Episode 7: Lean for Small Businesses and Future Leaders with Alan Goodman (Part 2)
In Part 2 of this two-part series, Quality Time With MoreSteam welcomes back Alan Goodman, Lean Six Sigma Black Belt, educator, and award-winning baker. Alan and Dan explore how Lean principles can revolutionize small businesses, enhance customer service, and inspire the next generation of problem-solvers.
This episode delves into Alan’s work teaching Lean concepts to children, including his innovative Lean summer camp, where kids develop natural problem-solving skills and learn the foundations of continuous improvement. From identifying future leaders to transforming customer experiences, Alan shares invaluable lessons for applying Lean principles across industries and generations.
In this episode you will hear about:
0:54 - Using Lean principles in a small business
6:30 - The importance of good customer service
9:04 - Teaching Lean principles and concepts to children
11:57 - Introduction to Lean summer camp
13:42 - The operational definition of clean
19:19 - Identifying a pipeline of leaders
20:38 - Children as natural problem-solvers
24:24 - Experiences after the introduction to Lean camp
Additional Resources
Developing the Next Generation of Lean Problem Solvers
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Lean Thinking: The Most Important Leadership Skill that Your Kids Don't Know
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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.
Instructional Chair - Quality Engineering & Technology • Milwaukee Area Technical College
Alan Goodman is the department head and full-time instructor with the Quality Engineering & Technology Department at Milwaukee Area Technical College. Alan has held various leadership positions throughout his career, with impactful results in client-facing roles, process improvement initiatives, and team management. His experience includes leading a new business to its first net profit, helping a school district resolve a complex billing issue, and implementing a process improvement program at a major corporation.
