Ever-So-Lean Podcast

Lean Six Sigma: Beyond the Belts

In this episode, Matt is joined by Stacey Franklin, a widely recognised Lean thinking leader and one of Ireland’s most respected voices in continuous improvement.
Stacey is the founder and CEO of Kanso, a consultancy inspired by the Japanese concept of simplicity, helping organisations cut through complexity and create clarity in how they work. With experience spanning telecommunications, healthcare, service industries, and higher education, Stacey brings a grounded, practical, and refreshingly honest perspective on what Lean really looks like in the real world.
Together, Matt and Stacey explore the reality behind Lean belts, what they truly represent, and why the way we teach and learn continuous improvement needs to evolve. They unpack the gap between certification and capability, the pressure placed on CI professionals to justify their existence, and why behaviours and culture matter far more than rigid frameworks and toolkits.
The conversation also dives into modern Lean, micro learning, accessibility, and how technology and AI should support learning rather than replace thinking. Stacey shares insight from her work designing accredited programmes and lecturing at Master Black Belt level, alongside candid reflections on leadership, decision making, and the loneliness that can come with CI roles.
This episode is for anyone who wants Lean to mean something more than a certificate on the wall, and who cares about building improvement capability that actually lasts.
Key Takeaways
Lean belts show a pathway, not proficiencyBelts can provide structure and direction, but they do not automatically equal capability. Real competence comes from application, reflection, and experience.
Certification without standards creates confusionNot all belts are equal. Without robust accreditation and assessment, the value of Lean qualifications becomes diluted and misleading.
Continuous improvement is about people, not project plansCI professionals are often expected to be project managers and change managers. These are different disciplines. Lean works best when people are supported, not overloaded.
Culture beats firefighting every timeFixing problems one by one without changing behaviours only creates new problems later. Sustainable improvement starts with how people think and work together.
Learning must reflect how people actually learn todayLong courses, static slides, and textbook heavy delivery no longer work for many learners. Learning needs to be relevant, practical, engaging, and designed around real life.
Tools support understanding, they are not the goalLean tools exist to help people think clearly and solve problems. They should be adapted to context, not applied rigidly.
Decision-making is one of the biggest blockers to improvementFear of making the wrong call often stalls progress, even when evidence and data are clear. Strong leadership is required to move from analysis to action.
AI is a support, not a substitute for thinkingTechnology can help with research and structure, but it cannot replace judgement, context, or human insight. The thinking still belongs to the practitioner.
Respect for people is not optionalWhen improvement becomes something done to people rather than with them, it fails. Engagement, ownership, and trust are essential.
Stacey’s Resources
Website👉 https://kanso.ie/
LinkedIn👉 https://ie.linkedin.com/company/kansolean
Find out more about Ever-So-Lean, including our learning programmes at👉 www.eversolean.com
Explore the Lean Competency System👉 https://www.leancompetency.org/
Learn more about the British Quality Foundation👉 https://www.bqf.org.uk/
If you’re enjoying the Ever-So-Lean Podcast, please take a moment to rate and review it. It genuinely helps more people find the show and keeps these conversations going.
Where people thrive, performance follows.

Ever-So-Lean Podcast Extra | LCS Awards 2025 Winners Celebration

In this special Ever-So-Lean Podcast Extra episode, we come together with some of the award winners to celebrate the Lean Competency System Awards 2025.
Recorded following the awards ceremony at the Royal Welsh College of Music and Drama, this episode captures honest reflections from individuals and organisations who are making a real difference through continuous improvement. From healthcare to global logistics, sustainability to learning and development, each story is different, yet the thread that connects them is clear. Respect for people. Commitment to learning. And the courage to make things better, every day.
You will hear directly from award winners as they share what the recognition means to them, the journeys behind their achievements, and how improvement has shaped their teams, cultures, and results. There are moments of humour, humility, and powerful insight, alongside practical lessons on developing people, building confidence, and creating environments where improvement becomes part of everyday work. This episode is not about awards. It is about people. About belief. And about what is possible when continuous improvement is lived, not just taught.
Put the kettle on, settle in, and join us as we celebrate the champions of improvement who are quietly shaping the future of our community.
Learn more about the LCS Conference & Awards - https://www.leancompetency.org/
Learn more about Ever-So-Lean - https://eversolean.com/ever-so-lean-podcast/
 

UK Excellence Awards 2025 (Part III)

The 2025 BQF UK Excellence Awards took place at Wembley Stadium on 27 March, bringing together finalists, guests, industry leaders, and BQF Patron HRH The Princess Royal for a remarkable celebration of excellence on one of the most iconic stages in the country.
This is Part III of a three-part special of the Ever-So-Lean Podcast, where we'll take you right into the heart of this prestigious event. From the pre-event build-up to the stories of dedication and improvement shared by the finalists, this episode captures the spirit of organisations and leaders who put people, learning, and continuous improvement at the centre of everything they do.
You’ll hear reflections from award winners, sponsors, and guests as they speak openly about their journeys, the challenges they’ve navigated, and the moments that shaped their success. You’ll also hear from HRH The Princess Royal herself, sharing her thoughts on BQF and the awards. It’s a powerful snapshot of what happens when people come together to raise the bar, support one another, and drive meaningful change.
Featuring content recorded live at Wembley, this episode celebrates not just the winners but the effort, pride, and passion that every finalist brought to the stage. A genuine highlight for the Ever-So-Lean Podcast, and a powerful reminder of what excellence looks like in the real world.
Tune in, be inspired, and enjoy reliving an unforgettable day.
2025 Award Winners:
Transformation Excellence: BT Networks – Galaxy Programme
Excellence in CI Culture in Service: Tesco
Excellence in CI Culture in Infrastructure: Scottish & Southern Electricity Networks
Excellence in Collaboration: Balfour Beatty
Excellence in Customer Experience: National Express
Excellence in Employee Health and Wellbeing: Tesco
Excellence in Innovation: Kesslers London
Excellence in Sustainability: The Corporation of the Church House
Excellence in Lean Six Sigma: British Heart Foundation
Excellence in Equality: Diversity and Inclusion: Chevron Traffic Management
Excellence in People Engagement & Development: GXO and Centrica
Excellence in Project Delivery in Service: Newcastle University
Excellence in Project Delivery in Infrastructure: GXO
Being Excellent Best Team: RAC
Being Excellent Practitioner: Rebecca Bowes
Being Excellent Emerging Leader: Pepper Clayton-Fisher
Being Excellent Established Leader: Gwakisa Stadi
Patron's Award - Excellent Organisations Judges Winner: Hypo Hounds
Patron's Award - Excellent Organisations People Choice: Hypo Hounds
Patron's Award - Excellent People Judges Winner: Margaret Rylands
Patron's Award - Excellent People's Choice: Grenville Jones
Exceptional Excellence Performance Judges Winner: Le Antiche Mura
Exceptional Excellence Performance People's Choice: Daryl Brown MBE DL
Visit BQF to find out more about the UK Excellence Awards, and the wonderful work they do - https://www.bqf.org.uk/
Find out more about Ever-So-Lean, working with us, and our learning programs at www.eversolean.com
If you’re enjoying the Ever-So-Lean Podcast, take a moment to rate and review it - it really helps more people find it, and your feedback genuinely makes a difference.

UK Excellence Awards 2025 (Part II)

The 2025 BQF UK Excellence Awards took place at Wembley Stadium on 27 March, bringing together finalists, guests, industry leaders, and BQF Patron HRH The Princess Royal for a remarkable celebration of excellence on one of the most iconic stages in the country.
This is Part II of a three-part special of the Ever-So-Lean Podcast, where we'll take you right into the heart of this prestigious event. From the pre-event build-up to the stories of dedication and improvement shared by the finalists, this episode captures the spirit of organisations and leaders who put people, learning, and continuous improvement at the centre of everything they do.
You’ll hear reflections from award winners, sponsors, and guests as they speak openly about their journeys, the challenges they’ve navigated, and the moments that shaped their success. You’ll also hear from HRH The Princess Royal herself, sharing her thoughts on BQF and the awards. It’s a powerful snapshot of what happens when people come together to raise the bar, support one another, and drive meaningful change.
Featuring content recorded live at Wembley, this episode celebrates not just the winners but the effort, pride, and passion that every finalist brought to the stage. A genuine highlight for the Ever-So-Lean Podcast, and a powerful reminder of what excellence looks like in the real world.
Tune in, be inspired, and enjoy reliving an unforgettable day.
2025 Award Winners:
Transformation Excellence: BT Networks – Galaxy Programme
Excellence in CI Culture in Service: Tesco
Excellence in CI Culture in Infrastructure: Scottish & Southern Electricity Networks
Excellence in Collaboration: Balfour Beatty
Excellence in Customer Experience: National Express
Excellence in Employee Health and Wellbeing: Tesco
Excellence in Innovation: Kesslers London
Excellence in Sustainability: The Corporation of the Church House
Excellence in Lean Six Sigma: British Heart Foundation
Excellence in Equality: Diversity and Inclusion: Chevron Traffic Management
Excellence in People Engagement & Development: GXO and Centrica
Excellence in Project Delivery in Service: Newcastle University
Excellence in Project Delivery in Infrastructure: GXO
Being Excellent Best Team: RAC
Being Excellent Practitioner: Rebecca Bowes
Being Excellent Emerging Leader: Pepper Clayton-Fisher
Being Excellent Established Leader: Gwakisa Stadi
Patron's Award - Excellent Organisations Judges Winner: Hypo Hounds
Patron's Award - Excellent Organisations People Choice: Hypo Hounds
Patron's Award - Excellent People Judges Winner: Margaret Rylands
Patron's Award - Excellent People's Choice: Grenville Jones
Exceptional Excellence Performance Judges Winner: Le Antiche Mura
Exceptional Excellence Performance People's Choice: Daryl Brown MBE DL
Visit BQF to find out more about the UK Excellence Awards, and the wonderful work they do - https://www.bqf.org.uk/
Find out more about Ever-So-Lean, working with us, and our learning programs at www.eversolean.com
If you’re enjoying the Ever-So-Lean Podcast, take a moment to rate and review it - it really helps more people find it, and your feedback genuinely makes a difference.

UK Excellence Awards 2025 (Part I)

The 2025 BQF UK Excellence Awards took place at Wembley Stadium on 27 March, bringing together finalists, guests, industry leaders, and BQF Patron HRH The Princess Royal for a remarkable celebration of excellence on one of the most iconic stages in the country.
This is Part I of a three-part special of the Ever-So-Lean Podcast, where we'll take you right into the heart of this prestigious event. From the pre-event build-up to the stories of dedication and improvement shared by the finalists, this episode captures the spirit of organisations and leaders who put people, learning, and continuous improvement at the centre of everything they do.
You’ll hear reflections from award winners, sponsors, and guests as they speak openly about their journeys, the challenges they’ve navigated, and the moments that shaped their success. You’ll also hear from HRH The Princess Royal herself, sharing her thoughts on BQF and the awards. It’s a powerful snapshot of what happens when people come together to raise the bar, support one another, and drive meaningful change.
Featuring content recorded live at Wembley, this episode celebrates not just the winners but the effort, pride, and passion that every finalist brought to the stage. A genuine highlight for the Ever-So-Lean Podcast, and a powerful reminder of what excellence looks like in the real world.
Tune in, be inspired, and enjoy reliving an unforgettable day.
2025 Award Winners:
Transformation Excellence: BT Networks – Galaxy Programme
Excellence in CI Culture in Service: Tesco
Excellence in CI Culture in Infrastructure: Scottish & Southern Electricity Networks
Excellence in Collaboration: Balfour Beatty
Excellence in Customer Experience: National Express
Excellence in Employee Health and Wellbeing: Tesco
Excellence in Innovation: Kesslers London
Excellence in Sustainability: The Corporation of the Church House
Excellence in Lean Six Sigma: British Heart Foundation
Excellence in Equality: Diversity and Inclusion: Chevron Traffic Management
Excellence in People Engagement & Development: GXO and Centrica
Excellence in Project Delivery in Service: Newcastle University
Excellence in Project Delivery in Infrastructure: GXO
Being Excellent Best Team: RAC
Being Excellent Practitioner: Rebecca Bowes
Being Excellent Emerging Leader: Pepper Clayton-Fisher
Being Excellent Established Leader: Gwakisa Stadi
Patron's Award - Excellent Organisations Judges Winner: Hypo Hounds
Patron's Award - Excellent Organisations People Choice: Hypo Hounds
Patron's Award - Excellent People Judges Winner: Margaret Rylands
Patron's Award - Excellent People's Choice: Grenville Jones
Exceptional Excellence Performance Judges Winner: Le Antiche Mura
Exceptional Excellence Performance People's Choice: Daryl Brown MBE DL
Visit BQF to find out more about the UK Excellence Awards, and the wonderful work they do - https://www.bqf.org.uk/
Find out more about Ever-So-Lean, working with us, and our learning programs at www.eversolean.com
If you’re enjoying the Ever-So-Lean Podcast, take a moment to rate and review it - it really helps more people find it, and your feedback genuinely makes a difference.

Time to Rethink Continuous Improvement?

In this episode, Matt is joined by Michel Doppert, a seasoned continuous improvement leader with a truly global perspective. From early days in international law to becoming one of Europe’s first Six Sigma Black Belts, Michel’s journey is rooted in transformation, data-driven thinking, and an unwavering belief in the power of people.
We explore what continuous improvement really means today, far beyond the textbooks and toolkits. Michel shares why mindset trumps methodology, how leadership is about connection, not titles, and why listening is still the most underrated skill in change. We also tackle how learning needs to evolve to meet the pace and expectations of today’s world, and what role AI and automation play in that shift.
You’ll hear why early exposure to structured problem-solving matters, how storytelling can unlock engagement, and what needs to change in how we teach and lead future generations. Michel’s insight is grounded, practical, and refreshingly honest.
This one’s for anyone serious about driving meaningful improvement that actually sticks.
 
Key Takeaways:
Continuous improvement is a mindset, not a methodologyIt’s not about toolkits, textbooks, or certifications. Continuous improvement is an attitude rooted in curiosity, learning, and a willingness to evolve. Tools support it, but people drive it.
Leadership is human, people follow people, not positionsTitles don’t inspire change; people do. Effective leaders earn trust and influence by being authentic, listening, and showing genuine interest in others.
Communication and listening are foundationalProgress starts by asking better questions, not giving better answers. Listening builds understanding, overcomes resistance, and creates the conditions for engagement.
Old-school learning no longer meets today’s needs.Traditional training, textbooks, long courses, and PowerPoint-heavy sessions fail to engage modern learners. Learning needs to be relevant, interactive, story-led, inclusive, and designed for how people consume information today.
Storytelling is a timeless teaching method.People learn and connect through stories, not slide decks. Stories help convey principles in ways that data or definitions can’t.
Technology and AI are enablers, not replacements.AI can accelerate analysis and access to information, but it can’t replace the empathy, judgment, or connection that human leaders bring. Use tech to simplify, but keep people at the centre.
Application matters more than certification.Passing an exam doesn’t equal capability. Real learning happens through doing, experimenting, failing, and reflecting. Mistakes should be welcomed as part of the process.
Co-creation is essential to meaningful change.Improvement is more effective when solutions are developed with, not for, the people doing the work. Engagement, ownership, and shared learning are critical for sustainability.
Early exposure to structured problem-solving builds lifelong capability.Introducing structured problem-solving skills at a young age creates confidence, curiosity, and a healthier approach to change. Programmes like Ever-So-Lean Rising Stars™ show how children as young as eight can grasp core improvement principles when delivered in the right way. It proves we can build capability early and help the next generation avoid the firefighting culture that often dominates workplaces.
Start with the ‘why’, not the ‘what’.Don’t lead with metrics or mandates. Start by helping people understand why change matters to them. Only then will they be open to the what and the how.
🔗Michel's Resources:
LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/micheldoppert
Website - https://micheldoppert.com/
 
Find out more about Ever-So-Lean Rising Stars™, Ever-So-Lean, working with us, and our learning programs at www.eversolean.com
Explore the Lean Competency System (LCS) - https://www.leancompetency.org/
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
If you’re enjoying the Ever-So-Lean Podcast, take a moment to rate and review it - it really helps more people find it, and your feedback genuinely makes a difference.

Change Only Works With People

This episode is all about real transformation, the kind that improves systems, empowers people, and makes a lasting difference.
I’m joined by Iolanda Pereira, a proven CI leader with a track record of delivering serious impact across healthcare, logistics, and corporate sectors. From leading award-winning stroke pathway redesigns in the NHS to driving $2 billion in financial recovery in the global shipping industry, Iolanda brings a people-first, no-nonsense approach to improvement.
We talk about what it really takes to build a sustainable culture of continuous improvement, why trust and communication matter more than any tool, and how to lead change that actually sticks, wherever you work.
 
Key Takeaways:
People First, Always
Continuous improvement isn’t about tools or processes, it’s about people. Respect, empathy, and trust are the foundations of any lasting change.
 
Culture Can’t Be Trained
You don’t create a CI culture by running a course. It grows over time through consistent leadership, day-to-day behaviours, and a shared sense of purpose.
 
Real Change Needs Real Involvement
Change works best when people help shape it. Mandating it doesn’t stick, involvement, ownership, and relevance do.
 
Communication Needs to Be Targeted and Ongoing
One-size-fits-all messaging doesn’t work. Tailor it, keep it human, and don’t stop communicating once the project’s live, that's how trust and momentum are maintained.
 
Leadership Is a Mindset, Not a Job Title
Everyone has a role to play in making improvement happen. The most effective cultures develop leadership at every level, not just at the top.
 
Sustainment Takes Commitment
Without long-term focus and consistency, change fades. The goal isn’t just implementation, it’s building something that thrives when you're not there.
 
🔗Iolanda's Resources:
LinkedIn - linkedin.com/in/iolanda-leansolutions1
Website - https://iolandasolutions.com/
 
Find out more about Ever-So-Lean, working with us, and our learning programs at www.eversolean.com
Explore the Lean Competency System (LCS) - https://www.leancompetency.org/
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
If you’re enjoying the Ever-So-Lean Podcast, take a moment to rate and review it - it really helps more people find it, and your feedback genuinely makes a difference.

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! 

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! 

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!