Get back to basics with AME
2024-03-06 10:00 - 2024-03-27 11:30 (America/New_York) | 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.)
