Ep39 Wait for it… knowing when to shift gears

Excellence. We all want it and we all chase it. But what if the key to unlocking it isn’t about chasing results at all? What if the real secret lies in trusting the process? Too often, leaders focus on outcomes – profitability, productivity, performance – when in reality, those are just byproducts…

Ep38 The 5 syndromes preventing supply chain excellence

When was the last time you stopped to appreciate how seamlessly things just show up at your doorstep? You tap a button, and voila! Groceries, gadgets, even furniture, all delivered with near-magic precision.  But behind that convenience? A chaotic, high-stakes world where companies either make it …

Ep37 Maturity in motion: unlocking excellence step-by-step

We talk a lot about journeys and maturity when it comes to business success—but let’s be honest, does the “mature” state of excellence even exist? Or is it just a mirage we keep chasing?  Growth isn’t just about getting bigger, it’s about getting better. It’s about shifting from reacting to proble…

Ep36 Beyond the tools: the hidden art of problem solving

Ever feel like problem-solving is just a toolbox of fishbone diagrams and Pareto charts? Well, it doesn’t have to be! Let’s say, you’re in a room full of brilliant minds, armed with the same tools, yet the magic isn’t in the tools – it’s in the conversation. The real secret to unlocking excellence …

Ep35 How to create high-impact meetings that drive results

Think back to your last meeting—how much time did it take? If your organisation is like many others, it would have lasted too long and not much was gained by the end. Meetings should be a business pulse check, ensuring the team is winning and taking action where needed. The best organisations struc…

Ep34 Factory secrets: what clean floors and whiteboards reveal

Have you walked into a warehouse or factory and it look looks a cluttered and disorganised? Well, it’s often a reflection on the overall operation of the business itself.  Factory and warehouse tours offer valuable insights into business health. Key indicators include not only cleanliness, but als…

Ep33 Crash course in problem solving: root causes …and rudders

What are the root causes to issues that come up in your organisation? Well, investigations into airline crashes is an apt metaphor in getting to the bottom of things. While tragic, airline investigations often highlight the value of teamwork, discipline, and persistence in uncovering root causes. …

Ep32 Mining your team’s brains for gold nuggets of wisdom

Unlocking excellence in organisations revolves around two key aspects: people and processes. Often, Ishan insists, disengaged employees are only seemingly disengaged. By fostering collaboration and exploring their potential, we can re-engage them. Process improvement, on the other hand, is less abo…

Ep31 Solve challenges like a detective, not a cowboy

To unlock excellence in business problem-solving, adopting a "detective mindset" is crucial. Ishan says that many rush to solutions, akin to a "cowboy mindset," which may delay results or fail entirely. Thoroughly spend the time understanding the problem will yield better outcomes. This structured …

Ep30 2025: A Roadmap for Growth and Impact

As we step into 2025, it’s the perfect time to reflect on how we can unlock excellence in our lives, teams, and organisations. Excellence serves as a compass, guiding us from ambiguity to clarity; a discipline, aligning our actions with aspirations; and a transformative force, turning potential and…