Session 03: September 30, 2025

Meet our Special Guest

Sam Yankelevitch

Sam Yankelevich is an international consultant, author, and speaker specializing in Lean, leadership communication, and operational excellence. He has guided organizations across the U.S., Latin America, and Europe in bridging cultural and communication gaps to achieve sustainable results. Sam is passionate about helping leaders create alignment, clarity, and engagement in their teams, and he is the author of numerous books, including, Lean Potion #9: Communication – The Next Lean Frontier, where he explores how effective communication is central to continuous improvement.

Upcoming Events

  • Session 03: The Power of Leadership Communications

    Tuesday, September 30, 11:00-1:00 CST

    Topics: Communications- chat, texts, calls, Zoom, Teams, F2F etc.

    Insight Segment: Quality Communications; Talking the talk and walk. Special Guest: Author and LinkedIn Instructor: Sam Yankelevitch

    Roundtable Reactions

    Fuel and Focus: Immediate actions

    Reflections: What will be your one change?

    Lift Lab: Micro lessons

    Power-Points

  • Session 04: Integrating Strategy

    Tuesday, October 28, 11:00 - 1:00 CST

    Topics: Must Do Can’t Fails, Projects, Managing Resources and results

    Insight Segment: Deploying the Plan and growing your business. Special Guest: Steve Hirt of HSM Performx

    Roundtable Reactions

    Fuel and Focus: Immediate actions

    Reflections: What will be your one change?

    Lift Lab: Leader Standard Work

    Power-Points

  • Session 05: LEAN LEGENDS LIVE

    Tuesday, December 9, 11:00 - 1:00 CST

    Topics: Lean, Leadership, Culture, practices, mindsets and behaviors

    Insight Segment: Join Mike Hoseus, co-author of Toyota Culture, for an unfiltered look at what truly drives sustainable success. This isn’t theory.
    It’s a rare chance to hear the stories, lessons, and mindset of someone who’s lived the Toyota way—up close and personal. And you get Q+A

    Roundtable Reactions

    Fuel and Focus: Immediate Actions

    Reflections: What will be your one change?

    Lift Lab: Micro lessons

    Power-Points

Past Live Sessions

***All Sessions are recorded and available to active members

Episode 01: True North and Obeya as your Operating System

Topics: Obeya, Balancing Strategy and Operations, Establishing clarity with priority.

Insight Segment: The Heart and Mind of Leaders. Special Guest: Author Mike Wroblewski

Lift Lab: Seven Deadly Sins of Strategy Execution

Mike Wroblewski is a renowned Lean leader with over 30 years of hands-on experience driving operational excellence and cultural transformation across global organizations. As a Shingo Prize-winning practitioner, author, and major contributor to Gemba Academy, Mike is known for his engaging approach to Lean leadership, respect for people, and deep commitment to continuous improvement. His practical insights and storytelling make him a powerful voice in the Lean community.

Session 02: Goals VS. Strategies "Crafting the Plan"

Topics: Strategic Thinking and Planning X-Matrix construction, strategy statements, Making strategic bets.

Insight Segment: How to discern Strategy from Goal Setting. Special Guest: Steve Hirt of HSM Performx

Lift Lab: Strategy “Quiz Show”

Steve Hirt is the Founder of HSM Performx and a Vistage Chair, known for his deep expertise in strategy deployment, lean leadership, and executive coaching. With over 25 years of experience—including roles as President, CFO, and Managing Director—Steve has guided more than 100 organizations through successful strategic planning and culture transformation. He is a sought-after coach for CEOs and senior leaders, helping them create clarity, discipline, and accountability in their leadership systems.