The Edges of Lean

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 

I believe lean thinking is the best way to manage a business and develop people. Even though I have much experience and many great examples to share, it does not mean I am always successful in persuading people. Carlos Alvarenga is a communications researcher who has delved into what it takes to be persuasive. He joined me at the Edges of Lean to talk about his new book: “The Rules of Persuasion,” and to explain why persuasion is a skill we can all learn.    Carlos Alvarenga   Carlos A. Alvarenga is an independent communications researcher, writer, and coach. With a background in management consulting and academia, he has worked as an adjunct professor at the Robert H. Smith School of Business and as the Executive Director of World 50 Labs. Carlos is pursuing a Ph.D. in Communications and Rhetoric at the University of Maryland. Carlos resides in Bethesda, MD, with his wife, a physician/researcher, and they have two sons. His diverse experiences and educational background contribute to his expertise in effective communication strategies. KEY TOPICS IN THIS PODCAST:     00:01:10 - Carlos's Background and Current Work 00:07:41 - The Elements of Character in Persuasion 00:11:34 - The Elements of Argument in Persuasion 00:12:19 - The Importance of Sequence in Presentations 00:14:27 - The Role of Emotion in Group Dynamics 00:22:50 - The Seven Kinds of Emotion in Persuasion 00:25:34 - The Importance of Emotion in Persuasion 00:33:36 - The Importance of Safety in Lean Transformation 00:37:14 - The Different Audiences in Persuasion 00:39:37 - The Dangers of Persuasion in the Wrong Hands 00:43:45 - Applying Persuasion in One-on-One Interactions 00:47:07 - Advice for Young Professionals     KEY TAKEAWAYS    Persuasion is a skill that can be learned and developed by anyone.  Persuasion is different from influence and manipulation.  The three modes of persuasion are character, argument, and emotion.  Character includes elements like status, origin, language, style, categories, and associations. Arguments include elements like logic, evidence, witnesses, authorities, laws, and standards. Understanding the chemistry of persuasion can help in crafting effective messages.  The order and sequence of elements in persuasion are crucial for success. Memorable Quotes From Carlos Alvarenga   "If your ideas walk out the door with you at night, if your projects would die if you quit tomorrow, you haven't persuaded anyone.”   CONNECT WITH Carlos Alvarenga         LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/carlos-alvarenga/   Website: https://www.carlosalvarenga.com/   

How much time are you spending every day on communication? How effective and efficient is your communication? We live in a swirl of communication – email, instant messages, text messages, and social media posts. And sometimes we even talk to each other! Geoff Weinstein says communication is a real “Edges of the Lean” frontier – one of the places where we can all leverage lean thinking to reduce waste and improve our lives. He joined me at The Edges of Lean to discuss lean communication – and by the way, he has gifts for you that you can download at http://geoffweinstein.com/gifts    Geoff Weinstein:   Geoff Weinstein is a seasoned professional with over 20 years of experience in serving the financial industry. He specializes in regulated industries where individuals struggle to articulate their ideas. Geoff's expertise lies in helping busy leaders align company culture with AI and digital transformation strategies. He works directly with clients to streamline broken communication processes, emphasizing the importance of clear, concise, and influential communication. Geoff's mission is to make lean communication the standard in workplace communication, enabling organizations to thrive in the fast-paced world of digital transformation.   KEY TOPICS IN THIS PODCAST:   00:01:00 - Geoff Weinstein's Background and Public Speaking 00:07:04 - The Mid-Office Communication Role 00:12:37 - Defining Lean Communication 00:15:21 - Communication as a Two-Way Process 00:18:14 - The Importance of Audience-Focused Communication 00:20:34 - Typical Communication Issues in Organizations 00:25:03 - The Evolution of Email Communication 00:27:20 - The Fear of Missing Out in Communication 00:30:23 - Crafting Effective Group Emails 00:35:15 - Example of a Power Paragraph 00:38:27 - Empathy in Communication 00:47:18 - Advice for Young Professionals   KEY TAKEAWAYS:    Lean communication involves stripping out stumbling blocks that prevent the recipient from understanding the message.  Lean communication focuses on getting the message across quickly and concisely.  Email is a common area where waste occurs in communication, such as unnecessary CCs and reply calls.  Lean communication requires thinking about the value of the message and who truly needs to receive it.  The length of an email should be kept concise, with a power paragraph summarizing the context, problem, and solution.  Empathy and understanding the audience's pain points are crucial in lean communication.  Lean leaders should also focus on effective communication and provide value to their teams.  Face-to-face communication and presentation skills are important areas to develop for lean professionals.   CONNECT WITH Geoff Weinstein:        LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/geoffweinstein  Website: https://www.geoffweinstein.com/   

As lean leaders, we understand that trust is a key component of an effective and efficient culture. George Dom spent years in high-performance environments where trust was not just a nice to have, but it was necessary to assure that the entire team succeeded – and survived! He has joined me at the Edges of Lean to share his insights into developing trust in every environment by being a high-trust leader. George Dom George Dom, founder of the High-Trust Leadership Network, is a former naval officer and aviator with extensive leadership experience. He has served in key positions in high-performance organizations, including commanding aircraft carrier fighter squadrons and leading air wings on the USS Dwight D. Eisenhower and USS John F. Kennedy. Dom has also been an instructor and pilot at the Navy Fighter Weapons School (Topgun) and commanded the Blue Angels flight demonstration squadron. Today, he is a respected business aviation manager, speaker, and leadership consultant to Fortune 500 corporations, private companies, and individuals. Dom believes that achieving high performance, both individually and collectively, requires High-Trust Leadership and Focused Engagement. This principle applies not only in sports, the military, and medical teams, but also in the business world.  KEY TOPICS IN THIS PODCAST: 00:00:21 - George's Background and High-Trust Leadership 00:03:52 - The Importance of Trust in Organizations 00:08:15 - Building Trust Among Thousands of Crew Members 00:10:28 - The Five Questions of Trustworthiness 00:17:44 - The Second Pillar of Trust: Commitment 00:24:28 - The Fifth Pillar of Trust: Communication 00:26:55 - The Role of Debriefing in Continuous Improvement 00:32:23 - The Importance of Understanding Your Team 00:37:28 - The Debriefing Process and Vulnerability 00:39:50 - The Necessity of Clear Communication 00:43:16 - Adapting Connection in Remote Work Environments 00:44:51 - The Challenge of Remote Communication 00:47:56 - Ensuring Message Clarity and Reception 00:51:24 - The Impact of Trust Beyond Safety 00:52:16 - Advice for Young People Starting Out     KEY TAKEAWAYS  Trust is built on vulnerability, dependability, and mutual support in both aviation and business settings. Trust is a strategic imperative that requires continuous effort and attention. Trustworthiness is evaluated based on behavior, not just intentions. The five pillars of trust include character, commitment, competence, connection, and communication. Character involves walking the talk and living up to shared values. Commitment is about being present and leading through challenges. Competence is important but secondary to character and commitment. Connection is about understanding team members and building strong relationships. Communication is the key to ensuring understanding and clarity in interactions. Memorable Quotes From George Dom   “Communication requires clarity, conciseness, and consistency.” CONNECT WITH George Dom         LinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/in/george-dom-b67b207   Website: https://georgedom.com/