The Cost Management Center Podcast

The Art and Science of Continuous Improvement with Keith Norris, CEO of KPI Fire

Is continuous improvement an art, a science, or something else entirely? In this episode, I sit down with Keith Norris, CEO of KPI Fire, host of the KPI Fireside podcast, and author of Fire Starter: How to Ignite Improvement, to explore what separates organizations that talk about progress from those that actually deliver it. Keith makes a compelling case that continuous improvement requires both disciplined systems and genuine cultural commitment. We discussed why so many improvement programs fail to deliver cost savings, how leaders unknowingly sabotage execution by tracking the wrong metrics, and what it takes to connect strategic goals to the daily work that drives real results. For cost-focused leaders, this conversation offers practical insight into building an improvement culture that produces quantifiable financial benefits — not just activity, but progress. Listeners will walk away with a clearer understanding of how the right framework turns continuous improvement from a well-intentioned initiative into a sustained competitive advantage. Connect with Keith: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/keithnorris/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/keithnorris/] https://www.kpifire.com/ [https://www.kpifire.com/] Find more from Duane: Email: ddeason@efficacygroup.com [ddeason@efficacygroup.com] Website: https://glowstatecoaching.com/https://efficacygroup.com/ [https://efficacygroup.com/] LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/duanedeason/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/duanedeason/] Buy the Operationally Svelte book: https://efficacygroup.com/company-efficiency-book/ [https://efficacygroup.com/company-efficiency-book/]

How AI Will Transform — and Shrink — Your Technology Stack with David Habib, Author of Latent Vector

What if the cloud applications your company depends on today become obsolete? In this episode, I sit down with David Habib, a Chief Information Officer and author of a book on artificial intelligence, who has spent considerable time thinking about where AI is taking us — and the answer has major implications for your technology budget. David's central thesis is as provocative as it is compelling. AI has the potential to reshape a company's entire cost structure. We focused particularly on his premise that AI will eventually eliminate the need for many of today's most popular cloud applications — not just the licensing costs of those platforms, but also the expensive, time-consuming work of integrating them. Beyond the obvious cost savings, companies will be less constrained by applications that never seem to offer exactly what they need. For cost-focused leaders, this warrants close attention. Listeners will walk away with a forward-looking perspective on how AI could reshape technology costs and unlock capabilities that current platforms simply don't allow. Connect with David Online: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/davidphabib/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/davidphabib/] Website: https://davidhabib.com/ [https://davidhabib.com/] Latent Vector book: https://www.amazon.com/Latent-Vector-David-Habib/dp/B0FPTFD861 [https://www.amazon.com/Latent-Vector-David-Habib/dp/B0FPTFD861] Find more from Duane: Email: ddeason@efficacygroup.com [ddeason@efficacygroup.com] Website: https://glowstatecoaching.com/https://efficacygroup.com/ [https://efficacygroup.com/] LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/duanedeason/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/duanedeason/] Buy the Operationally Svelte book: https://efficacygroup.com/company-efficiency-book/ [https://efficacygroup.com/company-efficiency-book/]

The Basics of Six Sigma and Beyond with Dr. Abhay V. Trivedi

In this episode, I sit down with Dr. Abhay V. Trivedi, a Master Black Belt in Six Sigma, trained engineer, author, and former college dean. Not surprisingly, he has a rare depth and breadth of knowledge. He also has the skill of being able to communicate that knowledge in a way that is clear and memorable. The information just pours out of him. You should get your Six Sigma yellow belt just for listening to the podcast. Six Sigma is the best-known model for helping companies improve processes by lowering defect rates, built around the DMAIC framework (Define, Measure, Analyze, Improve, Control). But this conversation goes well beyond methodology. Dr. Trivedi digs into the cultural, operational, and leadership factors that hold companies back — and what it actually takes to change them. Listeners will walk away with more than a basic understanding of Six Sigma. You'll gain a core understanding of how operational efficiency and accuracy can transform a company from the inside out. Connect with Dr. Abhay:   LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/abhay-trivedi-08421214/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/abhay-trivedi-08421214/] Find more from Duane: Email: ddeason@efficacygroup.com [ddeason@efficacygroup.com] Website: https://glowstatecoaching.com/https://efficacygroup.com/ [https://efficacygroup.com/] LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/duanedeason/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/duanedeason/] Buy the Operationally Svelte book: https://efficacygroup.com/company-efficiency-book/ [https://efficacygroup.com/company-efficiency-book/]

An Overview of Cost Reduction Projects with Jim Shand, Former Director at AlixPartners

In this episode, I explore how cost-reduction projects are typically conducted with Jim Shand, formerly of AlixPartners. AlixPartners is the premier service provider for companies facing financial difficulties and seeking to better manage costs. Jim worked with the firm for 10 years and provided services to many companies during that time, particularly those owned by private equity. Jim more recently joined Ankura, a firm that assists companies with business transformation. While companies differ, they often share a surprising number of common challenges and opportunities. We discuss those commonalities in the podcast, including what they are, how they are analyzed, and how to take corrective actions.  This is a great opportunity for listeners to understand the approach, strategy, and outcomes pursued by the top consulting firms in the cost management arena. It’s an opportunity to pull back the curtain and understand what makes these firms consistently produce results. Connect with Jim:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/jimshand/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/jimshand/] Find more from Duane: Email: ddeason@efficacygroup.com [ddeason@efficacygroup.com] Website: https://glowstatecoaching.com/https://efficacygroup.com/ [https://efficacygroup.com/] LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/duanedeason/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/duanedeason/] Buy the Operationally Svelte book: https://efficacygroup.com/company-efficiency-book/ [https://efficacygroup.com/company-efficiency-book/]

Managing Cloud Costs with Brian Kathman, CEO of OpsCanvas

In this episode, I discuss how to control cloud costs with Brian Kathman, CEO at OpsCanvas. OpsCanvas uses a proprietary platform and AI to deliver actionable insights to its customers, which, on average, have generated savings of 22%.  Two decades ago, no one was discussing the need to control cloud costs. It was in its infancy and considered the cost-saving solution over traditional on-premises computing and storage. What a different two decades make. Now, cloud costs are a top expense for most companies. It’s also easy to mismanage and become inefficient. Brian explains the problem most companies face with cloud management and how understanding utilization and implementing strong monitoring can help manage the costs more effectively.  Find more from Brian:  Website: https://www.opscanvas.com/about/ [https://www.opscanvas.com/about/] LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/briankathman [https://linkedin.com/in/briankathman] Find more from Duane: Email: ddeason@efficacygroup.com [ddeason@efficacygroup.com] Website: https://glowstatecoaching.com/https://efficacygroup.com/ [https://efficacygroup.com/] LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/duanedeason/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/duanedeason/] Buy the Operationally Svelte book: https://efficacygroup.com/company-efficiency-book/ [https://efficacygroup.com/company-efficiency-book/]