Best Steve Heatherington Podcasts (2025)

1
A beautiful morning for breakfast with the alpacas 16:31

2d ago16:31

16:31

Welcome to the podcast for alpaca people! We had a named storm pass through, but today is calm, still and sunny. A perfect day for breakfast with the girls. Why don't you join me? Nona was enjoying the pile of hay she claimed - she does like her hay. Later, after I put all the food out and spread it about for the girls, they settled down, but befor…

1
What to ignore with your alpacas 23:01

17d ago23:01

23:01

Welcome to the podcast for alpaca people! In this episode, I offer a tip for dealing with overwhelm, suggest ways to learn more about alpaca behaviour, and explain looking out for which one starts the drift. There is also an update on the herd and life in the valley. For valley news, you can also check out my Substack "View From The Valley". Thanks…

1
Learnings of a Lean Pioneer 44:30

18d ago44:30

44:30

Jim Lancaster, Owner and CEO of Lantech, talks with Josh Howell, LEI President, and Mark Reich, LEI Chief Engineer Strategy, about his lean journey and the decades-long transformation at his packaging-solutions company. Lantech, a lean pioneer, was highlighted in Jim Womack’s and Daniel Jones’ 1996 book Lean Thinking, and has steadily improved, gro…

1
Tech Founder Mari Zumbro on Building High Trust Online Communities and AI in Product Development 29:41

23d ago29:41

29:41

In this episode of the WLEI Podcast, we continue our series on AI in product development with an interview with Mari Zumbro, Co-Founder and COO of the tech startup Filament. An active participant in the open-source community, Filament describes itself as a new communication platform with the goal of accelerating global innovation with leaders who a…

1
Transforming as a Problem-Solver 54:35

25d ago54:35

54:35

Josh Howell and Mark Reich, LEI President and Chief Engineer Strategy, respectively, speak with Scott Heydon, former VP of Global Strategy at Starbucks, McKinsey & Co. consultant, and a Senior Lean Coach with LEI since 2014. They discuss Scott’s efforts to transform Starbucks with lean thinking, learning lean methods and new ways of problem-solving…

1
AI to Empower People: Fabrice Bernhard on Using AI to Improve Product Development 18:30

1M ago18:30

18:30

In this episode of The Design Brief, we speak with Fabrice Bernhard. Fabrice is cofounder and chief technology officer of Theodo, a leading tech consultancy in Europe, and coauthor of The Lean Tech Manifesto. Fabrice discusses what it takes to create great digital products, how high-performing teams can use AI with care, and how LPPD (lean product …

1
How to prepare for cria birthing season 15:29

1M ago15:29

15:29

Welcome to the podcast for alpaca people! In this episode, I continue reflecting on the cria birthing season and how we can be prepared. This includes talking to some people, including your vet, reading up and taking some courses - probably too late for this season, but there is always next year. Birthing kits I talked about them in some previous e…

1
The Toyota Triangle and Problem-Solving 42:12

1M ago42:12

42:12

Josh Howell, LEI President, and Mark Reich, LEI Chief Engineer Strategy, join Olivier Larue, President of Ydatum, and discuss the Toyota Production System (TPS), the three elements embedded within TPS that make it more than just a production system, and the ability of TPS to foster problem-solving and creativity. Olivier worked with Mark at the Toy…

1
Fond memories of cria watch and alpaca birthing season 16:44

1M ago16:44

16:44

Welcome to the podcast for alpaca people! Memories abound of the magic of alpaca births. Mostly straightforward, but I always liked to be around to be available to help when needed. Cria watch can be stressful but hourly checks for signs of births and labour means you are likely to be there when needed. Keep it light and keep your distance to avoid…

1
A Personal Pursuit of Problem-Solving 40:08

2M ago40:08

40:08

Josh Howell and Mark Reich, LEI President and Chief Engineer Strategy, respectively, talk with Sal Sanchez, a Toyota veteran and TPS coach with LEI. Sal’s Toyota career began at New United Motor Manufacturing Inc. (NUMMI), the GM/Toyota joint venture and Toyota’s first automotive footprint in the United States, and continued with roles at Toyota No…

1
Hunting flies and growing your alpaca herd 17:17

2M ago17:17

17:17

Welcome to the podcast for alpaca people! The weather has warmed, bringing some flies. Including an early appearance by the large horseflies usually reserved for a week in July. I sorted one out that was feeding from Efa. I hope she will forgive me for chasing her around to catch the fly. When alpaca herds grow, it is either because more are added …

1
Management System Surfaces Problems 43:00

2M ago43:00

43:00

Josh Howell, LEI President, talks about the relationship of problem-solving and daily management with Jill Miller, Manager for Global Learning and Development at MillerKnoll, a maker of office furniture, equipment, and home furnishings. Jill supports the development, use, and expansion of the MillerKnoll Performance System (MKPS), which she says is…

1
Problem-Solving Primer 1:36:28

2M ago1:36:28

1:36:28

Josh Howell, LEI President, Mark Reich, LEI Chief Engineer Strategy, and Art Smalley discuss the four basic types of problem-solving. Art is a well-known expert in leadership, management, and the Toyota Way. He worked at Toyota Motor Corp. in Japan; helped to transform Donnelly Corp. in Michigan; was a consultant with McKinsey & Co.; and has author…

1
Lean Product Development for Tech Entrepreneurs: A Conversation with Sandrine Olivencia on Building Smarter Startups 30:50

2M ago30:50

30:50

In this episode of the WLEI Podcast, we speak with Sandrine Olivencia, author of Build to Sell: The Lean Secret to Crafting Irresistible Products, co-founder of Taktique Academy, and partner at Lean Sensei Partners. This is the second time Sandrine has joined us on the WLEI podcast, and in this particular conversation, we discuss why lean product a…

1
That was a close shave 18:51

2M ago18:51

18:51

I am delighted to report that the shearing is finished for another year. It was physically demanding but less so than in some previous years. The alpacas have just about forgiven me, but a few are still looking at me suspiciously and giving me a wider berth than usual during feeding time. Dry fleece is essential for both shearing and storing the fl…

1
Lean Improvements Lead to Improved Lean Planning and Management 42:51

3M ago42:51

42:51

Mark Reich, LEI Chief Engineer of Strategy, and Karen Gaudet, LEI Senior Coach, talk with Michael Duncan, President of Viwinco, about his efforts to establish a robust daily management system in the family-owned window and door company and connect it to the company’s hoshin kanri process. Michael grew up in the company and, after rising into leader…

1
Some alpaca jobs just need two people 17:21

3M ago17:21

17:21

Welcome to the podcast for alpaca people! In this episode, I consider the difficulty of doing some alpaca jobs alone. There is also a valley update about the new ready-made family of geese joining the number one family. Thanks for listening and I hope you enjoyed it. If you would like to be in touch, please contact me by email - [email protected]…

1
Conversation on Spiritual Wisdom of Trees with Beth Norcross and Leah Rampy 1:09:23

3M ago1:09:23

1:09:23

In this episode of CarbonSessions, we welcome Beth Norcross and Leah Rampy—educators, spiritual leaders, and nature advocates—who co-authored Discovering the Spiritual Wisdom of Trees, a deeply reflective guide to reconnecting with the natural world. Rooted in ecology, theology, and lived experience, their book invites us to see trees not just as b…

1
Go Fast, Learn a Lot: A Conversation with Phil Green on Product-Centered Entrepreneurship 26:11

3M ago26:11

26:11

In this episode of the WLEI Podcast, we speak with product leader and angel investor Phil Green about product-centered entrepreneurship and what it takes to truly create value for customers. Since 2020, Phil has been the senior advisor for B2B and technology at Harvard Innovation Labs. Before the i-lab, Phil spent over 30 years working at various s…

1
The Successful, Continuous Beat of Daily Management 40:31

3M ago40:31

40:31

Josh Howell, LEI president, explores the topic of daily management with Joe Seestadt, Director Lab Outreach for Bronson Healthcare and a faculty member and coach with LEI. Joe trained as an industrial engineer and worked in manufacturing, and has now spent some 18 years in healthcare. He was instrumental in developing the Cleveland Clinic’s daily m…

1
Chilling in the sun with the alpacas 20:21

3M ago20:21

20:21

Welcome to the podcast for alpaca people! Beautiful spring mornings with the alpacas are a delight. Recognising that we are all connected to the life around us is an important reason to slow down, take a breath, and be present. I have learned so much from living with alpacas, and slowing down is definitely one of the best. Thanks for listening and …

1
How to speak alpaca - or at least try 17:03

4M ago17:03

17:03

Welcome to the podcast for alpaca people! We don't really know what is going on inside the head of an alpaca. What are they thinking? What do they think of us? It doesn't stop us trying to speak alpaca, though. And if you can spend time around your alpacas, you stand a better chance of connecting. When you do, it is a bit magical. Spring continues …

1
Valley update and podcast news 19:52

4M ago19:52

19:52

Welcome to the podcast for alpaca people! Podcast update The frequency of the Alpaca Tribe podcast will be changing from May 2025. It will become every two weeks rather than weekly. The alternate weeks will be filled by a new podcast called View From The Valley, which will focus on the 'other' things, leaving Alpaca Tribe to focus more on the alpac…

1
Personal and Organizational Transformation: A Conversation with Dr. Sarah Womack 40:17

4M ago40:17

40:17

Josh Howell, LEI president, talks with Dr. Sarah Womack, an eight-year veteran of Toyota and author of Toyota’s Improvement Thinking from the Inside. Sarah discusses how her transformation and that of other individuals within Toyota collectively contributed to organizational improvements and high performance. Her Toyota experiences exponentially ad…

1
What it Takes to Win at New Product Development: A Conversation with Steve Spear 30:37

4M ago30:37

30:37

In this episode of the WLEI Podcast, we speak with Steve Spear, a senior lecturer at MIT’s Sloan School of Management, senior fellow at the Institute of Healthcare Improvement, and associated faculty member at Adriane Labs of the Harvard School of Public Health. Spear is also author of The High-Velocity Edge and Wiring the Winning Organization and …

1
Alpacas get old too 19:41

4M ago19:41

19:41

Welcome to the podcast for alpaca people! In this episode, following on my conversation with Rita of Campo Verde Alpacas and Llamas, we turned to ageing alpacas and owners and what Rita has planned for down on the farm later in the year. Check out the Campo Verde Instagram feed for some lovely videos of Rita, the Llamas, and the Alpacas. Thanks for…

1
A Spring/Autumn catch up with Rita Soares in Australia 25:33

4M ago25:33

25:33

Welcome to the podcast for alpaca people! In this episode, Listen in as I catch up with Rita Soares in Victoria, Australia and hear about the arrival of Llamas at Campo Verde Alpacas and Llamas. More to come in the future. It is well worth checking out Rita's photos and videos on her Instagram feed - https://www.instagram.com/campoverdealpacas/ I w…

1
An update in the valley with the alpacas 23:54

5M ago23:54

23:54

Welcome to the podcast for alpaca people! In this episode, Spring continues to arrive. Which makes you think of Spring cleaning and updating tools and equipment. How are things on the farm with you? Thanks for listening and I hope you enjoyed it. If you would like to be in touch, please contact me by email - [email protected] - or leave me a vo…

1
Engineering for the Future: A Conversation with MIT D-Lab Founder Amy Smith 27:59

5M ago27:59

27:59

In this episode of WLEI Podcast, we welcome Amy Smith, Founding Director of MIT’s D-Lab, an innovative university-based program in international development and a senior lecturer in Mechanical Engineering at MIT.By Lean Enterprise Institute

1
Rate limiting factors for growth 14:00

5M ago14:00

14:00

Welcome to the podcast for alpaca people! In this episode, I have been musing about growth. How soon the grass starts growing is a prime factor in judging when spring has arrived. The interplay of the essentials of moisture, sun and soil temperature determines how much growth, if any, the grass makes and how soon. Ours seems to have slowed down - d…

1
Socially Responsible Design Meets Lean Product and Process Development: A Conversation with Cynthia E. Smith 27:33

5M ago27:33

27:33

In this episode of WLEI Podcast, we welcome Cynthia E. Smith, Curator of Socially Responsible Design at Cooper Hewitt, Smithsonian Design Museum and author of Design for the Other 90%. Cynthia speaks about design as a catalyst for change and what it means, as she says, to be in “the collective work of building capacity and agency in communities acr…

1
One way to help your alpacas trust you 26:42

5M ago26:42

26:42

Welcome to the podcast for alpaca people! Confident and fulfilled owners of happy and healthy alpacas. It is why I do the podcast and I know it is a work in progress. One of the most significant things which helped me in my early days of trying to become a good alpaca shepherd, was doing Camelidynamics Training with Marty McGee Bennett. Here is a r…

1
Great opportunities to spend time with your alpacas 19:17

5M ago19:17

19:17

Welcome to the podcast for alpaca people! In this episode, you can join me as we talk Spring, field shelters and things that make you smile. Thanks for listening and I hope you enjoyed it. If you would like to be in touch, please contact me by email - [email protected] - or leave me a voicemail from your browser. Alpaca Tribe is hosted and prod…

1
Providing appropriate shelter for alpacas 21:17

5M ago21:17

21:17

Welcome to the podcast for alpaca people! Today was a weather day with a bit of everything. Very Spring-like. What kind of weather protection do alpacas need? In addition to field shelters, natural shelter-belt from trees and bushes are really helpful. Protection is needed from the rain/wind/sun. Thanks for listening and I hope you enjoyed it. If y…

1
30-Plus Years with Hoshin Kanri 1:03:03

6M ago1:03:03

1:03:03

This week The Management Brief presents a podcast with Josh Howell, LEI President, and Mark Reich, LEI Chief Engineer, Strategy. They discuss Mark’s 30-plus years working with hoshin kanri — two decades at Toyota and then coaching executives while with LEI — and the impact that the strategic planning and execution process has had on Toyota and the …

1
Creating the best expectations with your Alpacas 14:04

6M ago14:04

14:04

Welcome to the podcast for alpaca people! Listen in to this episode as I consider expectations. Everyone has expectations including you and your alpacas. What we do and how can affect them every time. Build your alpacas' expectations of you being a safe person. Plan your interactions to create good, and appropriate expectations for yourself. From m…

1
Isao Yoshino Reflects on 40 Years at Toyota 30:53

6M ago30:53

30:53

In this edition of The Management Brief, Mark Reich sits down with Isao Yoshino, a 40-year veteran of Toyota and a driving force behind the company’s success with hoshin kanri. Yoshino shares the impact that hoshin kanri and A3 problem-solving has had on him professionally and personally. Key takeaways include: · Multiple roles over four decades at…

1
What alpacas need and like 14:51

6M ago14:51

14:51

Welcome to the podcast for alpaca people! Like all of us, alpacas thrive on familarity and the expected plus variety now and again. What kind of variety could you bring to the mix for your alpacas. Listen in and let me share some thoughts. These include what they need as basics - food, water, shelter. But also stimulation and interest. They are nat…

1
Alpaca reflections after breakfast with the girls 13:52

6M ago13:52

13:52

Welcome to the podcast for alpaca people! Sitting with the alpacas you can zone out but still be present. A delight to spend time with them and notice what is happening in the valley. Thanks for listening and I hope you enjoyed it. If you would like to be in touch, please contact me by email - [email protected] - or leave me a voicemail from yo…

1
Knowing when it is time to change tack 19:20

6M ago19:20

19:20

Welcome to the podcast for alpaca people! In this episode, Changing tack when sailing allows us to take advantage of the wind. How do you know when to tack? I share some thoughts about making decisions and factors that can influence it. There is also an update on happenings in the valley. Listen in, you are most welcome. Alpaca Feed We are now usin…

1
Driving Continuous Improvement through Frontline Supervisors: A Conversation with TRQSS President Mark Dolsen 47:21

6M ago47:21

47:21

In this episode of the WLEI podcast, we sit down with Mark Dolsen, President of TRQSS, a seat belt manufacturer that supplies Toyota and other automakers in North America. Mark shares insights into TRQSS's lean journey and the critical role of frontline supervisors in driving continuous improvement. Key takeaways include: TRQSS has evolved its lean…

1
The holidays are over but winter work is available 16:00

7M ago16:00

16:00

Welcome to the podcast for alpaca people! In this episode, I make suggestions about using the low-ebb time of winter when the vegetation has died back, you can see the fences and the weeds and catch up on some maintenance. Thanks for listening and I hope you enjoyed it. If you would like to be in touch, please contact me by email - steve@alpacatrib…

1
Being in control is limited 22:17

7M ago22:17

22:17

Welcome to the podcast for alpaca people! In this episode, I reflect on how much of our life is outside of our control. This includes our alpacas for sure. Though there are some things that help. Lovely day in the valley, so I took the opportunity to sit outside with my alpacas. Hope you get a chance to do so too. Thanks for listening and I hope yo…

1
Building a Resilient Business with Hoshin Kanri and Problem Solving : A Conversation with Grand Rapids Chair CEO Geoff Miller 47:12

7M ago47:12

47:12

In this edition of The Management Brief, Mark Reich sits down with Geoff Miller, CEO of Grand Rapids Chair, to discuss his company's lean transformation journey. Geoff shares how the adoption of hoshin kanri and A3 problem-solving has helped the company maintain strategic focus and build organizational capability. Geoff offers a candid reflection o…

1
Alpacas in the new year - continuity or conservation 17:52

7M ago17:52

17:52

Welcome to the podcast for alpaca people! And welcome to 2025. Intention is so important as we continue what we have been doing with our alpacas or plan to add in new things. Growing skills and confidence takes time and effort - and intention. Don't settle for more of the same - conserving what you have. Keep leaning into a forward trajectory as we…

1
An alpaca New Year 7:19

7M ago7:19

7:19

Welcome to the podcast for alpaca people! Happy New Year to you all. I have found my happy place to be with my alpacas. I hope it is yours too and you get a chance to spend some time with them. What will 2025 hold? More of the same? Different? How can we do better? No resolutions but a question to carry through the year. What will yours be? Peace a…

1
Holiday Greetings and being intentional 12:19

8M ago12:19

12:19

Welcome to the podcast for alpaca people! Happy holidays to one and all. The gift of keeping alpacas is amazing and lasts all year. How can we give back? What can we get better at? How do we do it? Being intentional is a great place to start. Plan to build on what you are already good at, or things you need to improve or add into your repertoire. N…

1
I went in search of Normal and found it 12:13

8M ago12:13

12:13

Welcome to the podcast for alpaca people! In this episode, I went in search of Normal and found it in Illinois! Alpacas here are mostly normal but we did have a visitor who left the gate open and the alpacas free to wander off down the road. No damage done. Have a listen to my musings and if you can, go spend some time with your own alpacas watchin…

1
On my own in the quiet valley 18:18

8M ago18:18

18:18

Welcome to the podcast for alpaca people! Another storm - Darragh - hit the valley and made some impact. High winds, rain and a power cut. We lost some trees to the 80 mph winds but no serious damage to house or stable. Today was very quiet and I found myself on my own and feeling on my own - the valley was quiet and empty. Most of the time it does…

1
Achieving Unprecedented Safety at Turner Construction: a Conversation with Charlie Murphy 1:15:26

8M ago1:15:26

1:15:26

In this edition of The Management Brief, LEI President Josh Howell sat down with Charlie Murphy, Senior Vice President at Turner Construction, to discuss the company's remarkable lean transformation journey. Charlie shares how the organization leveraged core lean principles and practices to drive a dramatic improvement in safety performance and bui…

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Steve Heatherington Podcasts

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