Shows
Lean in Government PodcastLean in Government | Episode 9 | Daily Huddles & KPI Discipline (Part 3)In this episode of Leaning Government, Alen Ganic discusses the critical aspects of inventory management in the public sector, emphasizing the importance of daily management systems, such as huddles and monthly KPI reviews. He shares insights from his experience in transforming inventory practices in government environments, highlighting how structured conversations and regular reviews can lead to sustainable improvements. The episode concludes with a call to action for leaders to engage actively in inventory management to foster a culture of continuous improvement.TakeawaysDaily management systems are essential for inventory success.Huddles...
2026-01-2624 min
Lean in Government PodcastLean in Government | Episode 8 | How Standards & Systems Sustained Warehouse Success (Part 2)For years, I watched organizations invest in software, systems, and tools, yet warehouses stayed disorganized and inefficient.The problem wasn’t technology.It was the lack of standards.In Episode 8 of Lean in Government, Part 2 of our warehouse transformation series, I share what happened after the initial improvements and what it took to sustain them.We talk about the power of naming conventions, why speaking the same “inventory language” matters, and how tools like Cityworks only start working once Lean standards, visual management, and daily discipline are in place.This episode focuse...
2026-01-1833 minLean in Government PodcastLean in Government | Episode 7 | From Warehouse Chaos to Millions in Savings (Part 1)Warehouse inefficiency is not “normal.” It’s expensive.🎙️ Lean in Government | Episode 7 Part 1 of a new series on how Lean transformed warehouse operations and delivered millions in annual savings, without cutting people or big capital spend.🎧 YouTube, Apple Podcasts, Spotify #LeanInGovernment #LeanLeadership #WarehouseTransformation
2025-12-2833 minLean in Government PodcastLean in Government | Episode 6 | Using Value Stream Mapping to Identify Bottlenecks and ProblemsIn Episode 6 of the Lean in Government podcast, we focus on one of the most powerful Lean tools for understanding and improving processes: Value Stream Mapping.Many organizations struggle with delays, rework, and frustration, not because people are the problem, but because the process is broken. In this episode, I explain how Value Stream Mapping helps you:See the entire end-to-end processIdentify real bottlenecks and constraintsSeparate value-added work from wasteExpose hidden problems that slow teams downMake better decisions based on facts, not assumptionsThis episode is especially relevant for
2025-12-1526 min
Lean in Government PodcastLean in Government | Episode 6 | Using Value Stream Mapping to Identify Bottlenecks and ProblemsIn Episode 6 of the Lean in Government podcast, we focus on one of the most powerful Lean tools for understanding and improving processes: Value Stream Mapping.Many organizations struggle with delays, rework, and frustration, not because people are the problem, but because the process is broken. In this episode, I explain how Value Stream Mapping helps you:See the entire end-to-end processIdentify real bottlenecks and constraintsSeparate value-added work from wasteExpose hidden problems that slow teams downMake better decisions based on facts, not assumptionsThis episode is especially relevant for
2025-12-1516 minLean in Government PodcastLean in Government Podcast | Episode 5 | How to Manage Visually with KPIs & Metricsn government work, we often rely on assumptions instead of facts. But Lean reminds us to lead with data. In this episode, I talk about how KPIs and visual metrics helped transform our operations — from event flow and parking ramp bottlenecks to revenue tracking, digital work orders, repair costs, customer complaints, and discrepancy reporting.When data becomes visible, teams become aligned. Problems surface sooner. And improvement becomes part of our culture.🎧 Listen to Episode 5 now — How Visual KPIs Transform Performance You can also listen on Apple Podcasts and Spotify.#Lean...
2025-12-0216 minLean in Government PodcastLean in Government | Episode 4 | Developing People to Improve Process FlowToday, we’re talking about one of the most important principles in Lean — developing people. Not just improving processes, not just mapping flow, but actually helping our staff grow so they can solve problems and create better flow for the customer.In government, process issues are usually people issues — not because staff don’t care, but because they were never trained, never coached, and never given a chance to improve their own work. When we develop people, everything else gets better: the flow, the customer experience, the culture, and the results.
2025-11-2131 minLean in Government PodcastLean in Government | Episode 3 | Building Momentum in Government TeamsIn this episode, Alen Ganic shares practical ways leaders in government can build momentum and inspire their teams to embrace Lean thinking.He explains how small wins, clear communication, and consistent leadership can turn hesitant teams into motivated problem-solvers.Learn how to connect Lean to public service, celebrate progress, and keep improvement energy alive in your organization.
2025-11-1536 minLean in Government PodcastLean in Government |Episode 2 | How Listening and Observation Drive Lean SuccessIn this conversation, Alen Ganic discusses the challenges of navigating workplace uncertainty, particularly in understanding job responsibilities and processes. He emphasizes the importance of documenting workflows and clarifying communication to enhance efficiency and team leadership.
2025-11-0730 minLean in Government PodcastEpisode 1: Why We Need Lean in the Public SectorIn this inaugural episode of 'Lean in Government', Alen Ganic introduces the podcast's purpose, which is to explore the implementation and sustainability of lean practices within government settings. Drawing from his extensive experience in both the public and private sectors, he discusses the unique challenges faced in government, such as motivation and the introduction of new philosophies. Alen emphasizes the importance of individuals within government to drive change and shares his commitment to providing insights and stories from his lean journey.TakeawaysAlen Ganic introduces the 'Lean in Government' podcast.He...
2025-11-0506 minLean in Government PodcastLean in Government | Episode 1 | Why We Need Lean in the Public SectorIn this inaugural episode of 'Lean in Government', Alen Ganic introduces the podcast's purpose, which is to explore the implementation and sustainability of lean practices within government settings. Drawing from his extensive experience in both the public and private sectors, he discusses the unique challenges faced in government, such as motivation and the introduction of new philosophies. Alen emphasizes the importance of individuals within government to drive change and shares his commitment to providing insights and stories from his lean journey.TakeawaysAlen Ganic introduces the 'Lean in Government' podcast.He...
2025-11-0306 min
Gemba Academy Podcast: Lean Six Sigma | Toyota Kata | Productivity | LeadershipGA 583 | Misconceptions About Lean with Alen Ganic
This week’s guest is Alen Ganic. Ron and Alen discussed how Alen simplifies complicated topics, the powers of lean beyond manufacturing, dealing with “CAVE” people, and more. An MP3 audio version of this episode is available for download here.
In this episode you’ll learn:
The quote Alen likes (2:20)
His background (3:15)
How Alen explains complicated things (11:50)
How he handles CAVE people (15:13)
Why people come back (21:47)
How lean is being applied beyond manufacturing (25:48)
Alen’s advice and final words of wisdom (29:35)
Podcast Resources
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GA 521 | Ce...
2025-06-0531 min
2025-05-2331 minGemba Academy Podcast: Lean Six Sigma | Toyota Kata | Productivity | LeadershipGA 566 | Managing With Your Eyes with Alen Ganic
This week’s guest is Alen Ganic. Ron and Alen discussed visual management, examples of visual management they have seen and created, dealing with any resistance you might meet, and more. An MP3 audio version of this episode is available for download here.
In this episode you’ll learn:
The quote Alen likes (2:46)
His background (3:12)
What visual management is (5:28)
Examples he’s seen and created (6:20)
A story about Ron’s time at FlowServe (11:08)
Alen’s story about how he helped saved a company (15:35)
Dealing with resistance (20:23)
The practical mistakes people make (25:26)
Tips for getting started (27...
2025-02-0631 min2025-01-1731 min
Government – Lean Six Sigma and the EnvironmentE122: Applying Lean at the City of Grand Rapids with Alen GanicIn this episode, I share an interview I had with Alen Ganic, an experienced Lean and Six Sigma coach who spent 14 years with the City of Grand Rapids implementing Lean and has also setup numerous volunteer groups and organizations to help those in need. He shares examples of project improvements he worked on in
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2025-01-1644 minManagement – Lean Six Sigma and the EnvironmentE122: Applying Lean at the City of Grand Rapids with Alen GanicIn this episode, I share an interview I had with Alen Ganic, an experienced Lean and Six Sigma coach who spent 14 years with the City of Grand Rapids implementing Lean and has also setup numerous volunteer groups and organizations to help those in need. He shares examples of project improvements he worked on in
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2025-01-1644 minPodcast – Lean Six Sigma and the EnvironmentE122: Applying Lean at the City of Grand Rapids with Alen GanicIn this episode, I share an interview I had with Alen Ganic, an experienced Lean and Six Sigma coach who spent 14 years with the City of Grand Rapids implementing Lean and has also setup numerous volunteer groups and organizations to help those in need. He shares examples of project improvements he worked on in
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2025-01-1644 minNonprofit – Lean Six Sigma and the EnvironmentE122: Applying Lean at the City of Grand Rapids with Alen GanicIn this episode, I share an interview I had with Alen Ganic, an experienced Lean and Six Sigma coach who spent 14 years with the City of Grand Rapids implementing Lean and has also setup numerous volunteer groups and organizations to help those in need. He shares examples of project improvements he worked on in
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2025-01-1644 minLean Six Sigma Tools – Lean Six Sigma and the EnvironmentE122: Applying Lean at the City of Grand Rapids with Alen GanicIn this episode, I share an interview I had with Alen Ganic, an experienced Lean and Six Sigma coach who spent 14 years with the City of Grand Rapids implementing Lean and has also setup numerous volunteer groups and organizations to help those in need. He shares examples of project improvements he worked on in
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2025-01-1644 minTransportation – Lean Six Sigma and the EnvironmentE122: Applying Lean at the City of Grand Rapids with Alen GanicIn this episode, I share an interview I had with Alen Ganic, an experienced Lean and Six Sigma coach who spent 14 years with the City of Grand Rapids implementing Lean and has also setup numerous volunteer groups and organizations to help those in need. He shares examples of project improvements he worked on in
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2025-01-1644 minEmployee Engagement – Lean Six Sigma and the EnvironmentE122: Applying Lean at the City of Grand Rapids with Alen GanicIn this episode, I share an interview I had with Alen Ganic, an experienced Lean and Six Sigma coach who spent 14 years with the City of Grand Rapids implementing Lean and has also setup numerous volunteer groups and organizations to help those in need. He shares examples of project improvements he worked on in
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2025-01-1644 minPodcast – Lean Six Sigma and the EnvironmentE122: Applying Lean at the City of Grand Rapids with Alen GanicIn this episode, I share an interview I had with Alen Ganic, an experienced Lean and Six Sigma coach who spent 14 years with the City of Grand Rapids implementing Lean and has also setup numerous volunteer groups and organizations to help those in need. He shares examples of project improvements he worked on in
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2025-01-1644 minGemba Academy Podcast: Lean Six Sigma | Toyota Kata | Productivity | LeadershipGA 544 | Flow Efficiency vs. Resource Efficiency with Alen Ganic
This week’s guest is Alen Ganic. Ron and Alen, a Senior Lean and Six Sigma Coach at Gemba Academy, discussed the definitions of flow efficiency and resource efficiency, what differentiates them, and more. An MP3 audio version of this episode is available for download here.
In this episode you’ll learn:
Alen’s favorite quote (2:29)
His background (4:02)
What Alen means by “flow” (6:46)
The definition of Flow Efficiency and Resource Efficiency (9:24)
A paint booth example (16:17)
The key things that differentiate Flow Efficiency and Resource Efficiency (19:30)
Advice for someone who is just getting started (26:09)
Podcast Res...
2024-09-0531 min2024-08-3031 minGemba Academy Podcast: Lean Six Sigma | Toyota Kata | Productivity | LeadershipGA 521 | Celebrating Quick Wins with Alen Ganic
This week’s guest is Alen Ganic. Ron and Alen discussed Alen’s work with the City of Grand Rapids, process improvement from the customer perspective, and the importance of celebrating quick wins. An MP3 audio version of this episode is available for download here.
In this episode you’ll learn:
Alen’s favorite quotes (2:02)
His background (5:21)
How the mayor discovered lean (9:12)
An anecdote about the water department (10:47)
What you can do to introduce and sustain a lean initiative (15:03)
Focusing on process improvement from the customer’s perspective (21:27)
The importance of measuring (22:50)
Approaching those “in the middle...
2024-03-2832 min