Send us a text The Rest is Lean (#TRIL) Podcast brings you powerful conversations with professionals from across the globe, sharing real-world experiences in lean manufacturing and leadership. Each episode dives into the principles, challenges, and successes that shape modern organizations—told by those who live them every day. From industry veterans to innovative thinkers, our guests reveal practical insights, cultural shifts, and leadership strategies that drive transformation. ...

Send us a text Another episode for Team #tril to get their teeth into and they get underway with some subsciber questions, one of which with a 'divine' theme which leads them to exploring the statement that Lean can be applied anywhere and everywhere. Alan brings a recent experience of 5S/6S and even 7S, and asks if this is necessary or just over-complication. Find out also what is meant by the phrase "Join those that know how to join the canoe." If you're enjoying what we do and wan...

Send us a text John returns to the fold from his hiatus. Team #tril revisit a previous episode with some real world examples of where potentially doing too much lean has had some 'interesting' consequences! They also challenge their values and beliefs when it comes work. Find out what work the boys have declined and why, plus what are the red flags that make them think again! There's also our Saying of the week and what is meant by 'A Frog in A Well', plus also find out why John is so afrai...

Send us a text The Dynamic Duo of Russell & Alan bring in Series 3 with a bang! With John missing (don't worry he'll be back!) the guys get stuck in to topics and comments from our audience. In this episode we focus on Voice of the Customer and the 'pull' this can provide businesses to learn about what adds value for customers. Knowing the difference between 'needs' and 'wants' is vital. We also manage to cram in assessment pitfalls, the view of Quality in an organisation's structure, a...

Send us a text As Team #TRIL bring this season to a close, they try to address some of the ever expanding questions the pod is receiving from its ever increasing subscriber base. "Which one of the improvement tools would you suggest to train a newbie in first?" "What improvement literature would you refer to someone interested in lean?" As ever, you maybe surprised by their answers, but you won't be surprised that they do not agree! Finally our Quote of the Week segment helps us close off ...

Send us a text This episode looks at a question many of our subscribers are asking: Can you do too much lean? Team #TRIL try their best to share their views on this very interesting topic by covering certain points such as: - "Rationing" Kaizen - Driving the right behaviours for Lean. - Dangers associated with building a CI Culture - Managing Opportunity - Insights into Tesla and Toyota's approach In addition we cover our "Quote of the Week" If you're enjoying what we do and want to keep...

Send us a text Continuing on from our previous episode on world class team leader competencies, the #TRIL Team talk about their experiences on courses they've led or experienced by others, to help create these competencies and instil in future team leaders. You'll find some of those experiences quite extreme to say the least! They also cover: - Bootcamps - Scenario Learning - Sheep Dipping - Knowledge v Skill - The importance of planning and preparation to your training strategy If you're...

Send us a text This episode is going places! Russell shares with the team the reach that the podcast is extending to. You'll be surprised (but not as much as we were!) Team #TRIL delve into the world of the team leader to understand the competencies that make truly world class TLs, as well as discuss some of the pitfalls companies should be aware of when selecting them. Is there a secret sauce? Topics include: Strategic approaches to Organisational Capability.Safe Scenario SettingManaging u...

Send us a text Following on from the last episode on SQCDP, the #tril Team use this as an opportunity to answer some of the great questions we've had from our listeners. Topics include: - Visual Management in general - The 1-3-10 rule & 1-3-3 rule for visual management boards - Rules of escalation - Scenario based training - The benefits of going to Gemba for a leader and how to make time if you're struggling - What is an Autonomic System? Let's not forget the Japanese wor...

Send us a text Following the aftermath of #subcon2025, Team #TRIL discuss the dangers of measuring the wrong things in your business. and how to ensure you have balance to drive the right behaviours and enable your business to thrive! Other topics include: - Russell interviewing the wife (will ours be next!) and the sacrifices we sometimes have to make. - Being a pigeon and Floor Space Utilisation. - The Parenting Problem - John and his measures of unintended consequence. - Alan...

Send us a text Sustainability and keeping it simple!! Continuing our conversations around lean transformation and sustaining it in your business, John, Russell & Alan (Team#tril) have finally recovered from their trip to #subcon2025. As well as our regular 'Japanese Word' slot the guys continue with their tips and thoughts which can simply be put into practice to aid you on your improvement journey. John brings 'The FOG Index' and 'The Stirling Engine' to the table (which blows A...

Send us a text For the first time ever, The Rest is Lean Podcast goes on the road! This time to Subcon2025 at the NEC in Birmingham UK. #subcon2025 The #trilteam enjoy a jam-packed 2 days at the event, taking in some fantastic examples of manufacturing innovation from companies all over the globe. We continued our theme on sustainability of lean transformation projects. Offering insights into what has worked (and not worked) for us during our careers, plus some great questions ...

Send us a text Sustainability is the name of the game. Lean Transformations and how to make them stick! In preparation for our pending visit to #subcon2025, Team #tril discuss some of the key attributes that make a lean transformation a successful lean transformation. The 'need' of the organisation.Visibility of the 'Why' and of LeadershipLeader Standard WorkAlan shares some of his experiences on how he learned the hard way! Russell shares his recent visit to Bentley Motors and shares a very...

Send us a text Oh no what are we to do? Where is Russell? Both John and Alan hold the fort this time around as Russ takes a well deserved break. As well as catching up on recent events, the #TRILTeam (Lite!) get onto the topics of Team Dynamics and Activity 'Gadgets'. How important is team makeup and what sources are out there which can help us establish the right balance? What gadgets come in useful when carrying out our lean activities and how has it changed through the years? Also, Alan...

Send us a text If you thought the last episode was a good one then you're in for a real treat with this! Our first Q&A Podcast of the new series sees #TeamTRIL go through a raft of questions posed by our subscribers. Our Japanese word of the week segment gets another look in, plus the usual trolling of Russell! There's even an opportunity to learn how to see us live later in the year as we take the podcast 'on tour' to the #subcon2025 event at the NEC Birmingham in June. It's free to p...

Send us a text Series 2 gets underway with a belter! #TeamTRIL share some of their problem solving experiences (good & bad). There's some good old-fashioned 'kimono opening' by the guys along with Russ' Japanese Word of the Week and his "Ambush Question". There will definitely be some 'Restless Reflection' in this section of the Pod, including: Is getting back to standard actually Kaizen? What are the 4 types of Problem solving skill? Can anyone decipher Mr Watkins' scribble? ...

Send us a text As Series 1 comes to a close #TeamTRIL discuss Russ' recent visit to the Make UK Conference in London. As well as playing 'Word Bingo' and fine craft beers (don't ask!!), some of the key questions, posed to Chancellor Rachel Reeves, are shared, providing an opportunity for the guys to offer their thoughts on those very important topics Our Japanese word of the week makes another appearance Remember that if you want to get involved with your questions, comments, and tips of yo...

Send us a text The Team discuss the use of non-native words and phrases within your business. Do they help or hinder? #Jugaad makes an unexpected appearance! Do Three-letter acronyms count as a foreign language? John Dee. DEE Enterprise Excellence Ltd. www.dee.uk.net Alan Lothian. 3A Business Excellence Ltd. www.aaabel.co.uk Russell Watkins. Sempai Ltd. www.sempai.co.uk Remember that if you want to get involved with your questions, comments, and tips of your o...

Send us a text This episode is a real rollercoaster of a podcast! The TRIL Team offer their thoughts on a question about how to start your lean journey if your the leader of a business. They cover the capabilities required to make highly effective people within your lean organisation. Also some great questions to ask when trying to establish how effective your processes are. John offers his view on the differences in approach between Toyota and Honda, whilst Russell discusses another one ...

Send us a text This episode is jam-packed with tips and stories from our previous lean exploits. Picking up from an audience question, the team quickly get on to the topic of discussing their 'Best' Operator experiences. Also, how lean (if applied effectively) should helping the operator through making life less painful whilst maintaining safety levels and quality product. John discusses his 'Ingot' experience, Alan his 'calm under pressure' employee, whilst Russell reflects on a 'gliding' Ja...