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The Rest is Lean

The Rest is Lean

By: Alan Lothian John Dee Russell Watkins
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About this listen

The Rest is Lean Channel is a light-hearted and educational look at how to make businesses better through Lean Manufacturing and Operational Excellence.

Suited for all levels of understanding and from any industry or geographical region.

John, Alan & Russell are time-served lean professionals with over 30 years each in this field. Leading and coaching some of the best businesses from SMEs to multi-nationals.

Trained by some of the highest calibre Japanese masters from Toyota(one step from Ohno himself), Honda and Nissan , we want to share our experiences with you, allowing some of these 'pearls of wisdom' to help make your business processes, people, and profitability that little bit better each day.

We welcome your comments, questions, and guidance on future discussion topics so feel free to drop us a line via the comments section or via email.

therestislean@gmail.com

Oh, and don't forget to subscribe!!

© 2025 The Rest is Lean Economics Management Management & Leadership
Episodes
  • Voice of the Customer aka The 'Pull' of Learning

    Voice of the Customer aka The 'Pull' of Learning
    Oct 5 2025

    Send us a text

    The Dynamic Duo of Russell & Alan bring in Series 3 with a bang!

    With John missing (don't worry he'll be back!) the guys get stuck in to topics and comments from our audience.

    In this episode we focus on Voice of the Customer and the 'pull' this can provide businesses to learn about what adds value for customers. Knowing the difference between 'needs' and 'wants' is vital.

    We also manage to cram in assessment pitfalls, the view of Quality in an organisation's structure, and a 'Karakuri' museum in Japan.

    If you're enjoying what we do and want to keep up to speed with the latest episodes, then don't forget to subscribe, click the bell notification icon, and share with anyone else you know who may be interested.
    Remember also that we are now available on all good (and some not so good) streaming platforms!

    The #TRIL Team are:
    John Dee. DEE Enterprise Excellence Ltd. www.dee.uk.net
    Alan Lothian. 3A Business Excellence Ltd. www.aaabel.co.uk
    Russell Watkins. Sempai Ltd. www.sempai.co.uk
    Show More Show Less
    35 mins
  • Season 2 Finale aka Tool or not to Tool, That is the Question

    Season 2 Finale aka Tool or not to Tool, That is the Question
    Sep 21 2025

    Send us a text

    As Team #TRIL bring this season to a close, they try to address some of the ever expanding questions the pod is receiving from its ever increasing subscriber base.

    "Which one of the improvement tools would you suggest to train a newbie in first?"
    "What improvement literature would you refer to someone interested in lean?"

    As ever, you maybe surprised by their answers, but you won't be surprised that they do not agree!


    Finally our Quote of the Week segment helps us close off a thoroughly enjoyable Season

    Thanks to everyone who has supported us and we continue to be grateful for your interest and engagement

    See you in Season 3 !

    If you're enjoying what we do and want to keep up to speed with the latest episodes, then don't forget to subscribe, click the bell notification icon, and share with anyone else you know who may be interested


    Remember also that we are now available on all good (and some not so good) streaming platforms!

    The #TRIL Team are:
    John Dee. DEE Enterprise Excellence Ltd. www.dee.uk.net
    Alan Lothian. 3A Business Excellence Ltd. www.aaabel.co.uk
    Russell Watkins. Sempai Ltd. www.sempai.co.uk
    Show More Show Less
    29 mins
  • Too Much Lean, Is it possible? aka Tesla and Toyota Insights

    Too Much Lean, Is it possible? aka Tesla and Toyota Insights
    Sep 7 2025

    Send us a text

    This episode looks at a question many of our subscribers are asking:

    Can you do too much lean?

    Team #TRIL try their best to share their views on this very interesting topic by covering certain points such as:

    - "Rationing" Kaizen
    - Driving the right behaviours for Lean.
    - Dangers associated with building a CI Culture
    - Managing Opportunity
    - Insights into Tesla and Toyota's approach

    In addition we cover our "Quote of the Week"

    If you're enjoying what we do and want to keep up to speed with the latest episodes, then don't forget to subscribe, click the bell notification icon, and share with anyone else you know who may be interested


    Remember also that we are now available on all good (and some not so good) streaming platforms!

    The #TRIL Team are:
    John Dee. DEE Enterprise Excellence Ltd. www.dee.uk.net
    Alan Lothian. 3A Business Excellence Ltd. www.aaabel.co.uk
    Russell Watkins. Sempai Ltd. www.sempai.co.uk
    Show More Show Less
    32 mins
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