GA 607 | Improving Your Internal Operating System with Michelle Troseth and Tracy Christopherson

GA 607 | Improving Your Internal Operating System with Michelle Troseth and Tracy Christopherson

Author: Ron Pereira: Lean Thinker & Co-Founder of Gemba Academy November 20, 2025 Duration: 34:06

This week’s guests are Michelle Troseth and Tracy Christopherson. Ron, Michelle, and Tracy discussed the concept of an internal operating system, dealing with both burnout and boredom, the importance of personal alignment, and more. An MP3 audio version of this episode is available for download here.

In this episode you’ll learn: 

  • Michelle and Tracy’s favorite quotes (3:12)
  • Their backgrounds (4:37)
  • Characterizing burnout (6:03)
  • Dealing with boredom (9:27)
  • About the “internal operating system” (11:24)
  • How to prevent leaders from self-sabotaging (16:22)
  • “Upgrading” your operating system (20:52)
  • The importance of personal alignment (24:23)
  • An example anecdote (26:52)
  • How that kind of impact makes them feel (30:56)

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?

What about the concept of an internal operating system can you relate to?


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 619 | Don’t Walk By a Mess with Chad Bareither [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 30:50
This week’s guest is Chad Bareither. Ron and Chad discussed making culture changes in the workplace, powerful aspects of Japanese culture, the importance of cleaning up, and more. An MP3 audio version of this episode is…
GA 618 | MORE Is Better with Kathy Miller [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 36:02
This week’s guest is Kathy Miller. Ron and Kathy discussed manufacturing, Kathy’s new book “MORE Is Better,” optimism, psychological safety, and the art of making high-quality connections. An MP3 audio version of this ep…
GA 617 | What Alignment Looks Like with Hanna Bauer [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 34:09
This week’s guest is Hanna Bauer. Ron and Hanna discussed the role of emotional intelligence in success, balancing empathy and accountability, navigating love languages, and more. An MP3 audio version of this episode is…
GA 616 | Teaching Lean with Noah Waech [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 25:56
This week’s guest is Noah Waech. Ron and Noah discussed Noah’s experiences teaching lean, what happens when things don’t go as planned, Value Stream Mapping, and more. An MP3 audio version of this episode is available fo…
GA 615 | Radical Product Thinking with Radhika Dutt [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 46:20
This week’s guest is Radhika Dutt. Ron and Radhika discussed OKRs, Toyota Kata, the target mentality, the OHLA puzzle framework, and more. An MP3 audio version of this episode is available for download here. In this epis…
GA 614 | Getting Lean to Stick with Joel Hugghins [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 30:21
This week’s guest is Joel Hugghins. Ron and Joel discussed dealing with CAVE people, intellectual property, getting lean to stick, and more. An MP3 audio version of this episode is available for download here. In this ep…
GA 613 | Revealing Hidden Truths with Billy Taylor [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 31:23
This week we’re ringing in the New Year with Billy Taylor. Ron and Billy discussed strategy and KPAs, hidden truths, clarity, being hard on the process, and more. An MP3 audio version of this episode is available for dow…
GA 612 | Gratitude, Giving, and Growth with the Gemba Academy Team [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 15:47
This week, we’re sharing a special Christmas episode featuring insights from the Gemba Academy team. Each individual answered the question: What does continuous improvement mean to you in your own life? An MP3 audio vers…