Podcast
The Rest is Lean
Hosted by Alan Lothian, John Dee, Russell Watkins · EN
The Rest is Lean Channel is a light-hearted and educational look at how to make businesses better through Lean Manufacturing and Operational Excellence.
Suited for all levels of understanding and from any industry or geographical region.
John, Alan & Russell are time-served lean professionals with over 30 years each in this field. Leading and coaching some of the best businesses from SMEs to multi-nationals.
Trained by some of the highest calibre Japanese masters from Toyota(one step from Ohno himself), Honda and Nissan , we want to share our experiences with you, allowing some of these 'pearls of wisdom' to help make your business processes, people, and profitability that little bit better each day.
We welcome your comments, questions, and guidance on future discussion topics so feel free to drop us a line via the comments section or via email.
therestislean@gmail.com
Oh, and don't forget to subscribe!!
16episodes
Episodes
Newest firstAll episodes
Sustaining Lean Transformation aka How Long Do You Persevere?
2w ago00:32:15Tap to summarizeSend us Fan MailEngaging people and gaining 'Buy-in' from employees. That's the main topic of this episode of The Rest Is Lean PodcastJoin John, Russell & Alan for our usual 30minute ramble as we discuss our Lean experiences. Discussions include:Are there really that many 'negative' employees when it comes to Lean Transformation?Pros/Cons of including the most negative people in your improvement efforts.Unionised environments - Always include the Shop Steward?Finding the 'Well meant intent'.Perseverance - How long do you spend?Who to have in your cross-functional Lean Dream Team......and much moreIf you're enjoying what we do and want to keep up to speed with the latest episodes, then don't forget to subscribe, click the bell notification icon, and share with anyone else you know who may be interestedRemember also that we are now available on all good (and some not so good) streaming platforms!The #TRIL Team are:John Dee. DEE Enterprise Excellence Ltd. www.dee.uk.netAlan Lothian. 3A Business Excellence Ltd. www.aaabel.co.ukRussell Watkins. Sempai Ltd. www.sempai.co.uk
Transcribe →The TRIL Leadership Interview Series - Ian Mountain
May 300:24:51Tap to summarizeSend us Fan MailThe Rest is Lean (#TRIL) Leadership Series of Podcasts brings you powerful conversations with professionals from across the globe, sharing real-world experiences in lean manufacturing and leadershipEach episode dives into the principles, challenges, and successes that shape modern organisations—told by those who live them every dayThis episode welcomes Ian Mountain, Managing Director of Leafield Marine based in WiltshireLeafield Marine is the World leader in the design, development and manufacture of valves and inflation systems for a wide range of inflatable structures including Life Rafts, Inflatable Boats, Marine Evacuation Systems and River RaftsWe discuss Ian's background and passion for Lean, we learn more about the products, the people and the history of this fascinating business. Most importantly, understanding where they are on their improvement journey, and what's to come. Ian also opens up on his ongoing personal development, and provides great insight into his challenges and success as a leader of changeFrom industry veterans to innovative thinkers, our guests reveal practical insights, cultural shifts, and leadership strategies that drive transformationWhether you’re a business leader, lean practitioner, or simply curious about what makes organisations thrive, #TRIL delivers stories and lessons that inspire action. Tune in and discover why, when it comes to leadership and lean, the rest is just noiseIf you're enjoying what we do and want to keep up to speed with the latest episodes, then don't forget to subscribe, click the bell notification icon, and share with anyone else you know who may be interestedRemember that we are also available on all good (and some not so good) streaming platforms!You can even email us at therestislean@gmail.comThe #TRIL Team are:John Dee. DEE Enterprise Excellence Ltd. www.dee.uk.netAlan Lothian. 3A Business Excellence Ltd. www.aaabel.co.ukRussell Watkins. Sempai Ltd. www.sempai.co.uk
Transcribe →Does removing variation inhibit innovation? aka The Normalisation of Deviation.
Apr 1900:31:09Tap to summarizeSend us Fan MailThis episode sees the #TRIL Team ramble and rummage through how lean tools and techniques, flow, and human behaviour are involved/applied to the experience of driving vehiclesRussell talks about his recent speeding exploits and how his A3 summary helped him improve his drivingJohn shares his Honda view on the Toyota approach to standards and 5S. Alan discusses flow and a recent post by Cambridge Mathematics Professor, Hannah Fry, on the topic of "Ghost Jams".From 5S to Standard Work to Visual Management to Poka-Yoke, this episode takes a full U-Turn in a jam-packed 30 minutes.If you're enjoying what we do and want to keep up to speed with the latest episodes, then don't forget to subscribe, click the bell notification icon, and share with anyone else you know who may be interestedRemember also that we are now available on all good (and some not so good) streaming platforms!The #TRIL Team are:John Dee. DEE Enterprise Excellence Ltd. www.dee.uk.netAlan Lothian. 3A Business Excellence Ltd. www.aaabel.co.ukRussell Watkins. Sempai Ltd. www.sempai.co.uk
Transcribe →Thank you for Stopping the Line aka John's 'Cuddly' Trip to Toyota Deeside
Apr 500:32:48Tap to summarizeSend us Fan MailThe #TRIL Team ramble through the 2nd podcast of series 4 where the trio of John, Russell and Alan share their recent exploits and experiencesThe guys talk about their recent visit to Leafield Marine where MD (and good friend of the team) Ian Mountain, took the time out to walk us around his factory and even allowed us to record a future leadership episode with him! (Watch this space)John also shares a fascinating visit to Toyota Deeside Engine Facility where he joined a number of construction industry delegates and a visit of learning and understanding, in particular, the attitude to stopping production by operatives when a problem is encountered. Also the effective problem solving process that follows by those on the line and the group leaders. You may well be surprised with what you hear so stay tunedAlan also opens his 'Kimono' sharing his early leadership challenges when he embarked on trying to develop this 'attitude' in his plant manager role at EatonIf you're enjoying what we do and want to keep up to speed with the latest episodes, then don't forget to subscribe, click the bell notification icon, and share with anyone else you know who may be interestedRemember also that we are now available on all good (and some not so good) streaming platforms!The #TRIL Team are:John Dee. DEE Enterprise Excellence Ltd. www.dee.uk.netAlan Lothian. 3A Business Excellence Ltd. www.aaabel.co.ukRussell Watkins. Sempai Ltd. www.sempai.co.uk
Transcribe →Lean Browsers & Ugly Babies aka David's Sandwich
Mar 2200:30:06Tap to summarizeSend us Fan MailOur very own Lean Leaders of Russell, John and Alan take to the floor once again in their 4th series of The Rest is Lean PodcastIn this episode, Team #TRIL kick off the series with a rather detailed email from one of their long time followers. This develops into the usual rambling on multiple experiences of providing clients with feedback on how their businesses are running and where to focus your improvement efforts. It's not always as shiny and bright as you may think!What's different if the client asks you to come in as opposed to your customer asking you to go into one of their suppliers? What should you be mindful of? How to prepare for the feedback.What's their 'honesty' setting? If you're enjoying what we do and want to keep up to speed with the latest episodes, then don't forget to subscribe, click the bell notification icon, and share with anyone else you know who may be interested.Remember also that we are now available on all good (and some not so good) streaming platforms!The #TRIL Team are:John Dee. DEE Enterprise Excellence Ltd. www.dee.uk.netAlan Lothian. 3A Business Excellence Ltd. www.aaabel.co.ukRussell Watkins. Sempai Ltd. www.sempai.co.uk
Transcribe →The TRIL Leadership Interview Series - Astrid Mozes
Mar 800:37:51Tap to summarizeSend us Fan MailIn this episode, Alan welcomes his friend and work colleague from days gone by, Astrid Mozes. With decades of leadership experience within global manufacturing organisations such as Eaton and Danfoss, having held positions as CTO, VP, SVP and President, Astrid is now Chair of the Swedish-American Chamber of Commerce in MinnesotaAs she takes us through her background and passion for manufacturing and technology, Astrid shares why she enjoys her work, the people she has learned from, and how she maintains her energy for moving businesses forwardFrom industry veterans to innovative thinkers, our guests reveal practical insights, cultural shifts, and leadership strategies that drive transformation. Whether you’re a business leader, lean practitioner, or simply curious about what makes organisations thrive, #TRIL delivers stories and lessons that inspire action. Tune in and discover why, when it comes to leadership and lean, the rest is just noiseIf you're enjoying what we do and want to keep up to speed with the latest episodes, then don't forget to subscribe, click the bell notification icon, and share with anyone else you know who may be interested.Remember that we are also available on all good (and some not so good) streaming platforms!You can even email us at therestislean@gmail.comThe #TRIL Team are:John Dee. DEE Enterprise Excellence Ltd. www.dee.uk.netAlan Lothian. 3A Business Excellence Ltd. www.aaabel.co.ukRussell Watkins. Sempai Ltd. www.sempai.co.uk
Transcribe →How Lean Helps in Real Life aka The Puppet Show Looks Different but the Strings are the Same!
Feb 2200:31:47Tap to summarizeSend us Fan MailAnother down to earth episode of #TheRestIsLean Podcast with Team TRIL (Russell, John and Alan).In this episode, find out:- How John's 'Soul Searching' went- The end result of Russell's recent training in Alchemy!- Tips on how to get the best out of your plant tours and visits- What examples the trio can share in terms of how lean principles have helped them personally, outside of the workplace. (some fascinating personal examples of 5S, Visual Management, TPM and Problem Solving which you should not miss!)If you're enjoying what we do and want to keep up to speed with the latest episodes, then don't forget to subscribe, click the bell notification icon, and share with anyone else you know who may be interestedRemember also that we are now available on all good (and some not so good) streaming platforms!The #TRIL Team are:John Dee. DEE Enterprise Excellence Ltd. www.dee.uk.netAlan Lothian. 3A Business Excellence Ltd. www.aaabel.co.ukRussell Watkins. Sempai Ltd. www.sempai.co.uk
Transcribe →Who's your Phone-A-Friend Al? aka The Problem, The Difficulty!
Feb 800:32:58Tap to summarizeSend us Fan MailThe 'Leaders of Lean' in the form of John, Russell, and Alan embark on another ramble of lean proportionsIn this jam-packed episode, Team #TRIL discuss topics such as:- Russell's start-up escapades- John's Coat of Arms and Alchemy links- Alan's appearance in the 'Hot Seat' of a well known TV show #wwtbam - Artificial Intelligence; is one better than the others? What should we be wary of?- Practical Problem Solving; real life examples and the importance of effective problem definitionIf you're enjoying what we do and want to keep up to speed with the latest episodes, then don't forget to subscribe, click the bell notification icon, and share with anyone else you know who may be interestedRemember also that we are now available on all good (and some not so good) streaming platforms!The #TRIL Team are:John Dee. DEE Enterprise Excellence Ltd. www.dee.uk.netAlan Lothian. 3A Business Excellence Ltd. www.aaabel.co.ukRussell Watkins. Sempai Ltd. www.sempai.co.uk
Transcribe →The TRIL Leadership Interview Series - Rob Marchant
Jan 2500:41:34Tap to summarizeSend us Fan MailThe Rest is Lean (#TRIL) Podcast brings you powerful conversations with professionals from across the globe, sharing real-world experiences in lean manufacturing and leadershipEach episode dives into the principles, challenges, and successes that shape modern organisations—told by those who live them every day In this episode, Alan welcomes Rob Marchant, Chairman & Founder of The MarchantCain Group. (www.marchantcain.com)Specialist designers, makers and builders of complex mechatronic components that enhance the aesthetic form and function of our customers’ vehicles in a multitude of industries.From industry veterans to innovative thinkers, our guests reveal practical insights, cultural shifts, and leadership strategies that drive transformation. Whether you’re a business leader, lean practitioner, or simply curious about what makes organisations thrive, #TRIL delivers stories and lessons that inspire action. Tune in and discover why, when it comes to leadership and lean, the rest is just noise.If you're enjoying what we do and want to keep up to speed with the latest episodes, then don't forget to subscribe, click the bell notification icon, and share with anyone else you know who may be interested.Remember that we are also available on all good (and some not so good) streaming platforms!You can even email us at therestislean@gmail.comThe #TRIL Team are:John Dee. DEE Enterprise Excellence Ltd. www.dee.uk.netAlan Lothian. 3A Business Excellence Ltd. www.aaabel.co.ukRussell Watkins. Sempai Ltd. www.sempai.co.uk
Transcribe →I'll Stop When You Squeak! aka What Happens if We Don't Improve?
Jan 1100:32:28Tap to summarizeSend us Fan MailAnother exciting episode from the guys at TRILIn addition to the usual banter from the three lean musketeers, and the usual 'Quote of the Week' segment, find out why:- Russell enjoyed his books and recent Taphouse visits- John is getting so excited about his electric tricycle- Alan is talking about his exploits in Silicon Spa!They also take some of subscriber questions and offer their thoughts.If you're enjoying what we do and want to keep up to speed with the latest episodes, then don't forget to subscribe, click the bell notification icon, and share with anyone else you know who may be interestedRemember also that we are now available on all good (and some not so good) streaming platforms!The #TRIL Team are:John Dee. DEE Enterprise Excellence Ltd. www.dee.uk.netAlan Lothian. 3A Business Excellence Ltd. www.aaabel.co.ukRussell Watkins. Sempai Ltd. www.sempai.co.uk
Transcribe →