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The Operations Science Podcast

The Operations Science Podcast

Written by: Ed Pound
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The Operations Science Podcast: Authentic Leadership Stories from Operations and Project Leaders


Welcome to The Operations Science Podcast, the premier destination for authentic, in-depth conversations with operations and project leaders who share real-life stories of their career triumphs, setbacks, and the invaluable insights gained along the way. Hosted with a passion for uncovering the strategies and mental frameworks that drive success, this podcast is a must-listen for executives, managers, and aspiring leaders in industries such as general manufacturing, medical devices, aerospace, maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO) companies, and diagnostic labs. With a focus on leadership, operational excellence, and continuous improvement, each episode delivers actionable takeaways to help you navigate the complexities of modern business landscapes.


What to Expect from The Operations Science Podcast


Our guests include C-level executives, VPs of operations and supply chain, directors, managers, and thought leaders from trade associations, industry groups, and standards organizations. These seasoned professionals bring a wealth of experience in leadership, decision-making, and execution, offering unique perspectives on operational challenges like rapid change, uncertainty, innovation, evolving workforce expectations, talent development, and organizational culture. Whether you're a forward-thinking executive or a continuous improvement enthusiast, this podcast provides a platform to learn from the best in the field.

Each episode dives deep into the personal journeys of high-performance leaders, exploring their successes, failures, and comebacks. From building high-performance teams to driving strategic transformation and maintaining clarity under pressure, our guests share the mental tools, frameworks, and strategies that have enabled them to lead with confidence, resilience, and foresight. This isn’t just another business podcast—it’s a forum for high-level executives to openly discuss the real challenges of operational management and the mental fitness required to thrive at the top.


Why Listen to The Operations Science Podcast?


  • Authentic Storytelling: Hear real-life stories from operations and project leaders who have navigated the highs and lows of leadership in dynamic industries.
  • Actionable Insights: Gain practical strategies for overcoming operational challenges, fostering innovation, and building resilient teams.
  • Diverse Perspectives: Learn from a wide range of guests, including C-suite executives, industry group leaders, and continuous improvement experts.
  • Inspiration for Growth: Discover how top leaders adapt to change, inspire their teams, and make high-stakes decisions with clarity and confidence.
  • Industry-Specific Focus: Explore winning practices and leading trends in general manufacturing, medical devices, aerospace, MRO, and diagnostic labs.


Who Should Listen?


This podcast is designed for:


  • C-level executives and VPs of operations/supply chain seeking to sharpen their leadership skills
  • Directors and managers in operations, project management, or continuous improvement roles
  • Professionals in general manufacturing, medical devices, aerospace, MRO, and diagnostic labs
  • Aspiring leaders looking to learn from the experiences of seasoned executives
  • Members of trade associations, industry groups, and standards organizations interested in industry trends and winning practices


How to Listen


The Operations Science Podcast is available on major platforms, including YouTube, Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and more. Subscribe today to get notified about new episodes and gain access to a growing library of leadership insights. Follow us on LinkedIn and other social media platforms for daily short-form video clips that deliver quick, actionable tips from our guests.


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Episodes
  • Mastering Cross-Border Production Transfers: Project Management Lessons from the Front Lines

    Mastering Cross-Border Production Transfers: Project Management Lessons from the Front Lines
    Jan 7 2026

    In this episode of the Operations Science Podcast, host Ed Pound speaks with Ricardo Monge, a seasoned program manager specializing in medical device manufacturing. Ricardo shares his experiences orchestrating complex, multimillion-dollar project transfers across borders—merging technical rigor with human influence.


    You’ll learn:

    ✔ How to balance strategic timelines with tactical operations

    ✔ Best practices for managing scope creep and regulatory compliance

    ✔ The role of AI as a supportive tool in project management

    ✔ Why effective communication and cultural sensitivity matter


    Timestamps:

    00:00 Introduction to the Operations Science Podcast

    00:48 Meet Our Guest: Ricardo Monge

    02:32 Ricardo's Role and Project Management Insights

    04:57 Challenges and Best Practices in Project Transfers

    23:47 The Role of AI in Project Management

    26:58 Regulatory and Compliance Considerations

    30:40 Effective Communication and Cultural Sensitivity

    33:52 Personal Insights: Ricardo's Background and Interests

    38:04 Conclusion and Final Thoughts


    #MedicalDevices #ProjectManagement #AIinBusiness #GlobalOperations #Leadership #Manufacturing #RiskManagement #PodcastEpisode #Innovation #OperationsScience
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    40 mins
  • Transforming Operations at Scale: Lessons from Manufacturing to Boardroom | Oscar Sroor

    Transforming Operations at Scale: Lessons from Manufacturing to Boardroom | Oscar Sroor
    Dec 17 2025

    In this episode of the Operations Science Podcast, host Edward Pound sits down with Oscar Sroor, a global operations leader based in Bordeaux, France, to explore what it really takes to achieve sustainable operational excellence.


    With experience spanning manufacturing, medical devices, FMCG, and global supply chains, Oscar shares his journey from classic lean initiatives to leading large-scale business transformations. The conversation goes beyond tools and frameworks, focusing on structured thinking, scientific discipline, cultural adaptation, and systems-level improvement.


    Key topics include:

    • Why lean tools alone aren’t enough
    • How to standardize and improve tender processes
    • Scaling capacity without burning out teams
    • Optimizing distribution networks and ERP systems
    • Measuring cultural maturity in continuous improvement
    • The evolving role of AI, Industry 4.0, and Industry 5.0
    • Leading transformation across diverse European cultures


    This episode is essential listening for operations leaders, continuous improvement professionals, transformation leaders, and executives who want to move beyond surface-level optimization and build systems that truly perform.


    Timestamps -

    00:00 Trailer

    00:47 Meet Our Guest: Oscar Sroor

    01:31 Oscar's Continuous Improvement Journey

    02:30 Explaining Operational Roles and Challenges

    04:13 Transforming Business Processes

    06:55 Standardizing Tender Processes

    09:50 Measuring and Improving Tender Responses

    15:31 Doubling Factory Capacity

    17:37 Optimizing Distribution Networks

    20:30 ERP Systems and Operational Decisions

    27:16 Trainer Development and Kaizen Facilitation

    28:41 Measuring Cultural Maturity in Lean Practices

    29:39 Challenges in Training Facilitators

    32:15 Communication and Cultural Adaptation in Europe

    36:35 AI and Industry 4.0

    41:58 Oscar Sroor's Journey and Influences

    45:16 Balancing Work and Family Life

    47:44 Podcast Conclusion and Call to Action


    #OperationsScience #OperationalExcellence #ContinuousImprovement #BusinessTransformation #LeanThinking #ProcessImprovement
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    48 mins
  • The Hidden Complexity of Optical Lens Manufacturing | Operations Deep Dive with Stefano Relli

    The Hidden Complexity of Optical Lens Manufacturing | Operations Deep Dive with Stefano Relli
    Nov 20 2025

    In this episode of the Operations Science Podcast, host Ed Pound sits down with Stefano Relli, an international leader in continuous improvement at a global precision optical lens manufacturer.


    Together, they break down the real-world challenges of running a make-to-order, high-variability production system and how balancing a push-pull system can transform flow, efficiency, and customer responsiveness.

    Stefano shares how his multicultural leadership journey shaped his approach to operational excellence, people alignment, and driving change in high-precision environments.


    From understanding the complexity of lens manufacturing to managing production capacity, optimizing equipment efficiency, and engaging both frontline teams and senior leadership, this episode dives deep into what it takes to run operations at scale.


    Perfect for professionals in manufacturing, operations, Lean systems, continuous improvement, and supply chain, this conversation delivers practical insights backed by global experience.


    Topics Covered:

    • Handling high-mix, make-to-order challenges
    • Implementing push-pull systems
    • Cultural intelligence in leadership
    • Aligning KPIs with operational goals
    • Managing variability and production capacity
    • Engaging teams in continuous improvement
    • The human side of operational transformation
    • Stefano’s personal passion for road cycling


    Timestamps -

    00:00 Introduction to the Operations Science Podcast

    00:49 Meet Stefano Relli: A Leader in Optical Lens Manufacturing

    01:57 Stefano's Multicultural Journey and Its Impact on Leadership

    08:24 Challenges of Make-to-Order Systems in Lens Manufacturing

    12:46 Understanding the Lens Manufacturing Process

    19:44 Implementing Push-Pull Systems for Operational Excellence

    25:53 Ensuring Equipment Efficiency

    26:42 Managing Production Capacity

    28:31 Engaging Leadership in Continuous Improvement

    34:20 Aligning People and Processes

    35:26 Personal Journey and Influences

    41:34 The Joy of Road Cycling

    43:46 Conclusion and Final Thoughts


    #OperationsScience

    #ManufacturingExcellence

    #ContinuousImprovement

    #OpticalLensManufacturing

    #LeanManufacturing

    #MakeToOrder

    #PushPullSystem

    #OperationalExcellence

    #SupplyChain

    #LeadershipInManufacturing
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    45 mins
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