Shingo Principles Podcast

Episode 55: Leading Through Neuroscience: Developing Human Management Systems

In this engaging session, Rolando Vargas, Global Director of Organizational Excellence and researcher of NeuroExcellence, reveals how modern management systems can be strengthened by applying insights from neuroscience, neuroeducation, and the Shingo Model. His central message is clear: organizations perform at the speed of human cognition, and leaders can dramatically improve results by designing systems that work with the brain rather than against it. Rolando explains how stress, uncertainty, and overload limit performance, while clarity, trust, autonomy, and meaningful feedback accelerate learning and execution. Participants will explore practical concepts such as SCARF-based communication, motivation hygiene, cognitive load protection, and coaching cadences that reinforce ideal behaviors. Grounded in real-world examples from terminal operations and healthcare, this webinar demonstrates how small adjustments to daily management, reporting, and leader–team interactions can significantly improve psychological safety, decision-making, and consistency. This session offers a clear, actionable lens on organizational excellence that is rooted in biology and driven by principles. Leaders will walk away with practical tools and a deeper understanding of how to shape systems that unlock human capability, strengthen culture, and sustain high performance. To learn more about the Shingo Model, please visit https://shingo.org [https://shingo.org].

Episode 54: From Observing to Owning: A New Generation’s Perspective on Leading Huddles

Based on the article “From Observing to Owning: A New Generation’s Perspective on Leading Huddles” by Mark McKenzie and Andrew Martyn, this podcast explores how empowering a Gen Z team member to lead daily huddles transformed them from routine check-ins into meaningful developmental experiences. Andrew shares his journey from passive observation to active leadership and reflects on how trust, humility, and respect can make huddles engaging, productive, and connected. By contrasting previously experienced ineffective huddles with a more inclusive and purposeful approach, he demonstrates how clear intent and ownership can energize a team’s daily rhythm. The discussion emphasizes that huddles are most powerful when they are designed to not only manage work but to develop people. Core lessons include defining the purpose and experience of the huddle, encouraging participation, following standard processes, and fostering continuous improvement. Ultimately, the session highlights how giving ownership to team members builds both capability and culture, turning a simple system into a shared experience that strengthens alignment, engagement, and growth. To learn more, please visit: https://shingo.org [https://shingo.org].

Episode 3: Back to Basics - Challenge the Status Quo

In this episode, Shaun Barker and Mike Martyn explore what it truly means for organizations to redefine excellence. They emphasize that mastery requires a continuous willingness to challenge the status quo—breaking what exists, rebuilding it better, and constantly reimagining the future while honoring the past. As companies push beyond traditional benchmarks, they may find themselves charting a path few have walked before. Shaun and Mike highlight how the Shingo Model offers a timeless foundation for this journey, providing principles that guide growth without locking organizations into rigid behaviors. They encourage listeners to evolve, innovate, and embrace the discomfort that comes with genuine improvement. Ultimately, the pursuit of mastery isn’t a destination—it’s a mindset, a discipline, and a commitment to always reach for a higher level of excellence. To learn more, please visit https://shingo.org [https://shingo.org].

Episode 2: Back To Basics - Failure

Peter Barnett and Lacey Garner, Circana, dive into the uncomfortable but essential topic of failure—what it teaches us, how it shapes us, and why it’s a necessary part of growth. Whether you're leading a team, improving a process, or navigating personal challenges, failure is often the first step toward excellence. To learn more please visit https://shingo.org.

Episode 1: Back to Basics

We kick things off with a fundamental question: If Lean thinking works so well, why aren’t more organizations doing it—and how does the Shingo Model fit into the picture? Our guest, Ravi Uppal, Sr. Manager at Apple Inc., shares his perspective in this quick conversation you won’t want to miss. To learn more about the Shingo Model, please visit https://shingo.org.