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:
The Lean IT Field Guide: A Roadmap for Your Transformation
Subscribe to MoreSteam's Newsletter
Lean Essentials for Technology Leaders and Teams
Creating the Path for a Lean IT Transformation
Subscribe to Quality Time With MoreSteam
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.
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/)
