Lean Six Sigma Bursts
Brion Hurley
0
Lean Six Sigma Bursts is hosted by Brion Hurley of Business Performance Improvement and shares short takes on process improvement, especially Lean and Six Sigma methods. The episodes are designed as rapid “bursts” of improvement thinking, usually kept under 10 minutes each. Listeners can also submit questions through the Spotify app for a chance to have them answered in a future episode.
Episodes
-
E145: The Importance of Your Class Setup to a Great Learner Experience (Teaching 101 Webinar) 25.10.2026 8mIn this episode, I took a segment from my October webinar within the Lean Six Sigma Ecosystem platform, and wanted to share it as an episode. I also shared another segment in my last episode around creating classroom interactions (#144)In the webinar, I share some tips and tricks I've developed over my 30 years of teaching courses to adult learners. In this segment, I explain how important it is to make sure your classroom or virtual setup goes smoothly and you don't run into problems. I've learned the hard way and wanted to share these experiences with you. Click here to access the full webinarWebinars are accessible to Silver members for only $27/month, which includes access to all of our Premium cLearn more about BPIVisit https://www.leansixsigmaecosystem.com/ to access free courses and templates, or upgrade for premium content and coaching programsVisit https://www.biz-pi.com to learn more about me and my consulting firmVisit https://greenbeltcertification.com to learn how to get Lean, Green Belt or Black Belt training and certification for you or your organization -
E144: Engaging Your Audience During Class (Teaching 101 Webinar) 18.10.2026 8mIn this episode, I took a segment from my October webinar within the Lean Six Sigma Ecosystem platform, and wanted to share it as an episode.In the webinar, I share some tips and tricks I've developed over my 30 years of teaching courses to adult learners. This segment is focused on creating more interactions during class to make your classes more engaging and increase retention of the material.Click here to access the full webinarWebinars are accessible to Silver members for only $27/month, which includes access to all of our Premium cLearn more about BPIVisit https://www.leansixsigmaecosystem.com/ to access free courses and templates, or upgrade for premium content and coaching programsVisit https://www.biz-pi.com to learn more about me and my consulting firmVisit https://greenbeltcertification.com to learn how to get Lean, Green Belt or Black Belt training and certification for you or your organization
-
E143: Why LSS Leads to Better Improvements and Cost Reductions 21.09.2026 9mIn 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-studiesThe Lean Six Sigma and the Environment course will be available at LeanSixSigmaEcosystem.com in the next month or so.Learn more about BPIVisit https://www.leansixsigmaecosystem.com/ to access free courses and templates, or upgrade for premium content and coaching programsVisit https://www.biz-pi.com to learn more about me and my consulting firmVisit https://greenbeltcertification.com to learn how to get Lean, Green Belt or Black Belt training and certification for you or your organization
-
E142: Lean Six Sigma Challenges with Sustainability 13.09.2026 7mIn 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 BPIVisit https://www.leansixsigmaecosystem.com/ to access free courses and templates, or upgrade for premium content and coaching programsVisit https://www.biz-pi.com to learn more about me and my consulting firmVisit https://greenbeltcertification.com to learn how to get Lean, Green Belt or Black Belt training and certification for you or your organization
-
E141: Hidden Costs of Equipment Downtime 24.07.2026 10mIn 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 BPIVisit https://www.leansixsigmaecosystem.com/ to access free courses and templates, or upgrade for premium content and coaching programsVisit https://www.biz-pi.com to learn more about me and my consulting firmVisit https://greenbeltcertification.com to learn how to get Lean, Green Belt or Black Belt training and certification for you or your organization
-
E140: Applying Six Sigma's IPO (Inputs Process Outputs) to your Personal Life 22.06.2026 12mIn 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 processes and inputs need to change.Listen to the episode to learn more. If you'd like the graphic I mentioned, send me an email at brion@biz-pi.comLearn more about BPIVisit https://www.leansixsigmaecosystem.com/ to access free courses and templates, or upgrade for premium content and coaching programsVisit https://www.biz-pi.com to learn more about me and my consulting firmVisit https://greenbeltcertification.com to learn how to get Lean, Green Belt or Black Belt training and certification for you or your organization
-
E139: Six Common Types of Process Improvement Projects for Lean Six Sigma Certification 17.05.2026 14mIn this episode, I summarize 6 different types of projects you can use for a Lean Six Sigma certificationImprove QualityReduce Speed and TimeReduce Cost and Consumption of ResourcesReduce RiskImprove Capacity and FlowImprove Experience and Satisfaction RatingsI also share examples of each across 4 industries: Manufacturing, Office, Government and HealthcareYou 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 of project ideas by industry and department, which can be found at https://www.biz-pi.com/lean-and-six-sigma-project-ideas/Learn more about BPIVisit https://www.leansixsigmaecosystem.com/ to access free courses and templates, or upgrade for premium content and coaching programsVisit https://www.biz-pi.com to learn more about me and my consulting firmVisit https://greenbeltcertification.com to learn how to get Lean, Green Belt or Black Belt training and certification for you or your organization
-
E138: Using Employee Surveys and Paired t tests for Measuring Improvement 04.05.2026 7mIn 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=1000615545292Learn more about BPIVisit https://www.leansixsigmaecosystem.com/ to access free courses and templates, or upgrade for premium content and coaching programsVisit https://www.biz-pi.com to learn more about me and my consulting firmVisit https://greenbeltcertification.com to learn how to get Lean, Green Belt or Black Belt training and certification for you or your organization
-
E137: Lean Six Sigma Training Simulations and Exercises 06.04.2026 11mIn 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-2Learn more about BPIVisit https://www.leansixsigmaecosystem.com/ to access free courses and templates, or upgrade for premium content and coaching programsVisit https://www.biz-pi.com to learn more about me and my consulting firmVisit https://greenbeltcertification.com to learn how to get Lean, Green Belt or Black Belt training and certification for you or your organization
-
E136: Review of DMAIC Roadmap for Improvement Projects 25.03.2026 8mIn 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 Part 2 webinar, where I'll go through ANOVA, DOE, Regression and other hypothesis tests using Copilot, you can register at https://www.leansixsigmaecosystem.com/c/webinars/green-belt-refresher-using-copilot-part-2Learn more about BPIVisit https://www.leansixsigmaecosystem.com/ to access free courses and templates, or upgrade for premium content and coaching programsVisit https://www.biz-pi.com to learn more about me and my consulting firmVisit https://greenbeltcertification.com to learn how to get Lean, Green Belt or Black Belt training and certification for you or your organization
-
E135: Future of Six Sigma software and AI 09.03.2026 5mIn 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 ANOVA, DOE, Regression and other hypothesis tests using Copilot, you can register at https://www.leansixsigmaecosystem.com/c/webinars/green-belt-refresher-using-copilot-part-2Learn more about BPIVisit https://www.leansixsigmaecosystem.com/ to access free courses and templates, or upgrade for premium content and coaching programsVisit https://www.biz-pi.com to learn more about me and my consulting firmVisit https://greenbeltcertification.com to learn how to get Lean, Green Belt or Black Belt training and certification for you or your organization
-
E134: Free Virtual Lean Project Program for Nonprofits 05.02.2026 3mNext 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 BPILean Six Sigma Ecosystem is now live! Visit https://www.leansixsigmaecosystem.com/ to access free courses and templates, or upgrade for premium content and coaching programsVisit https://www.biz-pi.com to learn more about me and my consulting firm
-
E133: Does a Six Sigma Green/Black Belt Certification Boost My Salary? 27.01.2026 10mThis 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 salariesFaster raises and promotionsBroader career opportunities like leadership and consultingImproved problem solving skills that deliver real business valueTo learn more about Six Sigma Green Belt and Black Belt certification, go to https://greenbeltcertification.com/lean-six-sigma-green-and-black-certification-programs/https://greenbeltcertification.com/lean-six-sigma-green-and-black-certification-programs/The full article can be found at: https://greenbeltcertification.com/does-a-six-sigma-green-belt-or-black-belt-certification-increase-my-salary/Learn more about BPILean Six Sigma Ecosystem is now live! Visit https://www.leansixsigmaecosystem.com/ to access free courses and templates, or upgrade for premium content and coaching programsVisit https://www.biz-pi.com to learn more about me and my consulting firm
-
E132: Announcing free course "Applications of Lean in Healthcare" 17.12.2025 3mIn 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 MedicalVirginia MasonMiami Children'sWashington HospitalBahri Dental GroupRiverside UniversityCleveland Clinic.You will also learn how these improvement tools have been implemented specifically in healthcare:8 Wastes5SDaily and Tiered HuddlesSpaghetti DiagramsValue Stream MappingModel cellsTakt time2-bin kanban system3PTraining within Industry (TWI)Six SigmaThis is such an important topic that we wanted to make this training FREEWant to take this free course?Sign up for a free accountNavigate to the Courses section and select "Applications of Lean in Healthcare"Complete the courseDo you have friends and family in healthcare or the medical industry?Please share the course link or forward this email to them. This might be the training that has a significant impact on their career.Learn more about BPILean Six Sigma Ecosystem is now live! Visit https://www.leansixsigmaecosystem.com/ to access free courses and templates, or upgrade for premium content and coaching programs7 Continuous Improvement Best Practices: https://mail.biz-pi.com/lss-best-practices-funnelWant to get certified in Lean Six Sigma, but not sure where to start? Visit help me choose a certification to decide what will be best for your careerNeed help in your organization, or want to discuss your current work situation? Let's talk! Schedule a free support callPodcast Sponsor: Creative Safety Supply is a great resource for free guides, infographics, and continuous improvement tools. I recommend starting with their 5S guide. It includes breakdowns of the five pillars, ways to begin implementing 5S, and even organization tips and color charts. From red tags to floor marking; it’s all there. Download it for free at creativesafetysupply.com/5SBIZ-PI.comLeanSixSigmaDefinition.comHave a question? Submit a voice message at Podcasters.Spotify.com
-
E131: The Big 3 Quality Improvement Tools for the Food and Beverage Industry 10.12.2025 9mThe 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 sign up for this course, go to https://www.leansixsigmaecosystem.com/c/the-big-3-quality-improvement-tools-for-the-food-and-beverage-industryLearn more about BPILean Six Sigma Ecosystem is now live! Visit https://www.leansixsigmaecosystem.com/ to access free courses and templates, or upgrade for premium content and coaching programs7 Continuous Improvement Best Practices: https://mail.biz-pi.com/lss-best-practices-funnelWant to get certified in Lean Six Sigma, but not sure where to start? Visit help me choose a certification to decide what will be best for your careerNeed help in your organization, or want to discuss your current work situation? Let's talk! Schedule a free support callPodcast Sponsor: Creative Safety Supply is a great resource for free guides, infographics, and continuous improvement tools. I recommend starting with their 5S guide. It includes breakdowns of the five pillars, ways to begin implementing 5S, and even organization tips and color charts. From red tags to floor marking; it’s all there. Download it for free at creativesafetysupply.com/5SBIZ-PI.comLeanSixSigmaDefinition.comHave a question? Submit a voice message at Podcasters.Spotify.com
-
E130: The Importance of Process Logs in Problem Solving 22.10.2025 6mIn 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'sYou can sign up for the course at https://www.leansixsigmaecosystem.com/c/advanced-root-cause-analysis/ Learn more about BPILean Six Sigma Ecosystem is now live! Visit https://www.leansixsigmaecosystem.com/ to access free courses and templates, or upgrade for premium content and coaching programs7 Continuous Improvement Best Practices: https://mail.biz-pi.com/lss-best-practices-funnelNeed help in your organization, or want to discuss your current work situation? Let's talk! Schedule a free support callPodcast Sponsor: Creative Safety Supply is a great resource for free guides, infographics, and continuous improvement tools. I recommend starting with their 5S guide. It includes breakdowns of the five pillars, ways to begin implementing 5S, and even organization tips and color charts. From red tags to floor marking; it’s all there. Download it for free at creativesafetysupply.com/5SBIZ-PI.comLeanSixSigmaDefinition.comHave a question? Submit a voice message at Podcasters.Spotify.com -
E129: History of Lean (part of new LSS White Belt course) 16.10.2025 9mIn 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-beltLearn more about BPILean Six Sigma Ecosystem is now live! Visit https://www.leansixsigmaecosystem.com/ to access free courses and templates, or upgrade for premium content and coaching programs7 Continuous Improvement Best Practices: https://mail.biz-pi.com/lss-best-practices-funnelNeed help in your organization, or want to discuss your current work situation? Let's talk! Schedule a free support callPodcast Sponsor: Creative Safety Supply is a great resource for free guides, infographics, and continuous improvement tools. I recommend starting with their 5S guide. It includes breakdowns of the five pillars, ways to begin implementing 5S, and even organization tips and color charts. From red tags to floor marking; it’s all there. Download it for free at creativesafetysupply.com/5SBIZ-PI.comLeanSixSigmaDefinition.comHave a question? Submit a voice message at Podcasters.Spotify.com
-
E128: TQM at the State of Iowa began in 1992? 23.09.2025 12mIn 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: https://amzn.to/4mHCS7LWhat is TQM? https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Total_quality_managementLearn more about BPILean Six Sigma Ecosystem is now live! Visit https://www.leansixsigmaecosystem.com/ to access free courses and templates, or upgrade for premium content and coaching programs7 Continuous Improvement Best Practices: https://mail.biz-pi.com/lss-best-practices-funnelNeed help in your organization, or want to discuss your current work situation? Let's talk! Schedule a free support callPodcast Sponsor: Creative Safety Supply is a great resource for free guides, infographics, and continuous improvement tools. I recommend starting with their 5S guide. It includes breakdowns of the five pillars, ways to begin implementing 5S, and even organization tips and color charts. From red tags to floor marking; it’s all there. Download it for free at creativesafetysupply.com/5SBIZ-PI.comLeanSixSigmaDefinition.comHave a question? Submit a voice message at Podcasters.Spotify.com
-
E127: What is Lean Coffee and Unconferences? 04.09.2025 7mIn 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=i7dkReGPg58Learn more about BPI7 Continuous Improvement Best Practices: https://mail.biz-pi.com/lss-best-practices-funnelNeed help in your organization, or want to discuss your current work situation? Let's talk! Schedule a free support callPodcast Sponsor: Creative Safety Supply is a great resource for free guides, infographics, and continuous improvement tools. I recommend starting with their 5S guide. It includes breakdowns of the five pillars, ways to begin implementing 5S, and even organization tips and color charts. From red tags to floor marking; it’s all there. Download it for free at creativesafetysupply.com/5SBIZ-PI.comLeanSixSigmaDefinition.comHave a question? Submit a voice message at Podcasters.Spotify.com
-
E126: Intro to Nonparametric Statistics (Part 2 of 2) 18.08.2025 5mIn 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 more about BPI7 Continuous Improvement Best Practices: https://mail.biz-pi.com/lss-best-practices-funnelNeed help in your organization, or want to discuss your current work situation? Let's talk! Schedule a free support callPodcast Sponsor: Creative Safety Supply is a great resource for free guides, infographics, and continuous improvement tools. I recommend starting with their 5S guide. It includes breakdowns of the five pillars, ways to begin implementing 5S, and even organization tips and color charts. From red tags to floor marking; it’s all there. Download it for free at creativesafetysupply.com/5SBIZ-PI.comLeanSixSigmaDefinition.comHave a question? Submit a voice message at Podcasters.Spotify.com
Similar podcasts
Popular in
The podcast also appears in the podcast charts of these countries.
