In this episode of KPI Fireside, Keith Norris sits down with Christine Lavoie, Lean Six Sigma Black Belt and Operational Excellence leader, to explore how great leaders create a culture where continuous improvement becomes part of everyday work. Christine shares how curiosity, empowerment, and the right tools help organizations unlock the full potential of their people.

Drawing from her journey across industries and her current role at Safelite AutoGlass, Christine highlights what it takes to move beyond process changes and truly build a mindset of improvement. She explains the role leaders play in asking better questions, removing roadblocks, and giving teams the space to solve problems that matter most.

🔻 Why continuous improvement is a mindset, not just a methodology

🔻 The project roles that make real change sustainable

🔻 How leaders can size work between Kaizen and DMAIC effectively

🔻 Practical strategies to sustain change for the long term

Whether you are leading a frontline team or driving enterprise-wide transformation, this conversation shows how leaders at every level can build trust, alignment, and results through a culture of improvement.

🔗 Connect with Christine Lavoie on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/christine-lavoie-lssbb-2878095b/

🎙 Hosted by Keith Norris: https://www.linkedin.com/in/keithnorris/

🎧 Listen on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, and everywhere you get your podcasts.

In this episode of KPI Fireside, Keith Norris sits down with Heather Everton, Vice President of Product at Merrick Bank, to explore how daily standups can transform the way teams work. Heather shares why standups are not just another meeting, but a powerful ritual for building trust, creating alignment, and driving clarity without falling into the trap of micromanagement.

From her experience in both small startups and large enterprises, Heather highlights the simplicity and discipline of a good standup, the questions every team should ask, and the psychological benefits of connection and accountability. She also discusses how tools like Standup Alice help make standups more effective across remote, hybrid, and global teams.

🔻 Why a 10-minute standup can replace 10 meetings

🔻 How standups build trust and autonomy inside teams

🔻 The role of rituals in creating culture and alignment

🔻 Practical tips for running effective standups in any industry

Whether you are leading a software team, managing operations, or looking for ways to improve connection and performance, this conversation shows how standups can bring clarity and momentum to your organization.

📚 Learn more about Standup Alice: https://www.standupalice.com/

🔗 Connect with Heather Everton on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/heather-everton-a4205065/

🎙 Hosted by Keith Norris: https://www.linkedin.com/in/keithnorris/

🎧 Listen on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, and everywhere you get your podcasts.

In this episode, Dr. Keith Clinkscales shares his remarkable journey from electrical engineer and Lean Six Sigma consultant to Director of Strategic Planning and Performance Management at Palm Beach County. With insight shaped by decades of experience in both private industry and public service, Dr. Clinkscales unpacks the real driver of performance: how people feel, think, and show up to work.

From building metrics that empower rather than punish, to reshaping toxic cultures and reviving employee engagement, this episode is a masterclass in managing the human side of performance.

🔻 Why attitude might be the most underrated performance tool

🔻 How toxic cultures get created, and how leaders c a n change them

🔻 What public sector teams taught Dr. Clinkscales about legacy systems and lasting change

🔻 How to create cross-department collaboration in siloed organizations

🔻 How to tell if its time to stay and lead c h a n g e or time to move on

This one is packed with wisdom, energy, and real-world leadership lessons that will stick with you long after the final minute.

📚 Read "Your Attitude Is Your Breakthrough" : https://a.co/d/4EoeW33

🔗 Connect with Dr. Keith Clinkscales on LinkedIn:

https://www.linkedin.com/in/drkeithclinkscales/

🎙 Hosted by Keith Norris - https://www.linkedin.com/in/keithnorris/

🎧 Listen on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, and everywhere you get your podcasts.