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Lean Into Excellence

Lean Into Excellence

Written by: Liz Cricenti and Marco Bonilla
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Welcome to 'Lean into Excellence,' the podcast where we dive deep into the dynamic world of Continuous Improvement. Join us as we explore real-life applications, share success stories, and unravel the secrets behind these transformative methodologies. Get ready to lean into a world where efficiency meets innovation, right here on 'Lean into Excellence.'2023 Economics Management Management & Leadership
Episodes
  • The Power of Incremental Improvement
    Feb 4 2026

    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. They bring the 1% better philosophy to life—revealing how focusing on small, daily upgrades can compound into massive progress over time. Packed with real‑world examples, the discussion covers practical strategies for making those changes stick, the critical role of leaders in empowering teams, and how to spot and eliminate waste in any process. Marco and Doug make a compelling case that continuous improvement isn't just for factories or boardrooms—it's for every job, every team, and every person who wants to get a little better, every single day.

    00:00 The Pursuit of Incremental Improvement 02:48 Understanding the 1% Better Philosophy 05:18 Quick Wins and Empowerment 09:34 The Role of Management in Change 16:15 Identifying and Reducing Waste 19:35 Practical Tips for Continuous Improvement 36:47 Wrapping Up: The Power of Small Changes
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    44 mins
  • Cutting Waste, Creating Value: Lean in Construction with Clark Lowe
    Nov 13 2025

    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. We discuss the challenges and opportunities of implementing these methodologies in a traditionally slow-to-adapt sector, particularly in a fully remote work environment. Clark shares insights on overcoming resistance, the importance of mindset, and how to start continuous improvement processes. He emphasizes the significance of building a culture around these principles rather than focusing solely on numbers. The conversation also touches on the future of Lean Six Sigma in construction, including the integration of AI and the upcoming release of Clark's book on remote work.

    To reach out to Clark, visit him on LinkedIn:

    https://www.linkedin.com/in/clarklowe/

    https://www.buildoconnor.com/

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    36 mins
  • Mastering Cost Management: Insights from Duane Deason
    Oct 29 2025

    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. Duane shares insights from his extensive career, discussing the inefficiencies that often arise as companies grow, the importance of cultural awareness in cost management, and the role of leadership in fostering a cost-effective environment. The conversation also touches on the impact of AI on business efficiency and the necessity of internal cost management teams. Duane emphasizes the need for a lean approach to encourage innovation while maintaining operational efficiency, especially during mergers and acquisitions.

    https://www.linkedin.com/in/duanedeason/

    Purchase Duane's book here: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0FRN125K1/

    00:00 Introduction to Cost Management Challenges 02:48 Duane Deason's Career Journey and Insights 05:40 The Inefficiencies of Growing Organizations 08:46 Cultural Awareness and Cost Management 11:23 The Role of Leadership in Cost Control 14:17 The Importance of Internal Cost Management Teams 17:18 Navigating Cost Management During Mergers and Acquisitions 20:20 The Impact of AI on Cost Management 22:55 The Future of Cost Management and Innovation 25:56 Conclusion and Book Insights
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    44 mins
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