Dr. Michael Thelen

Director of Quality and Lean Practices, MYR Energy Services, Glen Allen, VA, USA

Mike Thelen has journeyed down a Lean path for more than 20 years. Starting with cellular design and now/next/kanban, growing to flow and value streams, he strives to see, and show others, the forest AND the trees. Guiding Lean Systems (utilizing Strategic Deployment and Lean Management) and showing respect for people, he has led improvements from frontline supervision to organizational Lean leadership and consulting roles. In addition to training and coaching all levels of an organization, Mike also works with local educational and civic organizations to share the concepts and theories of continuous improvement to a broader audience. He founded the Aberdeen Lean Forum in 2007 and the Siouxland Lean Consortium in 2011.Mike can be reached at Michaeldthelen@nvc.net

The Magic Pill - Building Lean Culture

Even before COVID-19, Lean Culture was a misunderstood and undervalued concept. That culture was magnified during the pandemic, as employee safety, product demand, and job loyalty have all been challenged. Today’s discussion will focus on key concepts: Leadership owns culture, How leadership acts and reacts develops culture, and how we’ve successfully built culture – both pre- and post-pandemic. The discussion will include successful culture in multiple environments, including manufacturing and construction, with different environments (including Union and Non-Union) and different leadership styles. See how, in the middle of the pandemic, a new, start-up construction company built Lean culture from the ground up.