Continuous Improvement Lean Collaborative

Lessons in Lean: The Human Spectrum Creating Meaningful Work Environments - The Journey to One System – One Team
2022-11-02 12:00 - 13:00 (America/New_York) | Video recorded–use link below
Register at the website link below.
Technology, pandemics, social and political dynamics, and disruptive business models are fundamentally changing the nature of work and the relationships between people and the work we perform. While nobody knows for certain how work will evolve into the future, we do know that leadership strategies and organizational cultures will also evolve as we connect the roles and relationships of people to these new work dynamics.
Adding to these changes, we now have decades of experience and lessons learned through our efforts in Lean thinking and the building of business cultures focused on continuous improvement. While there have been many lessons learned, we know for certain that the future of work will have a focus of One System – One Team.
Join Robert Martichenko as he discusses some of these Lessons in Lean as they relate to the Human Spectrum.
In this session, Robert will discuss …

How is work and workforce development fundamentally changing and what may be the future implications of these changes?
What are some of our most important Lessons in Lean that will allow us to build upon a solid foundation of learning for the future of work and leadership?
What do we mean by the Human Spectrum and how do we lead within a human-focused environment?
What will it mean for us as leaders in order to achieve a goal of One System – One Team?
How will we create a roadmap to bridge conceptual insights to tangible action items in order to determine, “What will we do with this on
Monday morning?”

Video at the link below

Biography:
Robert O. Martichenko
Business Leader | Author | Speaker| Educator| Strategic Advisor
Robert Martichenko is a business leader, author, speaker, educator, and strategic advisor.
As a business leader with an entrepreneurial focus, Robert spent over fifteen years as the founder and CEO of the LeanCor Supply Chain Group. LeanCor was acquired by Transplace (Uber Freight) in 2020, and Robert subsequently transitioned to strategic advisory work in early 2022.
In addition, Robert has created TrailPaths to focus on research and education to better understand the “People and Human” side of Lean thinking, leadership, and workforce development. In particular, Robert is collaborating with like-minded professionals to trailblaze the paths that will help organizations and individuals to develop, engage within and sustain meaningful work environments and cultures of respect. This work is looking into the past, present and future to disseminate and leverage our “Lessons in Lean relative to the Human Spectrum.”
A continuous thought leader, Robert sits on multiple not-for-profit and educational advisory boards, including the American Logistics Aid Network (ALAN), the Association for Manufacturing Excellence (AME) and The University of South Florida Supply Chain Program. In addition, he has received several prominent industry awards, most notably, the Distinguished Service Award from the Council of Supply Chain Management Professionals (CSCMP), the highest recognition achievable for professionals in the supply chain industry.
Robert has written and co-written several business books, most recently, Discovering Hidden Profit. His other books include two Shingo Research award-winning books: People: A leader’s day-to-day guide to building, managing, and sustaining lean organizations and Building a Lean Fulfillment Stream. Additionally, Robert is the author of Everything I Know About Lean I Learned in First Grade and co-author of Lean Six Sigma Logistics. His debut fiction novel, Drift and Hum, has won multiple awards including the IBPA Benjamin Franklin Gold Winner Award for Best First Book-Fiction. He has also written the poetic verse for two children’s books, It’s Perfect Being Me and A Day Well Spent.
Robert is an active speaker addressing topics such as Lean, Operations Management, the Future of Workforce Development, Narrative Leadership, Supply Chain Risk and Creating Meaningful Work Environments.
Robert complements his professional experience with a bachelor’s degree in Mathematics, an MBA in Finance, and a Six Sigma Black Belt. Born in Timmins, Ontario, Canada, he and his family have lived in the United States for the past three decades.
Video at the website link below.

ACCOUNTABILITY THROUGH ENGAGEMENT: An Evidence-Based Framework to achieve outstanding results with high employee satisfaction
2023-01-26 11:00 - 12:00 | Video recorded–use link below
Peter Winiarski
Founder & CEO, WIN Enterprises
Countless studies show that lack of accountability is one of the most common frustrations that many leaders and team members struggle with every day. Although we all know there’s a correlation between accountability and results, we don’t always know the best approach to getting there; and if done incorrectly, the impact can be devastating to our customers, the organization, and moral.
During this session, Peter Winiarski will go deeper into defining what accountability REALLY means and why it’s critical to address accountability gaps before it’s too late. He will share an evidence-based framework and approach that has been proven to get results along with best-practice examples and lessons learned.
At the end of this session, you will have a better understanding of what it means to improve accountability through engagement at your company in addition to having a tangible framework and approach that can be applied to your organization.
Recorded video at the link below.

Leili McKinley--Winning the Talent War Requires Inclusive Leadership
2023-03-27 12:00 - 13:00 | Video recorded–use link below
Key Learnings: Comprehending the labor crisis and how to adapt for it. Understanding how the Inclusive Leadership model motivates talent, drives revenue and sustainability, required to attract and keep the best. Identifying how executives and managers can use specific leadership skills to address the gap in the labor force participation rate.

The current labor crisis is fueled by a blend of societal and workforce dynamics that are changing the way employers and employees interact with each other. Understanding what’s at play is essential to adapting to these changes and successfully navigating through them. A new Inclusive Leadership model, which sheds light on what motivates talent, drives revenue, and ensures sustainability, provides specific leadership skills executives and managers can use to effectively address the gap in the labor force participation rate.
The labor force participation rate has been falling in this country for nearly two decades. With a perfect storm of aging boomers, the wage gappers, and women who have left the workforce, we now have a war to win what talent is left. You can’t fully automate your way out. The sustainability of your organization depends on a reliable and productive workforce. But now potential employees have changed their expectations towards the companies they want to work for. You need to adapt to find and keep them.
This session will cover the following topics:

The declining labor participation rate.
Mitigating the effects of the Talent War.
Evidence-based leadership skills required to adapt.
Explaining the Inclusive Leadership model.

Leili McKinley: Founder at The Identitype Group LLC connect@myidentitype.com
Video recorded at the link below.

Elisabeth Swan--Overcoming Obstacles to People-Centered Leadership
2023-05-30 12:00 - 13:00 | Video recorded–use link below
Have you ever underestimated your influence on others? Do you fail to recognize the impact you have on people, their work, and their ability to solve problems and thrive?
Whether you hold a formal leadership position or not, you have the power to affect those around you. However, the way you think, speak, and act may not always bring out the best in yourself or those you interact with. This can lead to missed opportunities, strained relationships, and less than ideal outcomes.
This 1-hour webinar will demonstrate what can get in the way and help participants identify new ways of operating for better success.
Biography:
Elisabeth has consulted in the business process performance industry for over 30 years. Her experience spans from helping local non-profits expand their reach to guiding Fortune 100 companies through Lean Transformations. She has trained and mentored thousands of people in improvement projects generating millions in savings. She has deep experience coaching problem solvers and facilitating leadership retreats, strategic planning sessions, process walks, and kaizen events.
Elisabeth is the co-designer and lead Instructor for the Lean Six Sigma Leadership Course at University of California, San Diego (UCSD) as well as the instructor and coach for the Lean Six Sigma Green Belt at UC San Diego Health. She also designs and runs Lean Six Sigma courses at UC Davis, and the University of Denver.
She is a co-founder of Just-in-Time Café, and co-host of the Just-in-Time Café podcast. Her latest book is, Picture Yourself a Leader: Illustrated Micro-Lessons in Navigating Change, and she also co-wrote the Problem Solver’s Toolkit: A Surprisingly Simple Guide to Your Lean Six Sigma Journey.
Elisabeth is a former cast member of ImprovBoston and holds a BA in English from Barnard College and Columbia University.

Registration is Now Open for the 2023 CILC Lean Systems Summit
2023-08-10 - 2023-08-11 | Holiday Inn By The Bay (Portland, ME), 55 Spring St, Portland, ME, 04101, United States
Registration is now open for the 2023 CILC Lean Systems Summit
August 10th & 11th, 2023 at the Holiday Inn By the Bay, 88 Spring St, Portland Me, 04101.
To access details of this year’s keynotes and sessions and the registration link click here.
Or use the Website link at the bottom.

Hi, CILC Lean Systems Summit champion,
2023-10-03 08:00 - 2023-10-04 17:00
Here’s an opportunity to learn about the upcoming GBMP October 3-4 2023 Northeast Lean Conference!

https://www.gbmp.org/ne-lean-conference
The Northeast Lean Conference was created by GBMP to provide information and inspiration to Lean practitioners – from those just starting out to seasoned Lean leaders from the manufacturing, healthcare, service and other vital industry sectors. ​The practical learning format features exceptional keynote and breakout presentations, interdepartmental panels, peer-to-peer discussions, hands-on simulations, interactive learning and sharing, and unlimited networking opportunities. Meet more than 500 passionate Lean, Six Sigma and Continuous Improvement professionals just like you. Subscribe for email updates to get all the event news as it breaks here! Learn about this year’s conference theme below.

About this year’s theme: “It’s About Time”

​“We don’t have time for continuous improvement.” Time has long been a reason given for foregoing process improvement, but lately, it’s even more prevalent. Is this because we are too busy expediting material or searching for someone to run a machine or help a patient? Or, maybe our race to re-supply pent-up demand from the pandemic is the problem; or the increase in tactical meetings to locate local sources of supply for material no longer available from overseas manufacturers. As the saying goes, “We’re too busy fighting alligators to drain the swamp,” except now there are far more alligators. So, how can we reclaim this valuable lost time? With a singular source of inexhaustible energy: employee creativity. According to Shigeo Shingo, unlocking that creativity requires just two ingredients: methods and motivation. These will be the focus of our 19th Annual Northeast L.E.A.N. Conference. Our theme, It’s About Time, has a double meaning:

First, the correct use of Lean methods – from 5S to SMED to Standardized Work – absolutely reclaims and repurposes wasted time for the betterment of customers, employees, and the company. Provide employees with these methods and watch the creativity surge.
Second, there has never been a better time than today when so many organizations regardless of industry share a common motivation: How to satisfy increased customer demand in the face of scarce resources? Doesn’t that sound like Lean? It’s about time for management to make a visible commitment to continuous improvement.

Now is the time for every organization to invest in the benefits of Lean transformation. GBMP’s 2023 Northeast Lean Conference will bring together thought leaders and experienced Lean practitioners to give you and your team the knowledge and inspiration to accelerate your ROI on all of your continuous improvement efforts. Join us.

* Read more about Membership in GBMP here. Save on conference registration and enjoy the benefits of membership in our Lean Community all year long.
** For information about our group discount (for groups of 5 or more), email LGlikes@gbmp.org.
^ Can’t join us in person? Stream the event LIVE through Whova on your mobile device or desktop.

Get back to basics with AME
2024-03-06 10:00 - 2024-03-27 11:30 | Virtual–Register at the Website link below.
Refresh your knowledge or lay the foundation for your lean journey at the virtual AME Back to Basics Lean Summit. Join us March 6, 13, 20, and 27 from wherever you access the internet. Thought leaders and practitioners will share expert knowledge on the fundamental lean tools and concepts that you need to know. Participate in presentations and tours designed to help you with the essential building blocks for a lean transformation.

An Essential Summit Covering All the Essential Topics
Whether you’re taking your first steps, seeking new perspectives on foundational topics, or looking to refresh your knowledge, the AME Back to Basics Lean Summit will lay the groundwork for your lean journey. You’ll hear directly from industry-leading voices on topics around the following themes:
March 6 – Culture
March 13 – Operational excellence
March 20 – Leadership
March 27 – Basic tools
A Virtual Summit to Fit Your Schedule
The AME Back to Basics Lean Summit will be presented virtually on four Wednesdays in March. Join us March 6, 13, 20, and 27 from wherever you access the internet via AME’s Zoom platform and hear foundational examples and information from lean leaders from around the globe. Each session will take place from 10 – 11:30 a.m. central, allowing you to balance your professional responsibilities and your professional development needs. You’ll hear basic lean concepts and come away with actionable takeaways.
Free Registration for AME Members
AME members must complete the free summit registration process to receive session login details and other important information.
Not yet an AME member? Join our thriving community of lean, continuous improvement practitioners today to gain access to the AME Back to Basics Lean Summit and all of our membership benefits. You may also register for the AME Back to Basics Lean Summit for $150.
Register now

Using AI to Streamline Your CI/Lean Thinking
2024-03-28 12:00 - 13:00 | Video recorded–use link below
The words “artificial intelligence” and “AI” seem to be in everyone’s vocabulary these days and it can mean a lot of different things to many different people. If you’re involved with continuous improvement or if you simply want to learn more about AI, this special session is for you!
During this one-hour session, John Paul O’Connor will provide answers to questions such as:

What is artificial intelligence (AI)?
What are some common AI platforms?
How can AI be used with Lean initiatives?
What are some pros and cons of AI?
And many others.

Come prepared to learn how to apply CI/Lean thinking with AI to get better, faster, more responsive, engaging, and streamlined results.
See the recorded video at this link: https://youtu.be/d5Un6TGdOWc

John Paul O’Connor
JP O’Connor’s purpose is to understand the “why” behind the “what”. He advises boards and executive teams throughout the banking industry regarding compensation and performance-based decisions. He has built a reputation as a trusted advisor, leveraging his expertise to provide strategic guidance and insights that drive meaningful impact on organizational performance and employee engagement/retention.

Leading Through Change: The Role of Respect for People
2025-05-06 11:30 - 12:30
Break through cultural friction, strengthen execution, and build a resilient,
engaged workforce—at scale.
If you’re working to sustain Lean, improve operational consistency, or strengthen
workplace dynamics but keep hitting resistance, misalignment, or communication
breakdowns, the Respect for People Roadmap is the results-driven framework you
need to systematically overcome cultural bottlenecks and drive lasting improvement.
Register at this link: https://us06web.zoom.us/meeting/register/uuMnzEPMTTOthK1Cjh3Dmg

Tom Lawless--Problem Solving: Towards Better Outcomes and Fewer Headaches
2025-12-09 11:00 - 12:00 | Virtual–Register at the Website link below.
Problem Solving Session Outline:
1. What is Problem Solving – Problem solving is a structured approach to identifying the root
cause of an issue and developing effective, lasting solutions.
2. Why Use It – It helps teams move beyond temporary fixes by using data, collaboration, and
analysis to improve processes and prevent recurrence.
3. Brief Takeaway – With the right tools and mindset, anyone can solve problems more
efficiently and sustainably, leading to better outcomes and fewer recurring issues.
4. Who Should Attend – Anyone involved in daily operations, team leaders, frontline
employees, and decision-makers who want to improve results and reduce frustration.
Dr. Tom Lawless, PhD, MBB, CEPA, is a seasoned leader in Lean Six Sigma, change
management, and business transformation. As President of LeanTAC, he has trained
over 3,000 professionals and led initiatives that have saved companies more than $50
million in under two years. His expertise spans process improvement, leadership
development, and exit planning for business owners.
With a distinguished military background, Dr. Lawless served over 25 years in the U.S.
Navy and Army, retiring as a Major. He was awarded the Bronze Star and Combat
Action Badge for his service during Operation Iraqi Freedom, where he managed
logistics operations involving thousands of daily movements across Iraq.
An adjunct professor at Nebraska Methodist College, Dr. Lawless is also a frequent
speaker at global leadership events, including HaradaCon. His academic credentials
include a PhD and certifications as a Master Black Belt and Certified Exit Planning
Advisor.
Through LeanTAC, he continues to help organizations reduce waste, improve quality,
and prepare for successful business transitions.

Keep Your Gemba Walks Fresh & Meaningful – Engage Your People--Michael Bremmer
2026-02-19 11:00 - 12:00 | Virtual–Register at the Website link below.
Getting started with Gemba Walks isn’t hard, but maintaining their effectiveness, engagement, and impact is another story.
Too often, leaders fall into the trap of turning every walk into a “waste walk.” While identifying waste is valuable, that’s only a fraction of what’s possible. In this one-hour session, we’ll explore how to:
> Keep your walks engaging—for you and your team
> Make each walk a learning experience, not a routine
> Use walks to actually drive performance improvement
We’ll also touch on Virtual and Office Gemba Walks—how they differ from a physical walk.
Join us to re-energize your Gemba Walks and deepen their impact.
Take aways:
> Practical actions to improve your gemba walks
> Ideas on how to coach others in improving their walks
Who should attend:
> “C” level senior leaders
> Operations leaders
> Continuous improvement practitioners
Michael S. Bremer – Author & Improvement Leader
Michael Bremer is a semi-retired business executive and award-winning author, with a diverse career spanning productivity, information systems, financial leadership, and global consulting.
He began his corporate career at Beatrice Foods, serving as Director of Productivity and later Director of Information Systems. He served as Chief Financial Officer and Board Member of the Association for Manufacturing Excellence (AME). Michael spent 28 years as President of The Cumberland Group, a Chicago-based global consulting firm.
Michael was also involved in education and innovation, serving as adjunct faculty at the University of Chicago’s Graham School for 15 years, and mentoring manufacturing-focused startups at mHUB Chicago, an innovation incubator.
Awards & Recognition

2016 Shingo Prize for Research & Publication Award– How to Do a Gemba Walk
2019 Mac McCulloch Lifetime Achievement Award– Association for Manufacturing Excellence

Publications
Michael has authored five books on leadership and performance improvement, including:

How to Do a Gemba Walk(2025, Self-Published 4th Edition)
Learn to See the Invisible(2025, Productivity Press)

Current Activities
Michael continues to serve as volunteer Vice President for AME’s Excellence Award activities, coordinating over 50 volunteer assessors. Assessments focus on elevating organizational improvement maturity. He also moderates a bi-weekly discussion group on global issues.

2026 Lean Systems Summit
2026-08-06 08:30 - 16:30 | Holiday Inn By The Bay (Portland, ME), 55 Spring St, Portland, ME, 04101, United States
Join us for the 2026 Lean Systems Summit planned for the Holiday Inn By the Bay in Portland Maine August, 2026. (Dates to be determined.)
