GA 600 | Reflecting on Six Hundred Episodes with Ron Pereira

GA 600 | Reflecting on Six Hundred Episodes with Ron Pereira

Author: Ron Pereira: Lean Thinker & Co-Founder of Gemba Academy October 2, 2025 Duration: 26:26

This week we’re celebrating our 600th episode. Our Director of Studios Greg Nickell asked Ron about the company’s growth over the years, the challenges we’ve faced, what we hope the next generation will take away from our videos, and more. An MP3 audio version of this episode is available for download here.

In this episode you’ll learn: 

  • Ron’s favorite quote (1:07)
  • His background (1:32)
  • How Gemba Academy began (3:24)
  • The role of timing in Gemba Academy’s success (7:30)
  • Some of our early challenges (10:20)
  • What our library looks like now (12:45)
  • Our focus on helping people solve problems (14:36)
  • An anecdocte about a particularly powerful transformation (16:30)
  • Whether or not Ron practices continuous improvement at home (18:39)
  • The famous dishwasher video (20:11)
  • What Ron hopes the next generation will take from Gemba Academy (21:30)
  • What Ron would tell his younger self (22:47)
  • About the power of showing up (23:43)
  • Ron’s words of wisdom (24:55)

Podcast Resources

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What Do You Think?

Do you have a favorite episode or moment from the first 600 episodes of the podcast?


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 568 | Lean and Talent Development with Sarah Tilkens [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 21:26
This week’s guest is Sarah Tilkens. Ron and Sarah discussed The KPI Lab (which Sarah founded), why talent development is critical, what leaders can do to help, and more. An MP3 audio version of this episode is available…
GA 567 | Developing Human Skills with Thomas Gelmi [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 36:19
This week’s guest is Thomas Gelmi. Ron and Thomas discussed Thomas’s unique background, how he helps leaders develop their “human” skills, navigating different personalities at work, and more. An MP3 audio version of thi…
GA 566 | Managing With Your Eyes with Alen Ganic [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 31:43
This week’s guest is Alen Ganic. Ron and Alen discussed visual management, examples of visual management they have seen and created, dealing with any resistance you might meet, and more. An MP3 audio version of this epis…
GA 564 | ISO 9001 and Continuous Improvement with Ridha Dhrifi [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 29:37
This week’s guest is Ridha Dhrifi. Ron and Ridha discussed ISO 9001, how it aligns with lean manufacturing, balancing compliance with operational efficiency, and more. An MP3 audio version of this episode is available fo…
GA 563 | Habits Over Resolutions with Ron Pereira [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 23:15
This week’s guest is Ron Pereira. In this new years-themed episode, Ron explains why forming new habits is often more effective than keeping new resolutions, how to form those habits, and more. An MP3 audio version of th…
GA 562 | Lean in the Prison Industry with Brandon Bunn [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 35:54
This week’s guest is Brandon Bunn. Ron and Brandon discussed what it looks like to leverage lean and continuous improvement inside prison facilities, some of the obstacles that arise, and how other lean leaders can get i…
GA 561 | People and Process Integration with Beau Groover [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 29:57
This week’s guest is Beau Groover. Ron and Beau discussed people and process integration, lean leadership, Beau’s “GSD” system, and more. An MP3 audio version of this episode is available for download here. In this episo…
GA 560 | Flow Engineering with Steve Pereira [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 33:09
This week’s guest is Steve Pereira. Ron and Steve discussed flow engineering, Steve’s latest book, the relationship between value, clarity, and flow, and more. An MP3 audio version of this episode is available for downlo…
GA 559 | Organizational Problem Solving with Matt White [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 34:48
This week’s guest is Matt White. Ron and Matt discussed problem solving, Matt’s backgrounds in both manufacturing and healthcare, the importance of using the “language” of a company, and more. An MP3 audio version of thi…