My guest for Episode #523 of the Lean Blog Interviews Podcast is Mike Eisenberg. He's been a filmmaker since 2010 with his production company, Tall Tale Productions, after completing his B.A. in Journalism at Marietta College in Ohio.

Episode page with video, transcript, and more

Mike’s father, Dr. John Eisenberg, was a leader in national patient safety efforts as the director of the Agency for Healthcare Research & Quality (AHRQ) until his passing in 2002. His legacy is prevalent throughout Mike’s presentation, as well as his approach.

His new documentary, released last September, is titled “The Pitch: Patient Safety's Next Generation.”

He previously joined us in Episode #329, where we discussed his film "To Err is Human."

In 2006, Mike was drafted by the Cleveland Indians in the MLB Draft and played 3 seasons of professional baseball before beginning his filmmaking career. He now speaks at hospitals, universities, and conferences, where his insight provides a new perspective on a problem that persists across the globe.

In today's episode, we explore the evolution of patient safety and the transformative role of technology in healthcare. The conversation dives into how innovations—from advanced command centers to cutting-edge virtual reality and AI applications—are redefining how hospitals prevent and respond to medical errors. The discussion challenges the conventional blame-and-shame approach and instead highlights the importance of building systems that foster trust and resilience among healthcare professionals and patients alike.

We also examine the nuances of integrating technology into complex healthcare environments, discussing how effective communication, standardized protocols, and smart design can work together to minimize human error. Drawing insightful parallels with industries like aviation, the episode offers a fresh perspective on the critical need for systemic improvements and the potential for new technological solutions to drive the next generation of patient safety.

• How is technology transforming patient safety in healthcare?
• What role do advanced command centers, virtual reality, and AI play in preventing medical errors?
• How can healthcare shift away from a blame-and-shame culture?
• What strategies build trust and resilience among healthcare professionals and patients?
• How do effective communication, standardized protocols, and smart design minimize human error?
• What lessons can be learned from the aviation industry regarding safety and error management?
• What challenges arise when integrating technology into complex healthcare environments?
• How can innovation drive the next generation of patient safety?

This podcast is part of the #LeanCommunicators network.

Episode page with video, transcript, and more

My guest for Episode #522 of the Lean Blog Interviews Podcast is Jacquie Maupin.

She joins the podcast to discuss her upcoming workshop at the Healthcare Systems Process Improvement Conference (HSPI) hosted by the Society for Health Systems. She and her co-presenter, Lauren Todd from HCA Healthcare, will lead a session titled "From Analysis to Action: Bridging the Gap with Effective Presentations" on February 19.

This interactive workshop is designed to help attendees sharpen their communication skills, structure data-driven narratives, and effectively engage executives and stakeholders. Whether you're attending this year or considering next year's event, this conversation offers valuable insights into the intersection of Lean, process improvement, and communication.

In this episode, we discuss how journalism and communication skills can enhance Lean and process improvement efforts. Jacquie shares how her background in journalism and military leadership shaped her approach to problem-solving, stakeholder engagement, and storytelling in the world of healthcare improvement. We explore the parallels between investigative reporting and Lean methodology—how asking the right questions, structuring information effectively, and communicating insights clearly can drive meaningful change.

We also dive into Jacquie's upcoming workshop, where she and her co-presenter, Lauren Todd, will guide attendees through strategies for tailoring presentations to different audiences, crafting compelling data-driven narratives, and influencing decision-making. Whether you're attending this year or looking for ways to elevate your communication skills in process improvement, this episode is packed with valuable lessons.

• Can you share your Lean origin story and career path?
• How did your background in journalism and the military shape your approach to process improvement?
• What sparked your interest in healthcare and led you to Georgetown University Hospital?
• What were some of the most impactful projects you worked on at Georgetown?
• How does process mapping help break down silos and improve collaboration?
• What journalism skills translate well to process improvement and Lean work?
• How do you approach communicating with executives to ensure your message is understood?
• What challenges have you faced in presenting Lean concepts to different audiences?
• How can process improvement teams better tell their success stories and demonstrate value?
• What insights will attendees gain from your upcoming workshop at the Healthcare Systems Process Improvement Conference?

Here's a musical holiday treat for my regular Lean Blog readers and podcast listeners, a song parody, originally released in 2009... remastered a bit in 2022.

https://www.leanblog.org/2022/12/gemba-claus-comin-town-song/

Lyrics by Mark Graban Performance by Steve Sholtes

Oh, you'd better watch out You'd better kaizen You'd better not pout, I'm tellin' ya then Gemba Claus is comin' to town

He's making a list Just checking it once Doin' it twice would waste a whole bunch Gemba Clause is comin' to town

He sees you when you're waitin' He knows when your work flows He knows if changeovers are too long So do SMED for goodness sake

Oh, you'd watch out You'd better not pause You'd better not pout Find the real root cause Gemba Claus is comin' to Town!

For voiceover work, music, or more, you can contact Steve via his website, www.stevesholtes.com.

Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays!