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Art Byrne: Lean from the CEO's Perspective, the Lean Turnaround Answer Book

Art Byrne: Lean from the CEO's Perspective, the Lean Turnaround Answer Book

FromLean Blog Interviews - Healthcare, Manufacturing, Business, and Leadership


Art Byrne: Lean from the CEO's Perspective, the Lean Turnaround Answer Book

FromLean Blog Interviews - Healthcare, Manufacturing, Business, and Leadership

ratings:
Length:
51 minutes
Released:
May 22, 2024
Format:
Podcast episode

Description


My guest for Episode #505 of the Lean Blog Interviews Podcast is Art Byrne, who was a guest back in Episode 158 about 12 years ago — we discussed his book The Lean Turnaround.
Episode page with video, transcript, and more: https://leanblog.org/505 

Today, we’re discussing his new book, The Lean Turnaround Answer Book, an edited compilation of his “Ask Art” columns published by the Lean Enterprise Institute.

Art Byrne has been implementing Lean strategy in various U.S.-based manufacturing and service companies, such as Danaher Corporation, for more than 30 years, including The Wiremold Company, which he ran for 11 years. He retired as an Operating Partner at the private equity firm J. W. Childs Associates L.P.

In this episode, Art revisits the podcast after twelve years to discuss his new book, The Lean Turnaround Answer Book, an edited compilation of his "Ask Art" columns from the Lean Enterprise Institute website. Art shares his extensive experience implementing lean strategies across various industries, including his notable work with Wiremold and his role in private equity at JW Childs Associates. The conversation also covers Art's motivations for writing his books and his continuous efforts to disseminate lean knowledge, addressing the practical challenges and questions that arise in Lean implementations.

Art elaborates on the essence of Lean principles, emphasizing the need for a fundamental shift in organizational philosophy and strategy. He recounts his experiences in transforming companies through Lean methodologies, including detailed anecdotes about reducing setup times, managing inventory, and improving operational efficiency. Art highlights the significant impact of lean on organizational performance, customer service, and financial health. The discussion also touches on the challenges of aligning traditional cost accounting with lean practices and the importance of engaging the finance department in the lean journey. Overall, Art's insights offer a comprehensive guide to Lean implementation, reinforced by real-world examples and practical advice.

Questions, Notes, and Highlights:

Tell us about the book and how this one came to be…

Cost accounting and inventory?

Orry Fiume - “Real Numbers” book

The strategic value of setup reduction?

How was Lean utilized in your private equity work? How was your role different as a PE partner?

Looking for companies with a certain Lean potential? What factors are you looking for?

Best Lean turnaround story? More likely a smaller PE company than a large public company?

But Lean is not the default management approach for manufacturing? Higher than 10 years ago?

Boeing - did they forget what Shingujitsu taught them?

The problems caused by “make the month”


The podcast is brought to you by Stiles Associates, the premier executive search firm specializing in the placement of Lean Transformation executives. With a track record of success spanning over 30 years, it's been the trusted partner for the manufacturing, private equity, and healthcare sectors. Learn more.

This podcast is part of the #LeanCommunicators network. 
Released:
May 22, 2024
Format:
Podcast episode

Titles in the series (100)

In this series, started in 2006, Mark Graban interviews leaders, practitioners, innovators, and legends in the ”Lean community.” Topics include Lean in manufacturing, healthcare, startups, and other settings. Special emphasis is given to leadership and management system concepts, including the Toyota Production System and related methods. But, we don‘t talk about ”Lean Six Sigma” much around here, if that‘s of interest to you... if you agree that Lean is more than ”just a bunch of tools in the improvement toolbox,” then this is the place for you. Visit the blog at www.leanblog.org. For feedback, email mark@leanblog.org. All past episodes, with show notes and more, can be found at www.leancast.org.