Optics in Action

Engineering at the Speed of Innovation: Joshua Tarbutton on People, Process & Possibility

In this episode of OPTICS in Action, Ryan Weiss sits down with Joshua Tarbutton, Founder and CEO of Bravo Team, to explore how design engineering, people, and processes come together to drive breakthrough innovation. Based in North Carolina, Bravo Team blends mechanical, electrical, and software engineering to solve complex problems for mid-sized and enterprise-level companies. Joshua shares how his team of 50+ engineers and fabricators collaborates across disciplines at the "velocity of the work," what it takes to scale a business from $1M to $10M, and why empowering people through process is the key to sustainable growth. They also discuss how leadership philosophies, EOS, and workflow consulting can shape the future of engineering teams. Whether you're scaling a tech-forward team or streamlining operations, this episode delivers insights on leading with empathy while building for speed. HIGHLIGHTS: Bravo Team’s Cross-Disciplinary Model Joshua explains how a team of mechanical, software, and electrical engineers collaborate to bring high-impact solutions to life—fast. Process That Empowers People From frustration-reduction to growth acceleration, process isn't red tape—it's liberation, when done right. Leadership & Culture in Scaling Companies The episode dives into EOS, T-shaped talent, and how good people (and humility) protect leaders from blind spots. Why Workflow Consulting Matters Joshua and Ryan explore how tailored consulting can remove roadblocks and prepare companies for the next level of performance.

Lean Government in Action: Sheila Montney on Applying the Shingo Model to Public Sector Transformation

In this episode, we sit down with Sheila Montney — a 35-year State Farm veteran, Shingo Academy inductee, and city council member in Bloomington, IL — to explore how lean principles and the Shingo Model are reshaping local government operations. Sheila shares her journey from corporate continuous improvement leader to a trailblazer in the public sector, addressing a longstanding gap in tailored lean training and cultural transformation strategies for municipalities. From developing custom e-learning modules to launching regional cohorts and championing public-private partnerships, Sheila provides deep insight into how respect for people, measurable outcomes, and sustainable cultural change are becoming cornerstones of more effective, resilient government services. Key Highlights: 1. How the Shingo Model’s culture-first approach aligns with the needs of public service 2. Success stories from initiatives like the Cook County Forest Preserves 3. Innovative strategies to build capability in smaller municipalities through regional cohorts and e-learning 4. The importance of linking improvements to ROI and requiring knowledge transfer in consulting engagements Whether you’re a public servant, CI practitioner, or just curious about how lean thinking can make government work better — this episode is for you.

People, Process, and the Power of AI: Peg Pennington on the Future of Problem Solving

In this episode of Optics in Action, Ryan Weiss talks with Peg Pennington, President of MoreSteam, about the powerful intersection of people, process, and technology. From real-world insights on operational excellence to the role of AI in future problem-solving, Peg shares how organizations can build critical thinkers and create lasting improvement.

Adapting to the AI Era: Automation, Innovation, and Business Survival with Kevin Dean

In this episode of Optics in Action, host Ryan Weiss sits down with Kevin Dean, the founder and CEO of ManoByte. They dive into the rapidly evolving world of AI and how organizations can strategically leverage this technology to automate and optimize their business processes. Kevin shares his passion for innovation, the challenges companies face in navigating the AI landscape, and his advice for business leaders looking to stay ahead of the curve. Key Takeaways * AI is rapidly evolving, with changes occurring weekly, leading to both excitement and fear in businesses * Companies should focus on leveraging existing AI tools to automate and optimize current processes rather than waiting for future developments * Business leaders need to adapt to AI integration, as poor decisions could lead to job losses more than AI itself * Young generations are naturally adapting to AI, while current business leaders may struggle with the rapid pace of change

Human-Centric Leadership & Business Transitions with Sandra Coker

In this episode of OPTICS in Action, Ryan Weiss sits down with Sandra Coker, CEO of Human Power Solutions, to discuss the impact of human-centric business practices, leadership development, and navigating generational transitions in family businesses. Sandra also shares insights from her upcoming book, People Profit, revealing how internal culture drives business success. Tune in for practical strategies on leadership, employee engagement, and ensuring smooth transitions in family-owned enterprises. Top 4 Key Episode Highlights: 1   Human-Centric Leadership: How investing in people leads to better business outcomes. 2   Navigating Generational Transitions: Preparing founders and next-gen leaders for smooth         business handovers. 3   The Link Between Culture & Profitability: Insights from Sandra’s upcoming book People       Profit. 4   Pre-Launch Marketing Strategies: Building an audience and optimizing book rankings on       Amazon.