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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
  • PDCA or CAPDo aka In-SPIRE-ing Lean
    Nov 2 2025

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    Another episode for Team #tril to get their teeth into and they get underway with some subsciber questions, one of which with a 'divine' theme which leads them to exploring the statement that Lean can be applied anywhere and everywhere.

    Alan brings a recent experience of 5S/6S and even 7S, and asks if this is necessary or just over-complication.

    Find out also what is meant by the phrase "Join those that know how to join the canoe."

    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

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    32 mins
  • Lean You Wouldn't Do? aka Red Flags & Frogs in Wells
    Oct 19 2025

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    John returns to the fold from his hiatus.

    Team #tril revisit a previous episode with some real world examples of where potentially doing too much lean has had some 'interesting' consequences!
    They also challenge their values and beliefs when it comes work. Find out what work the boys have declined and why, plus what are the red flags that make them think again!


    There's also our Saying of the week and what is meant by 'A Frog in A Well', plus also find out why John is so afraid of Hamble!

    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
    31 mins
  • 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
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