Eulogy Continuous Improvement

Eulogy of a Continuous Improvement Program

When you were born, everyone could see the twinkle in your eyes for the fire and passion you held.  As you grew, you became inspired by the reported accomplishments of others; and consumed with great enthusiasm and dedication every bit of knowledge that was at your disposal.  You had the good fortune of being influenced…

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Answering society’s call: A new leadership imperative

Business has to meet growing and more challenging expectations from society.  The younger generation of customers especially need to know and understand more about what a company is doing with and for the world and much more besides. In the eyes of younger customers there is a greater global awareness of what is going on…

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The Business Case for Working with Your Toughest Critics

As a “corporate suit” (his words) and former VP of sustainability at McDonald’s, Bob Langert works with companies and their strongest critics to find solutions that are good for both business and society. In this actionable talk, he shares stories from the decades-long transition into corporate sustainability at McDonald’s — including his work with unlikely…

Harvard Business Review

How to Know If Someone Is Ready to Be a Manager

It cannot be understated nor argued against that when you’re hiring a new manager, the stakes are real high – meaning – you need someone who can effectively lead people, manage a budget, liaise with upper management and the whole lot, at simultaneously. Important to know thus, is what to do in the case that…

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State of Readiness; Carl Kirpes, Marathon Petroleum Corporation

In this episode of State of Readiness, we interview Carl Kirpes, responsible for Crude Oil Strategy & Analysis at Marathon Petroleum Corporation. Carl and I met some years ago at an annual conference of the Institute of Industrial and Systems Engineers when he was just graduating from Iowa State University – and we have stayed…