Episode 14: (I've Had) The Conference Time of My Life

The MoreSteam Best Practices For Operational Excellence Conference continues to bring together industry leaders, innovators, and practitioners to share insights and best practices. Episode 14 of Quality Time With MoreSteam features host Dan Swartwout and special guest Peg Pennington reflecting on the latest conference, hosted by The Wendy’s Company.

From engaging presentations by thought leaders like Josh Howell and John Shook to discussions on cutting-edge topics like artificial intelligence with Professor Nate Craig, this year’s conference offered something for everyone. Peg and Dan dive into standout moments, such as Emmanuel Aouad’s presentation (Quality Time Guest from Episode 9) and insights from Medtronic, General Motors and more CI Leaders. Plus, this episode answers the burning question: Are continuous improvement professionals better comedy writers than generative AI?

Whether you're looking to improve your organization’s processes or just want to laugh along, this episode is packed with valuable takeaways, memorable moments, and a unique perspective on the power of operational excellence.

In this episode, you will hear about:

0:11 - Introduction to the MoreSteam Best Practices For Operational Excellence Conference

1:15 - Josh Howell from the Lean Enterprise Institute and John Shook

3:16 - Our wonderful host, The Wendy's Company

6:23 - Thomas Jefferson University

7:32 - Professor Nate Craig and Artificial Intelligence

9:45 - Greif

12:53 - The American Society for Quality

14:15 - Bill Walton, CEO of Ardagh Glass Packaging North America

16:54 - Emmanuel Aouad from Episode 9!

19:34 - Baptist Health South Florida

22:15 - General Motors

22:38 - Continuous Improvement Comedy Writers

26:56 - Medtronic

28:00 - Reflections on the BP4OpX Conference

29:59 - How the conference has grown

31:23 - Interacting with MoreSteam at the conference

Additional Resources:

The American Society for Quality (ASQ)

ASQ CEO Sid Bhatnagar (Sid B.) on LinkedIn

Lean Enterprise Institute (LEI)

LEI President Josh Howell on LinkedIn

MoreSteam's Website

Subscribe to MoreSteam's Newsletter

MoreSteam on LinkedIn

MoreSteam's YouTube Channel

Dan Swartwout on LinkedIn

BP4OPX - 2024

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Dan Swartwout Headshot
Dan Swartwout

Host • MoreSteam

Dan Swartwout is the host of Quality Time with MoreSteam. A lifelong Central Ohio resident, Dan is a double Buckeye. He earned both a BA and a law degree from The Ohio State University. Before joining MoreSteam, Dan had a long career as a host, comedian, and master of ceremonies. For 17 years, Dan was the studio audience host for the Ohio Lottery game show Cash Explosion. Dan was also the host of CBuzz, which was a collaboration between the Columbus Chamber of Commerce, WWCD 92.9, and the Columbus Dispatch. On CBuzz, Dan interviewed some of the most prominent entrepreneurs in Central Ohio. From 2002-2020, Dan toured the country as a standup comedian. Tracks from his comedy CD have been played over 5,000 times on Sirius/XM satellite radio. Now, Dan brings his experience and enthusiasm to Quality Time with MoreSteam -- it's business and fun, together.

Peg PenningtonPeg Pennington on LinkedIn
Peg Pennington

President • MoreSteam

Peg Pennington joined MoreSteam's executive team in 2018 and today leads all company operations as President. Previously, Peg was the Executive Director of the Center for Operational Excellence at The Ohio State University, where she helped shape the Master of Business Operational Excellence ('MBOE') program and strengthen standards for Lean Six Sigma certification. She serves on the board of directors for the Lean Enterprise Institute (LEI). A recognized voice in operational excellence, Peg speaks at over a dozen national conferences each year and leads product workshops.

Before joining MoreSteam, Peg was the Executive Director of the Center for Operational Excellence at The Ohio State University. Peg holds a bachelor’s degree in finance from Michigan State University and an MBA from the University of Dayton.

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