Episodes

  • 62| Remove the Muda to Reveal the Buddha: Turning Life’s Weight Into Wisdom

    62| Remove the Muda to Reveal the Buddha: Turning Life’s Weight Into Wisdom
    Dec 23 2025

    What if the very thing weighing on you right now is the key to your next level of growth?

    Many of us carry more than we realize: unfinished goals, unmet expectations, family pressures, and the constant mental load of what still needs to be done.

    In this episode of Chain of Learning, I share a grounding teaching from a Zen priest in Japan after a Zazen guided meditation session that has deeply resonated with me—and with leaders on my Japan Leadership Experience:

    “Remove the muda to reveal the buddha.”

    In Japanese, muda means waste. And in Lean, muda refers to anything that doesn’t add value.

    I’ve been reflecting on this phrase and its deeper meaning as I process my own life experiences, both personally and professionally.

    This Zen teaching invites us to look inward: to notice what weighs us down, reflect on what it’s trying to teach us, and transform that weight into wisdom.

    As you move forward—whether at the end of a year or in the middle of a busy work period—this episode offers an invitation to slow down, study your experiences, and release what no longer serves you, so that you can lead your life and work with greater intention, clarity, and a continuous learning mindset.

    YOU’LL LEARN:

    • What Daruma dolls reveal about resilience, focus, and habits rooted in practice, not perfection
    • What “Remove the muda to reveal the Buddha” means beyond lean – and how reflection helps turn inner weight into wisdom
    • Four additional Zen teachings that apply to effective leadership, helping change leaders move beyond tools to presence, purpose, and a growth mindset
    • A simple reflection practice to reframe or release muda so it supports – not burdens – your growth
    • The distinction between goals and intentions, and why letting your being guide your doing leads to more meaningful progress

    IMPORTANT LINKS:

    • Full episode show notes with links to other podcast episodes and resources: ChainOfLearning.com/62
    • Check out my website for resources and ways to work with me KBJAnderson.com
    • Follow me on LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/kbjanderson
    • Learn more about my Japan Leadership Experience: KBJAnderson.com/japantrip
    • Get a copy of “Learning to Lead Leading to Learn”: KBJAnderson.com/learning-to-lead
    • Video clip of the daruma temple: Leadership Lessons from Japan’s Daruma Temple

    TIMESTAMPS FOR THIS EPISODE:

    01:55 Daruma dolls and what they represent
    03:28 How Zazen meditation can bring you back to inner peace and inner being
    04:26 What it means to “Remove the muda to reveal the Buddha”
    06:43 The burden Isao Yoshino carried of what he considered was his big failure as a business leader and the shift in perspective to lift the burden, as highlighted in “Learning to Lead, Leading to Learn”
    08:07 Four Zen teachings and how to apply them as a transformational change leader

    12:00 How the burning of daruma dolls each year show reflection in practice

    13:05 Your intentional practice to help you remove the muda
    13:36 3 examples of how to use this reflection process to adjust or release so to turn waste into wisdom
    13:49 Example 1: You’ve been stuck in constant doing
    14:16 Example 2: Your plans didn’t unfold as expected

    15:07 Example 3: A relationship has shifted
    16:38 The distinction between goals vs intentions—being and doing
    17:31 How to “Remove the muda to reveal the buddha” to release the weight you carry and move forward


    Apply for my next cohort of the Japan Leadership Experience! May 2026 is SOLD OUT - Now Accepting Applications for November 2026 and offering an early registration discount.
    Show More Show Less
    19 mins
  • 61| Reflections from the Japan Leadership Experience: Live from Tokyo [with Nick Kemp] (BONUS)

    61| Reflections from the Japan Leadership Experience: Live from Tokyo [with Nick Kemp] (BONUS)
    Dec 17 2025
    Apply for my Japan Leadership Experience! The May 2026 cohort is officially SOLD OUT and I'm now accepting applications for the November 2026 cohort. Secure your spot now and take advantage of the early registration discount.Have you ever stepped outside your routine and suddenly seen your work—or yourself—with fresh clarity?Sometimes the most meaningful leadership breakthroughs happen when we pause and immerse ourselves in a space designed for reflection, curiosity, and connection.In this bonus episode—recorded live in Tokyo the morning after Cohort 8 of my Japan Leadership Experience wrapped up—I’m joined by Ikigai expert and past Chain of Learning guest Nick Kemp, who spent the week with my Japan program cohort in November 2025 as both a participant and speaker. Still energized from the experience, we sat down to capture our reflections while they were still vivid.You'll hear us revisit the moments that stood out, the leaders who inspired us, and the Japanese concepts that came alive throughout the week—ikigai, kaizen, ichigo ichie, omotenashi, sanpo yoshi, and more.This unscripted conversation offers a glimpse into what my Japan Leadership Experience is all about: a week of learning, community, and connection that helps global executives, lean practitioners, and change leaders discover the essence of respect for people—and “hold precious what it means to be human”—and how to create a culture of excellence.YOU’LL LEARN:How the Japan Leadership Experience creates an ibasho—a place where you feel you truly belong—and why this is foundational for leadershipHow Japanese companies view revitalization through kaizen as both a business strategy and a people-centered philosophyWhat the debate over whether it’s “seven wastes vs. eight wastes” in lean and Toyota Production System reveals about how we teach, learn, and complicate continuous improvementWhy immersive learning matters—and how stepping away from your daily responsibilities helps you reconnect with purpose and see challenges through a new lensWhy long-term relationships and trust sit at the heart of meaningful learning and business success.If there’s one thing to take away from this episode, it’s this:Transformation happens when you step outside your routine and into intentional space for reflection, learning, and community.ABOUT MY GUEST:Nicholas Kemp, is the founder of Ikigai Tribe and is the author of IKIGAI-KAN: Feel a Life Worth Living and co-author with Professor Daiki Kato of Rolefulness:A Guide to Purposeful Living. IMPORTANT LINKS:Full episode show notes with links to other podcast episodes and resources: ChainOfLearning.com/61 Check out my website for resources and ways to work with me KBJAnderson.comConnect with Nick Kemp: linkedin.com/in/nicholas-kemp Follow me on LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/kbjandersonCheck out Nick Kemp’’s website: ikigaitribe.com Listen to Nick’s Ikigai Tribe podcast: ikigaitribe.com/podcasts Download my free KATALYST™ Change Leader Self-Assessment: KBJAnderson.com/katalyst Learn more about my Japan Leadership Experience: kbjanderson.com/japantrip TIMESTAMPS FOR THIS EPISODE:01:54 The story behind how Nick and Katie first met03:55 Katie and Nick’s shared connection of living in Japan04:45 What Katie loves about her special relationships with Japanese business leaders06:23 What lead Katie to start the Japan Leadership Experience09:47 How living in Japan and developing relationships with Japanese businesses and Toyota leaders led to Katie to write the book “Learning to Lead, Leading to Learn” and start the Japan Leadership Experience programs Japan Leadership Experience11:33 The parallel process with writing the book and leading the first program12:34 The definition of “ibasho” and how the Japan Leadership Experience is about being in a place where you can feel like yourself15:03 How the word “revitalize” is used in Japan by leaders as the reason for kaizen15:41 Katie’s favorite parts of leading her Japan Leadership Experience cohorts17:41 The planning behind the scenes to make the experience a success18:55 Katie’s connection to her role in bringing people together for learning and connection21:08 Nick’s biggest takeaway during the week in Japan on the Japan Leadership Experience23:56 How different cultures have a different sense of urgency and the difference between Japanese culture and Western culture in relationship to kaizen activities25:25 Starting the day with a morning meeting, “chorei” connected to greater purpose and feeling inspired to do more26:37 The key to being more roleful and the book “Rolefulness”28:47 What “sanpo-yoshi” means – goodness in three ways – operating in three- way goodness for customer, company, and community 31:27 The importance of sustainability in Japanese culture32:31 Clarity on the debate of seven waste or eight waste in lean from a Toyota leader34:44 The essence of being over doing36:01 An ...
    Show More Show Less
    48 mins
  • 60| Bounce Back From a Faceplant: How to Flip the Script on Failure [with Melisa Buie and Keeley Hurley]

    60| Bounce Back From a Faceplant: How to Flip the Script on Failure [with Melisa Buie and Keeley Hurley]
    Dec 10 2025
    Enter for your chance to a win a copy of "Faceplant: FREE Yourself from Failure’s Funk" - http://ChainOfLearning.com/60We all know that moment where something falls apart.A project slips. A conversation goes sideways. The promotion doesn’t happen.We call it “failure,” but it’s often not the mistake itself that stops us.It’s the fear, the funk, and the uncertainty that follow. And those emotions can hold us back far more than the faceplant ever did.In this episode, I’m joined by Dr. Melisa Buie and Keeley Hurley—seasoned leaders in engineering, quality, and continuous improvement and the co-authors of Faceplant: FREE Yourself from Failure’s Funk.Together, we explore what really happens beneath the surface when we stumble—and what it takes to get back up with clarity, confidence, and intention. Just like Daruma dolls represent the Japanese proverb “Fall down seven times, get up eight,” always righting themselves when knocked over, our path to success comes from acknowledging the stumbles, setbacks, and faceplants that are inherent along the way. What matters is that we don’t get stuck—we get up and learn our way forward.YOU’LL LEARN:What’s at risk when leaders fear failure, and how organizations unintentionally teach people to avoid mistakesThe FREE model (Focus, Reflect, Explore, Engage) as a practical way to get back up, learn forward, and regain clarity after a setbackEmotional hijacks to watch for—including the four instinctive patterns in the Conspirator Matrix: machine, magician, statue, and satelliteWhy embracing a growth mindset frees you to experiment, learn, and release perfection when things don’t go as plannedContinuous improvement practices like reflection (post-mortems) and anticipation (pre-mortems) that strengthen learning before and after challenges occurIf a setback has ever left you uncertain about your next step in building a people-centered culture, this conversation offers a compassionate, practical path to learn your way forward when you fall down.ABOUT MY GUESTS:Dr. Melisa Buie is a laser physicist–turned–problem solver with a PhD in Nuclear Engineering/Plasma Physics and decades of leadership in manufacturing at Coherent, Lam Research, Applied Materials, and Advanced Energy. She’s published 40+ papers, holds 6 patents, and is a Six Sigma Black Belt. Melisa is the co-author of Faceplant: FREE Yourself from Failure’s Funk, where she turns hard-won lessons into practical wisdom for navigating setbacks.Keeley Hurley is a continuous improvement leader with 20+ years in engineering, manufacturing, and quality, and a Certified Manager of Quality/Organizational Excellence. Known for her humility and humor, she brings real-world experience from the many “faceplants” that shaped her problem-solving approach. She is the co-author of Faceplant: FREE Yourself from Failure’s Funk, blending lessons from her own missteps into tools for resilience and growth.IMPORTANT LINKS:Full episode show notes with links to other podcast episodes and resources: ChainOfLearning.com/60 Check out my website for resources and ways to work with me KBJAnderson.comConnect with Melisa Buie: linkedin.com/in/melisabuieConnect with Keeley Hurley: linkedin.com/in/keeleyhurleyFollow me on LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/kbjandersonCheck out Melissa and Keeley’s book, Faceplant: FREE Yourself from Failure’s FunkTIMESTAMPS FOR THIS EPISODE:01:46 What inspired the book, “Faceplant”02:56 The emotion behind failure that keeps us stuck05:53 Getting over the hump of the funk knowing others experience failure07:03 The meaning of the equation, anxiety = care x uncertainty where our anxiety is amplified08:25 Why the care factor amplifies when when others are involved10:01 The pre-mortem exercise to reduce anxiety by anticipating what could go wrong12:01 How faceplanting is similar to daruma dolls in getting up after we fall12:44 The aspects of the FREE model in freeing yourself from failure14:25 Breaking down the acronym FREE: Focus, Reflect, Explore, Engage17:01 The meaning of the Japanese word, hansei, that means deep self-reflection in improving how we react17:53 The four quadrant system and determining which quadrant triggers our fight or flight response20:25 How the four quadrants were determined 21:51 An example of how fear held Keeley back in an emotional hijack in the laser industry22:47 Melisa’s personal experience in having a fixed mindset when faced with failure23:56 How Melisa moved from a fixed mindset to a growth mindset and taking chances26:13 Ways to approach failure in an organizational level28:40 Importance of clarifying expectations instead of adding pressure on ourselves30:02 The meaning behind the phrase, “By learning the wrong lesson, you can get stuck with a Life Sentence” 31:24 The both/and thinking that both Melisa and Keeley had to face in embracing failure36:55 How to apply the concept of hansei in reflecting on a current change initiative and ...
    Show More Show Less
    43 mins
  • 59| Get Better at Getting Better: Leveraging AI to Elevate Human Learning [with Nathen Harvey]

    59| Get Better at Getting Better: Leveraging AI to Elevate Human Learning [with Nathen Harvey]
    Nov 26 2025
    AI is everywhere. And its use and capabilities are accelerating every day. But is AI actually helping us get better at getting better? Or is it just amplifying the friction, bottlenecks, and complexity that already exists in our workflows and processes?In this episode, Nathen Harvey, leader of the DORA Research team at Google, explores how AI is reshaping not just how we work, but how we can use it to elevate human work, collaborate as teams, and reach better outcomes.Drawing on new findings from the DORA 2025 report on AI-assisted software development, we dig into what truly drives high performance – regardless of your industry or work – and how AI can either accelerate learning or amplify bottlenecks.If you lead or work on any kind of team you’ll discover how to use AI thoughtfully, so it supports learning and strengthens the people-centered learning culture you’re trying to build.YOU’LL LEARN:How AI accelerates learning—or intensifies friction—based on how teams use itWhy AI magnifies what already exists, and why stronger human learning habits matter more than stronger toolsThe seven DORA team archetypes—and how to quickly spot strengths, gaps, and next steps for more effective collaborationHow to use team characteristics to target where AI (or any tech) will truly move the needle and support continuous improvementHow the Toyota Production System / lean principle of jidoka—automation with a human touch—guides us to use AI to elevate human capability, not replace itABOUT MY GUEST:Nathen Harvey, Developer Relations Engineer, leads the DORA team at Google Cloud. DORA enables teams and organizations to thrive by making industry-shaping research accessible and actionable. Nathen has learned and shared lessons from some incredible organizations, teams, and open source communities. He is a co-author of multiple DORA reports on software delivery performance and is a sought after speaker in DevOps and software development. IMPORTANT LINKS:Full episode show notes with links to other podcast episodes and resources: ChainOfLearning.com/59 Check out my website for resources and ways to work with me KBJAnderson.comConnect with Nathan Harvey: linkedin.com/in/nathen Follow me on LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/kbjandersonLearn more about DORA: dora.dev/publications Join the DORA community: dora.community Download my free KATALYST™ Change Leader Self-Assessment: KBJAnderson.com/katalyst Learn more about my coaching, trusted advisor partnerships, and leadership learning experiences: KBJAnderson.com TIMESTAMPS FOR THIS EPISODE:03:04 What DORA is and how it’s used as a research program for continuous improvement04:31 AI’s primary role in software development as an amplifier where organizations are functioning well and where there’s friction05:53 Using AI to generate more code in software engineering07:03 Danger of creating more bottlenecks when you try to speed up processes07:44 Importance of a value stream to understand the customer journey10:41 How value mapping creates visibility across silos so others see different parts of the whole process10:55 The process of gathering information for the State of AI Assisted Software Development report12:20 Finding seven team characteristics based on a survey of 5,000 respondents and learning how to leverage the results to improve performance14:18 Examples of several team characteristics and how it applies over various industries16:33 The negative impact of focusing on the wrong process that impacts the throughput17:00 Focusing at different types of waste to prevent undue pressure on people17:51 What DORA has found in having a tradeoff in having fast and stable production pushes vs. working slow and rolling back changes18:50 Three big things you need to improve throughput and quality19:44 Why the legacy bottleneck team archetype is unstable with elevated levels of friction21:22 Why harmonious high achievers deliver sustainable high quality work without the burnout22:37 How the report findings are being used to help improve organizations23:42 Seven capabilities of the DORA AI Capabilities Model in amplifying the impact of AI adoption to improve team and product performance26:27 The capability of executing in small batches to see the process through to fruition28:52 How to leverage AI to elevate human work vs machine work30:58 The benefits of AI in making new skills accessible, but does not make anyone experts in a specific skill31:44 Leveraging AI to help you complete tasks that would’ve taken longer32:43 Using AI to elevate creative thinking, but doesn’t replace your thoughts33:56 Ability to ask AI “dumb” questions to improve collaboration across teams34:49 Creating an experiential learning experience where there's not a step-by-step path on how to reach outcomes37:08 Importance of collaboration when moving from point A to point B37:35 The difference between trainers and facilitators39:03 Using the DORA report to form a hypothesis for ...
    Show More Show Less
    50 mins
  • 58| People First: Why Leaders Get It Backwards with Lean and Operational Excellence

    58| People First: Why Leaders Get It Backwards with Lean and Operational Excellence
    Nov 12 2025
    Apply for the May 2026 Japan Leadership Experience—https://kbjanderson.com/japantrip/Where is your primary focus as a leader, change practitioner, or organization? Getting business results? Improving processes? Or developing people? What if the real key to lasting business success isn’t found in metrics or milestones—but in how you create a culture that nurtures people and their problem-solving capabilities? In this episode I explore what it really takes to deliver sustainable organizational success, and why building a people-centered learning culture—one where developing others isn’t an afterthought, but the foundation that enables operational excellence and, ultimately, better business outcomes.Effective leadership begins when you shift from managing results to developing people—creating the conditions for continuous improvement, engagement, and growth.When you put people first, results follow.Whether you are a senior executive, lean practitioner, or team leader, that’s how you build organizations that learn, adapt, and thrive—today and for generations to come.YOU’LL LEARN:How Toyota’s philosophy of Monozukuri wa hitozukuri (“We make people so we can make things”) shapes a people-first culture of learning and improvementWhy focusing on people → process → results (not the reverse) drives lasting impact across teams and organizationsThe interdependence of three qualities that support business success —quality of people development, quality of work, and quality of results – to create sustainable impact Insights from real leaders about how shifting from results-focused to people-focused leadership led to significant measurable improvement in business outcomesHow to model intentional leadership practices to develop people, foster engagement, and sustain a culture of continuous learning and improvementIMPORTANT LINKS:Full episode show notes with links to other podcast episodes and resources: ChainOfLearning.com/58 Check out my website for resources and ways to work with me KBJAnderson.comFollow me on LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/kbjandersonLearn more about my Japan Leadership Experience: kbjanderson.com/japantripTIMESTAMPS FOR THIS EPISODE:01:51 What leadership with purpose truly means02:06 Why Toyota’s motto, “ The only secret to Toyota is its attitude towards learning,” is its secret to success03:18 Three interrelated qualities that determine lasting business success represented by a pyramid03:45 [Third level] Results - The outcomes customers see04:12 [Second level] Process - The technical and operational systems that make the work flow better04:37 [First level] People - The foundation that nurtures people, problem-solving, and learning05:28 Why the Western approach is backwards when it comes to people, processes, and results06:50 The meaning of the quote, “profit is excrement,” that captures the backwardness of the usual business approach to success07:39 The difference between lean as a transactional toolkit versus a way of nurturing people and problem solving at all levels07:53 Why putting people first is not just in Japan or for Toyota leaders08:41 Leaders who put people first as the foundation for success10:12 The challenge in putting people first10:38 An example from Gustavo of why our intentions and our actions are aligned12:29 Gustavo’s realization that he had a people engagement problem13:20 The positive results in engagement when he focused on people first14:08 What leadership in action looks like14:35 What it really means to create a chain of learning across your organization15:00 The two pillars of the Toyota Way15:43 Three questions to ask yourself as you reflect on this episode16:26 Questions to ask your people to create a cycle of reflection and continuous improvement17:13 How to build organizations and leaders that last
    Show More Show Less
    21 mins
  • 57| How GE CEO Larry Culp Leads with Lean to Build a Culture of Continuous Improvement (BONUS)

    57| How GE CEO Larry Culp Leads with Lean to Build a Culture of Continuous Improvement (BONUS)
    Nov 4 2025
    What does it really take to become lean—not just do lean?This is the secret to transformational lean leadership that Larry Culp, CEO of GE and GE Aerospace shared with me on stage three years ago. In this special bonus episode, I want to share his insights and wisdom about leadership and lean culture with you.This bonus episode marks two milestones in my own Chain of Learning® journey: 🎙 The two-year anniversary of the launch of this podcast! 🎉 The three-year anniversary of my interview with Larry CulpThese two moments are deeply connected and they tell a powerful story about learning, leadership, and continuous improvement in action.To celebrate, I’m bringing you my “fireside chat” with Larry Culp—recorded live on stage at the AME Conference in Dallas in 2022. It’s a rare, candid look at how one of today’s most respected global executives leads with a lean mindset to practice intentional leadership, humility, and continuous learning to reshape culture, improve decision-making, and lead sustainable organizational transformation at scale, You’ll also hear how this conversation became a defining moment for me—ultimately inspiring the launch of the Chain of Learning® podcast—and why Larry Culp’s insights on lean leadership are just as relevant today.YOU’LL LEARN:Why even senior leaders and CEOs need a coach or teacher—and how having a trusted mentor helps accelerate learning and growthThe importance of shifting from answers to questions—and why Breaking the Telling Habit® mattersWhy embracing mistakes and “bad news” builds psychological safety, and a stronger foundation for continuous improvementThe power of going to see—going to gemba (the place work happens)—and how its essential for lean transformationHow embracing the awkwardness of learning—going slow to go fast—helps leaders model humility and build trust through transparencyABOUT MY GUEST:Larry Culp joined the GE Board of Directors in April 2018, and was appointed CEO of GE in October 2018. In June 2022, he assumed additional duty as CEO of GE Aerospace and became Chairman & CEO of GE Aerospace when it launched as a public company in April 2024. He also serves as the non-executive Chairman of GE HealthCare. Larry spent 25 years at Danaher Corporation, serving as President and CEO, where he helped increase both revenue and market capitalization fivefold. Recognized as one of the world’s top CEOs by Harvard Business Review and Barron’s, Larry has served as a Senior Lecturer at Harvard Business School, teaching leadership and strategy. IMPORTANT LINKS:Full episode show notes with links to other podcast episodes and resources: ChainOfLearning.com/57 Watch the full interview with Larry Culp on YouTube: youtube.com/watch?v=U3hFsuLOaPUCheck out my website for resources and ways to work with me KBJAnderson.comFollow Larry Culp on LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/larry-culpConnect with me on LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/kbjandersonRead “Learning to Lead, Leading to Learn” – the leadership book Larry Culp recommended to all GE employees : LearningToLeadLeadingToLearn.com TIMESTAMPS FOR THIS EPISODE:02:51 Larry Culp’s view on lean as a lever to embrace cultural disruption at GE04:14 The importance of having a coach and a teacher to help guide you as a senior leader05:34 Larry’s shifts in his leadership approach as he was learning how to lead07:47 How to really listen and hear what others meant to say07:28 How to become a better listener and ask better questions08:20 The difference of implementing lean versus becoming lean10:12 What lean means to you as a leader12:25 The importance of doing the work even though you have a coach13:49 How to build failure and mistakes into your leadership practice and culture15:06 Fostering an environment where sharing mistakes and challenges are acceptable17:55 Larry’s key takeaway from Katie’s Shingo award winning book, “Learning to Lead, Leading to Learn”21:16 What to assess when going to Gemba24:13 What Larry has learned from his sensei and going to Japan that has helped him be a more impactful leader28:11 How hoshin kanri is connected to your approach leadership approach 29:24 The impact of cross-functional collaboration31:22 Managing awkwardness as a leader while learning new leadership skills32:49 Making the shift in being okay with not having all the answers34:56 Future improvements of GE36:33 The purpose of daruma dolls in setting intentional goals37:46 The real heart of lean leadership in using learning as a lever for results that matter
    Show More Show Less
    41 mins
  • 56| Slow Down to Speed Up: The Power of the Pause to Accelerate Continuous Learning

    56| Slow Down to Speed Up: The Power of the Pause to Accelerate Continuous Learning
    Oct 29 2025

    How often do you find yourself racing from meeting to meeting, rushing through tasks, or filling every silence with your own voice?


    In our doing-oriented culture, pausing feels uncomfortable—even counterproductive. Yet left unchecked, our instinct for action and answers can limit learning, development, and innovation.


    In this episode, I explore the power of the pause and why mastering it may be one of the most transformative leadership habits you can develop.


    Pausing with purpose—slowing down to create space for silence, reflection, and intentional action—actually accelerates your impact. It’s in the pause—the space between our “doing”—that learning deepens, decisions improve, and people grow.


    Whether you’re leading a team, coaching others, or developing your own learning mindset, this episode will help you discover the power of the pause to drive performance, engagement, and lasting change.


    YOU’LL LEARN:

    • Why silence feels uncomfortable—and how our instinct to fill the space with our thinking limits growth, reflection, and learning
    • How embracing ma (間), the Japanese concept of “ meaningful space between”, creates the conditions for learning, understanding, and transformation
    • The importance of intentional reflection (hansei) to cultivate a learning culture rooted in continuous improvement
    • Why mastering the pause creates ripple effects across your team, transforms your leadership, and leads to better results
    • Three ways to develop the power of the pause as a transformational leadership habit to create clarity, ownership, and insight


    IMPORTANT LINKS:

    • Full episode show notes with links to other podcast episodes and resources: ChainOfLearning.com/56
    • Check out my website for resources and ways to work with me KBJAnderson.com
    • Follow me on LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/kbjanderson


    TIMESTAMPS FOR THIS EPISODE:


    01:50 The benefits of mastering the pause

    02:12 Why silence is uncomfortable making us want to keep things moving
    05:05 Katie’s aha moment of the telling habit
    08:58 How to pause to create space for others to think

    10:16 How the pause is used in Japanese culture
    13:18 The meaning of ma (間) and how to apply this concept
    15:41 How reflection (hansei) is deeply rooted in Toyota’s culture
    16:17 An example of how Agustín created pauses in the busyness of the usual work routines to give space for conversations

    17:47 Why the power of the pause is three-fold
    17:51 [ONE] Restore the PDSA (Plan-Do-Study-Adjust) cycle
    18:20 [TWO] Pausing gives others space to think
    18:46 [THREE] The pause shifts you from being reactive to proactive
    19:40 Three ways to practice the power of the pause
    19:44     [FIRST] Count silently to 10 after you ask an open question
    20:01 [SECOND] Schedule reflection and thinking time for yourself and for your team
    20:22 [THIRD] Practice the Intention Pause
    21:32 The benefits of holding back before sharing your idea
    Show More Show Less
    25 mins
  • 55| Adopt the Mentor Mindset: How to Motivate, Guide, and Develop the Next Generation [with David Yeager]

    55| Adopt the Mentor Mindset: How to Motivate, Guide, and Develop the Next Generation [with David Yeager]
    Oct 15 2025
    Enter to Win a Copy of David Yeager's book "10 to 25: The Science of Motivating Young People" - Register to win before October 24th at 11:45pm Pacific: http://chainoflearning.com/55How do you motivate, coach, or lead someone younger—without sounding critical, nagging, or controlling?We’ve all heard the stereotypes:“Young people don’t care.”“They’re entitled.”“They can’t take feedback.”But what if those assumptions are what’s really getting in the way of growth, engagement, and connection?In this episode, I talk with Dr. David Yeager, professor of psychology at the University of Texas at Austin and author of the bestselling book, 10 to 25: The Science of Motivating Young People.David’s groundbreaking research—conducted with Carol Dweck, Angela Duckworth, and others—reveals how the right balance of high challenge and high support can unlock potential in the next generation and foster a learning culture where people feel valued, respected, and inspired to grow.Together, we explore the “mentor mindset”—a practical approach to coaching and intentional leadership to help young people move from compliance to engagement and step into their full potential — and how you can provide feedback that creates connection and motivation, not conflict.Whether you’re a parent, coach, teacher, or organizational leader, you’ll walk away with actionable insights to cultivate a continuous learning mindset and inspire empowered growth. YOU’LL LEARN:How to lead with the mentor mindset to create a “learning zone” that combines high expectations with high support, empathy, respect and belief in people’s capability ​​What the “mentor’s dilemma” is—and why both the enforcer mindset (high challenge, low support) and the protector mindset (high support, low challenge) fall shortHow great mentors balance rigor and flexibility that encourage people to produce high-quality work without enforcing rigid rulesThe power of transparency and labeling your intent when giving feedback to build trust and clarityThe link between McGregor’s Theory X and Theory Y management mindsets and the mentor’s dilemma, and how these leadership mindsets show up in organizations such as Microsoft, GE, McDonald’s, and WalmartABOUT MY GUEST:David Yeager, PhD, is a professor of psychology at the University of Texas at Austin and the cofounder of the Texas Behavioral Science and Policy Institute. He is the author of, 10 to 25: The Science of Motivating Young People, and best known for his research conducted with Carol Dweck, Angela Duckworth, and Greg Walton on short but powerful interventions that influence adolescent behaviors such as motivation, engagement, healthy eating, bullying, stress, mental health, and more. IMPORTANT LINKS:Full episode show notes with links to other podcast episodes and resources: ChainOfLearning.com/54 Check out my website for resources and ways to work with me KBJAnderson.comConnect with David Yeager: linkedin.com/in/david-yeager Follow me on LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/kbjandersonCheck out David Yeager’s book 10 to 25: The Science of Motivating Young People: A Groundbreaking Approach to Leading the Next Generation—And Making Your Own Life Easier: amazon.com/10-25-Motivating-Groundbreaking-Generation Reach out to learn more about the Athena App: https://txbspi.prc.utexas.edu/Join The Power of the Mindset Masterclass: https://www.masterclass.com/classes/power-of-mindsetSubscribe to my newsletter: kbjanderson.com/newsletter TIMESTAMPS FOR THIS EPISODE:02:23 The misconceptions about young one that led to David’s research04:23 What the mentor’s dilemma is and how to overcome it05:53 The disconnect with giving and receiving feedback 07:43 Other alternatives to what mentorship can really be for young ones09:06 The predicament young ones are in between wanting respect, but not having the rights of adulthood10:50 The difference between the enforcer and protector mindset11:32 The mentor's dilemma in withholding feedback or being too supportive12:58 Characteristics of the enforcer mindset in the blame and shame approach and the problems it causes14:02 Characteristics of the protector mindset includes low standards, but high support16:37 Different types of leadership styles and why they can be referred to as “mindsets” instead 19:16 The conflicts between protector and enforcer mindsets21:56 How to have a mentor mindset in dealing with challenges in the workplace or at home22:26 Example of a mentor mindset in dealing with students in holding a high standard, while also providing support28:44 Difference between intellectual rigor and logistical rigor30:92 Benefit of holding a rigorous standard while also providing support in helping others meet their goals32:51 Example of Stef Okamoto in transforming her old enforcer culture to embracing a mentor mindset focused on honesty and collaboration37:14 Example of how to use the mentor mindset in correcting behavior in the...
    Show More Show Less
    54 mins