GA 589 | Implementing Lean at Small to Mid-Sized Manufacturers with Justin Goethe

GA 589 | Implementing Lean at Small to Mid-Sized Manufacturers with Justin Goethe

Author: Ron Pereira: Lean Thinker & Co-Founder of Gemba Academy July 17, 2025 Duration: 31:25

This week’s guest is Justin Goethe. Ron and Justin discussed why people struggle to get on board with lean, the role traditional consulting can play, why “A Plan for Every Part” is important, and more. An MP3 audio version of this episode is available for download here.

In this episode you’ll learn: 

  • The quote Justin likes (2:57)
  • Why we’re hesitant to take action (4:02)
  • Justin’s background (5:16)
  • Who Justin would train first (12:13)
  • Getting the finance community on board (14:10)
  • Why people struggle with lean (17:03)
  • The role a consultant can play (18:11)
  • Justin’s advice for where to start (23:42)
  • Why “A Plan for Every Part” is important (25:38)

Podcast Resources

Get All the Latest News from Gemba Academy

Our newsletter is a great way to receive updates on new courses, blog posts, and more. Sign up here.

What Do You Think?

How do you get people on board with lean?


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 599 | Coaching Different Personalities with Melissa Sherman [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 31:15
This week’s guest is Melissa Sherman. Ron and Melissa discussed misconceptions about continuous improvement, navigating different personalities, the role coaching plays in change management, and more. An MP3 audio versio…
GA 598 | Making Lean Work with Darren Walsh [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 31:04
This week’s guest is Darren Walsh. Ron and Darren discussed some of the pitfalls he’s seen in continuous improvement, the corresponding countermeasures, his book, and more. An MP3 audio version of this episode is availab…
GA 597 | Practicing Empathy and Empathetic Listening with Robin Hills [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 25:38
This week’s guest is Robin Hills. Robin and Ron discussed emotional intelligence, unconscious bias, the importance of empathy and active listening, and more. An MP3 audio version of this episode is available for download…
GA 596 | Taking Stock of Your Leadership with Grace Gavin [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 30:48
This week’s guest is Grace Gavin. Ron and Grace discussed honesty in the workplace, how company hierarchies play a role, the importance of accountability, taking stock of your leadership, and more. An MP3 audio version o…
GA 595 | Dynamic Work Design with Don Kieffer [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 37:46
This week’s guest is Don Kieffer. Ron and Don discussed the concept of dynamic work design, their individual takes on AI, Don’s book, and more. An MP3 audio version of this episode is available for download here. In this…
GA 594 | Common Failures in Modern Leadership with William C. Davis [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 32:18
This week’s guest is William C. Davis. Ron and William discussed some defining moments in William’s impressive career, what leaders are doing wrong nowadays, dealing with tricky and uncomfortable situations, and more. An…
GA 592 | The Aha! Moment with Dexter Chan [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 29:42
This week’s guest is Dexter Chan. Ron and Dexter discussed handling resistance, other challenges he’s faced, and why the “Aha!” moment makes all the effort worth it. An MP3 audio version of this episode is available for…
GA 591 | The Power of Slow, Incremental Growth with Brian Schreuder [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 29:40
This week’s guest is Brian Schreuder. Ron and Brian discussed Brian’s company’s lean journey, some of the challenges they’ve faced, what their material management looks like, and more. An MP3 audio version of this episod…
GA 590 | The Smart Factory with Nikhil Pal [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 26:33
This week’s guest is Nikhil Pal. Ron and Nikhil discussed the concept of the Smart Factory, the analytics involved, the effect technology has had on humanity, and more. An MP3 audio version of this episode is available f…