Business Excellence for Managers

Most business leaders know that sustainability is important. But one question remains: how can you make it part of your business strategy in a practical way that creates real business value?I'm delighted to welcome back John Pabon, international sustainability expert, consultant, keynote speaker, and bestselling author. His new book, Strategic Sustainability: A Pragmatic Blueprint for Responsible Businesses, offers a practical roadmap for leaders who want to make sustainability part of their business strategy.In today's conversation, we discuss why companies should focus on what matters most, how to gain support from leaders focused on short-term results, how to avoid both greenwashing and greenhushing, and why topics like AI and cross-functional collaboration are changing the future ofsustainability.If you're looking for practical ideas to build a more responsible and competitive business, you'll enjoy this conversation.Let's get started. Where to find John Pabon:Website: https://www.johnpabon.com/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/johnapabon/YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@johnpabon8899Ted Talk: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RWZRyio4hSsLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/johnpabon/TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@johnapabon Where to find Juan and Wave Business Excellence Footprint:Website Wave BEF: https://www.wave-bef.com/Website: Health, Happiness & Planet: https://www.wave-bef.com/health-happiness-planetInstagram: Health, Happiness & Planet: https://www.instagram.com/health_happiness_planet/LinkedIn Juan Steigerwald: https://www.linkedin.com/in/juan-eduardo-steigerwald-01710b1/YouTube WAVE BEF: https://www.youtube.com/@wavebusinessexcellencefoot1034 Feel free to contact Wave team at any time.

Welcome to the Business Excellence for Managers Podcast.This is where we break down ideas, strategies, and practical tools that help you build stronger teams and more effective organizations.Today we’re diving into Lean Six Sigma maturity and how to actually measure it in a meaningful way inside your team or company.Most people immediately think about certifications, belts, or project counts. And yes, those matter. But they only show part of the picture.So in this episode, we go deeper. We look at how maturity is also reflected in things like mindset, behaviors, performance management, how teams use data, how they handle processes, and even how they listen to and act on the voice of the customer.We’ll walk through a simple but powerful survey approach that gives you a real snapshot of where your team is today, and how to track progress over time using a spider chart.So if you’ve ever wondered how to measure whether your Lean Six Sigma efforts are actually becoming part of your organization’s DNA, this episode is for you.Let’s get into it.Resources:WAVE Business Excellence Footprint Courses:For Employees: https://www.wave-bef.com/courses-for-employeesFor Managers: https://www.wave-bef.com/courses-for-managersDr. Joe Dispenza’s NeuroChangeSolution Program called “Change Your Mind. Create New Results”.  Where to find Juan and Wave Business Excellence Footprint:Website Wave BEF: https://www.wave-bef.com/Website: Health, Happiness & Planet: https://www.wave-bef.com/health-happiness-planetLinkedIn Juan Steigerwald: https://www.linkedin.com/in/juan-eduardo-steigerwald-01710b1/YouTube WAVE BEF: https://www.youtube.com/@wavebusinessexcellencefoot1034Instagram: Health, Happiness & Planet: https://www.instagram.com/health_happiness_planet/ Feel free to contact Wave team at any time.

Welcome to the Business Excellence for Managers podcast, where we explore practical ideas and strategies to help you lead more effectively and drive real business results.In today’s episode, we’re focusing on a critical but often underestimated success factor in Lean Six Sigma… emotional intelligence.While most transformations are built on strong tools, data, and processes, their success ultimately depends on people. And that’s where emotional intelligence comes in.We’ll look at how communication, trust, and leadership behavior directly impact the success of your initiatives, and how you can build a culture where continuous improvement actually thrives.If you’re leading change or driving Lean initiatives in your organization, this episode will give you a different perspective on what really makes them work.Let’s get started. Time stamps:00:20 The Importance of Emotional Intelligence in Lean Six Sigma Leadership.00:50 Understanding Lean Transformation Failures.03:40 The Role of Communication in Change Management. 07:20 Leading by Example: The Role of Leadership Behavior.10:05 Emotional Intelligence: The Foundation of Lean Leadership.15:55 Social Awareness.19:30 Lean Leaders with High EQ.19:55 Psychological Safety and Continuous Improvement.22:00 From Lean Manager to Lean Coach.24:15 Emotional Intelligence in Problem Solving.25:30 The Future of Lean Leadership. Resources:WAVE Business Excellence Footprint Courses:For Employees: https://www.wave-bef.com/courses-for-employeesFor Managers: https://www.wave-bef.com/courses-for-managersDr. Joe Dispenza’s NeuroChangeSolution Program called “Change Your Mind. Create New Results”.  Where to find Juan and Wave Business Excellence Footprint:Website Wave BEF: https://www.wave-bef.com/Website: Health, Happiness & Planet: https://www.wave-bef.com/health-happiness-planetLinkedIn Juan Steigerwald: https://www.linkedin.com/in/juan-eduardo-steigerwald-01710b1/YouTube WAVE BEF: https://www.youtube.com/@wavebusinessexcellencefoot1034Instagram: Health, Happiness & Planet: https://www.instagram.com/health_happiness_planet/ Feel free to contact Wave team at any time.

Welcome to the “Business Excellence for Managers” podcast!In today’s episode, I dive into why Kaizen is making a real comeback in modern management. Continuous improvement isn’t just a buzzword—it’s a practical way to create fast, tangible change. And Kaizen workshops are one of the most effective tools to make that happen.I break down how these workshops compress months of problem-solving into just a few days, driven entirely by the people who know the process best: the subject-matter experts. When ideas come from the front line, not consultants or management, you get solutions that actually stick.We’ll look at the structure of a Kaizen workshop, the benefits it brings to teams, and how it breaks down silos, boosts engagement, and strengthens workplace culture. And I’ll share why the real power of Kaizen lies in managers stepping back, empowering their teams, and ensuring the ideas generated get implemented in a meaningful way.If you’re leading people, improving operations, or simply curious about how to unlock better performance through empowerment, this episode gives you a clear, practical roadmap.Time stamps:01:10 Introduction to Kaizen and Its Relevance Today.06:05 Understanding the Kaizen Mindset.07:20 Kaizen Workshops: Structure and Benefits.11:00 The Seven Key Benefits of Kaizen Workshops.  Where to find Juan and Wave Business Excellence Footprint:Website Wave BEF: www.wave-bef.comWebsite: Health, Happiness & Planet: https://www.wave-bef.com/health-happiness-planetLinkedIn Juan Steigerwald: https://www.linkedin.com/in/juan-eduardo-steigerwald-01710b1/YouTubeWAVE BEF: https://www.youtube.com/@wavebusinessexcellencefoot1034Instagram: Health, Happiness & Planet: https://www.instagram.com/health_happiness_planet/ Feel free to contact Wave team at any time. Check out our courses for PROFESSIONAL AND PERSONAL GROWTH:For Employees: https://www.wave-bef.com/courses-for-employeesFor Managers: https://www.wave-bef.com/courses-for-managers

Can a simple mindset of ‘a little better every day’ be the real key to business excellence?Welcome to the “Business Excellence for Managers” podcast!In today’s episode, I’m thrilled to speak with Vitezslav Vanek, the founder and CEO of value companion, a business consulting company. I first met Vitja in 2008 at BNP Paribas in Germany, where he worked as an expert in Process Management, and I was serving as Chief Quality Officer, rolling out the Lean Six Sigma program at this large international corporation of 200,000 employees.It was a privilege to have such a motivated and talented individual like Vitja as part of the Lean Six Sigma program in Nuremberg, Germany. From the beginning, I could tell he was destined for an outstanding career—and he certainly provedme right.After earning his Lean Six Sigma Certification under my guidance, Vitja went on to work with the Institute for Lean Six Sigma (IFSS) in Vienna. There, he served in roles ranging from Principal Consultant to Country Director for Germany South, Executive Board Member, and ultimately, Associate Management Consultant.Nearly 13 years later, he founded his own company, value companion, where he continues to make a significant impact.I am incredibly proud to welcome Vitja to the podcast today to discuss the top questions leaders often ask about business excellence. Time stamps:03:00 Introduction and Background.04:40 Journey Through Business Excellence.09:15 The Role of AI in Process Improvement.13:05 Defining Business Excellence.15:45 Measuring Maturity in Business Excellence.20:25 Integrating Continuous Improvement into Culture.23:55 Challenges in Implementing Business Excellence. Where to find Vitezslav Vanek:Website: https://value-companion.com/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/value-companion/posts/?feedView=allhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/vitezslav-vanek-mba-1a503b43/Xing: https://www.xing.com/profile/Vitezslav_Vanek Email: [email protected] Where to find Juan and Wave Business Excellence Footprint:Website Wave BEF: www.wave-bef.comWebsite: Health, Happiness & Planet: https://www.wave-bef.com/health-happiness-planetLinkedIn Juan Steigerwald: https://www.linkedin.com/in/juan-eduardo-steigerwald-01710b1/YouTube WAVE BEF: https://www.youtube.com/@wavebusinessexcellencefoot1034Instagram: Health, Happiness & Planet: https://www.instagram.com/health_happiness_planet/ Feel free to contact Wave team at any time. If the links are not clickable on your platform, please access them directly from our website at www.wave-bef.comunder the 'Podcasts' category.Check out our courses for PROFESSIONAL AND PERSONAL GROWTH:For Employees: https://www.wave-bef.com/courses-for-employeesFor Managers: https://www.wave-bef.com/courses-for-managers

Welcome to Business Excellence for Managers Podcast, where we explore ideas, strategies, and leaders shaping the future of business.Today’s guest is John Rossman — a powerhouse in digital transformation, leadership, and operational strategy. John is best known for his pivotal role at Amazon, where he was instrumental in launching and scaling the Amazon Marketplace, one of the company’s most game-changing platforms.He’s also served as a trusted advisor to global organizations like T-Mobile, helping leaders tackle complex challenges in an increasingly digital world. Beyond consulting, John is a keynote speaker, delivering insights on innovation and transformation to audiences worldwide.He’s the bestselling author of four books, including The Amazon Way,Think Like Amazon, and his latest, Big Bet Leadership, where he lays out a practical playbook for making bold, high-impact decisions in times of change.In our conversation, John unpacks what it means to lead in today’s hyper digital era—discussing the balance between innovation and operational excellence, the dangers of mediocrity in successful companies, and the mindset future leaders must adopt to thrive.Get ready for a deep, stimulating dive with one of the sharpest minds in modern business, John Rossman.Time stamps:03:10 Introduction to John Rossman.06:15 John's Journey and Amazon Experience.09:00 Big Bet Leadership and Transformation Playbook.12:00 Motivating Teams for Transformation.13:25 The Importance of Clear Communication.17:55 John’s Free E-book.16:01 Operational Excellence and Lean Six Sigma.22:00 Strengths and Weaknesses of Amazon.24:25 The Role of Builders vs. Bureaucrats.29:15 Raising the Leaders of Tomorrow.35:00 Services Offered by John Rossman.36:15 Defining Business Excellence. John’s Books:“The Amazon Way on IoT: 10 Principles for Every Leader from the World's Leading Internet of Things Strategies““Think Like Amazon: 50 1/2 Ideas to Become a Digital Leader““Big Bet Leadership: Your Transformation Playbook for Winning in the Hyper-Digital Era““The Amazon Way: Amazon's 14 Leadership Principles“ Free E-book: “The Pig, the Lipstick and the Playbook of Champions; How to Reclaim Your Business and Win” available on John’s website. Where to find John Rossman:Website: www.rossmanpartners.comLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/john-rossman/Twitter: https://x.com/johnerossmanFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/rossmanpartnersYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=%2F%40johnrossman4914Email: [email protected] Where to find Juan and Wave Business Excellence Footprint:Website Wave BEF: www.wave-bef.comWebsite: Health, Happiness & Planet: https://www.wave-bef.com/health-happiness-planetLinkedIn Juan Steigerwald: https://www.linkedin.com/in/juan-eduardo-steigerwald-01710b1/YouTube WAVE BEF: https://www.youtube.com/@wavebusinessexcellencefoot1034Instagram: Health, Happiness & Planet: https://www.instagram.com/health_happiness_planet/ Feel free to contact Wave team at any time. If the links are not clickable on your platform, please access them directly from our website at www.wave-bef.comunder the 'Podcasts' category.Check out our courses for PROFESSIONAL AND PERSONAL GROWTH:For Employees: https://www.wave-bef.com/courses-for-employeesFor Managers: https://www.wave-bef.com/courses-for-managers

Are you struggling to get your team on board with change?With constant change, we must manage transitions effectively while minimizing employee resistance. Whether implementing new standards, restructuring teams, or launching initiatives, change management techniques make the process smoother.In this episode, I’ll walk you through five key elements of successful change management. You’ll also get a chance to self-evaluate and understand the risks of neglecting these principles.This is a modified version of a previous discussion—let’s dive in!Where to find Juan and Wave Business Excellence Footprint: Wave Business Excellence Footprint - websiteJuan Eduardo Steigerwald - LinkedInWAVE Business Excellence Footprint - LinkedInWAVE Business Excellence Footprint - YouTubeWAVE Business Excellence Footprint - Instagram⁠Courses For Employees⁠⁠Courses For Managers⁠Feel free to contact Wave team at any time.

Welcome back to the second part of our engaging conversation with Professors Yevgen Bogodistov and Juergen Moormann. In Part 1, we discussed the genesis of their inspiring book on burnout prevention. We explored burnout in the workplace, the book's target audience, and the key findings from their research. The conversation highlighted the need to integrate human and psychological elements into process management, leverage technology for employee well-being, and rethink recruitment and assessment processes to enhance employee fit. Finally, we delved into the importance of redefining efficiency and effectiveness in modern workplaces. In Part 2, we take the discussion further, exploring how organizations can actively promote well-being and address the challenges of burnout. We dive into strategies for balancing job resources and demands, the importance of employee recharge, and unique concepts for mental wellness. Our guests also share how incorporating psychological indicators into KPIs can create more human-centered management practices. We also discuss the importance of recognizing early signs of burnout to prevent mental health issues. You'll also hear about tools for continuous improvement in employee well-being, the role of happiness in the workplace, and how music can spark creativity and improve work outcomes. This episode is packed with practical insights and innovative ideas for promoting healthier, happier, and more productive workplaces. So, let’s jump back into the conversation with Professors Yevgen Bogodistov and Juergen Moormann as we continue this inspiring dialogue. Timestamps: 03:10 Balancing Job Resources and Demands. 04:50 The Importance of Employee Recharge. 07:40 Shirin-Yoku Example. 09:25 Incorporating Psychological Indicators in KPIs. 11:40 Promoting Well-Being to Top Management. 15:50 Quantifying the Cost of Employee Well-Being. 17:40 Recognizing and Addressing Burnout. 21:35 Preventing Mental Health Issues in the Workplace. 25:50 Tools for Continuous Improvement in Employee Well-Being. 27:10 The Role of Happiness in the Workplace. 31:20 The Influence of Music on Creativity and Work. 35:00 Where to Find Our Guests and Their Book.   Books mentioned in the conversation: Process Management and Burnout Prevention: A Human-Centered Approach to Reducing Work-Related Stress-Yevgen Bogodistov & Jürgen Moormann   Where to find Prof. Bogodistov: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/eugene-yevgen-bogodistov-85a8806/ Website: https://www.mci.edu/en/ Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=eugene+bogodistov Email: [email protected]   Where to find Prof. Moormann: Website : https://www.frankfurt-school.de/en/home/research/centres/processlab/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/juergen-moormann-52427a10/ Email: [email protected]   Where to find Juan and Wave Business Excellence Footprint: Website Wave BEF: www.wave-bef.com Website: Health, Happiness & Planet: https://www.wave-bef.com/health-happiness-planet LinkedIn Juan Steigerwald: https://www.linkedin.com/in/juan-eduardo-steigerwald-01710b1/ YouTube WAVE BEF: https://www.youtube.com/@wavebusinessexcellencefoot1034 Instagram: Health, Happiness & Planet: https://www.instagram.com/health_happiness_planet/   Feel free to contact Wave team at any time.   If the links are not clickable on your platform, please access them directly from our website at www.wave-bef.com under the 'Podcasts' category. Check out our courses for PROFESSIONAL AND PERSONAL GROWTH: For Employees: https://www.wave-bef.com/courses-for-employees For Managers: https://www.wave-bef.com/courses-for-managers

What if burnout is more than just a personal struggle? What if it’s a sign that our workplaces need to fundamentally change? Welcome to Business Excellence for Managers, where we dive into the strategies and insights that empower leaders to create high-performing, resilient teams. Today, we’re exploring one of the greatest challenges facing modern managers: burnout. I’m joined by two distinguished experts who bring a wealth of research and practical knowledge on this topic: Professor Yevgen Bogodistov from MCI - The Entrepreneurial School in Innsbruck, Austria, and Professor Jürgen Moormann from the Frankfurt School of Finance & Management in Germany. Professor Bogodistov is a Full Professor of Strategic Management and Organizational Behavior whose research focuses on burnout, resilience, and how management decisions impact employee well-being. With a PhD in Business Administration from European-University Viadrina in Frankfurt, he has spent years studying the psychological dimensions of workplace stress and burnout prevention. Professor Moormann, who has nearly three decades of experience at the Frankfurt School, is a specialist in process management and its impact on organizational culture. As the head of the “ProcessLab” research team, he has published extensively on digital transformation and the balance between efficiency and employee satisfaction, particularly in the high-stakes world of finance. In today’s episode, Yevgen and Jürgen help us unpack the causes of burnout from a management perspective. We’ll discuss how leaders can identify burnout risks early, balance job demands with resources and create a workplace culture that promotes both productivity and employee health. Join us as we explore actionable steps to prevent burnout and cultivate a healthier work environment. Timestamps: 00:30 Introduction to the Guests of the Podcast. 04:10 The Genesis of the Book on Burnout Prevention. 07:05 Understanding Burnout in the Workplace. 11:05 Target Audience for the Book. 13:00 Key Findings from Research. 14:55 Understanding Job Demands and Resources. 21:20 The Role of Individual Traits in Burnout. 23:30 The Limitations of Process Management. 30:30 Integrating Human Aspects into Process Management. 32:10 Psychological Elements in Process Management. 36:40 Leveraging Technology for Employee Well-Being. 42:10 Redesigning Recruitment Processes. 42:30 Assessing Employee Fit Through Testing.  46:00 Rethinking Efficiency and Effectiveness.   Books mentioned in the conversation: Process Management and Burnout Prevention: A Human-Centered Approach to Reducing Work-Related Stress-Yevgen Bogodistov & Jürgen Moormann   Where to find Prof. Bogodistov: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/eugene-yevgen-bogodistov-85a8806/ Website: https://www.mci.edu/en/ Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=eugene+bogodistov Email: [email protected]   Where to find Prof. Moormann: Website : https://www.frankfurt-school.de/en/home/research/centres/processlab/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/juergen-moormann-52427a10/ Email: [email protected]   Where to find Juan and Wave Business Excellence Footprint: Website Wave BEF: www.wave-bef.com Website: Health, Happiness & Planet: https://www.wave-bef.com/health-happiness-planet LinkedIn Juan Steigerwald: https://www.linkedin.com/in/juan-eduardo-steigerwald-01710b1/ YouTube WAVE BEF: https://www.youtube.com/@wavebusinessexcellencefoot1034 Instagram: Health, Happiness & Planet: https://www.instagram.com/health_happiness_planet/   Feel free to contact Wave team at any time. Check out our courses for PROFESSIONAL AND PERSONAL GROWTH: For Employees: https://www.wave-bef.com/courses-for-employees For Managers: https://www.wave-bef.com/courses-for-managers

Have you ever wondered how to master the magic of creating empowered and happy organizations? In today's episode I speak with Jack Skeels, a former RAND senior analyst, and currently CEO of AgencyAgile, an Agile transformation and coaching firm that helps agencies, consultancies, and other complex service organizations go better, faster, and happier. His career includes leading Sapient’s 105-person Los Angeles office and founding and executive roles in multiple startups.  He is a coach to executives, a thought-leader, and wakes every day driven to create a revolution in leadership and management practices, optimal organization design, and delivery excellence. Jack shares his personal journey, underscoring the pivotal moments that shaped his understanding of effective management practices. Highlighting the importance of supporting weaker employees, Jack stresses the significance of promoting a positive work environment to drive organizational growth and employee satisfaction. He discusses the substantial impact of employee happiness on overall organizational performance, shedding light on its often underestimated significance. Concluding the conversation, Jack shares insights into the skills and traits essential for effective management, touching upon the concept of situational leadership. Join us as we share the secrets to creating empowered and happy organizations with Jack Skeels, a thought leader and advocate for revolutionizing leadership and management practices.   Timestamps: [03:10] Jack Skeels' Journey and Passion. [09:53] “Unmanaged – Master the Magic of Creating Empowered and Happy Organizations.” Summary of the Book. [12:35] The Importance of Developing Weaker Employees. [16:05] Measuring Employee Happiness. [20:52] Root Causes of Ineffective Managers. [27:05] The Hidden Cost of Project Contagion. [30:03] The Importance of Celebrating Project Endings. [32:30] The Concept of Productive Flow. [34:45] Addressing the Meeting Culture. [41:33] Key Challenges and Opportunities Faced by Leaders Today. [43:10] The Layer Cake Organization. [48:05] What Makes a Good Manager. [50:53] Managing by Method. [53:30] Actionable Advice for Managers. [55:18] Situational Leadership. [58:00] Services Offered by Jack and Where to Find Him.   Books mentioned in the podcast: Henry Mintzberg “Managers Not MBAs”. Edgar Schein “Humble Inquiry”.   If the links are not clickable on your platform, please access them directly from our website at www.wave-bef.com under the 'Podcasts' category.   Where to find Jack Skeels: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jackaskeels/ Website: https://agencyagile.com/ Book: Jack Skeels “Unmanaged: Master the Magic of Creating Empowered and Happy Organizations” Where to find WAVE-Business Excellence Footprint: Website: www.wave-bef.com LinkedIn Juan Steigerwald: https://www.linkedin.com/in/juan-eduardo-steigerwald-01710b1/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@wavebusinessexcellencefoo 1034 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/wave.bef/ Check out the Lean Six Sigma for Managers (LSSfM) Course in this 1.5 minute video   Feel free to contact Wave team at any time.   Check out our courses for PROFESSIONAL AND PERSONAL GROWTH: ------------------------------------------------------ For Employees: https://www.wave-bef.com/courses-for-employees For Managers: https://www.wave-bef.com/courses-for-manage