GA 630 | Why Tone Matters with Shahab Shah

GA 630 | Why Tone Matters with Shahab Shah

Author: Ron Pereira: Lean Thinker & Co-Founder of Gemba Academy April 30, 2026 Duration: 44:05
This week's guest is Shahab Shah. Ron and Shahab discussed the importance of balancing human empathy with the demands of reality, why tone matters, first steps for making improvements, and more. An MP3 audio version of this episode is available for download here. In this episode you'll learn:  Shahab's favorite quote (2:25) His background (4:17) What was the most influential (6:23) What Shahab is looking for when first entering a manufacturing plant (8:26) His first steps for making improvements (13:50) Balancing human empathy with reality (16:01) Why tone matters (25:08) How Shahab handles expectations (31:06) Shahab's final words of wisdom (42:46) Podcast Resources Right Click to Download this Podcast as an MP3 Shahab on LinkedIn 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? Why else does tone matter?

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: 50

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…