Chain of Learning: Empowering Continuous Improvement and Lean Change Leaders

• 60| Bounce Back From a Faceplant: How to Flip the Script on Failure [with Melisa Buie and Keeley Hurley]

  Enter for your chance to a win a copy of "Faceplant: FREE Yourself from Failure’s Funk" - http://ChainOfLearning.com/60We all know that moment where something falls apart.A project slips. A conversation goes sideways. The promotion doesn’t happen.We call it “failure,” but it’s often not the mistake itself that stops us.It’s the fear, the funk, and the uncertainty that follow. And those emotions can hold us back far more than the faceplant ever did.In this episode, I’m joined by Dr. Melisa Buie and Keeley Hurley—seasoned leaders in engineering, quality, and continuous improvement and the co-authors of Faceplant: FREE Yourself from Failure’s Funk.Together, we explore what really happens beneath the surface when we stumble—and what it takes to get back up with clarity, confidence, and intention. Just like Daruma dolls represent the Japanese proverb “Fall down seven times, get up eight,” always righting themselves when knocked over, our path to success comes from acknowledging the stumbles, setbacks, and faceplants that are inherent along the way. What matters is that we don’t get stuck—we get up and learn our way forward.YOU’LL LEARN:What’s at risk when leaders fear failure, and how organizations unintentionally teach people to avoid mistakesThe FREE model (Focus, Reflect, Explore, Engage) as a practical way to get back up, learn forward, and regain clarity after a setbackEmotional hijacks to watch for—including the four instinctive patterns in the Conspirator Matrix: machine, magician, statue, and satelliteWhy embracing a growth mindset frees you to experiment, learn, and release perfection when things don’t go as plannedContinuous improvement practices like reflection (post-mortems) and anticipation (pre-mortems) that strengthen learning before and after challenges occurIf a setback has ever left you uncertain about your next step in building a people-centered culture, this conversation offers a compassionate, practical path to learn your way forward when you fall down.ABOUT MY GUESTS:Dr. Melisa Buie is a laser physicist–turned–problem solver with a PhD in Nuclear Engineering/Plasma Physics and decades of leadership in manufacturing at Coherent, Lam Research, Applied Materials, and Advanced Energy. She’s published 40+ papers, holds 6 patents, and is a Six Sigma Black Belt. Melisa is the co-author of Faceplant: FREE Yourself from Failure’s Funk, where she turns hard-won lessons into practical wisdom for navigating setbacks.Keeley Hurley is a continuous improvement leader with 20+ years in engineering, manufacturing, and quality, and a Certified Manager of Quality/Organizational Excellence. Known for her humility and humor, she brings real-world experience from the many “faceplants” that shaped her problem-solving approach. She is the co-author of Faceplant: FREE Yourself from Failure’s Funk, blending lessons from her own missteps into tools for resilience and growth.IMPORTANT LINKS:Full episode show notes with links to other podcast episodes and resources: ChainOfLearning.com/60 Check out my website for resources and ways to work with me KBJAnderson.comConnect with Melisa Buie: linkedin.com/in/melisabuieConnect with Keeley Hurley: linkedin.com/in/keeleyhurleyFollow me on LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/kbjandersonCheck out Melissa and Keeley’s book, Faceplant: FREE Yourself from Failure’s FunkTIMESTAMPS FOR THIS EPISODE:01:46 What inspired the book, “Faceplant”02:56 The emotion behind failure that keeps us stuck05:53 Getting over the hump of the funk knowing others experience failure07:03 The meaning of the equation, anxiety = care x uncertainty where our anxiety is amplified08:25 Why the care factor amplifies when when others are involved10:01 The pre-mortem exercise to reduce anxiety by anticipating what could go wrong12:01 How faceplanting is similar to daruma dolls in getting up after we fall12:44  The aspects of the FREE model in freeing yourself from failure14:25 Breaking down the acronym FREE: Focus, Reflect, Explore, Engage17:01 The meaning of the Japanese word, hansei, that means deep self-reflection in improving how we react17:53 The four quadrant system and determining which quadrant triggers our fight or flight response20:25 How the four quadrants were determined 21:51 An example of how fear held Keeley back in an emotional hijack in the laser industry22:47 Melisa’s personal experience in having a fixed mindset when faced with failure23:56 How Melisa moved from a fixed mindset to a growth mindset and taking chances26:13 Ways to approach failure in an organizational level28:40 Importance of clarifying expectations instead of adding pressure on ourselves30:02 The meaning behind the phrase, “By learning the wrong lesson, you can get stuck with a Life Sentence” 31:24 The both/and thinking that both Melisa and Keeley had to face in embracing failure36:55 How to apply the concept of hansei in reflecting on a current change initiative and how to learn from failure39:06 Two ways to reflect on this episode to get past face plants and building small intentional steps to build a learning culture Gift "Learning to Lead, Leading to Learn" to your team - http://LearningToLeadLeadingToLearn.comEnter for your chance to a win a copy of "Faceplant: FREE Yourself from Failure’s Funk" - http://ChainOfLearning.com/60

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• 59| Get Better at Getting Better: Leveraging AI to Elevate Human Learning [with Nathen Harvey]

  AI is everywhere. And its use and capabilities are accelerating every day. But is AI actually helping us get better at getting better? Or is it just amplifying the friction, bottlenecks, and complexity that already exists in our workflows and processes?In this episode, Nathen Harvey, leader of the DORA Research team at Google, explores how AI is reshaping not just how we work, but how we can use it to elevate human work, collaborate as teams, and reach better outcomes.Drawing on new findings from the DORA 2025 report on AI-assisted software development, we dig into what truly drives high performance – regardless of your industry or work –  and how AI can either accelerate learning or amplify bottlenecks.If you lead or work on any kind of team you’ll discover how to use AI thoughtfully, so it supports learning and strengthens the people-centered learning culture you’re trying to build.YOU’LL LEARN:How AI accelerates learning—or intensifies friction—based on how teams use itWhy AI magnifies what already exists, and why stronger human learning habits matter more than stronger toolsThe seven DORA team archetypes—and how to quickly spot strengths, gaps, and next steps for more effective collaborationHow to use team characteristics to target where AI (or any tech) will truly move the needle and support continuous improvementHow the Toyota Production System / lean principle of jidoka—automation with a human touch—guides us to use AI to elevate human capability, not replace itABOUT MY GUEST:Nathen Harvey, Developer Relations Engineer, leads the DORA team at Google Cloud. DORA enables teams and organizations to thrive by making industry-shaping research accessible and actionable. Nathen has learned and shared lessons from some incredible organizations, teams, and open source communities. He is a co-author of multiple DORA reports on software delivery performance and is a sought after speaker in DevOps and software development. IMPORTANT LINKS:Full episode show notes with links to other podcast episodes and resources: ChainOfLearning.com/59 Check out my website for resources and ways to work with me KBJAnderson.comConnect with Nathan Harvey: linkedin.com/in/nathen Follow me on LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/kbjandersonLearn more about DORA: dora.dev/publications Join the DORA community: dora.community Download my free KATALYST™ Change Leader Self-Assessment: KBJAnderson.com/katalyst Learn more about my coaching, trusted advisor partnerships, and leadership learning experiences: KBJAnderson.com TIMESTAMPS FOR THIS EPISODE:03:04 What DORA is and how it’s used as a research program for continuous improvement04:31 AI’s primary role in software development as an amplifier where organizations are functioning well and where there’s friction05:53 Using AI to generate more code in software engineering07:03 Danger of creating more bottlenecks when you try to speed up processes07:44 Importance of a value stream to understand the customer journey10:41 How value mapping creates visibility across silos so others see different parts of the whole process10:55 The process of gathering information for the State of AI Assisted Software Development report12:20 Finding seven team characteristics based on a survey of 5,000 respondents and learning how to leverage the results to improve performance14:18 Examples of several team characteristics and how it applies over various industries16:33 The negative impact of focusing on the wrong process that impacts the throughput17:00 Focusing at different types of waste to prevent undue pressure on people17:51 What DORA has found in having a tradeoff in having fast and stable production pushes vs. working slow and rolling back changes18:50 Three big things you need to improve throughput and quality19:44 Why the legacy bottleneck team archetype is unstable with elevated levels of friction21:22 Why harmonious high achievers deliver sustainable high quality work without the burnout22:37 How the report findings are being used to help improve organizations23:42 Seven capabilities of the DORA AI Capabilities Model in amplifying the impact of AI adoption to improve team and product performance26:27 The capability of executing in small batches to see the process through to fruition28:52 How to leverage AI to elevate human work vs machine work30:58 The benefits of AI in making new skills accessible, but does not make anyone experts in a specific skill31:44 Leveraging AI to help you complete tasks that would’ve taken longer32:43 Using AI to elevate creative thinking, but doesn’t replace your thoughts33:56 Ability to ask AI “dumb” questions to improve collaboration across teams34:49 Creating an experiential learning experience where there's not a step-by-step path on how to reach outcomes37:08 Importance of collaboration when moving from point A to point B37:35 The difference between trainers and facilitators39:03 Using the DORA report to form a hypothesis for your next experiment in whether a process is working39:55 Two ways to start leveraging AI to accelerate learning40:23 Importance of using AI and learning through use40:58 Benefits of having a conversation with someone who introduces friction to your work44:21 The concept of jidoka in designing systems that empower humans to do their best thinking and work45:22 Questions to ask yourself as your reflect on the role of AI in your organization Gift "Learning to Lead, Leading to Learn" to your team - http://LearningToLeadLeadingToLearn.comEnter for your chance to a win a copy of "Faceplant: FREE Yourself from Failure’s Funk" - http://ChainOfLearning.com/60

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• 58| People First: Why Leaders Get It Backwards with Lean and Operational Excellence

  Apply for the May 2026 Japan Leadership Experience—https://kbjanderson.com/japantrip/Where is your primary focus as a leader, change practitioner, or organization? Getting business results? Improving processes? Or developing people? What if the real key to lasting business success isn’t found in metrics or milestones—but in how you create a culture that nurtures people and their problem-solving capabilities? In this episode I explore what it really takes to deliver sustainable organizational success, and why building a people-centered learning culture—one where developing others isn’t an afterthought, but the foundation that enables operational excellence and, ultimately, better business outcomes.Effective leadership begins when you shift from managing results to developing people—creating the conditions for continuous improvement, engagement, and growth.When you put people first, results follow.Whether you are a senior executive, lean practitioner, or team leader, that’s how you build organizations that learn, adapt, and thrive—today and for generations to come.YOU’LL LEARN:How Toyota’s philosophy of Monozukuri wa hitozukuri (“We make people so we can make things”) shapes a people-first culture of learning and improvementWhy focusing on people → process → results (not the reverse) drives lasting impact across teams and organizationsThe interdependence of three qualities that support business success  —quality of people development, quality of work, and quality of results – to create sustainable impact Insights from real leaders about how shifting from results-focused to people-focused leadership led to  significant measurable improvement in business outcomesHow to model intentional leadership practices to develop people, foster engagement, and sustain a culture of continuous learning and improvementIMPORTANT LINKS:Full episode show notes with links to other podcast episodes and resources: ChainOfLearning.com/58 Check out my website for resources and ways to work with me KBJAnderson.comFollow me on LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/kbjandersonLearn more about my Japan Leadership Experience: kbjanderson.com/japantripTIMESTAMPS FOR THIS EPISODE:01:51 What leadership with purpose truly means02:06 Why Toyota’s motto, “ The only secret to Toyota is its attitude towards learning,” is its secret to success03:18 Three interrelated qualities that determine lasting business success represented by a pyramid03:45 [Third level] Results - The outcomes customers see04:12 [Second level] Process - The technical and operational systems that make the work flow better04:37 [First level] People - The foundation that nurtures people, problem-solving, and learning05:28 Why the Western approach is backwards when it comes to people, processes, and results06:50 The meaning of the quote, “profit is excrement,” that captures the backwardness of the usual business approach to success07:39 The difference between lean as a transactional toolkit versus a way of nurturing people and problem solving at all levels07:53 Why putting people first is not just in Japan or for Toyota leaders08:41 Leaders who put people first as the foundation for success10:12 The challenge in putting people first10:38 An example from Gustavo of why our intentions and our actions are aligned12:29 Gustavo’s realization that he had a people engagement problem13:20 The positive results in engagement when he focused on people first14:08 What leadership in action looks like14:35 What it really means to create a chain of learning across your organization15:00 The two pillars of the Toyota Way15:43 Three questions to ask yourself as you reflect on this episode16:26 Questions to ask your people to create a cycle of reflection and continuous improvement17:13 How to build organizations and leaders that last Gift "Learning to Lead, Leading to Learn" to your team - http://LearningToLeadLeadingToLearn.comEnter for your chance to a win a copy of "Faceplant: FREE Yourself from Failure’s Funk" - http://ChainOfLearning.com/60

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• 57| How GE CEO Larry Culp Leads with Lean to Build a Culture of Continuous Improvement (BONUS)

  What does it really take to become lean—not just do lean?This is the secret to transformational lean leadership that Larry Culp, CEO of GE and GE Aerospace shared with me on stage three years ago. In this special bonus episode, I want to share his insights and wisdom about leadership and lean culture with you.This bonus episode marks two milestones in my own Chain of Learning® journey: 🎙 The two-year anniversary of the launch of this podcast! 🎉 The three-year anniversary of my interview with Larry CulpThese two moments are deeply connected and they tell a powerful story about learning, leadership, and continuous improvement in action.To celebrate, I’m bringing you my “fireside chat” with Larry Culp—recorded live on stage at the AME Conference in Dallas in 2022. It’s a rare, candid look at how one of today’s most respected global executives leads with a lean mindset to practice intentional leadership, humility, and continuous learning to reshape culture, improve decision-making, and lead sustainable organizational transformation at scale, You’ll also hear how this conversation became a defining moment for me—ultimately inspiring the launch of the Chain of Learning® podcast—and why Larry Culp’s insights on lean leadership are just as relevant today.YOU’LL LEARN:Why even senior leaders and CEOs need a coach or teacher—and how having a trusted mentor helps accelerate learning and growthThe importance of shifting from answers to questions—and why Breaking the Telling Habit® mattersWhy embracing mistakes and “bad news” builds psychological safety, and a stronger foundation for continuous improvementThe power of going to see—going to gemba (the place work happens)—and how its essential for lean transformationHow embracing the awkwardness of learning—going slow to go fast—helps leaders model humility and build trust through transparencyABOUT MY GUEST:Larry Culp joined the GE Board of Directors in April 2018, and was appointed CEO of GE in October 2018. In June 2022, he assumed additional duty as CEO of GE Aerospace and became Chairman & CEO of GE Aerospace when it launched as a public company in April 2024. He also serves as the non-executive Chairman of GE HealthCare. Larry spent 25 years at Danaher Corporation, serving as President and CEO, where he helped increase both revenue and market capitalization fivefold. Recognized as one of the world’s top CEOs by Harvard Business Review and Barron’s, Larry has served as a Senior Lecturer at Harvard Business School, teaching leadership and strategy. IMPORTANT LINKS:Full episode show notes with links to other podcast episodes and resources: ChainOfLearning.com/57 Watch the full interview with Larry Culp on YouTube: youtube.com/watch?v=U3hFsuLOaPUCheck out my website for resources and ways to work with me KBJAnderson.comFollow Larry Culp on LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/larry-culpConnect with me on LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/kbjandersonRead “Learning to Lead, Leading to Learn” – the leadership book Larry Culp recommended to all GE employees : LearningToLeadLeadingToLearn.com TIMESTAMPS FOR THIS EPISODE:02:51 Larry Culp’s view on lean as a lever to embrace cultural disruption at GE04:14 The importance of having a coach and a teacher to help guide you as a senior leader05:34 Larry’s shifts in his leadership approach as he was learning how to lead07:47 How to really listen and hear what others meant to say07:28 How to become a better listener and ask better questions08:20 The difference of implementing lean versus becoming lean10:12 What lean means to you as a leader12:25 The importance of doing the work even though you have a coach13:49 How to build failure and mistakes into your leadership practice and culture15:06 Fostering an environment where sharing mistakes and challenges are acceptable17:55 Larry’s key takeaway from Katie’s Shingo award winning book, “Learning to Lead, Leading to Learn”21:16 What to assess when going to Gemba24:13 What Larry has learned from his sensei and going to Japan that has helped him be a more impactful leader28:11 How hoshin kanri is connected to your approach leadership approach 29:24 The impact of cross-functional collaboration31:22 Managing awkwardness as a leader while learning new leadership skills32:49 Making the shift in being okay with not having all the answers34:56 Future improvements of GE36:33 The purpose of daruma dolls in setting intentional goals37:46 The real heart of lean leadership in using learning as a lever for results that matter Gift "Learning to Lead, Leading to Learn" to your team - http://LearningToLeadLeadingToLearn.comEnter for your chance to a win a copy of "Faceplant: FREE Yourself from Failure’s Funk" - http://ChainOfLearning.com/60

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• 56| Slow Down to Speed Up: The Power of the Pause to Accelerate Continuous Learning

  How often do you find yourself racing from meeting to meeting, rushing through tasks, or filling every silence with your own voice? In our doing-oriented culture, pausing feels uncomfortable—even counterproductive. Yet left unchecked, our instinct for action and answers can limit learning, development, and innovation.In this episode, I explore the power of the pause and why mastering it may be one of the most transformative leadership habits you can develop. Pausing with purpose—slowing down to create space for silence, reflection, and intentional action—actually accelerates your impact. It’s in the pause—the space between our “doing”—that learning deepens, decisions improve, and people grow. Whether you’re leading a team, coaching others, or developing your own learning mindset, this episode will help you discover the power of the pause to drive performance, engagement, and lasting change.YOU’LL LEARN:Why silence feels uncomfortable—and how our instinct to fill the space with our thinking limits growth, reflection, and learningHow embracing ma (間), the Japanese concept of “ meaningful space between”, creates the conditions for learning, understanding, and transformation The importance of intentional reflection (hansei) to cultivate a  learning culture rooted in continuous improvementWhy mastering the pause creates ripple effects across your team, transforms your leadership, and leads to better resultsThree ways to develop the power of the pause as a transformational leadership habit to create clarity, ownership, and insightIMPORTANT LINKS:Full episode show notes with links to other podcast episodes and resources: ChainOfLearning.com/56 Check out my website for resources and ways to work with me KBJAnderson.comFollow me on LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/kbjandersonTIMESTAMPS FOR THIS EPISODE:01:50 The benefits of mastering the pause 02:12 Why silence is uncomfortable making us want to keep things moving05:05 Katie’s aha moment of the telling habit08:58 How to pause to create space for others to think10:16 How the pause is used in Japanese culture13:18 The meaning of ma (間) and how to apply this concept15:41 How reflection (hansei) is deeply rooted in Toyota’s culture16:17 An example of how Agustín created pauses in the busyness of the usual work routines to give space for conversations17:47 Why the power of the pause is three-fold17:51 [ONE] Restore the PDSA (Plan-Do-Study-Adjust) cycle18:20 [TWO] Pausing gives others space to think18:46 [THREE] The pause shifts you from being reactive to proactive19:40 Three ways to practice the power of the pause19:44 [FIRST] Count silently to 10 after you ask an open question20:01 [SECOND] Schedule reflection and thinking time for yourself and for your team20:22 [THIRD] Practice the Intention Pause21:32 The benefits of holding back before sharing your idea Gift "Learning to Lead, Leading to Learn" to your team - http://LearningToLeadLeadingToLearn.comEnter for your chance to a win a copy of "Faceplant: FREE Yourself from Failure’s Funk" - http://ChainOfLearning.com/60

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