Eric discussed Eric’s mental health struggles, how he handled having panic attacks, “winning the now,” and more. An MP3 audio version of this episode is available for download he…
GA 577 | The Potential for Personal Transformation with Patrick Adams [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 39:12
This week’s guest is Patrick Adams. Ron and Patrick had an extremely profound conversation about Patrick’s childhood, the personal transformation he’s gone through, and how he now helps others do the same. An MP3 audio v…
GA 576 | Authentic Leadership with Tony Hayes [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 33:14
This week’s guest is Tony Hayes. Ron and Tony discussed the meaning behind authentic leadership, the importance of humility and vulnerability, dealing with poor leadership, and more. MP3 audio version of this episode is…
GA 574 | Dealing with Resistance from Management with Tanner McClure [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 30:12
This week’s guest is Tanner McClure. Ron and Tanner discussed Tanner’s introduction to lean, dealing with resistance from management and supervisors, the “paper doll” tool, and more. An MP3 audio version of this episode…
GA 572 | Dealing with Burnout with Steven Langer [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 29:48
This week’s guest is Steven Langer. Ron and Steven discussed what it means to optimize workplace culture, what a strong organizational culture looks like, dealing with burnout, and more. An MP3 audio version of this epis…
GA 571 | What Employee Engagement Isn’t with Craig Coyle [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 38:47
This week’s guest is Craig Coyle. Ron and Craig discussed Craig’s experience as an Apache pilot, what employee engagement is and isn’t, why new leaders quit, and more. An MP3 audio version of this episode is available fo…
GA 570 | How Kanban Exposes Problems with Uriel Eisen [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 28:39
This week’s guest is Uriel Eisen. Ron and Uriel discussed the importance of kanban, why increasing your inventory isn’t always a bad thing, Uriel’s background and projects, and more. An MP3 audio version of this episode…