Chain of Learning: Empowering Continuous Improvement Change Leaders

• 39| Doing More Isn’t the Answer: Why Simple Wins [with Lisa Bodell]

  Enter to win a copy of Lisa Bodell's book "Why Simple Wins" ... and Apply for the Nov 2025 Japan Leadership Experience - super early registration rate now through March 31st! Ever feel like your to-do list never ends? Running from meeting to meeting with no time to think—let alone lead or create? You’re not alone.The problem isn’t you – that you’re not working hard enough. You’re probably stuck in the complexity trap—buried in endless demands, inefficiencies, and busywork that keep you (and your team) from doing what truly matters.To help you simplify and focus on meaningful work, I sat down with Lisa Bodell, CEO of FutureThink and bestselling author of Why Simple Wins and Kill the Company. Lisa has a clear message:💡 The problem isn’t the people—it’s the process of the work.In this episode, we dive into the biggest barriers to your effectiveness—what you can do to cut through the noise and create space for work that actually matters. If you’re ready to escape the complexity trap and start simplifying to make a real impact, this episode is a must-listen.YOU’LL LEARN:How meetings and emails are blocking real improvementWhat defines truly meaningful work—including time to thinkThe connection between innovation and simplification—and how to stay ahead of the curveThe biggest mistakes that make simplification harder (and how to avoid them)The first step to simplifying your work and lifeABOUT MY GUEST:Lisa Bodell, CEO of FutureThink and bestselling author of Kill the Company and Why Simple Wins, inspires leaders to transform work to unlock true potential and find deeper fulfillment. With her bold, no-nonsense approach to simplification, Lisa delivers radical insights and actionable tools to fuel extraordinary success.IMPORTANT LINKS:Full episode show notes: ChainOfLearning.com/39Connect with Lisa Bodell: linkedin.com/in/lisa-bodell-futurethinkRead more about Lisa and her company, FutureThink: futurethink.com Check out my website for resources and working together: KBJAnderson.comFollow me on LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/kbjandersonTIMESTAMPS FOR THIS EPISODE:02:09 Why leaders feel overwhelmed—and how to fix it03:51 The illusion of control and why organizing isn’t the same as simplifying04:28 Why doing less can make you more valuable05:09 The daring act of simplifying and not adding to our workload07:26 The cost of valuing others’ time more than your own08:27 Reframing your mindset of deep thinking time09:31 Why we don’t do our best thinking at work09:45 Two ways to start simplifying a chaotic workday11:36 Why meetings with no agenda can be a time waster12:43 How to shift your day so you’re not constantly checking emails14:03 The definition of meaningful work17:02 The link between innovation and simplification18:08 3 Common pitfalls to successfully simplifying one’s work21:19 Why one of the biggest barriers in transformation is leadership24:08 Simplicity as it relates to tools, training, and messaging24:45 How to apply the tool: Kill a stupid rule28:55 Contributing meaningfully and effectively to improve your value29:20 The future of work and how to improve work and life32:14 The best place to start to start simplifying your life Enter to win a copy of Lisa Bodell's book "Why Simple Wins" ... and Apply for the Nov 2025 Japan Leadership Experience - super early registration rate now through March 31st! 

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• 38| What’s the Future of Lean? [with James Womack]

  Apply for the Nov 2025 Japan Leadership Experience - super early registration rate now through March 31st! https://kbjanderson.com/japantrip/ What have we really learned after four decades of lean? Is lean thinking still relevant today?And importantly — what needs to change to ensure its future success?In the previous episode, I sat down with James Womack, founder of the Lean Enterprise Institute, to look back on 40 years of lean thinking and management since the publication of The Machine That Changed the World. In this episode, we look ahead to the future of lean and dig into big questions, including those submitted by listeners:Is there a better term than “lean”? What would Jim do differently if he could reintroduce lean to the world?How do AI and new technologies fit with the application of lean principles?What’s Jim’s greatest surprise over the past 45 years?Jim doesn’t hold back in this discussion  — and provides his advice as he passes the baton to the next generation of lean leaders. YOU’LL LEARN:Why lean principles still apply even as technology evolves and takes over tasks once done by peopleWhat’s stopping organizations from fully embracing lean principles and practicesWhy lean must be leader-led—not outsourced to consultants or internal operational excellence teams How developing people’s capabilities for problem-solving at all levels is critical to successThe true role and purpose of managementIf you are passionate about the potential of lean’s impact now and in the future, this is an episode you won’t want to miss. ABOUT MY GUEST:James P. Womack, PhD, is the former research director of MIT’s International Motor Vehicle Program who led the team that coined the term “lean production” to describe the Toyota Production System. Along with Daniel Jones, he co-authored “The Machine That Changed the World”, “Lean Thinking”, and “Lean Solutions”. Jim is the founder of Lean Enterprise Institute where he continues to serve as a senior advisor. IMPORTANT LINKS:Full episode show notes: ChainOfLearning.com/38Listen to Part 1 where lean has failed and succeeded: ChainOfLearning.com/37Connect with James Womack: linkedin.com/in/womack-james-52763b212Check out my website for resources and working together: KBJAnderson.comFollow me on LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/kbjanderson Learn about my Japan Study Trip program: kbjanderson.com/JapanTrip TIMESTAMPS FOR THIS EPISODE:01:48 Two things Jim would do differently in introducing lean 03:92 Why consultant-driven Kaizen falls short05:29 The origin of the word “lean”08:29 The alternative label instead of the term "lean"10:26 How lean intersects with emerging and established technologies14:43 Analyzing AI’s effectiveness through the value stream16:02 Jim’s greatest surprise of the 40 + years of lean19:10 Changes at Toyota’s Operations Management Development Division22:27 Why problem-solving skills matter at every level23:34 Jim’s parting advice for the next generation of lean leaders Enter to win a copy of Lisa Bodell's book "Why Simple Wins" ... and Apply for the Nov 2025 Japan Leadership Experience - super early registration rate now through March 31st! 

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• 37| Lean Has Failed (or Has It?) [with James Womack]

  Apply for the Nov 2025 Japan Leadership Experience - super early registration rate now through March 31st! https://kbjanderson.com/japantrip/ “Lean has failed.”That’s the bold statement James Womack—founder of the Lean Enterprise Institute and MIT researcher whose team introduced the term “lean” to the world—made at a conference where we both recently spoke.That really stuck with me.Has lean really failed? If so, what can we do to course correct?To explore this, I invited him to share his reflections and experiences over the past 40 years—where his vision for lean management has fallen short, where it’s succeeded, and what we can learn for the future.In this episode, we take a hard look at lean’s evolution, from James’ original vision following the publication of “The Machine that Changed the World” nearly 4 decades ago to its real-world impact today.Tune in for powerful stories and insights from one of the founders of the lean movement, a chance to rethink what’s next for lean leadership, and how you can adjust your approach towards organizational transformation.YOU’LL LEARN:The 5 critical interlocking elements of successful lean enterprise transformations — and what’s missingHow to build systems and practices to sustain a lean culture that truly supports frontline teamsWhy most companies get their approach to operational excellence backwards and the challenge of getting leaders to see lean principles as the key to getting resultsWhy off-shoring and out-sourcing aren’t long-term solutionsThe biggest challenges leaders face with lean transformationDon't miss Part 2 of this conversation where we explore lean’s future, its relevance for today’s global lean community, and James’ advice for the next generation of leaders.ABOUT MY GUEST:James P. Womack, PhD, is the former research director of MIT’s International Motor Vehicle Program who led the team that coined the term “lean production” to describe the Toyota Production System. Along with Daniel Jones, he co-authored “The Machine That Changed the World”, “Lean Thinking”, and “Lean Solutions”. James is the founder of Lean Enterprise Institute where he continues to serve as a senior advisor.IMPORTANT LINKS:Full episode show notes: ChainOfLearning.com/37Connect with James Womack: linkedin.com/in/womack-james-52763b212Check out my website for resources and working together: KBJAnderson.comFollow me on LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/kbjanderson TIMESTAMPS FOR THIS EPISODE: 02:41 James’ vision of what lean’s impact would be today07:25 Five interlocking pieces of lean transformation and what’s been missed07:49 Misconception of Kaizen14:27 Challenges in sustaining lean practices19:00 Lean leadership if implemented the right way21:58 Impact of offshoring and outsourcing24:29 Barriers to senior management buy-in26:42 Challenges in the frontline healthcare system30:27 The importance of daily management and Kaizen37:46 Contributions to GE Appliance’s success39:28 The meaning of constancy of purpose41:04 Importance of knowing your north star41:55 The creation of Hoshin planning and why it fails the first year43:54 How we get out of the short-term approach Enter to win a copy of Lisa Bodell's book "Why Simple Wins" ... and Apply for the Nov 2025 Japan Leadership Experience - super early registration rate now through March 31st! 

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• 36| What's Your Purpose? Weaving Warp and Weft with Intention

  How often do you pause to get a clearer view of your purpose and learn how your life experiences influence your leadership impact?Whether it’s in the moment to reflect on a recent situation or zooming out at a major milestone to see the bigger picture, reflection can be incredibly powerful.I’m hitting pause myself this week as I turn the big 5-0! I share two concepts that have helped me understand what it means to live a life of intention and purpose.First, the metaphor of warp and weft—a powerful way to understand the interconnection of the known and discovered elements of your life and see the patterns that emerge in your life’s fabric.Second, the deeper meaning of my guiding word—Intention. I explore how I’ve come to see that Intention = Heart + Direction® and the energetic vitality that uncovering your deeper purpose can have in both your personal life and leadership.If you are looking for ways to understand your purpose, reflect, to make more intentional choices, this episode is for you.Let’s explore how you too can lead with intention and can weave purpose into everything you do.YOU’LL LEARN:The importance of reflection to learn and adjust and to understand your purposeHow the weaving metaphor of warp and weft enhances self-discoveryWhy Intention = Heart + Direction® and how to set powerful intentions to align your daily actions with your heartThe Japanese word Kokorozashi (志) and how its deep meaning can be applied to leadership impactIMPORTANT LINKS:Full episode show notes with links to other podcast episodes and resources referenced in today’s show: ChainOfLearning.com/36Check out my website for resources and working together: KBJAnderson.comFollow me on LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/kbjandersonFor additional inspiration and guidance around understanding your own warp and weft, read my book "Learning to Lead, Leading to Learn," along with the companion workbook: LearningToLeadLeadingToLearn.comTIMESTAMPS FOR THIS EPISODE: 00:40 Reflecting and celebrating turning 5002:50 The history of the warp and weft metaphor05:32 The difference between the warp and weft threads, the known and the discovered06:27 Questions to ask yourself to apply the warp and weft metaphor in your life09:32 The importance of “zooming out” to see to examine your own fabric of life11:01 Questions to ask yourself to reflect on your your past life experiences11:53 The relationship between the warp and weft metaphor with setting intention12:24 Discovering the richer meaning of Intention = Heart + Direction®13:36 The meaning of the two Japanese kanji symbols for intention14:58 How to apply the concept of Kokorozashi to find your leadership purpose16:54 Questions to ask yourself to embody your Kokorozashi to make a bigger impact17:21 The importance of reflection at the micro level18:35 Leveraging Kokorozashi to help take actions that are aligned with your purpose Enter to win a copy of Lisa Bodell's book "Why Simple Wins" ... and Apply for the Nov 2025 Japan Leadership Experience - super early registration rate now through March 31st! 

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• 35| Stuck in the Middle? Embrace Both/And Thinking to Drive Results [with Wendy Smith]

  What do you do when you’re stuck between two conflicting options? Deliver short-term results or take a long-term view?Focus on business outcomes or people development?Help by being the expert with the answer or a coach asking questions?For most of us, these competing choices are a source of conflict. We deal with uncertainty by asserting certainty that there are two distinct options to choose between.But what if there’s a way to embrace both?That’s why I invited Wendy Smith – award-winning psychologist and co-author of “Both/And Thinking” – to share her insights on how to make more creative, flexible, and impactful decisions in a world of competing demands.The most successful leaders and change agents have learned the power of navigating paradoxical tradeoffs and reframing problems to discover expansive solutions that didn’t initially seem possible. Tune in to learn how to shift from that “either/or” mindset and embrace a “both/and” approach to tackle tough decisions, unlock new possibilities, and lead with greater impact.YOU’LL LEARN:Can you really have it all? – The difference between an and/and vs both/and mindsetA three step process to overcome dilemmas to create a more sustainable outcomeHow to reframe a problem when faced with a seemingly paradoxical choiceThree different patterns of risk when you’re not able to shift from the either/or to the both/and thinkingThe benefits of being comfortable with the discomfort of learning something newABOUT MY GUEST:Wendy Smith is the co-author of “Both/And Thinking: Embracing Creative Tensions to Solve Your Toughest Problems,” an award-winning psychologist and professor at the Lerner College of Business and Economics at the University of Delaware. She’s spent her career studying paradoxes in leadership and on a mission to help individuals and organizations turn problems into possibilities. Wendy's passion lies in helping leaders tackle the complex challenges of interpersonal dynamics, team performance, organizational change, and innovation to transform their organizations and the world.IMPORTANT LINKS:Full episode show notes: ChainOfLearning.com/35Connect with Wendy Smith: linkedin.com/in/wendykimsmithWendy’s book: bothandthinking.netCheck out my website for resources and working together: KBJAnderson.comFollow me on LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/kbjandersonTIMESTAMPS: 02:12 Misconception of both/and meaning02:44 And/and vs. both/and06:49 Balancing the roles of expert and coach 07:03 Balancing long-term innovation with immediate business needs08:06 3-step process of dealing with dilemma09:50 Expanding on and/and vs both/and12:03 How to approach paradoxical choices15:23 3 patterns of risk when you don’t shift to both/and thinking20:15 Getting comfortable with discomfort22:03 Embracing both/and mindset creates growth mindset24:36 Bringing both/and thinking to your personal life25:50 Both/and thinking at the organizational level27:44 Integrating technical process improvement with people development29:35 Enabling both/and thinking at the organizational level Enter to win a copy of Lisa Bodell's book "Why Simple Wins" ... and Apply for the Nov 2025 Japan Leadership Experience - super early registration rate now through March 31st! 

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