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Opex Podcast

Opex Podcast

By: Stephen Francis
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About this listen

 A podcast aimed at a forgotten section of the economy: traditional industries and their operation. Join experienced Ops consultants Jim Shepherd and Stephen Francis as they interview Operations Professionals and discuss issues facing traditional, capital-intensive industries in the US and beyond.(c) Stephen Francis 2024 Economics Leadership Management Management & Leadership
Episodes
  • Bill Katsilis: Lessons from a Lean Manufacturing Pioneer

    Bill Katsilis: Lessons from a Lean Manufacturing Pioneer
    Feb 6 2025
    In this episode of OpEx Podcast, we sit down with Bill Katsilis, a veteran of lean manufacturing with deep experience working alongside the original Japanese masters of operational excellence. With decades spent transforming businesses worldwide, Bill shares lessons from the factory floor, insights on the evolution of lean, and stories from his work across 60+ countries. We also explore how humor can make change management more effective, the importance of seeing processes with fresh eyes, and the surprising connections between stand-up comedy and continuous improvement. If you've ever wondered how a manufacturing veteran transitions to stand-up comedy, this episode has you covered. Get ready for a conversation filled with wisdom, humor, and some unexpected bloopers we left in—because, as we like to put it, “Say yes to the mess.”
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    43 mins
  • Optimizing MRO for Maximum Uptime and Efficiency in Capital-Intensive Industries

    Optimizing MRO for Maximum Uptime and Efficiency in Capital-Intensive Industries
    Sep 20 2024
    In this episode of the OpEx Podcast, hosts Jim Shepherd and Stephen Francis dive deep into the intricacies of Maintenance, Repair, and Operations (MRO) within capital-intensive industries. They explore why maintenance often gets overlooked and how reactive practices can hinder productivity and profitability. Jim and Stephen discuss how proactive and predictive maintenance strategies, supported by data and sensor technology, can significantly improve equipment uptime. The conversation touches on the hidden costs of poor maintenance, tribal knowledge retention, and how to manage outsourced MRO. The episode provides valuable insights into creating an effective MRO process that balances efficiency with cost-effectiveness.
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    52 mins
  • Redefining Leadership: Beyond Traits and Titles

    Redefining Leadership: Beyond Traits and Titles
    Jul 31 2024
    In Episode 4 of the OpEx Podcast, hosts Jim Shepherd and Stephen Francis dive into the nuances of leadership, distinguishing it from management. They explore the concept of leadership as a verb, the importance of entrainment, and the necessity of predictive models. The discussion includes insights into leadership attributes, the differences between leaders and managers, and how to navigate decision-making with limited data. Tune in for a profound conversation that challenges conventional wisdom and offers actionable insights for managers and leaders alike.
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    56 mins
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