Ep 125 You Can’t Do Lean Here, Customer Development Edition with Danny Nathan

We know that autonomy is one of the factors that leads to high employee satisfaction and that organizational alignment is required to achieve company goals. But how do you get both autonomy and alignment? Jurriaan Kamer believes that companies can achieve aligned autonomy, and there are specific actions leaders can take to reach this goal. He joined me at the Edges of Lean to share his experience and insights.   Jurriaan Kamer   Jurriaan Kamer is a Dutch expert in organizational change and co-founder of Unblock, a modern management consultancy. He is also a keynote speaker and the author of two influential books. His latest release, "Unblock: Clear the Way for Results and Develop a Thriving Organization," offers practical strategies for leaders to enhance ownership, speed up decision-making, and reduce bureaucracy for better outcomes. Previously, Jurriaan wrote "Formula X," a business novel inspired by Formula 1 racing, recognized by Forbes as a must-read for navigating an uncertain market. With over a decade of experience, he helps organizations eliminate ineffective strategies and foster high levels of autonomy. KEY TOPICS IN THIS PODCAST:   00:02:20 Agile Principles vs. Practices 00:06:34 Organizational Culture and Scalability 00:09:38 Leadership Principles and Organizational Culture 00:12:40 Organizational Dysfunctions and Results 00:18:41 Formula One Behind the Scenes 00:21:25 Unblocking Organizational Challenges 00:24:15 Strategy as a Hypothesis 00:29:17 Control Needs in Leadership 00:32:09 Types of Decisions in Organizations 00:35:44 Teamwork and Psychological Safety 00:39:32 Thriving Organizations Through Lean KEY TAKEAWAYS: Autonomy and alignment are both important factors for organizational success. Aligned autonomy is the concept of having autonomous teams that work within the framework of the organization's objectives. Agile principles may not work effectively at the organizational scale, and it's important to explore other organizational theories and methods. The goal of organizations is to achieve results, whether financial, regulatory, or other objectives. Unblocking the organization involves identifying and overcoming organizational dysfunctions that hinder progress. Steering involves continuously setting goals, changing direction, and measuring progress. Meetings should be focused, purposeful, and used as a tool to drive work forward rather than being a distraction.   Memorable Quotes From  Jurriaan Kamer.   "Ownership is not something you can give to someone, it is something that people should take." CONNECT WITH Jurriaan Kamer.     Website:  http://www.unblockbook.net  Book Website: https://www.formula-x.co/  Linkedin :https://www.linkedin.com/in/jurriaankamer X/Twitter: https://x.com/jurriaankamer  IG:   https://www.instagram.com/jurriaankamer/   Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCG1WPfl4intvNQy5_5bVBcw   

A diverse organization is a competitive advantage –innovation and problem-solving thrive when people from diverse backgrounds work together. No matter who we are, when we move into that diverse environment, we all, no matter our race, carry baggage from racism in our culture.  JD Mass has written a book called “Race for What,” addressing the causes of racism and steps white folk can take to heal from the harm of racism and begin to connect as humans. He joined me at the Edges of Lean to share his insights.  JD Mass   JD Mass grew up in St. Louis, one of America’s most segregated cities, where his parents raised him in the black community. He worked closely with his childhood friend, Nelly, during the first four years of Nelly’s career, witnessing his rise to international fame. JD later joined a global community of black ex-patriots focused on health, peace, and sharing. Throughout these experiences, he saw the highest impact of racism and power structures. To better understand cultural development, JD earned a degree in organizational psychology. His journey is fueled by a desire to understand the roots of racism and promote a more humane, loving world.  KEY TOPICS IN THIS PODCAST:   00:06:04 Defining culture and its impact 00:08:27 Exploring the roots of racism 00:19:54 Letting go to experience new possibilities 00:21:59 Experiencing a peaceful community in Israel 00:24:02 Applying cultural appreciation to lean implementations 00:29:20 Step 2: Acknowledging the harm of our culture 00:30:26 Step 3: Letting go of power, privilege, and fears 00:32:29 Step 4: Appreciating the value of other cultures 00:35:58 Step 5: Repairing and healing the harm 00:39:04 Step 6: Being led by a new mind 00:39:16 Closing thoughts and advice for young people KEY TAKEAWAYS: Reducing racism in company culture involves continuous improvement and active efforts to address biases. Diverse organizations gain a competitive edge through enhanced innovation and collaborative problem-solving. Racial biases impact interactions in diverse environments, regardless of personal intentions. The scarcity mentality, driven by limited resources, fosters competitive and discriminatory behaviors. Addressing racism requires a deep understanding of its historical and systemic origins and patterns. Perceptions of resource scarcity influence racial attitudes and contribute to competitive behaviors. Changing deeply ingrained cultural behaviors is challenging due to their entrenched nature.   Memorable Quotes From JD Mass.   “Addressing racism requires understanding and changing historical and systemic patterns.   CONNECT WITH JD Mass.   Website: https://raceforwhat.com/   Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jd-mass-psyd/   X/Twitter: https://x.com/JDMass1  IG: https://www.instagram.com/raceforwhat/        

As lean thinkers, we often look at life as a series of problems to be solved. I know I do this: I will be somewhere and see something that is working quite right, and I immediately think about the root cause of the issue and potential countermeasures to try. Do you do that, too? That is why I loved this conversation with Fletcher Ellingson, who talks about how to live a “feel good life,” building grace.  And wait till you hear what he says about our values do not mean jack!   Fletcher Ellingson. Fletcher is a speaker, coach, and author of the best-selling book The Practice of Feeling Good. Using a combination of science and psychology, he helps his clients break free from financial struggle, overwhelm, and persistent worry so they can spend more time doing what they love, contribute to their families, and impact their communities. Fletcher also hosts a regional weekly TV show, is a regular contributing columnist, and is a professional magician. He has helped hundreds of entrepreneurs and successful professionals embrace the principles of The Practice of Feeling Good. As a result, they have radically shifted their thinking and have been able to produce outstanding outcomes in their health, wealth, and relationships.             KEY TOPICS IN THIS PODCAST:   00:01:22 - Roles and Mentorship 00:02:05 - Early Interest in Positive Thinking 00:02:46 - Influence of Early Experiences 00:04:50 - Discovering Magic and Its Impact 00:06:07 - The Joy of Performing Magic for Adults 00:07:04 - The Practice of Feeling Good 00:08:41 - Understanding and Influencing Emotions 00:09:12 - Feeling Good on Demand 00:12:27 - Empowering Stories and Their Impact 00:14:04 - Example of Empowering Stories in Daily Life 00:20:47 - Crafting Intentional Messages 00:22:13 - The Importance of Values in Lean Thinking 00:34:00 - Common Issues Clients Face 00:35:12 - The Overflow Effect on Relationships KEY TAKEAWAYS:   The practice of feeling good involves learning how to feel good on demand, which includes feeling safe, secure, connected, enthusiastic, and optimistic.  Shifting our thinking is essential for producing new and outstanding outcomes in our health, wealth, and relationships.  Creating empowering stories about our circumstances can lead to a more positive and fulfilling life.  Practicing gratitude and focusing on the positive can help us feel good and improve our well-being.  Upgrading our thinking and challenging our limiting beliefs can lead to breakthroughs and transformation in various areas of our lives.  Taking the time to define our standards and aligning our actions with them can lead to greater success and fulfillment.    Memorable Quotes From Fletcher Ellingson. "Get around the people who already have the results that you want.   CONNECT WITH Fletcher Ellingson.   Website: https://fletcherellingson.com/   X/Twitter: https://x.com/fletchellingson?lang=en Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/gocoachfletch/   

If you are a lean thinker, you are probably working to continually improve your skills in communicating with the adults in your life.  You may also be working to bring some lean thinking into your family life.  But what if you have some pre-teens in your family circle? They can be very challenging to work with – and that is where Marcus Higgs can help us.  He works with parents of pre-teens to help them improve their connection with the kids at a time when the kids are beginning to establish their unique identities.    Marcus Aurelius Higgs.   Marcus Aurelius Higgs works with Certain Future to support parents of pre-teens (10-14 y.o.), helping them show up and maintain meaningful relationships with their children during these 'identity-breaking' years. He collaborates with parents who want to be present with their son or daughter before it is too late to bridge the gap. Using 'The SHOW UP Framework,' Marcus helps parents benefit by ensuring they are confident in their communication when their tween starts having big emotions, knowing how to be present when their pre-teen starts to withdraw, so their child continues to trust them and naturally opens up difficult conversations, and understanding how to support their child in ways that develop self-belief and resilience.       KEY TOPICS IN THIS PODCAST: 00:03:25 - Identity Breaking Phase 00:04:09 - Development of Friendships 00:05:12 - Coaching a Young Musician 00:10:12 - The Concept of "Not Yet" 00:12:42 - Pygmalion Effect on Parenting 00:13:22 - Common Issues Parents Face 00:16:01 - Show Up Framework Overview 00:22:37 - Opening Up Communication 00:24:44 - Establishing Regular Check-ins 00:29:21 - Personal Story of Support 00:32:30 - Challenges of Modern Parenting 00:34:26 - Social Media and Identity Formation   KEY TAKEAWAYS : Parents need to establish a strong identity and know their values and virtues. Parents should hold space for collaboration with their kids, working with them rather than doing things for them.  Written letters expressing pride and support can be a powerful tool for opening up communication with teens. Parents should seek support from a parent pod or a network of trusted adults to share the responsibility of parenting.  Social media can impact the sense of identity, and it is important to help children understand their worth beyond likes and virtual validation.  Memorable Quotes From Marcus Aurelius Higgs. "If you're a lean thinker, you're probably working to continually improve your skills of communicating with the adults in your life." CONNECT WITH Marcus Aurelius Higgs   Website: https://marcushiggs.com/  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/heartofmarcus/   

      You took the big plunge and started your own business.  Maybe you already have a customer or two.  But what comes next?  Jamaul Ford is a second-generation entrepreneur with some great ideas about what you already know about learning cycles for finding and connecting with customers. Let's listen to what he has to say. Jamaul Ford Jamaul Ford, or Jamaul the Maven, is an accomplished second-generation entrepreneur whose business journey goes beyond commercial success. His mission revolves around fostering growth, empathy, and community. With a strong belief in understanding and connecting with people, Jamaul's business approach centers on empowering others to succeed. He has successfully scaled diverse businesses, taking startups from zero to 10k and guiding enterprises to reach milestones of 100k and beyond. As a leader, he actively engages with his team, values learning from every experience, and advocates for open collaboration and collective growth.     KEY TOPICS IN THIS PODCAST: 00:01:04 Second Generation Entrepreneurship 00:06:22 Finding Your Passion in Business. 00:10:45 Lean continuous improvement techniques. 00:12:04 Listening to customers for success. 00:18:34 Creative problem-solving in business. 00:21:29 Understanding client needs. 00:23:42 What qualifies as a lead. 00:31:17 Using GPT prompt for research.       KEY TAKEAWAYS  Transitioning into entrepreneurship is easier when you have a strong foundation and a passion for your work. When starting a business, focus on solving a problem or addressing a need that you resonate with.  Establish rapport and build relationships with potential clients before offering your services. Understand the needs of your target market to tailor your pitch and marketing efforts effectively. Use tools like adaptive intelligence and artificial intelligence to gather insights or refine your messaging.   Memorable Quotes From Jamaul Ford “Sometimes, people do not know what they need until you have shown them what they need.” CONNECT WITH Jamaul Ford    LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jamaul-ford-3bb430194/  Twitter/X: https://x.com/JamaultheMaven   

    When I was first working, one of the early lessons imparted to me was that whatever happened at home was not pertinent to my work life.  That has been a difficult lesson for me to unlearn.  It was one of many limiting beliefs that I wasn’t even aware I was carrying into my lean and continuous improvement work. Jeeva Sam joined me at the Edges of Lean to share his insights into some of the limiting beliefs that hold us back and what we can do about them.  Jeeva Sam   Jeeva Sam is a seasoned pastor turned advisor and mentor specializing in helping individuals and couples navigate through challenges in their personal and professional lives. With over 35 years of experience as a pastor and has led numerous individuals to achieve personal and professional growth, Jeeva uses his spiritual background to guide clients toward self-awareness and relationship harmonization. Based in Canada, Jiva has a unique approach to counseling and mentorship that focuses on addressing limiting beliefs, fostering healthy mindsets, and enhancing communication skills. .   KEY TOPICS IN THIS PODCAST: 00:00:01 Getting to the Root Causes of Limiting Beliefs 00:05:57 Addressing Relational Stress to Improve Workplace Productivity 00:10:59 The Importance of Inner Work for Personal and Professional Success 00:16:29 Exploring Childhood Influences on Adult Behavior and Relationships 00:25:24 Reprogramming Beliefs Through Positive Affirmations and Supportive Company 00:28:49 The Importance of Coaches, Mentors, and Accountability Groups 00:30:08 Couples Masterminds and Gender-Specific Mentorship in Business 00:33:51 The Importance of Mentorship and Coaching for Young Entrepreneurs     KEY TAKEAWAYS  Identifying and addressing limiting beliefs is crucial for personal and professional development. Relational stress can significantly impact productivity and effectiveness in the workplace. Acknowledging the influence of childhood experiences on behavior is essential for self-awareness. Cultivating positive beliefs and affirmations can lead to a mindset shift and improved outcomes. Seeking mentorship and coaching early on can provide valuable insights and support for growth.   Memorable Quotes From Jeeva Sam “Replace unhealthy beliefs with positive affirmations to reprogram your mindset for success." "Surround yourself with individuals who uplift and challenge you to grow beyond your limitations."   CONNECT WITH Jeeva Sam     Website: https://thesams.ca/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jeevasam/  Titter/X: https://x.com/jeevasam 

Lean practitioners often discuss the importance of delivering value to customers and understanding their needs. However, Danny Nathan takes this to a new level with his unique approach to lean customer development. His business is a testament to this. Intrigued by his methods, I invited him to join me on a journey to the Edges of Lean, where he shared his insights and practices.    Danny Nathan:   Danny is a versatile entrepreneur who has made a name for himself by helping companies create and launch new products and ventures. With a background in various fields like product design, marketing, and strategy, Danny is known for his ability to solve complex business challenges. As the founder of Apollo 21, a company that combines business consultancy, product design, and venture studio, Danny helps companies foster innovation, drive growth, and overcome obstacles to scaling by developing cutting-edge technology. KEY TOPICS IN THIS PODCAST: 00:02:59 - Transition from Acting to Technology 00:04:14 - Types of Products Developed by Apollo 21 00:10:42 - Challenges with Misunderstanding MVP 00:12:02 - Lean Customer Development Explained 00:13:14 - Importance of Validating Customer Needs 00:18:13 - Learning from Customer Development 00:20:04 - Identifying Ideal Customer Groups 00:21:34 - Process of Customer Interviews 00:26:24 - Creating Conviction Through Learning 00:27:00 - Differentiating Apollo 21's Approach 00:29:13 - Ensuring Against Post-Launch Failure 00:30:37 - Customer Observation Techniques 00:39:06 - Handling Multiple Stakeholders 00:40:17 - Heuristic vs. Data-Driven Processes KEY TAKEAWAYS:    Lean customer development is about discovering the purest pain point and validating the need, potential solution, and willingness of customers to pay for it before building anything. The focus should be on delivering value to the customer and understanding their needs.  Lean customer development helps streamline the process of bridging the gap between discovery and minimum viable product (MVP). The concept of an MVP has evolved and can be interpreted differently by different organizations. The goal of an MVP is to learn as quickly as possible, mitigate risk, and minimize cost and time expenditure. Innovation is great, but it is crucial to innovate something that is valuable to the customer and that they are willing to buy. Lean Startup provides a clear-cut series of actions to move towards creating something new, but it is vital to adapt and customize the methodology to fit specific needs. Lean customer development involves talking to customers, asking the right questions, and gaining a clear understanding of their pain points and needs.  The process starts with defining the problem space and then talking to a wide range of people to discover pain points and potential solutions.      Memorable Quotes From Danny Nathan::   “Fall in love with the problem and not the solution.”     CONNECT WITH Danny Nathan::        LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/amongmany/  Website: https://apollo21.io    

   Have you earned an advanced degree? What was the dissertation process like for you?  Have you thought about going back to school for a PhD?  Are you wondering how to succeed and come out of the process with new knowledge, ready for your next challenge, and with your continuous improvement skills and self-confidence honed? Dr. Jen Harrison works with students as a dissertation coach, and she joined me at the Edges of Lean to share the pitfalls and the keys to success with researching and writing your dissertation, all while becoming more collaborative.    Jen Harrison   Dr. Jen Harrison is a highly experienced dissertation coach with a Ph.D. in Children’s and Victorian Literature from Aberystwyth University in Wales, UK. Over the past decade, she has successfully coached and supervised first-generation, ESL, and non-traditional students in the UK and USA, helping many achieve first-class degrees. Dr. Harrison's expertise extends to providing support in writing, research design, motivation, and research methods. As the CEO of Read.Write.Perfect., she utilizes her background in secondary school English teaching, private tutoring, and experience in nursery and primary schools to offer exceptional writing and research services.   KEY TOPICS IN THIS PODCAST: 00:02:02 - Transition to Dissertation Coaching 00:03:07 - Role of a Dissertation Coach 00:04:45 - Misalignment in Graduate Programs 00:06:21 - Field Non-Specific Coaching 00:08:29 - Pressure and Personal Stories 00:11:02 - Academic Year and Deadlines 00:15:31 - Realizing Misalignment with Goals 00:18:14 - Coachability of Students 00:20:14 - Applying Classroom Teaching Skills 00:25:13 - Differences Between US and UK Academia 00:32:21 - Advocating for Proper Supervision   KEY TAKEAWAYS    Set boundaries with your program and supervisor early on and stick to them. Build a strong support network of friends, family, and resources to help you through the process. Understand your why - know your purpose and goals for pursuing a graduate degree. Seek feedback and ensure you receive constructive feedback that helps you improve. Take time for self-care and prioritize your mental health throughout the process. Be proactive in advocating for what you need from your supervisor and program. Prepare for the transition after completing your dissertation by identifying your next steps and finding something to be excited about. Reflect on the structure and expectations of your program and adjust accordingly to meet your needs. Remember that resilience and perseverance are keys to navigating the challenges of a graduate degree. Memorable Quotes From Jen Harrison   “Have a network, establish your network early on, and that doesn't just mean the people in your institution.” CONNECT WITH Jen Harrison       Website: https://readwriteperfect.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jennifer-harrison-769a89172/ Titter/X: https://twitter.com/perfect_write Free Call for Podcast Listeners: https://calendly.com/readwriteperfect/back-on-track-coaching-consultation-podcasts

Here at the edges of Lean, I love to talk with people who have taken Lean thinking into spaces far from the shop floor.  Tirrell Payton is a lean thinker bringing lean to pharmaceutical marketing – a highly regulated, people-focused business area and one of the places where people are very likely to say, “You can’t do lean here!”.  He joined me at the Edges of Lean to discuss why and how he does it.   Tirrell Payton Tirrell Payton is a dynamic and compelling individual who brings energy and storytelling to any platform. As the leader of Nooma Group Consulting, Tirrell combines southern charm with strategic expertise honed at Kellogg. With a deep understanding of the realities and constraints of business and drug development, Tirrell and his team drive impactful transformation through innovation in large organizations. Tirrell specializes in bringing a fresh perspective to complex topics such as agility and transformation, organizational development, leadership and change management, management consulting, pharma (clinical operations, marketing), and entrepreneurship.   KEY TOPICS IN THIS PODCAST: 00:00:32 Bringing lean thinking to pharmaceutical marketing 00:03:49 Challenges of applying agile in regulated industries 00:08:04 Insights into the tendencies of the pharma industry 00:10:13 The challenges of not considering humans in decision-making 00:11:53 Shifting from software to the pharma industry 00:15:01 The importance of understanding regulations 00:23:12 Challenges in pharmaceutical marketing 00:28:09 Bringing people together post-pandemic 00:33:06 Lack of focus on outcomes versus activities 00:37:34 Applying scientific thinking across the company 00:43:28 Attributes of successful leaders   KEY TAKEAWAYS  The pandemic has disrupted collaboration and created social isolation, making it harder for teams to prioritize and work effectively.  Building a sense of community and belonging within the organization is crucial for productivity and performance.  Many marketers focus on activities and outputs rather than driving outcomes and impacts.  Defining and measuring key performance indicators (KPIs) for outcomes can be a struggle in marketing.  Leaders in the pharma industry need to model the behavior they want to see, demonstrate empathy, and invite people to the journey.  Software alone is insufficient to solve organizational problems. Cultural systems and disciplined processes are necessary.  Young professionals should prioritize developing strong writing skills and empathy, as these qualities can set them apart and enhance their thinking and communication abilities.    Memorable Quotes From Tirrell Payton    "Learn to write. Learning to write forces you to clarify your thinking, and it makes you a better thinker.” CONNECT WITH  Tirrell Payton   Website: https://www.noomagroup.com/leadership/  LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tirrellpayton/    

  We have been looking at different aspects of communication here at the Edges of Lean, and one aspect I wanted to explore more was the neuroscience of communication. Creative entrepreneur, writer, and coach Aurora Winter joins me to bring insight on that topic and highlight the power of stories.    Aurora Winter     Aurora Winter is a successful entrepreneur, bestselling author, TV writer-producer, and founder of SamePagePublishing.com. With expertise in film and neuroscience, Aurora helps people craft impactful stories that boost brands, books, and businesses. Winner of the Outstanding Nonfiction Book of the Year Award, her book "Turn Words Into Wealth" reveals seven ways to generate seven figures. She emphasizes the power of words to elevate income, impact, and influence. Passionate about meaningful discussions and valuable content creation, Aurora covers various topics, including the neuroscience of communication, marketing, pivoting, creating multiple income streams, turning books into movies, writing fiction and nonfiction, publishing, and more.  KEY TOPICS IN THIS PODCAST:   00:00:14 - Exploring the Neuroscience of Communication 00:00:58 - Aurora Winter's Background and Journey 00:08:34 - Addressing the Midbrain in Communication 00:14:34 - The Power of Stories in Communication 00:20:40 - Impact of Stories on Belonging and Meaning 00:27:13 - Stories as Tools for Change and Inspiration 00:36:51 - Where to Find Aurora Winter Online 00:41:54 - Advice for Young People Starting Out KEY TAKEAWAYS:   Communication is a powerful tool that can significantly impact productivity and profitability. The midbrain, which is responsible for social connection and belonging, should also be addressed by highlighting the value of the message to others.  Stories are a powerful tool in communication as they convey values and provide meaning to the audience.  Opening a presentation with a question or half of a story can create interest and engagement from the audience.  Fiction, particularly science fiction, can shape and change the world by introducing new ideas and perspectives.  When starting any endeavor, it is vital to follow your interests and passions, explore different opportunities, and always look for beauty in every situation. Memorable Quotes From Aurora Winter    "Stories teach values, and science provides information." CONNECT WITH Aurora Winter       LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/aurorawinter/   Website: https://www.aurorawinter.com/ Gifts: 1. www.turnwordsintowealth.com 2. www.magicmysteryandthemultiverse.com