Lean Cave

Podcasts

A selection of podcasts and vodcasts featuring Tom, recommendations to learn more about Lean and SOPs, and episodes from GembaDocs HQ.

GembaTalk Podcast

Latest episodes from GembaTalk with Tom Hughes and guests.

GembaTalk Bonus Episode – How to Build a Culture Around Standards with SOPs with Brian Meyers

Brian Meyers from FAT American Manufacturing joins Tom Hughes to share how his team made standards part of everyday work. From empowering every employee to create SOPs to embedding them into morning meetings, Brian explains

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GembaTalk S1 E6: How “What’s in it for me” revolutionized IOTAFLOW’s culture with Pankaj Malik

From daily struggles to Lean success, find out how IOTAFLOW created 1,000 SOPs, boosted efficiency, and transformed employee engagement and earnings with ‘what’s in it for me’.

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GembaTalk S1 E5 – “Just Start!” to overcome perfection and implement lean, with Brian Meyers

After a trip to Japan, Brian Meyers realized his factory needed a Lean overhaul – he just didn’t realize it was Lean he needed! Find out how they adopted SOPs, transformed efficiency and discover his

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Podcasts Episodes

Podcast episodes featuring our CEO, Tom Hughes

Rebranding Construction: Broken processes cost construction teams $177 billion a year — FMI Corp.

In this interview Adam and Tom Hughes explain how clear processes and a supportive culture drive high-performance teams. They share three process types: light bulb processes for trivial tasks, banana processes for stable outcomes with varied methods, and traffic light processes for critical tasks that need strict steps.

Episode: Broken processes cost construction teams $177 billion a year | Listen

ScaleUp, Ep 483: Engagement, Education, and Recognition with Tom Hughes

This session breaks down what lean really looks like in a small business context – and it’s not about cutting costs or mimicking manufacturing giants. It’s about reducing struggle, improving value flow, and making work life better for your team. From leadership behaviours to team rituals, Tom shares real-world tactics that any SME can start using today.

Episode: 483 | Listen

ANZ 2SL Learning Club

In this episode of the ANZ Lean Learning Club, we sit down with Tom Hughes—author of Improvement Starts With I —for a no-BS conversation on what it really takes to build a culture of continuous improvement.

Episode: Improvement Starts With I – Introduction with Tom Hughes | Listen via YouTube

Gemba Academy, Ep 440: Engagement, Education, and Recognition with Tom Hughes

Ron and Tom discussed how culture and standards coexist in lean, and why it’s so important to be candid. Tom also shared some great anecdotes and lean wisdom.

Episode: 440 | Listen

Lean Made Simple: The Power of G.R.E.A.T Processes

In this episode, learn how understanding lean principles, documenting procedures, and observing customer behavior can transform your business—saving you 20 years of trial and error!

Episode: The Power of G.R.E.A.T Processes | Listen

Contractor Evolution: Contractor SOPs for overwhelmed owners

No one sets out to run a dumpster fire of a business. But that doesn’t mean through smart systems, we can’t overcome it and create organizational order. Standard Operating Procedures are arguably the most critical weapon in this battle.

Episode: 151 | Listen

Contractor Evolution: SOPs - Why Your Business Is A Mess & What To Do About It

If you don’t have clear SOPs (Standard Operating Procedures) for all the things you do in your business you’re in trouble. Find out more in this episode with the Contractor Evolution team.

Episode: 78 | Listen

Lean Solutions: The Importance Of Standard Work In The Digital Age

In this episode, Tom Hughes and Patrick discuss the extensive experience Tom has gained helping hundreds of organizations across the world do standard work/digital work instructions better with his software product GembaDocs.

Episode: S2, Ep5 | Listen

Lean Made Simple: Destroy Chaos In Your Business With Standard Work!

In this episode, Tom Hughes and Matthew Thompson dive into the transformative power of standard work.

Episode: Destroy Chaos In Your Business With Standard Work! | Listen

The Lean Effect: Streamline Processes and Drive Improvements

Explore the world of process optimization, harness the power of video documentation, and unlock the benefits of team involvement for driving improvements. Tune in for practical advice and inspiring anecdotes that will elevate your business strategies.

Episode: 130 | Listen

Made to Grow: The Simple Secret to Lean Success

In this episode of Made To Grow, Tom joins Rich Dale from Flowlens to explore the world of Lean Manufacturing and how to foster a culture of continuous improvement within your organization.

Episode: S1, Ep2 | Listen

Million Dollar Landscaper: Landscaping Lean: An Interview with Tom Hughes

SOPs are like the dance steps of a well-coordinated team. They ensure that everyone is moving in sync and that performances are consistent and repeatable. With the right SOPs in place, an organization can be like a well-oiled machine, humming along like a happy little bee. And who doesn’t love a happy bee?

Episode: 239 | Listen

Ever So Lean: Putting the Answer Where the Question Is - SOPs

Tom, a seasoned professional rooted in Engineering and Lean Methodologies, opens the door to a world where SOPs are not just a corporate necessity but a strategic force for operational excellence.

Episode: 130 | Listen