Ep16 How simple acknowledgement boosts team morale — Stuart Baak

Stuart Baak is a seasoned expert in operational excellence with over 30 years of experience in improving processes and leading teams across diverse industries. Currently focused on driving innovation and efficiency at Suntory Beverage & Food Oceania, Stuart has a proven track record of enhancing pe…

Ep15 Name It: How to Make Your Project Shine

Ishan Galapathy delves into part three of the Unlock framework, focusing on expanding followers through effective branding and identity creation. If you have a new initiative to create change, how do you get your people on board? First, secure the commitment of your engaged members. They’re your se…

Ep14 Adapting to Triumph

When plans go awry — and they often do! — you have to learn to roll with the punches. Drawing parallels with the success of companies like Netflix and the ingenuity displayed in critical situations like the Apollo 13 mission, Ishan Galapathy underscores the necessity of continuous adaptation for ov…

Ep13 Operational excellence across borders – Manu Liyanarachchi

Manu Liyanarachchi is National Operational Excellence Manager at Coca-Cola Europacific Partners. He shares his extensive experience in operational excellence (OPEX) across various sectors, including the beverage, wine, and apparel industries. He discusses the different approaches to OPEX in regions…

Ep12 Flaws and Fortunes

Your team's supposed "weaknesses" are not necessarily all that they seem. With a dash of creativity, they could be leveraged into secret weapons of success. Ishan Galapathy highlights a 3M creation that failed in its original application, but became a highly successful product in its own right. In …

Ep11 Start with Who

Before “starting with why", the framework popularised by Simon Sinek, Ishan Galapathy suggests start identifying and engaging the key stakeholders, who will drive and be affected by the changes. Involve individuals from all levels of the organisation, including those who might be resistant or disen…

Ep10 Technology and Transformation in Supply Chains – Kari Banick

With a background as an industrial engineer, Kari Banick has extensive experience in transforming supply chain operations through automation and data-driven strategies. Today, she is the Chief Operating Officer of Blackwoods, an industrial safety company within the Wesfarmers group. Kari discusses…

Ep9 Cultivating a Culture of Ideas

Where do our best ideas come from? The environment can have a lot to do with it. Ishan Galapathy explores how some of our greatest insights often emerge in calm, pressure-free settings like showers, walks in nature, or while reading. Ishan shares a personal anecdote when a seemingly minor observati…

Ep8 SMART Factories & DUMB Operators

While technological advancements have driven productivity and reduced costs, they have also led to undervaluing human potential. In the pursuit of technological transitions, it's important to involve and value employees – after all, Ishan Galapathy says, technology should enhance human capability, …

Ep7 Understanding the ‘why’ in automation – Peter Campbell

Dr. Peter Campbell, an expert in unlocking excellence, shares insights on lean manufacturing, automation, and the challenges of implementing operational excellence. He discusses the impact of Japanese lean in a German Bosch company, the importance of understanding the 'why' in automation, and the t…