GA 646 | Connect Before You Correct with Royden Johnson and Luc van Merrienboer

GA 646 | Connect Before You Correct with Royden Johnson and Luc van Merrienboer

Author: Ron Pereira: Lean Thinker & Co-Founder of Gemba Academy August 20, 2026 Duration: 35:25

Culture shapes how people receive change, and nowhere is that clearer than on a shop floor where history, language, and moral authority all sit alongside the 5S board. Royden Johnson and Luc van Merrienboer bring two distinct lenses to that tension: Royden from years of leading continuous improvement in South Africa, and Luc from rolling out digital transformation across Asia and now the African continent. Their conversation with Ron covers resistance, influence, and what it actually takes to bring people along rather than drag them forward.

In this episode you’ll learn:

  • The cultural context of 5S in Asia and Africa (5:01)
  • How 5S connects to every performance pillar in a manufacturing operation (9:43)
  • What digital transformation actually looks like on a shop floor (13:04)
  • Where their passion for continuous improvement comes from (15:42)
  • How to use personal, social, and structural influencing strategies together (17:18)
  • How to handle CAVE people without losing the rest of the team (19:29)
  • Why unemployment history in South Africa shaped resistance to continuous improvement (25:32)
  • What happened when a leader stopped pushing and started listening (27:28)
  • How to speak, listen, and lead while keeping everyone’s dignity intact (31:50)

Keep Learning

If the discussion about moral authority, influencing strategies, and leading change on a diverse shop floor resonated with you, the School of Leadership offers structured ways to develop those same skills in your own context.
Learn More About School of Leadership at gembaacademy.com/leadership

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What Do You Think?

When you have encountered a CAVE person in your organization, what shifted the dynamic?


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
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