Ever-So-Lean Podcast

The 2025 BQF UK Excellence Awards took place at Wembley Stadium on 27 March, bringing together finalists, guests, industry leaders, and BQF Patron HRH The Princess Royal for a remarkable celebration of excellence on one of the most iconic stages in the country. This is Part III of a three-part special of the Ever-So-Lean Podcast, where we’ll take you right into the heart of this prestigious event. From the pre-event build-up to the stories of dedication and improvement shared by the finalists, this episode captures the spirit of organisations and leaders who put people, learning, and continuous improvement at the centre of everything they do. You’ll hear reflections from award winners, sponsors, and guests as they share openly about their journeys, challenges, and the moments that have shaped their success. It’s an inspiring snapshot of what happens when people come together to raise the bar, support one another, and drive positive change. Featuring content recorded live at Wembley, this episode celebrates not just the winners but the effort, pride, and passion that every finalist brought to the stage. A genuine highlight for the Ever-So-Lean Podcast, and a powerful reminder of what excellence looks like in the real world. Tune in, be inspired, and enjoy reliving an unforgettable day. Visit BQF to find out more about the UK Excellence Awards, and the wonderful work they do - https://www.bqf.org.uk/ Find out more about Ever-So-Lean, working with us, and our learning programs at www.eversolean.com

The 2025 BQF UK Excellence Awards took place at Wembley Stadium on 27 March, bringing together finalists, guests, industry leaders, and BQF Patron HRH The Princess Royal for a remarkable celebration of excellence on one of the most iconic stages in the country. This is Part II of a three-part special of the Ever-So-Lean Podcast, where we’ll take you right into the heart of this prestigious event. From the pre-event build-up to the stories of dedication and improvement shared by the finalists, this episode captures the spirit of organisations and leaders who put people, learning, and continuous improvement at the centre of everything they do. You’ll hear reflections from award winners, sponsors, and guests as they share openly about their journeys, challenges, and the moments that have shaped their success. It’s an inspiring snapshot of what happens when people come together to raise the bar, support one another, and drive positive change. Featuring content recorded live at Wembley, this episode celebrates not just the winners but the effort, pride, and passion that every finalist brought to the stage. A genuine highlight for the Ever-So-Lean Podcast, and a powerful reminder of what excellence looks like in the real world. Tune in, be inspired, and enjoy reliving an unforgettable day. Visit BQF to find out more about the UK Excellence Awards, and the wonderful work they do - https://www.bqf.org.uk/ Find out more about Ever-So-Lean, working with us, and our learning programs at www.eversolean.com

The 2025 BQF UK Excellence Awards took place at Wembley Stadium on 27 March, bringing together finalists, guests, industry leaders, and BQF Patron HRH The Princess Royal for a remarkable celebration of excellence on one of the most iconic stages in the country. This is Part I of a three-part special of the Ever-So-Lean Podcast, where we’ll take you right into the heart of this prestigious event. From the pre-event build-up to the stories of dedication and improvement shared by the finalists, this episode captures the spirit of organisations and leaders who put people, learning, and continuous improvement at the centre of everything they do. You’ll hear reflections from award winners, sponsors, and guests as they share openly about their journeys, challenges, and the moments that have shaped their success. It’s an inspiring snapshot of what happens when people come together to raise the bar, support one another, and drive positive change. Featuring content recorded live at Wembley, this episode celebrates not just the winners but the effort, pride, and passion that every finalist brought to the stage. A genuine highlight for the Ever-So-Lean Podcast, and a powerful reminder of what excellence looks like in the real world. Tune in, be inspired, and enjoy reliving an unforgettable day. Visit BQF to find out more about the UK Excellence Awards, and the wonderful work they do - https://www.bqf.org.uk/ Find out more about Ever-So-Lean, working with us, and our learning programs at www.eversolean.com

In this episode, Matt is joined by Michel Doppert, a seasoned continuous improvement leader with a truly global perspective. From early days in international law to becoming one of Europe’s first Six Sigma Black Belts, Michel’s journey is rooted in transformation, data-driven thinking, and an unwavering belief in the power of people. We explore what continuous improvement really means today, far beyond the textbooks and toolkits. Michel shares why mindset trumps methodology, how leadership is about connection, not titles, and why listening is still the most underrated skill in change. We also tackle how learning needs to evolve to meet the pace and expectations of today’s world, and what role AI and automation play in that shift. You’ll hear why early exposure to structured problem-solving matters, how storytelling can unlock engagement, and what needs to change in how we teach and lead future generations. Michel’s insight is grounded, practical, and refreshingly honest. This one’s for anyone serious about driving meaningful improvement that actually sticks.

This episode is all about real transformation, the kind that improves systems, empowers people, and makes a lasting difference. I’m joined by Iolanda Pereira, a proven CI leader with a track record of delivering serious impact across healthcare, logistics, and corporate sectors. From leading award-winning stroke pathway redesigns in the NHS to driving $2 billion in financial recovery in the global shipping industry, Iolanda brings a people-first, no-nonsense approach to improvement. We talk about what it really takes to build a sustainable culture of continuous improvement, why trust and communication matter more than any tool, and how to lead change that actually sticks, wherever you work. 🔗Iolanda’s Resources: LinkedIn - linkedin.com/in/iolanda-leansolutions1 Website - https://iolandasolutions.com/ Find out more about Ever-So-Lean, working with us, and our learning programs at www.eversolean.com Explore the Lean Competency System (LCS) - https://www.leancompetency.org/ Visit the BQF to learn more about the wonderful work they do - https://www.bqf.org.uk/ Enrol in the Online Improvement Kata & Coaching Kata Basics Course. Upskill your coaching skills with the ONLY Kata training created by Jeffrey K. Liker and Mike Rother! - https://toyota-way-academy.teachable.com/?affcode=43912_2uzhk5-x If you’re enjoying the Ever-So-Lean Podcast, take a moment to rate and review it - it really helps more people find it, and your feedback genuinely makes a difference.