Meet Jimmy, the mastermind behind Lean 6 Services. With over 30 years of industry experience and a natural knack for efficiency, Jimmy brings a unique perspective to process improvement and Lean Six Sigma methodologies. His journey from the factory floor to founding his own business has shaped his approach, focusing on simplicity and logic to tackle complex challenges.
At Lean 6 Services, Jimmy's passion lies in helping businesses recognise and address their key issues, guiding them towards tangible improvements. From memorable light bulb moments in workshops to practical advice for implementing Lean Six Sigma, Jimmy's expertise and dedication shine through in every interaction. Join us as we uncover the secrets to Jimmy’s, and your, success….
Can you tell us a bit about your background and how you got involved with Lean 6 Services?
“I had worked in factories since I was 18-year-old, being a YTS farmer before that, and I guess it was bred into me to do things the most efficient way.
In total, I spent 30+ years in industry before I started my own business. Although at the time, I'd been through some tough times both personally and professionally, BUT, if it wasn't for those experiences, I wouldn’t be able to do the job I do today.
“Lean is absolutely not just about manufacturing. Everything we do is a process: where there is a process there is variation. What we do is help those recognise where the variations are in order to improve.”
What inspired you to pursue a career in process improvement and Lean Six Sigma methodologies?
“Whilst being employed at Caterpillar, I realised my natural approach, without even trying, is a systematic one, using logic. I witnessed and understood the logic of, 'Well if we didn't do that, we wouldn't HAVE to do that’. We CAN work Smarter, not Harder.”
What do you find most rewarding about your work at Lean 6 Services?
“When I'm attending a client or presenting in front of a team, I'm the one who's learning - I'm learning about their processes and their issues, then I'm able to use logic to help them realise that they don't have 'dozens' of problems but only a few. If we can tackle the few, some of the other problems will go away or certainly be reduced.
“So, my reward is learning to help others and witnessing the impact of my help.”
Can you share a memorable moment from one of your workshops that truly inspired you?
“I meet some awesome people daily - seeing the light bulb moment is the most rewarding.”
How do you approach guiding businesses through process improvement initiatives?
“KIS = Keep it simple!"
“I start off with the basics, firstly understanding what a process is, then we map it out. From there we can understand and prioritise the areas requiring further investigation.”
What sets Lean 6 Services apart from other consulting firms in your opinion?
“Lean 6 Services has a wealth of knowledge gained from previous experience and best practices, therefore having an understanding of the situation and the area of concern."
“Putting the tools into practice and applying the knowledge is most important to us. I'm not driven by day rate or fees, it's about the company getting a return on their investment. The time they have spent with me should be beneficial to all involved moving forward."
“Because of this, most, if not all of my work is repeat business.”
What advice would you give to businesses looking to implement Lean Six Sigma methodologies for the first time?
“Keep it simple and only use the LSS tools required to do the required task. Base your decision on facts and data rather than gut feeling. Ensure you trust the facts!!”
Can you walk us through a typical day in your role at Lean 6 Services?
“Build a relationship up with the client from enquiry onward. Understand their 'actual' needs - why are we doing this? If possible, request a tour of their processes so I can understand it. When I meet the team, ask and record their own frustrations and day to day issues. We can then use this detail to tailor the learnings and discussion rather than talk about something generic which has no bearing on their business or their issues.”
What challenges do you often encounter when working with clients, and how do you overcome them?
“Once the training or support is complete, the trainee can be forced to go back to do things as they have always done. This may be because of demand or internal culture.
“I pre-empt this and inform them that continuous improvement is a journey and can’t be completed overnight, therefore look for the quick wins which will have an impact on your day-to-day efforts and operations.”
How do you stay updated with the latest trends and developments in process improvement and Lean Six Sigma?
“I'm a member and partner of the International Lean Six Sigma Institute, which is a large community of likeminded people who share their skills, ideas and experience. This has gifted me with a large network of friends and colleagues who I listen to and go to for support.
“In addition, I attend annual Lean Six Sigma conferences to learn and network.”
Can you share a particularly challenging project you've worked on and how you tackled it?
“I worked with an organisation who got me in to review, give guidance, change things and identify more efficient ways of working. I was able to demonstrate areas of concern, but unfortunately, it was a management / cultural issue. The SLT was aware of this beforehand and I really confirmed their thoughts and gave them some advice on how to handle it moving forward such as shared responsibilities and clearly defined roles.”
What do you hope clients take away from their experience with Lean 6 Services?
“That they can now look at their organisation with a different set of eyes. They look at their existing and future processes differently. A problem is not a stressful event, it’s an opportunity to work smarter, easier.”
Quick Fire Round:
Favourite Lean Six Sigma tool? Process Map
One thing you can't work without? My laptop!
Favourite movie or TV show? Roadhouse
Morning person or night owl? Morning
Coffee or tea? Tea
Cats or dogs? Dogs, especially Ernie, my Cockapoo!
In conclusion, Jimmy's journey from the factory floor to becoming a trusted leader in process improvement exemplifies the power of dedication, experience, and passion. His commitment to keeping things simple, focusing on facts and data, and building strong relationships with clients sets Lean 6 Services apart in the field of Lean Six Sigma consulting.
With a wealth of knowledge, a genuine desire to help others succeed, and a knack for facilitating transformative change, Jimmy continues to make a lasting impact on businesses worldwide. As Lean 6 Services looks ahead to the future, Jimmy's goals remain clear: to seek out long-term partnerships, identify the most impactful areas for improvement, and drive meaningful change that leads to lasting success.
Join us in celebrating Jimmy's journey and the countless businesses he has helped along the way.