Lean Six Sigma Bursts

Hosted by Brion Hurley

Business

Website RSS feed

Episodes

142

Latest episode

Jul 2026

Language

About the show

Brion Hurley from Business Performance Improvement shares his takes and thoughts on a variety of topics related to process improvement (specifically Lean and Six Sigma methods), Bursts are rapid improvement activities, so this sounded like a good word to use for these short audio clips. We'll try to keep them under 10 minutes each. Have a question? Use the Spotify app to leave us a voice message, and we might pick your question for our next episode!

Listen to episodes

60 recent

July 24, 2026Episode 14110 min

E141: Hidden Costs of Equipment Downtime

In this episode, I discuss a big opportunity to improve success in your manufacturing facility, reducing equipment downtime. Most people are only focused on the lost labor when equipment isn't running, but what about the lost opportunity to produce valuable products that could be sold to a customer? If you're looking for a good improvement project, collecting data on your downtime and calculating these costs might uncover a potential project you can work on. Learn more about BPI Visit ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.leansixsigmaecosystem.com/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ to access free courses and templates, or upgrade for premium content and coaching programs Visit ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.biz-pi.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ to learn more about me and my consulting firm Visit ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://greenbeltcertification.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ to learn how to get Lean, Green Belt or Black Belt training and certification for you or your organization

June 22, 2026Episode 14012 min

E140: Applying Six Sigma's IPO (Inputs Process Outputs) to your Personal Life

In this episode, I discuss an important concept in Six Sigma: Y = f(x) or Y is a function of x. Y is your measured output, and X represents the inputs to your process, and the function represents the process and how the X factors relate or impact the Y. Another way to state it is Inputs (X), Processes (Function) and Outputs (Y) or IPO. I explain how this concept can be used when thinking through your own personal improvement journey. What are your inputs, processes and outputs. If you don't like how one of the outputs is performing (relationships, weight, health, income, etc), then what processes and inputs need to change. Listen to the episode to learn more. If you'd like the graphic I mentioned, send me an email at brion@biz-pi.com Learn more about BPI Visit ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.leansixsigmaecosystem.com/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ to access free courses and templates, or upgrade for premium content and coaching programs Visit ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.biz-pi.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ to learn more about me and my consulting firm Visit ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://greenbeltcertification.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ to learn how to get Lean, Green Belt or Black Belt training and certification for you or your organization

May 17, 2026Episode 13914 min

E139: Six Common Types of Process Improvement Projects for Lean Six Sigma Certification

In this episode, I summarize 6 different types of projects you can use for a Lean Six Sigma certification Improve Quality Reduce Speed and Time Reduce Cost and Consumption of Resources Reduce Risk Improve Capacity and Flow Improve Experience and Satisfaction Ratings I also share examples of each across 4 industries: Manufacturing, Office, Government and Healthcare You can also read about these 6 types by going to https://greenbeltcertification.com/2026/05/17/common-types-of-process-improvement-projects-for-lean-and-six-sigma-certification-programs/ I also mentioned that there are a long list of project ideas by industry and department, which can be found at https://www.biz-pi.com/lean-and-six-sigma-project-ideas/ Learn more about BPI Visit ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.leansixsigmaecosystem.com/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ to access free courses and templates, or upgrade for premium content and coaching programs Visit ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.biz-pi.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ to learn more about me and my consulting firm Visit ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://greenbeltcertification.com⁠⁠⁠⁠ to learn how to get Lean, Green Belt or Black Belt training and certification for you or your organization

May 4, 2026Episode 1387 min

E138: Using Employee Surveys and Paired t tests for Measuring Improvement

In this episode, I discuss a specific method for capturing process improvements using surveys, and how you can isolate the improvements so that the difference between survey participants doesn't hide the results. I also referenced a similar survey I conducted (Episode 77), where I shared the survey results at a company after implementing a daily huddle. You can check out episode #77 from June 2023 at https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/e77-client-survey-shows-daily-huddles-improve-communication/id1529478357?i=1000615545292 Learn more about BPI Visit ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.leansixsigmaecosystem.com/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ to access free courses and templates, or upgrade for premium content and coaching programs Visit ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.biz-pi.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ to learn more about me and my consulting firm Visit ⁠⁠⁠https://greenbeltcertification.com⁠⁠⁠ to learn how to get Lean, Green Belt or Black Belt training and certification for you or your organization

April 6, 2026Episode 13711 min

E137: Lean Six Sigma Training Simulations and Exercises

In this episode, I share a list of the simulations I use in my training classes to teach Lean and Six Sigma methods and techniques. To see the entire list, go to https://greenbeltcertification.com/lean-six-sigma-training-simulations/ If you'd like to attend the Green Belt with Copilot Part 2 webinar, I had to reschedule to April 13th. I'll go through ANOVA, DOE, Regression and other hypothesis tests using Copilot. You can still register at ⁠⁠https://www.leansixsigmaecosystem.com/c/webinars/green-belt-refresher-using-copilot-part-2⁠⁠ Learn more about BPI Visit ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.leansixsigmaecosystem.com/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ to access free courses and templates, or upgrade for premium content and coaching programs Visit ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.biz-pi.com⁠⁠⁠⁠ to learn more about me and my consulting firm Visit ⁠⁠https://greenbeltcertification.com⁠⁠ to learn how to get Lean, Green Belt or Black Belt training and certification for you or your organization

March 25, 2026Episode 1368 min

E136: Review of DMAIC Roadmap for Improvement Projects

In this episode, I share the kickoff to last week's webinar called "Green Belt Refresher using Copilot - Part 1" where I do a quick refresher of the DMAIC roadmap taught in Green and Black Belt training programs. A good refresher for those who have previously taken a course, or for those new to DMAIC. To listen to the entire webinar, where I show how Copilot compares with Minitab for graphical analysis, summary statistics, SPC and capability analysis, go to ⁠https://www.leansixsigmaecosystem.com/c/webinars/green-belt-refresher-using-copilot-part-1 ⁠ If you'd like to also attend next month's Part 2 webinar, where I'll go through ANOVA, DOE, Regression and other hypothesis tests using Copilot, you can register at ⁠https://www.leansixsigmaecosystem.com/c/webinars/green-belt-refresher-using-copilot-part-2⁠ Learn more about BPI Visit ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.leansixsigmaecosystem.com/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ to access free courses and templates, or upgrade for premium content and coaching programs Visit ⁠⁠⁠https://www.biz-pi.com⁠⁠⁠ to learn more about me and my consulting firm Visit ⁠https://greenbeltcertification.com⁠ to learn how to get Lean, Green Belt or Black Belt training and certification for you or your organization

March 9, 2026Episode 1355 min

E135: Future of Six Sigma software and AI

In this episode, I share the kickoff to last week's webinar called "Green Belt Refresher using Copilot - Part 1" where I discuss the reason for the webinar, and what the current challenges are with teaching Six Sigma with different statistical software packages. To listen to the entire webinar, where I show how Copilot compares with Minitab for graphical analysis, summary statistics, SPC and capability analysis, go to https://www.leansixsigmaecosystem.com/c/webinars/green-belt-refresher-using-copilot-part-1 If you'd like to also attend next month's Part 2 webinar, where I'll go through ANOVA, DOE, Regression and other hypothesis tests using Copilot, you can register at https://www.leansixsigmaecosystem.com/c/webinars/green-belt-refresher-using-copilot-part-2 Learn more about BPI Visit ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.leansixsigmaecosystem.com/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ to access free courses and templates, or upgrade for premium content and coaching programs Visit ⁠⁠https://www.biz-pi.com⁠⁠ to learn more about me and my consulting firm Visit https://greenbeltcertification.com to learn how to get Lean, Green Belt or Black Belt training and certification for you or your organization

February 5, 2026Episode 1343 min

E134: Free Virtual Lean Project Program for Nonprofits

Next week on February 11th, I'll be holding a kickoff session for a training and coaching program with people who work at a nonprofit organization (or volunteer with one). The goal of the program is to teach the participant about Lean methods, then help them implement a project in their nonprofit organization so they can improve a process and earn a certification. You can learn more at https://www.biz-pi.com/product/lean-project-coaching-program-for-nonprofits/ Learn more about BPI Lean Six Sigma Ecosystem is now live! Visit ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.leansixsigmaecosystem.com/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ to access free courses and templates, or upgrade for premium content and coaching programs Visit ⁠https://www.biz-pi.com⁠ to learn more about me and my consulting firm

January 27, 2026Episode 13610 min

E133: Does a Six Sigma Green/Black Belt Certification Boost My Salary?

This episode is from an article I wrote a few months ago in response to questions about Six Sigma certification and the impact on your salary and promotions. In summary, a Six Sigma Green Belt or Black Belt certification can lead to: Higher average salaries Faster raises and promotions Broader career opportunities like leadership and consulting Improved problem solving skills that deliver real business value To learn more about Six Sigma Green Belt and Black Belt certification, go to https://greenbeltcertification.com/lean-six-sigma-green-and-black-certification-programs/ https://greenbeltcertification.com/lean-six-sigma-green-and-black-certification-programs/ The full article can be found at: https://greenbeltcertification.com/does-a-six-sigma-green-belt-or-black-belt-certification-increase-my-salary/ Learn more about BPI Lean Six Sigma Ecosystem is now live! Visit ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.leansixsigmaecosystem.com/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ to access free courses and templates, or upgrade for premium content and coaching programs Visit https://www.biz-pi.com to learn more about me and my consulting firm

December 17, 2025Episode 1303 min

E132: Announcing free course "Applications of Lean in Healthcare"

In the ⁠Lean Six Sigma Ecosystem⁠ , I have posted numerous courses over the past few months, and quite a few of them are free. If you're not aware, the adoption of Lean in the healthcare industry has been pretty dramatic over the past 20+ years. I took some of the best healthcare-specific Lean training videos I've used in my Lean Six Sigma courses and compiled them into one online course, called Applications of Lean in Healthcare The course includes 27 lessons (over 3 hours of online learning). You will learn how Lean has been applied at: Harbor-UCLA Medical Virginia Mason Miami Children's Washington Hospital Bahri Dental Group Riverside University Cleveland Clinic. You will also learn how these improvement tools have been implemented specifically in healthcare: 8 Wastes 5S Daily and Tiered Huddles Spaghetti Diagrams Value Stream Mapping Model cells Takt time 2-bin kanban system 3P Training within Industry (TWI) Six Sigma This is such an important topic that we wanted to make this training FREE Want to take this free course? Sign up for a free account Navigate to the Courses section and select " Applications of Lean in Healthcare " Complete the course Do you have friends and family in healthcare or the medical industry? Please share the course link or forward this email to them. This might be the training that has a significant impact on their career. Learn more about BPI Lean Six Sigma Ecosystem is now live! Visit ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.leansixsigmaecosystem.com/⁠⁠⁠⁠ to access free courses and templates, or upgrade for premium content and coaching programs 7 Continuous Improvement Best Practices: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://mail.biz-pi.com/lss-best-practices-funnel⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Want to get certified in Lean Six Sigma, but not sure where to start? Visit ⁠help me choose a certification⁠ to decide what will be best for your career Need help in your organization, or want to discuss your current work situation? ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Let's talk! Schedule a free support call ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Podcast Sponsor: Creative Safety Supply is a great resource for free guides, infographics, and continuous improvement tools. I recommend starting with their 5S guide. It includes breakdowns of the five pillars, ways to begin implementing 5S, and even organization tips and color charts. From red tags to floor marking; it’s all there. Download it for free at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠creativesafetysupply.com/5S⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠BIZ-PI.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠LeanSixSigmaDefinition.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Have a question? ⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Submit a voice message at Podcasters.Spotify.com⁠⁠⁠