Podcast · Business

Lean Six Sigma Bursts

by Brion Hurley · English · Business

Brion Hurley from Business Performance Improvement shares his takes and thoughts on a variety of topics related to process improvement (specifically Lean and Six Sigma methods), Bursts are rapid improvement activities, so this sounded like a good word to use for these short audio clips. We'll try to

New episodes: Monthly
Typical length: 9 min
Latest: 21 Sep 2026
Language: English

Latest episode

21 Sep 2026 · 10 min

E143: Why LSS Leads to Better Improvements and Cost Reductions

In this episode, I took a module from the Lean Six Sigma and the Environment course, and cleaned it up with AI to make it easier to listen to (due to background noise). I discuss an overview of Lean and Six Sigma and how companies can make bad decisions when only focused on cost reductions. I also share some examples of how Lean Six Sigma has helped companies To download the 40+ case studies I mentioned, go to https://www.leansixsigmaecosystem.com/c/templates/40-environmental-lean-six-sigma-case-studies The Lean Six Sigma and the Environment course will be available at…

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Earlier episodes 29 most recent

S1 · E142 · 13 Sep 2026 · 8 min
E142: Lean Six Sigma Challenges with Sustainability
In this episode, I took a module from the Lean Six Sigma and the Environment course, and cleaned it up with AI to make it easier to listen to (due to background noise). Earlier in the course, I discussed how Lean and Six Sigma could help reduce environmental impacts, sometimes without even trying. However, there are reasons why these impacts are overlooked in improvement methods, which I explain in this clip. The course will be available at LeanSixSigmaEcosystem.com in the next month or so. Learn more about BPI Visit ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.leansixsigmaecosystem.com/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ to…
S1 · E141 · 24 Jul 2026 · 10 min
E141: Hidden Costs of Equipment Downtime
In this episode, I discuss a big opportunity to improve success in your manufacturing facility, reducing equipment downtime. Most people are only focused on the lost labor when equipment isn't running, but what about the lost opportunity to produce valuable products that could be sold to a customer? If you're looking for a good improvement project, collecting data on your downtime and calculating these costs might uncover a potential project you can work on. Learn more about BPI Visit ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.leansixsigmaecosystem.com/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ to access free courses and templates, or…
S1 · E140 · 22 Jun 2026 · 13 min
E140: Applying Six Sigma's IPO (Inputs Process Outputs) to your Personal Life
In this episode, I discuss an important concept in Six Sigma: Y = f(x) or Y is a function of x. Y is your measured output, and X represents the inputs to your process, and the function represents the process and how the X factors relate or impact the Y. Another way to state it is Inputs (X), Processes (Function) and Outputs (Y) or IPO. I explain how this concept can be used when thinking through your own personal improvement journey. What are your inputs, processes and outputs. If you don't like how one of the outputs is performing (relationships, weight, health, income, etc), then what…
S1 · E139 · 17 May 2026 · 14 min
E139: Six Common Types of Process Improvement Projects for Lean Six Sigma Certification
In this episode, I summarize 6 different types of projects you can use for a Lean Six Sigma certification Improve Quality Reduce Speed and Time Reduce Cost and Consumption of Resources Reduce Risk Improve Capacity and Flow Improve Experience and Satisfaction Ratings I also share examples of each across 4 industries: Manufacturing, Office, Government and Healthcare You can also read about these 6 types by going to https://greenbeltcertification.com/2026/05/17/common-types-of-process-improvement-projects-for-lean-and-six-sigma-certification-programs/ I also mentioned that there are a long list…
S1 · E138 · 4 May 2026 · 8 min
E138: Using Employee Surveys and Paired t tests for Measuring Improvement
In this episode, I discuss a specific method for capturing process improvements using surveys, and how you can isolate the improvements so that the difference between survey participants doesn't hide the results. I also referenced a similar survey I conducted (Episode 77), where I shared the survey results at a company after implementing a daily huddle. You can check out episode #77 from June 2023 at https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/e77-client-survey-shows-daily-huddles-improve-communication/id1529478357?i=1000615545292 Learn more about BPI Visit…
S1 · E137 · 6 Apr 2026 · 11 min
E137: Lean Six Sigma Training Simulations and Exercises
In this episode, I share a list of the simulations I use in my training classes to teach Lean and Six Sigma methods and techniques. To see the entire list, go to https://greenbeltcertification.com/lean-six-sigma-training-simulations/ If you'd like to attend the Green Belt with Copilot Part 2 webinar, I had to reschedule to April 13th. I'll go through ANOVA, DOE, Regression and other hypothesis tests using Copilot. You can still register at ⁠⁠https://www.leansixsigmaecosystem.com/c/webinars/green-belt-refresher-using-copilot-part-2⁠⁠ Learn more about BPI Visit…
S1 · E136 · 25 Mar 2026 · 8 min
E136: Review of DMAIC Roadmap for Improvement Projects
In this episode, I share the kickoff to last week's webinar called "Green Belt Refresher using Copilot - Part 1" where I do a quick refresher of the DMAIC roadmap taught in Green and Black Belt training programs. A good refresher for those who have previously taken a course, or for those new to DMAIC. To listen to the entire webinar, where I show how Copilot compares with Minitab for graphical analysis, summary statistics, SPC and capability analysis, go to ⁠https://www.leansixsigmaecosystem.com/c/webinars/green-belt-refresher-using-copilot-part-1 ⁠ If you'd like to also attend next month's…
S1 · E135 · 9 Mar 2026 · 5 min
E135: Future of Six Sigma software and AI
In this episode, I share the kickoff to last week's webinar called "Green Belt Refresher using Copilot - Part 1" where I discuss the reason for the webinar, and what the current challenges are with teaching Six Sigma with different statistical software packages. To listen to the entire webinar, where I show how Copilot compares with Minitab for graphical analysis, summary statistics, SPC and capability analysis, go to https://www.leansixsigmaecosystem.com/c/webinars/green-belt-refresher-using-copilot-part-1 If you'd like to also attend next month's Part 2 webinar, where I'll go through…
S1 · E134 · 5 Feb 2026 · 3 min
E134: Free Virtual Lean Project Program for Nonprofits
Next week on February 11th, I'll be holding a kickoff session for a training and coaching program with people who work at a nonprofit organization (or volunteer with one). The goal of the program is to teach the participant about Lean methods, then help them implement a project in their nonprofit organization so they can improve a process and earn a certification. You can learn more at https://www.biz-pi.com/product/lean-project-coaching-program-for-nonprofits/ Learn more about BPI Lean Six Sigma Ecosystem is now live! Visit ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.leansixsigmaecosystem.com/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ to access free…
S1 · E136 · 27 Jan 2026 · 10 min
E133: Does a Six Sigma Green/Black Belt Certification Boost My Salary?
This episode is from an article I wrote a few months ago in response to questions about Six Sigma certification and the impact on your salary and promotions. In summary, a Six Sigma Green Belt or Black Belt certification can lead to: Higher average salaries Faster raises and promotions Broader career opportunities like leadership and consulting Improved problem solving skills that deliver real business value To learn more about Six Sigma Green Belt and Black Belt certification, go to https://greenbeltcertification.com/lean-six-sigma-green-and-black-certification-programs/…
S1 · E130 · 17 Dec 2025 · 3 min
E132: Announcing free course "Applications of Lean in Healthcare"
In the ⁠Lean Six Sigma Ecosystem⁠ , I have posted numerous courses over the past few months, and quite a few of them are free. If you're not aware, the adoption of Lean in the healthcare industry has been pretty dramatic over the past 20+ years. I took some of the best healthcare-specific Lean training videos I've used in my Lean Six Sigma courses and compiled them into one online course, called Applications of Lean in Healthcare The course includes 27 lessons (over 3 hours of online learning). You will learn how Lean has been applied at: Harbor-UCLA Medical Virginia Mason Miami Children's…
S1 · E131 · 10 Dec 2025 · 9 min
E131: The Big 3 Quality Improvement Tools for the Food and Beverage Industry
The following is the summary of the December 3rd webinar I presented called " Quality Improvement Tools for Food and Beverage Manufacturing " I just edited the webinar and turned it into a course in Lean Six Sigma Ecosystem . Although it is geared towards the food and beverage (F&B) industry, it is open to those from any industry looking to improve quality, reduce variation and increase the success of meeting customer specification and tolerances. You will learn about these 3 tools: Statistical Process Control (SPC) Measurement Systems Analysis (MSA) Capability Analysis (Cp/Cpk vs Pp/Ppk) To…
S1 · E130 · 22 Oct 2025 · 6 min
E130: The Importance of Process Logs in Problem Solving
In this podcast, I share details about a tool that I call "Process Log" but maybe you've heard it called something else. It's an approach to documenting changes, observations and other activities that happen in a work area on a daily basis, so you can reference them in the future. I also recommended checking out the Root Cause Analysis course, where you can learn about the 6 M's You can sign up for the course at https://www.leansixsigmaecosystem.com/c/advanced-root-cause-analysis/ ⁠ Learn more about BPI Lean Six Sigma Ecosystem is now live! Visit ⁠⁠https://www.leansixsigmaecosystem.com/⁠⁠ to…
S1 · E129 · 16 Oct 2025 · 9 min
E129: History of Lean (part of new LSS White Belt course)
In this podcast, I share a module from the new Lean Six Sigma White Belt course I have recently released for free on the LeanSixSigmaEcosystem.com platform. This module describes a quick history of Lean (or Toyota Production System) and how it evolved from the US to Japan and back to the US. You can sign up for the free course at https://www.leansixsigmaecosystem.com/c/lean-six-sigma-white-belt Learn more about BPI Lean Six Sigma Ecosystem is now live! Visit ⁠https://www.leansixsigmaecosystem.com/⁠ to access free courses and templates, or upgrade for premium content and coaching programs 7…
S1 · E128 · 23 Sep 2025 · 13 min
E128: TQM at the State of Iowa began in 1992?
In this podcast, I share one of the articles I found from October 1992 about a government efficiency program at the State of Iowa, called Total Quality Government. I read through the article and share my thoughts about how it morphed into their modern improvement program. This article can be found at https://www.leansixsigmaforgood.com/new-tpm-management-techniques-might-mean-better-government-1992/ Series on State of Iowa government efficiency: https://www.leansixsigmaforgood.com/new-tpm-management-techniques-might-mean-better-government-1992/ "Reinventing Government" book:…
S1 · E127 · 4 Sep 2025 · 8 min
E127: What is Lean Coffee and Unconferences?
In this podcast, I share a short presentation I gave about the concept of Lean Coffee this week. It is an informal meeting structure where participants brainstorm topics and vote on what gets discussed. An alternative to spending time planning and guessing what people want to talk about or learn.I also explain how it differs but is similar to an unconference.You can learn more about the origin of Lean Coffee at https://leancoffee.org/ You can also watch a video of this short presentation at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=i7dkReGPg58 Learn more about BPI 7 Continuous Improvement Best…
S1 · E126 · 18 Aug 2025 · 6 min
E126: Intro to Nonparametric Statistics (Part 2 of 2)
In this podcast, I share the second section of a course I'm creating for ⁠Lean Six Sigma Ecosystem⁠ called "Nonparametric Statistics" Nonparametrics are an alternative way of analyzing data, but instead of using means and standard deviations traditionally taught in Green Belt and Black Belt classes, it uses median and quartiles or percentiles. The calculations are simpler, and there are often less assumptions required (like requiring data to fit a normal distribution). If you sign up for a free account on ⁠Lean Six Sigma Ecosystem⁠⁠ , you'll be notified when the full course is ready. Learn…
S1 · E125 · 9 Aug 2025 · 7 min
E125: Intro to Nonparametric Statistics (Part 1 of 2)
In this podcast, I share the first two sections of a course I'm creating for Lean Six Sigma Ecosystem called "Nonparametric Statistics" Nonparametrics are an alternative way of analyzing data, but instead of using means and standard deviations traditionally taught in Green Belt and Black Belt classes, it uses median and quartiles or percentiles. The calculations are simpler, and there are often less assumptions required (like requiring data to fit a normal distribution). If you sign up for a free account on Lean Six Sigma Ecosystem⁠ , you'll be notified when the full course is ready. Learn…
S1 · E124 · 16 Jul 2025 · 14 min
E124: Using Lean Six Sigma to Reduce Patient Medication Complications (Audio by AI)
In this podcast, I share the summary of a project I worked on almost 20 years, but is still relevant today. A grant was awarded to the Cedar Rapids (IA) community to study anticoagulation management using Lean and Six Sigma. One of the key analysis performed in the project was a Gage Repeatability and Reproducibility (R&R) study. We wanted to determine if blood samples taken from a patient on warfarin have the same International Normalized Ratio (INR) results when analyzed in different labs (reproducibility) and when analyzed multiple times in the same lab (repeatability). Results showed a…
S1 · E123 · 1 Jul 2025 · 5 min
E123: Applying Net Promoter Score (NPS) to a Zero Waste Conference (Audio by AI)
In this episode, I share a clip from the book chapter I wrote for "Lean Six Sigma for Good: Lessons from the Gemba" Volume 1. I explain how I used net promoter score (NPS) to assess the attendee feedback of a fundraising conference I helped organize. By the way, this entire podcast was spoken by my AI voice created by Eleven Labs. Links for this episode: Lean Six Sigma for Good: Lessons from the Gemba (Volume 1):…
S1 · E122 · 23 Jun 2025 · 9 min
E122: Applying Risk Management to Conference Planning (Audio by AI)
In this episode, I share a clip from the book chapter I wrote for "Lean Six Sigma for Good: Lessons from the Gemba" Volume 1. I explain how I used risk management methods to reduce the chance of problems when planning my first fundraising conference. By the way, this entire podcast was spoken by my AI voice created by Eleven Labs. Links for this episode: Lean Six Sigma for Good: Lessons from the Gemba (Volume 1):…
S1 · E121 · 15 Jun 2025 · 10 min
E121: I can help you become a Lean Six Sigma "rockstar"!
In this podcast, I explain a virtual coaching and mentoring program that will be starting next week. Whether you’re rolling out a new project, stuck on data analysis, or facing resistance to change, you need specific help for your unique situation that aligns within your company culture. You’re already solving problems. Now I'd like to help you solve them faster, with less frustration, and more impact. Here are the highlights of getting coaching from a Lean Six Sigma Master Black Belt Two group coaching sessions (90 minutes each on Zoom, every other week, recorded if cannot attend) – $450…
S1 · E120 · 7 May 2025 · 12 min
E120: Lean at Home - Reducing External Storage Space Costs
In this podcast, I share the results of a "Lean at Home" project I performed within the last year as part of a training and certification program I piloted with my friends and family. The project successfully reduced our storage costs per month by over 50%, and then 100% within the past few weeks! You can download the project summary here: http://www.leansixsigmahomes.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/Lean-at-Home-Project-Storage-Unit-2024.pdf If you have an example, please share it with me on LinkedIn . Go to LeanSixSigmaHomes.com to find many more examples of improvements at home using Lean…
S1 · E117 · 11 Apr 2025 · 11 min
E119: Why DOGE should utilize Lean Six Sigma like Pete Ricketts did in Nebraska
In this podcast, I share the audio from a video of a speech given by former Nebraska governor and current US Senator, Pete Ricketts. He discusses how Nebraska used Lean Six Sigma to improve their services to residents, reduced costs, building space and time. He encourages the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) to utilize a similar approach. You can watch the video at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1JwDhbZBXCI Learn more about BPI 7 Continuous Improvement Best Practices: ⁠⁠⁠https://mail.biz-pi.com/lss-best-practices-funnel⁠⁠ Need help in your organization, or want to discuss your…
S1 · E118 · 5 Mar 2025 · 7 min
E118: Real-life Examples of Hypothesis Testing
The following was a clip from a recent presentation, where I discuss how hypothesis testing can help you draw more statistically valid conclusions from data, and avoid misleading or incorrect conclusions. I share two examples. The first was a data set from the Denver Sheriff's Department, where they graphed and analyzed intake use of force incidents, but their conclusions don't seem to match the graphic. The 2nd example was data I pulled for a nonprofit I ran that showed the day of the week and time of day had no impact on click through rates on our monthly email newsletter. Learn more about…
S1 · E117 · 20 Feb 2025 · 6 min
E117: The Importance of Data and the 1948 Presidential Election
The following was a clip from a recent presentation, where I discuss the importance of data in improvement (seems obvious, yet not always present). I also share the unique situation that happened in the 1948 Presidential Election when polling data was biased towards the candidate that lost. As I dug deeper into this story, I don't see where they specifically mention the phone, but there was a problem with the accuracy of the polling. It also mentions that Truman was gaining momentum late in the election, and that wasn't reflected in the polls. Nonetheless, the Chicago Tribune ran their…
S1 · E116 · 16 Jan 2025 · 9 min
E116: How a battery manufacturer saved nearly $1 million by completing only 7 Lean Six Sigma projects
In this podcast, I share a successful case study of a Lean Six Sigma training and certification program conducted for a battery manufacturer about 2 years ago. By completing real-life projects, they were able to payback the investment in the training in under one month! Links Manufacturer invests in Green Belt training that leads to significant savings and payback: https://www.biz-pi.com/manufacturer-invests-in-green-belt-training-that-leads-to-significant-savings-and-payback/ Learn more about BPI 7 Continuous Improvement Best Practices: https://mail.biz-pi.com/lss-best-practices-funnel Need…
S1 · E115 · 12 Dec 2024 · 5 min
E115: How I use AI for my Lean Six Sigma Consulting
In this episode, I share a short segment of a recorded presentation I gave to the Continuous Process Improvement Forum hosted within the National Industries of the Blind. They wanted to hear my perspective on AI, so I shared how I've utilized for my consulting work. NIB is a great organization whose mission is to enhance the opportunities for economic and personal independence of people who are blind, primarily through creating, sustaining, and improving employment. Links National Industries for the Blind: https://nib.org/ If you're interested in taking a Lean, Green Belt or Black Belt…
S1 · E114 · 25 Nov 2024 · 10 min
E114: Tackling Green with Lean - Energy Treasure Hunts
In the 2024 Lean Global Connection virtual conference, our Lean Sustainability community shared some tips and methods to help apply Lean to Green initiatives. In my segment, I explained how Energy Treasure Hunts are a combination of gemba walks and kaizen events, with the goal to identify and reduce energy usage in a facility. This is a great approach that combines my passion for process improvement and sustainability. The full presentation will be available in a few weeks (end of 2024), and I will post it in the Lean Six Sigma for Good podcast as soon as possible. Links Lean Global…

About Lean Six Sigma Bursts

Lean Six Sigma Bursts is a English business podcast from Brion Hurley. Melo plays each episode straight from the publisher's own feed — no ads added, no account needed — and remembers where you stopped, in this browser only.

Publisher: Brion Hurley
Language: English
Category: Business
New episodes: Monthly
Typical length: 9 min
Latest episode: 21 Sep 2026
Feed: RSS — paste into any podcast app
Apple Podcasts: podcasts.apple.com/podcast/id1529478357
Rights: Brion Hurley

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