The Edges of Lean

Ep 105 Continuously Improving Elections with Kerry L. Bass

 

I hope you are a voter! It is such an important civic responsibility. As a continuous improvement professional, have you ever thought about improving the election process to help make everyone confident that elections are secure and fair? Kerry L. Bass has. He is here to share his insight and tell us about some vital continuous improvement work happening in the US around our election process. 

 

Kerry L Bass   

 

Kerry Bass is the CEO and founder of Potential To Reality Consulting, specializing in organizational transformation, operational excellence, and change management.

For over 25 years, Kerry has been leading and supporting transformation and organizational change for governmental agencies.  

In addition, he has been bringing changes in commercial and not-for-profit enterprises.

Kerry Bass has received a Master of Business Administration from the Goizueta School of Business at Emory University. Bass has attained a Lean Six Sigma Master Black Belt Certification as instructed by Dr. Gregory Watson and holds a Project Management Professional certification from PMI.

KEY TOPICS IN THIS PODCAST:

 

00:05:18 The complexity of election systems

00:12:58 Quality is multi-level and customer-focused.

00:20:19 Election integrity and voter accessibility.

00:21:22 Improving election accessibility is crucial.

00:31:23 Technology can increase voter acceptance.

00:33:11 Management of registration records. 

00:38:29 Improving election processes and integrity.

00:42:42 Continuous learning is essential.

 

KEY TAKEAWAYS 

 

• Voter participation and civic responsibility are highly significant in the election.
• Voter expectations include fair elections, accurate vote counting, and the prevention of ineligible voters from casting ballots. 
• Throughput and accessibility are critical factors in improving elections, such as reducing wait times and ensuring equitable access to polling places. 
• Technology, such as electronic voting systems and ballot tracking, can enhance transparency and help voters that their votes are there.
• Elections in the US are run differently from state to state, with each state responsible for administering its elections. 
• The complexity and lack of familiarity with the election process contribute to a lack of trust in election results.

Memorable Quotes From Kerry L Bass 

 

"The right to vote is key to the fundamental operations of democracy."

CONNECT WITH Kerry L Bass  

 

Website:  https://makingitreality.com/   

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kerrylbass/  

 

Ep 104 Continuous Improvement and Spanning Leadership with Wanda Wallace

Ep

 

Success requires expertise, and today’s work world requires leaders to lead beyond their areas of personal skills. Wanda Wallace calls this “spanning” leadership, and she works with leaders to build their success in leading across functions and domains where they have little expertise. Wanda is the author of "You Can’t Know It All: Leading in the Age of Deep Expertise.” She joined me at the Edges of Lean to share her insights and discuss why spanning leadership is vital for lean leaders. 

Wanda Wallace  

Dr. Wanda T. Wallace is a renowned leadership coach, facilitator, and speaker with extensive expertise in guiding executives and organizations to improve performance through enhanced communication and collaboration. As managing partner of Leadership Forum, she works closely with clients to foster more effective leadership conversations, break down silos, and build high-functioning teams. With over 25 years of experience spanning corporate, government, and nonprofit sectors, Dr. Wallace is a highly sought-after advisor on critical issues around leadership development, organizational change, cross-boundary collaboration, and diversity and inclusion. She holds a doctorate in organization development and has coached over 100 executives to expand their influence. 

KEY TOPICS IN THIS PODCAST:

 

00:02:04 Better conversations lead to success.

00:03:02 Conversations between leaders and followers.

00:09:27 Blend expertise and Spanning Leadership.

00:13:33 Leaders must be curious.

00:19:26 Build trust through effective communication.

00:22:27 Hub and spoke model limitations.

00:28:40 Listen and understand before responding.

00:30:02 Finding common ground in negotiations

00:32:57 Respect and effective communication matter.

00:39:57 Embrace discomfort for growth.

00:43:38 Find your satisfaction.

KEY TAKEAWAYS 

 

• Success in today's work world requires leaders to lead beyond their areas of personal expertise. 
• Spanning leadership, as coined by Wanda Wallace, is the ability to lead across functions and domains where leaders have little expertise. 
• Effective conversations involve dialogue and back-and-forth conversations, rather than one-way communication or giving orders.
• Conversations between peers can be challenging, but it is crucial to collaborate and overcome roadblocks to achieve productive outcomes. 
• Spanning leadership requires leaders to understand enough about different domains to have effective conversations and remove roadblocks for their teams. 
• Building trust, asking open-ended questions, and finding common ground are the key elements of successful conversations and effective spanning leadership.

Memorable Quotes From Wanda Wallace

 

"There is no growth in comfort and no comfort in growth."

CONNECT WITH Wanda Wallace 

Website:  https://www.wandawallace.com/  

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/wandatwallace/ 

Twitter: https://twitter.com/AskWanda 

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCeOHP2j2KfeQjQpdHZsVbWA 

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/wanda-wallace-028a798/ 

Book: https://www.harpercollins.com/products/you-cant-know-it-all-wanda-t-wallace?variant=3211639360720 

 

 

 

 

 

Ep 103 Continuous Improvement and Process Science with Sam Drauschak

Sam Drauschak is a leader in Process Science – his work is to help organizations achieve maximum efficiency in business processes and energy flow. He has even developed a universal process mapping language adopted as the standard for multiple large enterprises globally. Sam joined me at the Edges of Lean to share his insights on process science in the digital age and life in an RV.

 Sam Drauschak  

Sam Drauschak is the Co-founder and Chief Process Scientist at Truvle, where he leads a team focused on reducing business waste through innovative tools, software, and expert content based on biological efficiency systems. With over a decade of management consulting experience and certifications in Lean, Six Sigma, and Project Management, Sam has worked with major global companies and Silicon Valley clients to simplify and improve operations. Sam is also the author of "Becoming a Conscious Business" and developed the Truvle Mapping Language, adopted by companies worldwide. Sam Drauschak has been featured at institutions like IIBA and Columbia for his expertise in process improvement, cost reduction, and operational redesign. In addition, he was recognized in Top 100 Magazine for his contributions to process mapping.

KEY TOPICS IN THIS PODCAST:

00:02:03 Process science applies the scientific method.

00:06:19 Processes exist everywhere, even in digital services.

00:09:50 Updating process improvement principles.  

00:10:13 Process science for virtual companies.

00:14:20 Process mapping is crucial post-COVID.

00:19:23 Impact of human dynamics.  

00:20:10 Human dynamics are crucial in process mapping.

00:23:38 Understanding human dynamics in processes.

00:25:18 Clean process maps can be deceptive. 

00:31:23 Process language empowers organizations.

00:37:35 Diversity and travel enhance professional growth.

KEY TAKEAWAYS 

• Process science studies processes and systems in the business world approached with the scientific method and rigor. 
• Process science involves studying things in motion, including how energy flows through processes.
• Many companies struggle with implementing new technology, cost overruns, and process improvement. 
• Process mapping should include the human dynamics of the process, capturing interactions between people, and understanding the politics and drama involved.
• Traveling and experiencing different cultures and environments can enhance a consultant's understanding of people and their processes, making them more effective in their work.
• Practical process work requires open and honest conversations with people to understand their perspectives and behaviors within the process work.
• Governance and decision-making processes are important aspects of process science.

Memorable Quotes From Sam Drauschak 

 

“The more you can learn about different customs, cultures, and types of people, the more you can relate to their struggles, resistance, and engagement at work.”

CONNECT WITH SAM DRAUSCHAK 

 

Website:  https://www.truvle.com/ 

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/samdrauschak/  

Book: https://www.amazon.com/Becoming-Conscious-Business-Through-Science-ebook 

 

Ep 102 Continuous Improvement and the Passion for Art with Kevo

 

Kevo, a full-time artist who is also a painter, film, and theater producer, and art teacher, joins me here at The Edges of Lean to share his inspiring story of overcoming a troubled childhood, jail time, and a gunshot wound to pursue his passion for art. There is a lot to consider in this conversation for all of us in the continuous improvement world. 

 Kevo 

Kevo, a native of Houston, Texas, is a multifaceted artist with a Master of Fine Arts degree. His creative endeavors encompass a wide range of mediums, including painting and theater production, shining a spotlight on the complexities of race and the human experience. Leading the charge in the artistic realm, Kevo serves as the director of Kevo Arts Studios, a nonprofit organization dedicated to promoting and nurturing the arts. In addition to his role in the nonprofit sector, Kevo imparts his wisdom and expertise as a professor at a prestigious college, boasting an impressive decade-long career as the proprietor of a thriving tattoo studio.

KEY TOPICS IN THIS PODCAST:

 

00:01:56 Overcoming a troubled childhood.

00:04:32 Starting a tattooing career. 

00:10:23 The foundation of art. 

00:14:24 Genuine care and encouragement.

00:17:11 Leaving toxic friendships behind.

00:23:06 Believing in your potential. 

00:26:00 Unexpected discoveries while running. 

00:29:30 African American artists. 

00:37:37 Comparing the holocaust and slavery. 

00:41:08 Perception of African Americans. 

00:44:25 Shifting mindset for personal growth and development.

KEY TAKEAWAYS 

 

• Changing mentality and taking responsibility are more impactful than dwelling on negative aspects.
• Surrounding oneself with the right people is crucial for personal growth and well-being.
• Changing oneself may require adapting to fit in with new people and leaving behind those who cannot adapt or do not want to change.
• Personal change can impact the people around you, whether in the workplace, home, or social circles.
• Personal growth and improvement can inspire and motivate others to do the same.
• It is vital to consider that behavior and actions can influence others professionally and personally.
• Being mindful of the impact one has on others and striving to be a positive role model can create a ripple effect of positive change.

 

Memorable Quotes From Kevo Aregbe

“Educate your children about the harsh realities of life because the people in power cannot be relied upon to do so."

CONNECT WITH  Kevo Aregbe

 

Website:  https://www.artbykevo.com/ 

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kevo-aregbe-b33ab955/  

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@KevinAregbe 

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/Kevoarts/ 

Ep 101 Continuous Improvement and Hidden Disabilities with Katherine McCord

 

Katherine McCord was the little girl who played HR rather than princesses, and when other kids were selling lemonade, she sold shares in her imaginary "company". She even fired her mother when she was five years old. Katherine, a physically and neurodiverse woman, built her career on inclusive innovation in People Operations and HR Tech. She lives by the motto that difference is not a deficit and is here to share her insights on how lean practitioners can understand and support people with hidden disabilities.

 

 

 Katherine McCord

Katherine is a champion of inclusion and innovation in human resources. As a neurodiverse and physically diverse woman, she has built her career on the philosophy that difference is not deficient.

In 2014, Katherine founded her national people operations consulting firm, Titan Management. In 2021, she disrupted the HR tech space by creating the first fully accessible, bias-mitigating applicant tracking system that removes resumes and highlights company diversity. An energetic and interactive speaker, Katherine has been featured at well-known conferences, such as Web Summit, HR Disruptor, SHRM, and the London School of Business. At the stage, she blends entertainment with education to provoke thoughtful reflection and motivate change. She is bringing her trademark spice!

 

 

KEY TOPICS IN THIS PODCAST:

00:01:35 - Hidden disabilities are mostly not seen or misunderstood.

00:09:56 - Inclusion is simple and beneficial.

00:11:01 - Build psychological safety for inclusivity.

00:16:14 - The hiring process needs improvement.

00:21:48 - Revamp the hiring process for inclusion.

00:27:37 - Inclusion drives talent and profits.

00:35:16 - DE&I leaders should be flexible, global, and growth-oriented.

00:36:45 - Flexibility and communication are key.

00:43:20 - Understand and support diverse employees.

00:48:45 - Break ego, respond in curiosity.

 

 

KEY TAKEAWAYS

 

• Disability inclusion encompasses a wide range of disabilities, including invisible disabilities, and involves legal, medical, and social aspects.
• Neurodiversity refers to the different ways the body and mind process information and stimuli, and it has conditions such as autism, ADHD, and dyslexia.
• Intersectionality refers to the coexistence of different human elements, such as race, gender, and disability, and it is vital to consider the unique experiences and needs of each individual.
• Presenting psychological safety is crucial in fostering an environment where people can feel safe to disclose their needs and ideas without fear of repercussion.
• Companies should focus on building inclusive hiring processes that set candidates up for success and consider accommodations that are often low-cost or free.
• Disability inclusion in the workplace can lead to healthier, happier employees, increased productivity, innovation, and customer satisfaction.
• DE&I (Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion) concepts are gaining traction in the business world, but there may be challenges in justifying the role of DE&I professionals and implementing inclusive practices.
• Effective communication and flexibility are keys in working with individuals with different abilities and disabilities, and it is vital to create symbiotic teams that leverage strengths.

 

Memorable Quotes From Katherine McCord

 

“When your humans are comfortable, they can do their job better."

 

 

 

CONNECT WITH  Katherine McCord

 

Website: https://www.titanmanagementusa.com/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/katherine-mccord-093bb343/

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCDH88heZK21pHbo_aYt-sgA

Ep 100 Continuous Improvement and Engineering the Life of Your Dreams with Zach White

 

Hey, this is The Edges of Lean’s 100th episode!  So I’m starting today with a message of gratitude to all of my listeners. Thank you for your support of the Edges of Lean! And if you are a listener who would like to tell your story on the Edges of Lean, reach out to me on LinkedIn! 

Zach White is an engineer, like many lean and continuous improvement professionals. He is here to share his story of discovering that his technical engineering knowledge was insufficient to help him have a successful career and a fulfilling lifestyle. Zach learned a lot in his journey from burnout to happiness, and now coaches engineering leaders in engineering their jobs and lifestyles. 

Zach White 

Zach White, is the Founder & CEO of OACO, a career coaching firm for engineering leaders, since July 2019. He is also the host of The Happy Engineer, the #1 podcast for engineering leadership. Previously, Zach spent over 11 years at Whirlpool Corporation in various roles, such as Senior Product Marketing Manager. Zach graduated from Purdue University with a B.S. in Mechanical Engineering in 2008. He went on to do his M.S. in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Michigan in 2011. 

 

KEY TOPICS IN THIS PODCAST:

00:02:31 - Creating success in a balanced way.
00:03:50 - Coaching is a leadership skill.
00:09:10 - The people side of engineering.
00:13:01 - Work-life balance
00:18:20 - The Women's challenges in the workforce.
00:20:11 - Authenticity and self-discovery.
00:24:00 - Coaching vs. therapy.
00:27:45 - Stepping into the unknown.
00:32:09 - Ongoing support beyond 90 days.
00:35:00 - Sleep and nutrition importance.
00:39:10 - Disability and success perspectives.
00:44:50 - Mentorship for young professionals.
00:46:22 - Finding Your Happy Engineering Path.

KEY TAKEAWAYS 

 

• The educational system in engineering focuses on technical knowledge but often neglects the people side of the profession. 
• Coaching is a valuable tool for engineering leaders and professionals to help them build successful careers and fulfilling lifestyles. 
• Coaching is about helping individuals achieve their goals and become better leaders and engineers. 
• Coaching is a skill set that focuses on understanding how to help people step into their best and become their top performers. 
• Work and life are interconnected, and it is crucial to take a whole-life perspective when considering success and fulfillment. 
• Coaching can help individuals uncover their values, vision, and goals across all aspects of their lives. 
• Coaching can be a deep and sometimes painful process. It contains facing fears, challenging old habits, and taking risks. 
• Ongoing coaching support can be beneficial for maintaining momentum and executing new plans for personal and professional growth. 
• Please note that these takeaways are based on the provided transcript and may not encompass all the information discussed in the full podcast episode.

 

Memorable Quotes From Zach White

 

"Coaching is looking forward, and it's all about progress."

CONNECT WITH  Zach White

 

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/oasisofcourage 

Website: https://oasisofcourage.com/ 

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/thezachwhite/ 

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/oasisofcourage/ 

Ep 99 Continuous Improvement and Dyslexia with Lois Letchford

 

When you work with your employees or clients, what assumptions are you making about their reading skills? If you are like me, you might assume that almost everyone you work with reads easily, but that is likely untrue. Lois Letchford joined me at the Edges of Lean to talk about her experience as the parent of a child with dyslexia and how lean thinkers can help to create success for adults with dyslexia. Lois Letchford has written a book about her experiences called “Reversed: A Memoir.”

Lois Letchford 

 

Lois Letchford's powerful memoir "Reversed" chronicles an extraordinary personal journey of overcoming daunting odds with inspiration and hope. Possessing a Master of Science in Literacy and Learning from the University at Albany and experience as a Reading Specialist at East Derwent Primary School, Lois stumbled upon her own previously undiagnosed learning difference at 39 while teaching her second son to read. This discovery set her on an unwavering pursuit for answers. With sheer determination and unyielding resilience, Lois confronted challenges and battled self-doubt head-on, proving that no obstacle is insurmountable. 

As the founder of Lois Letchford Language, Literacy, and Learning tutoring, she is dedicated to assisting others facing similar challenges. "Reversed" serves as a beacon of hope, sharing Lois' mission and vision of empowering individuals with dyslexia.

 

KEY TOPICS IN THIS PODCAST:

00:02:58 - Frustration with traditional reading methods
00:03:09 - Captain Cook and exploration.
00:05:29 - The importance of engaging students' curiosity in learning
00:07:05 - Curiosity and brain power.
00:08:28 - The benefits of personalized and engaging teaching methods
00:10:53 - Reading difficulties among adults.
00:10:11 - The ongoing challenges of reading as an adult with dyslexia
00:14:23 - Strengths and weaknesses
00:18:00 - Embracing Differences and Dyslexia
00:24:22 - The cost of writing books.
00:30:05 - Reading disabilities and learning.
00:35:11 - Creating a safe environment.
00:36:44 - What does inclusion mean?

KEY TAKEAWAYS 

 

• Fostering a love of learning and curiosity is crucial for children with reading disabilities.
• Reading difficulties affect a significant percentage of adults in the workforce.
• Creating a safe and inclusive environment is essential for individuals with reading disabilities to thrive in the workplace.
• Writing reviews significantly impacts the visibility and success of books and podcasts.
• Reviews provide valuable feedback and validation for authors and creators.
• Positive reviews boost authors' confidence and encourage them to produce more quality content.
• Leaving reviews is an impactful yet simple way for audiences to support authors and creators.
• Practicing empathy leads to a better understanding of different perspectives and abilities.
• Withholding judgment creates space for open-mindedness in interactions.
• Considering underlying factors beyond the visible deepens communication.
• Pausing before responding fosters inclusivity and effective interactions.

 

Memorable Quotes From Lois Letchford

 

“Reading is actually about emotions."

CONNECT WITH  Lois Letchford

 

Email: LETCHFORDLOIS@GMAIL.COM

Website: https://www.loisletchford.com/ 

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/loisletchford/ 

Twitter: https://twitter.com/letchfordlois 

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/loisletchford/ 

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCW-eC1bd7uZBizY-rzWhrQQ

 

 

Ep 98 Continuous Improvement and Staying Flowcused with Stéfany Oliver

An essential principle of lean thinking is “one-piece flow.” One way of looking at that is to focus on finishing what you start before you take on other tasks, whether building a car in a factory or managing paperwork.  But our lives constantly call us to multitask and take on more than we can complete, and as a result, we get overwhelmed.   Lean coach Stéfany Oliver has been studying how to overcome the feeling of overwhelm in our lives, and she has written a book to help us all! 

 Stéfany Oliver

Stéfany is a passion-driven coach who helps overwhelmed people find flow in work, home, and life. She lives by the manifesto of "fueled by plants, perspective, and prayer." Stéfany has grown into her purpose as a food creator, speaker, author, and storyteller. She has built her health, wellness, and optimization coaching business while spending time with family and drawing inspiration from nature. In addition, Stéfany has been with Statistics Canada for over 15 years, demonstrating strong commitment and growth within the organization. She has taken on leadership roles managing major HR and workplace transformation initiatives.

KEY TOPICS IN THIS PODCAST:

0:01:18 - HowlLean thinking and flow concepts apply to personal life
0:03:33 - Setting limits to create a better flow in daily life
0:06:30 - Example of setting limits for personal quiet time
0:08:50 - The importance of intention and value creation in the daily flow
0:11:48 - Applying flow concepts to the workplace
0:13:20 - The importance of focus and single-piece flow in work
0:20:03 - The role of time and energy levels in the daily flow
0:24:19 - Creating physical and digital space for better flow
0:29:22 - Understanding and respecting personal capacity for optimal flow

 

Key Takeaways

• Lean thinking and flow concepts can be applied to work and personal life to create a better daily flow.
• Setting limits and creating space for quiet time can help beat overwhelm and improve focus and energy.
• Knowing oneself and understanding individual energy levels and capacity is crucial for managing time effectively.
• Physical and digital space organization is essential for reducing clutter and improving productivity.
• Being studious and continuously learning is the unique characteristic of great leaders.

 

Memorable Quotes From  Stéfany Oliver 

 

"If you want to be a leader and be effective, you have to be serious about the sort of craft of leadership style you want to possess.”

Connect with Stéfany Oliver 

Website: https://stefanyoliver.com/ 

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/st%C3%A9fany-oliver-coach/   

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/stefanyolivercoach/ 

Ep 97 Continuous Improvement and Intentional Leadership with Shana Francesca

I love to interview people with unusual career paths. Shana Francesca started her career as an interior designer. Her work in intentionally creating physical environments that supported people’s needs led her into coaching leaders in intentional leadership to build effective and efficient and healthy work environments. Let’s hear Shana’s story!

 

Shana Francesca

 

Shana Francesca is a sought-after speaker, writer, and the Founder & CEO of Concinnate LLC, a company focused on intentional leadership and life design. She has shared her message extensively, with over 90 podcast interviews worldwide and published articles in Medium, Authority Magazine, Shoutout LA, Emotional Intelligence+ Magazine, and more.

At Concinnate, Shana helps people transform their present and future by living intentionally, designing their ideal lives, and embracing their power as the author of their own stories. She believes that infusing intention into how we live and lead allows us to realize untold joy, connection, and meaning.

With her unique perspective and experience, Shana inspires audiences and readers to craft the lives they desire through purposeful intention and conscious action.

KEY TOPICS IN THIS PODCAST:

 00:01:02 - Importance of intentional leadership and living
 00:02:29 - Recognizing the coaching element in interior design
 00:04:10 - The power of the physical environment
 00:09:19 - Customization and recognizing individual needs
 00:16:11 - Why group coaching is not for children
 00:17:13 - Duration and structure of group coaching
 00:18:25 - Goals and intentionality in group coaching
 00:20:08 - Leadership as becoming yourself
 00:26:18 - Questioning toxic leadership
 00:32:12 - The importance of affordability and care
 00:33:21 - The ethics of lean and work-life balance
 00:34:23 - Redundancy and creating a supportive work environment
 00:36:07 - Leading with ethics and compassion  

 

KEY TAKEAWAYS OF THIS PODCAST:

• Discover the hidden vitality unlocked by intentional leadership and mindful living.
• Lift the veil on how physical settings shape your well-being and drive your productivity.
• Unearth how fostering curiosity, bravery, vulnerability, and focus can make you a trendsetting leader.
• Learn the secrets of non-linear communication and how to transform your listening into a leadership asset.
• Explore the path to creating an inclusive culture that cherishes individual autonomy.

 

Memorable Quote from Shana Francesca

“Create an environment that facilitates your needs, both aesthetically and functionally.”

 

 

Connect with Shana Francesca

Website:https://www.concinnate.world/shana-francesca

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/concinnate/ 

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCAFmDzdt3-CutdjGR8NNIxg

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/concinnate.world/

 

 

 

 

 

 

Ep 96 Continuous Improvement and the Japanese Abacus with Sensei Miwako

 

Miwako Bukres has taken the honorific “sensei" – teacher. She is not a lean sensei but a beloved teacher of the Japanese abacus. She’s here to tell us what we can learn about Japanese culture by developing the practices of learning from failure and discipline and encouraging clear analytical thinking using the ancient Japanese practice of doing math on the abacus.

 

Sensei Miwako

Miwako, affectionately known as Sensei (Japanese for teacher), grew up in Japan, where she developed a deep connection with the abacus at a young age. She began training with the abacus beads at age seven, lighting a passion that would shape her career path.   

After moving to the U.S. in 1992, Miwako channeled her love of teaching and working with children into founding the Japanese Abacus Math School in 2001. There are no greater rewards for Miwako than seeing her student's faces light up with confidence and understanding as they discover what their abacus training has enabled them to achieve. 

 

KEY TOPICS IN THIS PODCAST:

00:00:30 Learning from the failure and discipline

00:08:41 The Japanese Abacus

 00:10:28 The Power of the Abacus and its future benefits

00:14:23 The speed of calculations and how a system can help that

00:20:18 The importance of respect for our students and future generation

00:23:08 Teaching children to be independent and confident

00:27:33 Discipline in American education

00:35:31 Appreciation and investing in children

00:44:33 Perseverance and not giving up

 

 

KEY TAKEAWAYS OF THIS PODCAST:

• Learning the abacus helps students develop analytical thinking and learn from failure.
• The abacus skills acquired are universal and can be applied globally.
• The ability to perform calculations mentally and efficiently is a valuable skill.
• Teachers play a role in fostering respect and discipline.
• Teaching adults can be more challenging than teaching children.
• The abacus teaches students analytical thinking and how to learn from failure.
• Children who learn abacus skills can quickly and accurately solve mathematical problems without calculators.
• Being open-minded and embracing new knowledge is essential for everyone, particularly teachers.
• Respect is about treating others with kindness and consideration, not just deference to authority.
• Teachers create an environment where adults feel safe to make mistakes and learn from them.
• Perseverance is the key to success, and we should encourage students to push through adversity.

 

 

Memorable Quote from Sensei Miwako

"Decide something to do but don't give up. The weather won't be beautiful every day. Sometimes, there is a cloud, sometimes rain, and sometimes hell. Life will be the same. It won't be a joy every day. But there is always a reason you have to cry. Joy is a result of sadness and anger or everything. So just keep going and don't give up. That is my advice to everybody. Including myself."

 

 

Connect with Sensei Miwako

Website: https://www.abacusonlineclasses.com/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/senseimiwako/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/abacusjams