Episode 9: Gemba Walks, Lean Six Sigma Music, and AI with Emmanuel Aouad

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.

Emmanuel Aouad is a Strategy, Transformation, and Operational Excellence Leader who uses OE to unlock time for many side quests in life. Currently managing Operational Excellence & Transformation at Stripe, he is a Six Sigma Black Belt with over 14 years of experience in Operational Excellence, Lean and Six Sigma, and Strategy Planning and Execution. Throughout his career, he’s worked for several companies, including Fidelity, Capital One, Lennox International, and Fisher Investments.

Emmanuel is a proud alumnus of Wabash College, where he studied Economics, Music Theory and served as captain of the track team. He spent 9 years serving as a director on the National Alumni Board & was inducted into the Athletics Hall of Fame in 2024.

He uses Operational Excellence in his life to maximize fun and meaning which has enabled some of his favorite side quests including Ninja Warrior, creating music, traveling with his wife and making video games.