The Green Belt Accelerator starts January 19. Enroll by October 31 for a free 30-minute project-scoping session with Doug or Marco.
A Work Stream Consulting Podcast
Real-life applications and success stories from the dynamic world of Continuous Improvement.
Join Liz Cricenti and Marco Bonilla as they explore real-life applications, share success stories, and unravel the secrets behind transformative methodologies. Every episode is available wherever you listen to your favorite podcast.
New conversations on continuous improvement, leadership, and operations.
Healthcare may have more to gain from continuous improvement than any other industry. Liz and Marco talk with Dr. Sonia Millan, a board-certified sports medicine and lifestyle medicine physician and Lean Six Sigma Green Belt, about bringing lean thinking into medicine.
Listen to this episodeLiz and Marco talk with Evan Campbell about how strategy breaks down inside organizations long before execution begins. Evan shares how his background in the military, technology, and consulting led him to focus on the gap between strategic intent and what gets funded, communicated, and delivered.
In this episode, Eric Alexander discusses stewardship leadership, its importance in the finance sector, and how it can transform organizational culture. He shares insights from his book, leadership experiences, and practical advice for leaders at all levels.
In this episode, Ashlesa Mohapatra shares her journey from engineering to quality management, emphasizing the importance of culture, communication, and continuous improvement in manufacturing. Discover practical strategies for integrating quality into daily operations and fostering a culture of excellence.
In this thought-provoking episode, futurist and innovation expert Daniel Burrus explores how leaders and organizations can create certainty in an increasingly unpredictable world.
This episode dives into the journey from the shop floor to the CEO chair, emphasizing how operational experience shapes effective leadership.
In this episode, Chris Hale, founder and CEO of Klear, explores the concept of capital intelligence and its critical role in managing business growth, liquidity, and supply chains across various sectors.
In today's episode, we dive deep into the world of process control strategies with insights from industry veterans Doug Bruce and Ken Stocco.
In this dynamic conversation, Marco and Doug dive into the powerful idea of incremental improvement, showing how tiny, intentional changes can outperform big, flashy plans every time.
In this episode, we speak with Clark Lowe, CEO of O'Connor Company, about the application of Lean and Six Sigma principles in the construction industry.
In this episode, we sit down with Duane Deason, a seasoned expert in cost management, to explore the challenges organizations face in managing costs without sacrificing value.
Get ready for an energizing conversation with Eric Rogell, as we uncover the powerful connection between mentorship and bold leadership! Discover how courage, authenticity, and a modern take on masculinity shape today's most impactful leaders.
In this episode, Jim Mirochnik, CEO of HALOCK Security Labs, shares his journey from a challenging childhood as an immigrant to becoming a successful entrepreneur in the cybersecurity field.
This week on Lean Into Excellence, we're joined by David Trier, an experienced leader in product management and AI operations, as well as the VP of Product at ModelOp.
Join us as we chat with Kristen Hubler, best-selling author and change management specialist, as we explore her path from education into corporate training, the importance of preparing organizations for change, and the effects of the pandemic on digital transformation.
In this episode, we sit down with Tania Will Jeppesen, founder of The Prepared Leader, to explore the pivotal role and challenges of frontline leadership. Tania shares her journey of equipping these leaders with the tools to thrive, from emotional intelligence and time management to effective communication strategies.
In this conversation, Ronald Graves, a seasoned leadership coach, discusses the intricacies of coaching, the importance of accountability, and the transformative power of self-discipline.
In this conversation, Liz Cricenti and Marco Bonilla are joined by guest Ken Stocco to explore common misconceptions around Six Sigma education and continuous improvement. Together, they emphasize that true success goes beyond certifications, it requires critical thinking, real-world application, and mentorship.
In this episode, we sit down with Elisabeth White, CEO of Cornerstone Agility and author of People Do Change, for a powerful conversation on human-centric change management.
In this episode of Lean Into Excellence, we sit down with Dr. Lucas Chesla to explore his journey from the Marine Corps to becoming a champion of Lean Six Sigma and organizational transformation.
In this episode of Lean Into Excellence, we're joined by Mark Reich, Senior Coach at the Lean Enterprise Institute and author of the new book Managing on Purpose.
We're excited to welcome back Doug Bruce to Lean Into Excellence for a powerful conversation about the often-overlooked value of White and Yellow Belt training in the Lean Six Sigma journey.
In this episode of Lean Into Excellence, we're shaking things up! Chuck Gillis steps in for Marco Bonilla as we welcome special guest Mike Daley to the conversation.
Dr. W. Edwards Deming is often called the father of modern quality management, but his impact extends far beyond statistical process control.
For years, "government efficiency" has sounded like an oxymoron, but with the creation of the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), the conversation is shifting. In this episode of Lean Into Excellence, we explore:
In this milestone 20th episode of Lean Into Excellence, we're diving into the critical role of supplier relations and how Lean Six Sigma can transform the way companies collaborate with their suppliers.
In this episode of Lean Into Excellence, we're joined by Joe Ficalora, a seasoned expert in Lean Six Sigma and process improvement. Together, we dive into the art of identifying and navigating successful continuous improvement projects.
In this episode of Lean Into Excellence, we dive into the challenge of overcoming resistance to Lean Six Sigma initiatives within organizations.
In this inspiring episode, we sit down with Natalie Woof, a powerhouse in the world of Lean Six Sigma. Natalie shares her incredible journey of career transformation, emphasizing the power of taking that crucial first step.
In this episode of Lean Into Excellence, we dive into the world of continuous improvement and explore how it's implemented differently in small businesses compared to large corporations.
As we celebrate our 15th episode, we dive deep with the founders of Tiger Tamers, LLC, a group of US Navy veterans who are revolutionizing the continuous improvement landscape.
In this episode, we dive deep into the future of continuous improvement by exploring how artificial intelligence and advanced data analytics are revolutionizing the way businesses optimize their processes.
Join us for an enlightening conversation with process improvement expert, Doug Bruce, as we uncover the essential do's and don'ts of Kaizen events. In this episode, we dive deep into the critical factors that can make or break your continuous improvement initiatives.
Join us for an engaging episode as we sit down with Work Stream Consulting's Founder, Chuck Gillis, who answers your burning questions about process improvement and Six Sigma.
In this insightful episode, we delve into the pivotal role of Leader Standard Work (LSW) within the realm of Continuous Improvement. Join us as we sit down with Dave Cloutier, the seasoned expert and owner of StraTac Consulting, to explore how LSW can transform leadership practices and drive sustainable success in
Join us for a special milestone as "Lean Into Excellence" celebrates its 10th episode! In this exciting installment, we're thrilled to welcome Agile expert Lucy O'Keefe to the show.
Tune in to our latest episode as we delve into the crucial role of control plans in the realm of continuous improvement, with Herb Robbins (Founder of Robbins International).
Join us for an insightful episode as we delve into the world of Lean Six Sigma in the service industry. Aidan Magner, a seasoned expert from 3Sixty, joins us to share his invaluable expertise on implementing Lean Six Sigma methodologies to drive excellence and efficiency in service-oriented businesses.
Join us for an enlightening episode as we sit down with Jed Summerton to explore the transformative power of data storytelling. Through captivating anecdotes and practical insights, Jed demonstrates how effectively communicating data through storytelling can inspire change and drive meaningful progress.
In this episode, join us as we dive into the critical role of measurement systems in continuous improvement, featuring special guest Kurt Peterson. We'll explore how effectively measuring performance metrics is essential for assessing progress, identifying areas for improvement, and driving sustainable change.
In this episode of "Lean Into Excellence," your hosts Liz Cricenti and Marco Bonilla tackle questions submitted by our listeners, focusing on the key aspects of continuous improvement.
Join us in this enlightening episode as we discuss the impact of Process Capability in transforming businesses. Our special guest, Greg Masciana, an expert in the field, will share his insights on the WHY and HOW of Process Capability, and its key role in optimizing process performance.
In this episode of "Lean Into Excellence," join us as we dive into the dynamic world of Six Sigma tools with our in-house expert and Master Black Belt, Ken Stocco. We explore the nuanced realms of Qualitative and Quantitative tools, shedding light on their distinctive features and the strategic benefits they offer.
Join us in this enlightening episode as we delve into the intricate world of process mapping and its pivotal role in transforming businesses. Our special guest, Doug Bruce, an expert in the field, will share his insights on the importance of process mapping and its profound impact on operational efficiency.
Dive into the inaugural episode of "Lean Into Excellence," where we unravel the essence of continuous improvement, debunking myths, defining ownership, and exploring the dynamic landscape. Join us for an engaging conversation that sets the stage for a journey of insights, innovation, and excellence.
Liz and Marco talk with leaders about what makes continuous improvement work in the real world.
Co-host · President
Liz Cricenti leads Work Stream Consulting as President, carrying forward the vision Chuck Gillis set when he founded the firm. She joined Work Stream in 2022 and brings more than 14 years of business development experience in healthcare, medical devices, and diagnostics, where she earned four President's Club awards and was named Rep of the Year. She co-hosts Lean Into Excellence, talking with leaders about what makes continuous improvement work in the real world.
Co-host · Master Black Belt
Marco is a Continuous Improvement & Process Innovation Consultant and certified Six Sigma Master Black Belt, with a focus on new product development and operations excellence. With over 25 years of experience, he has worked as a New Product Development Engineer and Continuous Improvement Engineer in the semiconductor industry. He is also an affiliate professor in Marketing for the University of Denver MBA Program and WPI, and co-hosts Lean Into Excellence.
Podcast listener quotes.
“Every episode of Lean Into Excellence gives me something I can take straight to the floor. It's like getting a mini masterclass in process improvement.”
“This podcast makes Six Sigma and Lean feel less intimidating and more human. The conversations are smart, engaging, and surprisingly fun.”
“What I love most about Lean Into Excellence is how it blends expert insight with real-world application. It's not just theory, it's actionable.”
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