What You'll Learn:
In the first half of the episode, the conversation focuses on the foundations of effective change and project success. Dave shares insights on the importance of executive support, strong project management, and understanding the real problems teams are trying to solve. The discussion highlights why improvement efforts often stall and how leaders can create clarity by engaging the right stakeholders early.

Key Takeaways:

• Why executive support can make or break improvement efforts
• How a clear problem definition sets the foundation for success

Links:
Click Here for Dave Kippen's LinkedIn
Human, Pet, and Animal Nutrition Company: Website
Lean Solutions Website

The Lean Solutions Podcast hosts start off season 5 by addressing a common challenge: setting goals is easy, but making them stick is not. They emphasize that meaningful goal setting requires clarity, alignment, and intention, warning that vague goals and misaligned priorities often lead teams off track. From the start, they frame goals as something that must connect directly to daily work and organizational purpose.

They go on to highlight the importance of systems like leader standard work and visual management to support consistent execution. The hosts stress accountability rooted in psychological safety, regular check-ins, and a focused set of three to five goals supported by leading indicators. The episode concludes with a call to action for listeners to put these ideas into practice and ensure their goals align with both their organization’s objectives and culture.

What You’ll Learn:

Join the Lean Solutions Podcast hosts as they discuss the importance of reflection and goal-setting for 2026. They shared personal reflections on habits, such as overcooking presentations and non-use of talent, and the significance of being grounded and customer-focused. The team also discussed the eight wastes of lean to identify and improve personal habits.

Links:

Lean Solutions 2026 Summit

Lean Solutions Website

⁠Click Here For Catherine McDonald’s LinkedIn⁠⁠

⁠⁠Click Here For Andy Olrich’s LinkedIn⁠⁠

⁠⁠Click Here For Shayne Daughenbaugh’s LinkedIn⁠

⁠⁠⁠Click Here For Patrick Adams’ LinkedIn⁠⁠