Ever-So-Lean Podcast

• Alignment with Purpose: Do You Have it Right?

  In this episode, we dive deep into the journey of purpose, authenticity, and alignment with Margarita Giles-Martinez, a globally recognised coach who’s helped hundreds of women reconnect with their true selves. Margarita shares how a life-altering moment in 2019 led her to strip back the layers of expectation and rediscover her purpose, one rooted in inner peace and energetic truth. We explore how chasing conventional success can lead to burnout and why fulfillment comes from aligning your energy with who you truly are, not who you think you should be. Margarita explains the importance of listening to that inner whisper that says, “There’s more,” and how saying “hell yeah” to what feels right can be a radical act of self-love. Together, we unpack the difference between ego-driven arrogance and grounded confidence, the value of reflecting on painful experiences, and the liberation that comes from releasing the pressure to please. This episode is a reminder that who you were doesn’t define who you are now, and that finding your tribe and owning your energy can shift your entire life.   Key Takeaways: As we grow and evolve, it’s completely natural to outgrow certain people and parts of our past. Revisiting those earlier chapters of life with a renewed sense of self can feel empowering rather than intimidating. When you're truly grounded in who you are today, the need for external validation begins to fade. Pain is often the gateway to purpose. As Margarita beautifully put it, “Pain will push you until purpose pulls you.” Life’s toughest challenges often reveal who we’re not, guiding us toward who we truly are. While advice and theory can help, it’s lived experience—especially the hard ones—that become our greatest teachers. Real growth happens when we reflect on those moments and choose a new, more aligned path. Success isn’t just about material gain—it’s about energetic alignment. Without that inner alignment, achievements can feel empty. Our energy speaks volumes, often louder than any status or title. It’s what people remember and connect with. That’s why it’s so important to adopt the “Hell Yeah” filter. If something doesn’t excite or resonate deeply, it’s probably a no. Saying yes just to please others often leads to burnout and disconnection from ourselves. It’s also perfectly okay not to align with everyone or everything. Different energies don’t mean one is right and the other is wrong—they’re just different. We need to normalize respectfully stepping away from what doesn’t feel right, without guilt or judgment. Much of our conditioning teaches us to view life in black and white—success or failure, right or wrong. But awareness allows us to move beyond that limited thinking. Doing the inner work helps us unlearn outdated programming and step into a more nuanced, authentic way of living. There’s a key difference between arrogance and grounded confidence. Ego-based confidence tends to be loud and exclusionary, while true confidence is quiet, inclusive, and secure. When you’re truly comfortable with who you are, there’s nothing to prove. Finding inner alignment starts with listening to that internal nudge—the one that whispers, “There’s more.” Don’t wait for discomfort to turn into suffering. And most importantly, find your tribe. Surround yourself with people who love you as you are, who uplift your energy, and who celebrate your truth without conditions or expectations.   🔗Margarita's Resources: LinkedIn - linkedin.com/in/margarita-giles-martinez-79624581 Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/mgmpurposecoaching/   Find out more about Ever-So-Lean, working with us, and our learning programs at www.eversolean.com Visit the BQF to learn more about the wonderful work they do - https://www.bqf.org.uk/ Enrol in the Online Improvement Kata & Coaching Kata Basics Course. Upskill your coaching skills with the ONLY Kata training created by Jeffrey K. Liker and Mike Rother! - https://toyota-way-academy.teachable.com/?affcode=43912_2uzhk5-x Please don't forget to show your support and help the Ever-So-Lean Podcast thrive by taking a moment to rate and review it, your feedback matters! 

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• The 8th Waste: Underutilised Talent

  In this eye-opening episode of the Ever-So-Lean Podcast, we go beyond traditional waste elimination and tackle one of the most overlooked yet critical inefficiencies in organisations—underutilised talent. Joining me all the way from Queensland, Australia, is the brilliant Adam Bean—a bold thinker, strategic disruptor, and expert in Kaizen culture and Lean transformation. Known for challenging conventional wisdom, Adam shares powerful insights on why so many organisations fail to tap into their employees' full potential and how leadership behaviours, structures, and micromanagement are blocking creativity, innovation, and performance. Together, we explore: The 8th waste: underutilised talent—why it’s the biggest threat to efficiency and engagement. How leaders can empower employees to take ownership and drive continuous improvement. The power of marginal gains—how small, consistent improvements lead to massive success. Why true leadership is about coaching, not just managing, and how to create an environment where people thrive. Expect a bold, thought-provoking discussion that will challenge how you see waste—not just on the shopfloor, but in your people. Don’t miss this game-changing conversation!   Key Takeaways:   Underutilised Talent is the Biggest Waste Organisations often overlook the untapped skills, creativity, and potential of their employees. Failing to engage employees fully is a significant form of waste, often more detrimental than process inefficiencies. Empower Employees to Take Ownership Leadership is about creating an environment where employees feel valued, heard, and empowered to contribute ideas. Engaged employees naturally reduce other forms of waste by taking ownership of continuous improvement. Leadership Must Invest in Talent Development Leaders need to step back and give people the opportunity to shine. Investing in leadership training and development, particularly in areas like change management, helps leaders support employees effectively. Encourage Creativity and Autonomy People perform best when they have autonomy and the responsibility to make decisions. Micromanagement stifles innovation, so empowering employees to find efficiencies is key to unlocking their potential. Mastering the Fundamentals Leads to Success Success is built on the basics. The greatest performers, whether athletes or business leaders, emphasise consistent practice and refinement of core skills. This applies to leadership and continuous improvement as well. Embrace a Culture of Continuous Learning A learning environment, like those seen in high-performing teams such as the All Blacks, is crucial. Regular feedback, clear standards, and space for growth lead to sustainable improvement. Focus on Small Wins for Big Impact Improvement doesn’t always need to come from big changes. Small, consistent fixes to everyday challenges can have a profound impact on productivity, engagement, and morale. The Power of Marginal Gains Small, incremental improvements—1% better each day—compound over time, leading to massive, sustainable gains. The key is consistency in making tiny improvements. Leadership is about Coaching, Not Just Managing True leadership involves coaching, guiding, and providing feedback in a way that encourages growth and innovation. The role of a leader is to support their team, not just direct them. Unlock Potential through Practical Learning Learning is not about memorisation but about applying knowledge in real-world situations. Leaders should focus on practical learning experiences that connect directly to employees’ roles and responsibilities. Everyone’s Role is Vital Every role in an organisation, no matter how seemingly "small," is crucial to overall success. Leaders must recognise and utilise the unique strengths of each team member to drive collective growth.   🔗Adam Bean LinkedIn - linkedin.com/in/askadambean   Find out more about Ever-So-Lean, working with us, and our learning programs at www.eversolean.com Visit the BQF to learn more about the wonderful work they do - https://www.bqf.org.uk/ Enrol in the Online Improvement Kata & Coaching Kata Basics Course. Upskill your coaching skills with the ONLY Kata training created by Jeffrey K. Liker and Mike Rother! - https://toyota-way-academy.teachable.com/?affcode=43912_2uzhk5-x Please don't forget to show your support and help the Ever-So-Lean Podcast thrive by taking a moment to rate and review it, your feedback matters! 

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• What is Adaptability?

  In this episode of the Ever-So-Lean podcast, we welcome Nigel Richardson, an accomplished adaptability coach, to explore the vital theme of adaptability in leadership and organisational change. Drawing on Nigel's extensive experience across various industries, we delve into his journey towards recognising the importance of adaptability and how it shapes effective leadership. The discussion begins with an exploration of the psychological aspects of change management, highlighting the crucial role of emotional intelligence. Nigel sheds light on innovative facilitation techniques, such as Lego Serious Play, which enhance engagement and creativity during the change process. He also shares a pivotal ‘oh shit’ moment from his own career—a transformative experience that reshaped his approach to leadership and managing change. Nigel offers a nuanced definition of adaptability, underscoring its growing relevance in today’s complex and ever-changing environment. He elaborates on the critical distinction between adaptation (conscious responses to change) and adaption (long-term survival in the market), providing clarity on their roles in personal and organisational resilience. The conversation also addresses the common barriers to change, such as resistance stemming from discomfort, misunderstanding, or personal insecurity. Nigel emphasises the significance of organisational adaptability and introduces the AQ AI framework, which identifies the essential components of adaptability: ability, character, and environment. Together, we examine the importance of fostering a supportive work environment and discuss how hope and personal belief empower individuals to navigate change effectively. exploring the intricacies of human performance, emphasising the need to understand individual motivations and the role of managers in cultivating adaptability within their teams. The episode also touches on the broader implications of adaptability, including sustainable business strategies and the importance of aligning purpose with organisational goals. Personal growth, mindfulness, and resilience emerge as recurring themes, offering valuable insights for leaders and organisations seeking to thrive in an unpredictable world. Join us for an inspiring conversation that delves deep into the intersection of adaptability, leadership, and organisational success.   Key Takeaways: Adaptability is a cornerstone of effective leadership, particularly in today’s complex and unpredictable world. Leaders must respond adeptly to unforeseen challenges, fostering a culture that values experimentation, innovation, and resilience. Achieving this requires clear and direct communication to inspire change, alongside empathy for those navigating difficulties, and a profound understanding of emotional intelligence. Hope and self-belief are powerful drivers of adaptability, enabling individuals and organisations to approach change with confidence and determination. Organisations flourish when they consciously embrace adaptability, both in addressing immediate changes and ensuring long-term market resilience. This entails cultivating supportive environments that enhance employee engagement and leveraging tools such as Lego Serious Play to promote creativity and collaboration. Team dynamics and individual strengths play pivotal roles in building resilience, with the recognition that not all employees are motivated by traditional markers of success, such as career advancement. Resistance to change often arises from discomfort, misunderstanding, or personal insecurity. Leaders can overcome these barriers by fostering trust, encouraging accountability, and addressing concerns with sensitivity. The AQ framework—encompassing ability, character, and environment—provides a structured approach to strengthening adaptability, highlighting the importance of acquiring and integrating new skills and perspectives. While good management is essential, it is often underappreciated. Effective managers recognise and nurture individual strengths, providing space and time for employees to grow, learn, and contribute meaningfully. A clear sense of purpose—both personal and organisational—acts as a guiding principle for decision-making, fostering deeper, more productive conversations about adaptability and performance. Ultimately, adaptability is not simply about being better; it is about being different. Leaders and organisations that embrace this mindset can transform challenges into opportunities, building resilience and thriving in an ever-changing environment.   🔗Nigel Richardson LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/nigelrich Adapt & Exceed - http://www.adaptandexceed.com   Find out more about Ever-So-Lean, working with us, and our learning programs at www.eversolean.com Visit the BQF to learn more about the wonderful work they do - https://www.bqf.org.uk/ Enrol in the Online Improvement Kata & Coaching Kata Basics Course. Upskill your coaching skills with the ONLY Kata training created by Jeffrey K. Liker and Mike Rother! - https://toyota-way-academy.teachable.com/?affcode=43912_2uzhk5-x Please don't forget to show your support and help the Ever-So-Lean Podcast thrive by taking a moment to rate and review it, your feedback matters! 

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• The Emergence of an Unexpected Leader: Between the Pages

  In this special episode of the Ever-So-Lean Podcast, the tables are turned as Matt Sims steps into the guest’s chair, with Burnout Queen Nicola McCrabbe at the helm. Nicola dives deep into Matt’s personal journey and his newly released book, The Emergence of an Unexpected Leader. The book chronicles Matt’s inspiring rise from a "disruptive" low-grade student who was written off by teachers to a respected leader on the global stage. Through candid reflections on his rollercoaster path to success, Matt shares his experiences overcoming personal anxiety, public breakdowns, and the pressures of leadership. Nicola’s insightful questions invite listeners to walk with Matt through both the victories and the hardships that shaped his approach to continuous improvement, resilience, and people-focused leadership. Matt introduces listeners to his Bridge of Inspirational Leadership framework, a guiding philosophy developed through 25 years of real-world learning and growth. Built on the pillars of Respect, Authenticity, Engagement, and Empowerment, this framework offers a practical roadmap for aspiring leaders seeking high performance and personal fulfilment. Listeners will find inspiration in Matt’s story of transforming adversity into strength and will gain valuable insights on authentic leadership and continuous improvement. Join us for this powerful episode as Matt shares the essential lessons behind his transformational journey—reminding us all that setbacks can be stepping stones to excellence. Key Takeaways: 1. Resilience Through Personal Struggles Matt’s journey of overcoming anxiety and self-doubt-built resilience and shaped his authentic leadership style. 2. Education and Self-Perception Recognising that traditional education methods didn’t suit his learning style helped Matt understand the importance of personalised approaches, foundational to the "Ever So Lean Rising Stars" programme. 3. Humility and Lessons from Early Roles Experiences in customer service roles, like working in a supermarket, taught Matt persistence, hard work, and people skills essential to his leadership journey. 4. Mental Health Advocacy His public breakdown and recovery drive his commitment to mental health awareness, illustrating vulnerability as a strength in leadership. 5. Transformative Influence of Mentorship and Support Encouragement from his support network and mentors fuelled his career advancement, underscoring the impact of supportive relationships on personal and professional growth. 6. Empathy-Driven Leadership Model Matt’s "Bridge of Inspirational Leadership" framework for high performance, emphasises Respect, Authenticity, Engagement, and Empowerment, highlighting the importance of people-centred leadership. 7. Encouraging Reflection and Continuous Growth Reflecting on his journey after Amazon enabled Matt to channel his experiences into writing, showcasing reflection as key to leadership development. 8. Normalising Vulnerability and Humour Matt’s openness in storytelling and willingness to laugh at himself make his leadership relatable and underscore the human side of leadership. 9. Empowering Future Generations Through initiatives like the Rising Stars program, Matt promotes growth-mindset principles, helping younger generations build resilience and adaptability. 10. Storytelling as a Leadership Tool Writing The Emergence of an Unexpected Leader allowed Matt to process his journey and connect with readers, demonstrating how personal storytelling can inspire others.   🔗 Useful Links Nicola McCrabbe's LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/nicolamccrabbe/ Nicola's Book 'Burnout Be Gone' - https://amzn.to/3CbjvBz   The Emergence of an Unexpected Leader - https://amzn.to/3XZm7JZ Audiobook UK - https://www.audible.co.uk/pd/B0DLLLXZBK/?source_code=AUKFrDlWS02231890H6-BK-ACX0-419072&ref=acx_bty_BK_ACX0_419072_rh_uk Audiobook USA - https://www.audible.com/pd/B0DLLMCW2H/?source_code=AUDFPWS0223189MWT-BK-ACX0-419072&ref=acx_bty_BK_ACX0_419072_rh_us Audiobook Canada - https://www.audible.ca/pd/B0DLLLM2TJ/?source_code=AMNORWS022318003G-BK-ACX0-419072&ref=acx_bty_BK_ACX0_419072_rh_ca Audiobook Australia -  https://www.audible.com.au/pd/B0DLLMLKG1/?source_code=AUDORWS022318009C-BK-ACX0-419072&ref=acx_bty_BK_ACX0_419072_rh_au   Find out more about Ever-So-Lean, working with us, and our learning programs at www.eversolean.com Visit the BQF to learn more about the wonderful work they do - https://www.bqf.org.uk/ Enrol in the Online Improvement Kata & Coaching Kata Basics Course. Upskill your coaching skills with the ONLY Kata training created by Jeffrey K. Liker and Mike Rother! - https://toyota-way-academy.teachable.com/?affcode=43912_2uzhk5-x   Please don't forget to show your support and help the Ever-So-Lean Podcast thrive by taking a moment to rate and review it, your feedback matters! 

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  39:55
• Lean Culture Exposed: What You Need to Know

  In this episode of the Ever-So-Lean Podcast, we welcome the legendary Paul Akers, renowned author and founder and president of FastCap, for a deep dive into the world of Lean mastery. Known for his revolutionary "2 Second Lean" philosophy, Paul has inspired countless businesses and individuals worldwide to embrace continuous improvement. From starting FastCap in his garage to expanding it into a global powerhouse, Paul’s journey is nothing short of extraordinary. Together, we explore some of Lean’s most common pitfalls and mistakes Paul has come across when implementing Lean, and look a what some of the critical principles look like in reality,  including the power of having a big vision, leading from the Gemba, and the transformative impact of small, daily improvements. We’ll also dig into Paul’s unconventional approach to hiring, the importance of growing people, and how Lean education is changing the lives of students globally. Whether you’re just starting your Lean journey or looking for advanced insights, this episode is packed with valuable lessons, actionable takeaways, and inspiring stories. Tune in to discover what it takes to create a lasting Lean culture—and why simplicity, humility, and gratitude are at the heart of success. Don’t miss this powerful conversation with one of Lean’s true masters, Paul Akers!   Key Takeaways: Overcome Academic Challenges with Practical Solutions: Educational struggles don't dictate your potential for success. Focus on practical, real-world problem-solving to excel, as demonstrated by Paul and Matt. Define and Communicate a Bold Vision: Lean is more than cost-cutting—it's about creating transformative impact. Assess whether your vision is clear, ambitious, and well communicated to your team. Does everyone understand and align with it? Lead from the Gemba: Spend time where the work happens to truly engage with your team and drive continuous improvement. Reflect on how much time you and your leaders spend in the Gemba and its impact on your culture. Embrace Incremental Improvements: Apply the Kaizen principle by encouraging small, daily changes. This approach leads to significant long-term growth. Start by breaking down larger goals into manageable, incremental improvements. Re-evaluate Your Hiring Process: Consider unconventional methods like trial-based hiring to ensure new hires fit your Lean culture. Evaluate whether your current hiring process aligns with your organisational needs and culture. Focus on People Development: Prioritise growing thoughtful, collaborative individuals over just developing products. Foster a work environment where everyone is engaged in improvement and benefits from it. Simplify and Learn from Everyone: Keep your mission straightforward and inclusive. Recognise that valuable insights can come from anyone, regardless of their background, and simplify your approach to make Lean accessible. Leverage Lean’s Global Reach: Embrace Lean principles’ simplicity and adaptability to expand their impact. Explore how Lean can be applied beyond traditional settings to drive innovation and growth in diverse environments. Simplify Your Daily Life: Apply Lean principles to personal routines and well-being. Simplify your daily habits to enhance efficiency and effectiveness, both at work and in your personal life. Cultivate Gratitude and Humility: Acknowledge the role of external factors in your success and maintain humility. Use this perspective to stay grounded and appreciative, regardless of your achievements. Invest in Teaching Lean to Children: Recognise the benefits of introducing Lean principles to young people. Practical, hands-on learning can engage students who struggle with traditional methods, preparing them for future problem-solving roles. Explore resources like Ever-So-Lean Rising Stars at www.eversolean.com to get Lean concepts into the hands of the young people in your life.   🔗 Paul's Website - https://www.paulakers.net/   Find out more about Ever-So-Lean, working with us, and our learning programs at www.eversolean.com Visit the BQF to learn more about the wonderful work they do - https://www.bqf.org.uk/ Enrol in the Online Improvement Kata & Coaching Kata Basics Course. Upskill your coaching skills with the ONLY Kata training created by Jeffrey K. Liker and Mike Rother! - https://toyota-way-academy.teachable.com/?affcode=43912_2uzhk5-x   Please don't forget to show your support and help the Ever-So-Lean Podcast thrive by taking a moment to rate and review it, your feedback matters!   

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