GA 642 | The Future of Work with Jonathan David Lewis

GA 642 | The Future of Work with Jonathan David Lewis

Author: Ron Pereira: Lean Thinker & Co-Founder of Gemba Academy July 23, 2026 Duration: 32:54

Something fundamental has shifted in how people relate to work, and most leaders are still operating from a story that the workforce has already left behind. Jonathan David Lewis, president of brand strategy firm McKee Wallwork and author of The Rebuilders, makes the case that the old shared narrative of careers, retirement, and institutional trust has fractured. What comes next depends entirely on whether leaders choose to rebuild it.

In this episode you’ll learn:

  • What forgetting obvious things costs a leader over time (2:34)
  • Why Jonathan wrote a daily reader instead of a conventional leadership book (5:05)
  • How the shared story of work collapsed and what replaced it (8:14)
  • What TFS reveals about the current workforce’s relationship to the future (11:41)
  • Why counter-trends in the trades and faith communities signal a rebuilding moment (16:29)
  • How the shift from print-first to digital-first thinking is reshaping the workforce (19:30)
  • What inside-out leadership means when the burden gets heavy (24:41)
  • Whether optimism is a feeling or a daily choice (28:30)
  • Why the era of postmodernism is over and what younger generations are seeking instead (30:41)

“When you see the crack, look for the light that’s being let in.” – Jonathan David Lewis

Keep Learning

If Jonathan’s argument about inside-out leadership resonated, the School of Leadership offers a structured way to develop the character and practices that sustain that kind of work over time.
Learn More About School of Leadership at https://www.gembaacademy.com/leadership

Podcast Resources

Get All the Latest News from Gemba Academy

Stay current on new courses, podcast episodes, and continuous improvement resources. Sign up for the Gemba Academy newsletter at gembaacademy.com/news

What Do You Think?

In your organization, which part of the old story of work is your team still holding onto, and what would it look like to rebuild something more honest in its place?


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 608 | Leading Without Authority with Ricky Banks [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 29:41
This week's guest is Gemba Academy Senior Coach and Instructor Ricky Banks. Ron and Ricky discussed what it means to lead without authority, working with incarcerated individuals, the importance of building relationships…
GA 606 | Fixing What Bugs You with Nick Klein [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 26:25
This week's guest is Nick Klein. Ron and Nick discussed how Nick applies lean at his organization, the challenges they're facing, and why quick improvements like cleaning up your desktop do more than you think.
GA 605 | The Katalyst Framework with Katie Anderson [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 36:39
This week's guest is Katie Anderson. Ron and Katie discussed Katie's most recent book, the Katalyst framework she created, her experiences leading trips in Japan, and more.
GA 603 | The Culture of Calm with Gui Costin [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 37:48
This week's guest is Gui Costin. Ron and Gui discuss fostering a calm company culture, bringing out the best in people, dealing with different generations and personality types in the workplace, and more.