Episode 22: Hitting Your Lean IT Stride with Thomas Paider

In Episode 22 of Quality Time With MoreSteam, host Dan Swartwout sits down with Thomas Paider, co-author of The Lean IT Field Guide and Vice President for Technology Infrastructure and Computing at Nationwide. With a wealth of experience and a seat on the Board of Directors for the Lean Enterprise Institute, Tom offers profound insights into Lean IT transformations and creating thriving workplace cultures.

This engaging conversation covers everything from the misconceptions about Lean in the technology space to actionable advice for IT teams starting their Lean journeys. Tom also discusses the intersection of Lean, Agile, and DevOps, explaining how these methodologies can streamline processes, drive innovation, and enhance IT operations.

Whether you’re an IT professional, a Lean enthusiast, or simply curious about how Lean principles can reshape industries, this episode delivers invaluable lessons and practical advice. From overcoming resistance to embracing change, Tom’s thoughtful perspectives make complex ideas accessible and actionable.

Tune in to discover why Dan calls this one of the most profound discussions on Lean in the history of the podcast.

In this episode, you will hear about:

1:33 - Tom's Background

4:50 - Working on Y2K

6:27 - Key Messages from the Lean It Field Guide

8:25 - The Operational Definition of IT

10:02 - The First Steps in a Lean IT Journey

13:56 - Misconceptions About Lean in the Technology Space

16:22 - Moving People to More Valuable Activities

18:55 - Agile in IT

22:25 - The Early Days of the Lean IT Transformation at Nationwide

24:29 - Advice for IT Teams Starting Their Lean Journeys

27:08 - Learning from Other Industries

29:41 - Overcoming Resistance

32:12 - Lean, Agile, and DevOps

36:35 - Tom's Proudest Moments at Nationwide

38:17 - Peyton Manning

39:19 - The Future of Lean Technology

42:36 - Tom's Experiences as a Runner

Additional Resources:

Thomas Paider on LinkedIn

The Lean IT Field Guide: A Roadmap for Your Transformation

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MoreSteam on LinkedIn

MoreSteam's YouTube Channel

Dan Swartwout on LinkedIn

Lean Essentials for Technology Leaders and Teams

Creating the Path for a Lean IT Transformation

Lean Training

Lean Master Certification

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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.

Tom PaiderThomas Paider on LinkedIn
Thomas Paider

Vice President for Technology Infrastructure and Computing • Nationwide

Tom Paider is a technology executive for Nationwide, a Fortune 100 insurance and financial services company. In his role, Tom leads the Technology Infrastructure organization, focused on enabling Nationwide’s businesses to conduct their operations through resilient, secure, and frictionless infrastructure and technology solutions. He has accountability for cloud and on-prem infrastructure as well as personal computing and telephony.

Tom is the co-author of the book The Lean IT Field Guide. Tom regularly consults with companies in a variety of industries across the globe on their lean transformations.

Tom is the cofounder of the IT Leadership Network at The Ohio State University, a partnership between industry and academic leaders focused on helping member companies sustain their lean IT journeys. Tom’s passion is using lean thinking to help technology teams create solutions that users love. (Source: https://www.lean.org/about-lei/board-of-directors/tom-paider/)

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