From our blog

The Kaizen Consultant: Introducing Change Through Small, Consistent Steps

In Japan, there’s a philosophy that small, ongoing changes can gradually lead to dramatic improvement. This is the basis of Kaizen. As a kaizen consultant working in Canada and America, I’ve collaborated with companies like Lockheed Martin and Bosch to introduce transformation through processes based on cooperation and commitment rather than sweeping changes that come […]

08 Sep, 2023 | By leslie@leanexpansion.ca
Executive Coach Vs Business Consultant: Which Do You Need?

As a lean business consultant serving Canadian and US clients, I’ve noticed that distinguishing between an executive coach and a business consultant can be confusing, with some people using the phrases interchangeably. My primary offering at Lean Expansion is as a business consultant working in Kaizen. However, I also offer executive coaching—and my roles often overlap. […]

26 Jul, 2023 | By leslie@leanexpansion.ca
Kaizen: An Evolving Tool in Lean Methods

As a lean business consultant working with kaizen, there are a lot of questions about how the two interact. Is kaizen changing in a world of lean start-ups and lean digital? From my perspective, yes and no. In its very nature, the rapid improvement processes of kaizen are a building block in lean processes. Kaizen focuses on reducing waste […]

19 Jun, 2023 | By leslie@leanexpansion.ca
Policy Deployment: How to Succeed Using Objective Key Results

As a business consultant, one of the critical factors for successful policy deployment is the ability to measure OKRs—Objective Key Results, for those new to the lingo. OKRs are mandatory for business because they allow you to set goals and see the results. It doesn’t matter if you’re an ambitious individual spearheading a start-up or […]

26 May, 2023 | By leslie@leanexpansion.ca
When to Implement Strategic Planning

If goals aren’t being met and deadlines are pushed back, consider a policy deployment consultant. Sometimes called strategy deployment or Hoshin Kanri, this lean mechanism aligns a company’s resources with its most critical tasks. As a business consultant, the functions I undertake during policy deployment depend on goals, but generally, these are the objectives: Creating a shared vision […]

04 May, 2023 | By leslie@leanexpansion.ca
Leadership Development: Tips for Busy Professionals to Improve Leadership Skills

Scheduling leadership development as a regular part of professional life is essential for leaders targeting consistent self-improvement—and it takes a lot less than you might think. As business leaders or professionals in any field, carving out time for skills improvement is essential to improving leadership competencies and outcomes. As a business consultant with over 20 […]

08 Jan, 2023 | By leslie@leanexpansion.ca
Reset Momentum in 2023 with Lean Consulting

As a lean consultant, I’m already starting to collaborate with organizations that want to get ahead to 2023. While the worst of COVID may be behind us, CEOs still face epic challenges. The threat of a recession is looming, supply chains remain uncertain, and businesses in all industries are struggling to find and keep talented employees. […]

03 Jan, 2023 | By leslie@leanexpansion.ca
Hiring a Business Consultant: What, Why, When, and How

Is it time to hire a business consultant? Surprisingly, organizational leaders don’t always recognize the value of these services. However, there is immense value for organizations lacking in-house expertise who may require a second opinion, auditing services, or even a professional with the knowledge to restructure business or operations infrastructure. What is a Business Consultant? Business […]

14 Nov, 2022 | By leslie@leanexpansion.ca
Lean Consulting More Relevant in 2022 Than Ever

Inflation unseen for generations, supply chain disruptions, and a world emerging from a global pandemic. As a lean consultant serving the US and Canada, many CEOs may be wondering—can a system conceived a generation or more ago still be relevant? Is there a place for the dusty old Lean methodology amidst all the unprecedented global […]

08 Oct, 2022 | By leslie@leanexpansion.ca
Boost CX in Any Industry With 5 Powerful Tips

As a CX consultant, one of the most common questions I get is—what is the best way to grow loyalty? Without a doubt, the answer is customer experience. A growing base of loyal customers is one of the most critical factors to long-term growth. According to Temkin Group, improving customer experience can have a major […]

15 Aug, 2022 | By leslie@leanexpansion.ca