From Olive Garden to Outer Space: What Systems Teach Us About Excellence with Jeff Leach | CS 8

Engineering Excellence: From Process to People with Dr. Daniel Bumblauskas | CS 9

In this episode of Chasing Sigma, Chaz and Randy welcome Dr. Daniel Bumblauskas. He is an operations expert, systems thinker, and sought-after professor at Drury University and the University of Missouri. From shop floors to classrooms, Dr. B has helped leaders apply Lean Six Sigma and operational clarity to create real impact. But for him, it’s not just about tools—it’s about serving people well through thoughtful systems and clear leadership. You’ll hear: ✅ How Dr. B teaches operational excellence without overwhelming people✅ Why empathy and accountability both matter in leadership✅ How to earn buy-in without steamrolling change✅ Real-world stories of helping teams move from firefighting to flow✅ Advice for anyone who wants to become a Champion of Excellence 🎯 Because good systems don’t just improve output—they elevate people.

From Olive Garden to Outer Space: What Systems Teach Us About Excellence with Jeff Leach | CS 8

You might not expect a NASA systems engineer to credit Olive Garden with shaping his approach to excellence—but that’s exactly what Jeff does. In this episode of Chasing Sigma, Randy & Chaz sit down with Jeff Leach, a software systems engineer at NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory, to talk about what it means to build processes that don’t just work—they endure. From coordinating deep-space communication systems to leading teams and raising kids, Jeff shares how systems thinking isn’t just for space missions—it’s for life. You’ll hear: * Why early doubts about systems engineering helped Jeff develop a deeper respect for structure * What he’s learned from launching rockets—and parenting toddlers * How generative AI is challenging and reshaping workflows at NASA * What it means to own your value inside complex teams * And how excellence starts with humility, empathy, and a willingness to ask good questions 🎯 Because whether you’re building rockets or relationships, how you build matters.

It’s Not a Line, It’s a Circle: Building Habits of Excellence | CS 7

Most people think growth is linear—like crossing a finish line. But real excellence? It’s a circle. It’s the habit of coming back to what matters, again and again. In this episode of Chasing Sigma, Chaz and Randy explore how sustained excellence is built through attention to small details, repeatable processes, and the willingness to improve even when no one’s watching. With stories from Michelin-starred restaurants to Walt Disney’s Imagineers, this episode challenges us to care about the things people feel—even if they don’t always see. You’ll learn: ✅ Why good systems communicate even when no one’s looking ✅ How perfection isn’t about pressure—it’s about purpose ✅ What it means to turn practical problems into statistical ones ✅ How tools like DMAIC help create repeatable excellence ✅ Why scaling isn’t just growth—it’s grounded in clarity and culture 🎯 Because excellence isn’t a one-time act. It’s a habit. Go to likemindsit.com [https://www.likemindsit.com/] to schedule your free consultation TODAY!

Grab Your Grappling Hook: Measuring What Matters Most | CS 6

Scaling the wall of complexity takes more than effort—it takes the right tools. In this episode of Chasing Sigma, Chaz and Randy introduce the metaphor of a grappling hook as a guide for measuring what matters most in your organization. Through everyday stories (gas gauges, Payless shoes, half-marathons) and practical tools (CTQs, SIPOC, data scales), they reveal how to track what truly drives impact—not just activity. 🔧 In this episode: * The difference between reports and measures (and why it matters) * How to identify your Critical to Quality processes * What SIPOC really is—and how to begin to implement it * Choosing the right data scales to support smart decisions * Practical examples from sales, volunteer teams, and training programs 🎯 Because when you measure the right things, you build systems that move everyone forward.

Start Where You Are: Tools, Standards & The Path to Better | CS 5

You don’t need to have it all figured out—you just need to know where to begin. In this reflective and tool-packed episode of Chasing Sigma, Chaz and Randy step back to recap the key lessons from the first four episodes and build on them with deeper insight. They explore how to start using powerful tools like RACI, SIPOC, and Value Stream Maps—even if you're not an expert yet. The big idea? Start where you are. Grow as you go. 🔧 You’ll learn:✅ How to build with tools—even before you're a master ✅ The difference between efficiency and effectiveness (and why both matter) ✅ What Sigma really means (and no, it’s not just a Gen Z slang word) ✅ How organizations like Zappos and Patagonia operationalize their values ✅ The three questions every leader should ask before chasing improvement