Episode 21: Ryan C. Weiss on SIPOC, the Right Mindset, and Continuous Improvement

In Episode 21 of Quality Time With MoreSteam, host Dan Swartwout welcomes Ryan C. Weiss, author, entrepreneur, and president of Effective Performance Strategies, to discuss tools, skills, and the mindset required for continuous improvement.

Ryan shares one of the best stories about continuous improvement—a tale involving tools, mindset, and yes, an orangutan. Alongside this memorable story, Ryan delves into the power of SIPOC diagrams, eliminating bad handoffs, and creating parallel paths to streamline processes and improve efficiency.

Whether you're just starting your Lean Six Sigma journey or are a seasoned professional, this episode offers actionable insights into building better processes and fostering the mindset necessary for operational excellence. Plus, Ryan’s engaging anecdotes and practical advice make this a conversation you won’t want to miss.

Tune in to hear about Ryan’s journey from medicine to finance, his entrepreneurial ventures, and his passion for empowering organizations through continuous improvement.

In this episode, you will hear about:

0:48 - Ryan's Background

3:35 - Ryan's Experiences in College

11:12 - Ryan Path Changes From Medicine to Finance

16:05 - From the Corporate World to Entrepreneur

18:36 - The Fitbit Story

22:27 - The Orangutan Story

29:40 - Dale Carnegie and Continuous Improvement

31:49 - Building SIPOCs

33:49 - Broken Handoffs

37:05 - Getting People Involved in Processes

39:51 - SIPOC-Focused Software

42:31 - Ryan's Podcast

Additional Resources:

Ryan C. Weiss on LinkedIn

Optics: Align People and Process to Accelerate Performance

Optics in Action Podcast

Effective Performance Strategies

Subscribe to MoreSteam's Newsletter

MoreSteam on LinkedIn

MoreSteam's YouTube Channel

Dan Swartwout on LinkedIn

Statistical Software

SIPOC Software

10 Common Continuous Improvement Strategies

Operational Excellence for Businesses

Subscribe to Quality Time With MoreSteam

Apple Podcasts

Spotify

Amazon Music

YouTube

iHeart

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.

Ryan C. Weiss on LinkedIn
Ryan C. Weiss

President • Effective Performance Strategies

Ryan C. Weiss is the president of Effective Performance Strategies, the author of Optics: Align People and Process to Accelerate Performance, and the host of the Optics in Action Podcast. Ryan earned a BS from the University of Illinois and an MBA from the University of Kansas.

Related Topics

10 Common Continuous Improvement Strategies

A Voyage of Continuous Improvement at Mercy Ships

Exploring the Evolution of Continuous Improvement

Continuous ImprovementOperational ExcellenceLean Six Sigma

Use Technology to Empower Your Continuous Improvement Program