Summary: Joining me for episode 9 of the LSS Academy podcast is Steve Kane, the VP of Operations at Specialty Silicone Fabricators in Paso Robles, California. SSF is a manufacturer of precision silicone components for the medical device industry, providing a full range of processing: molding, extrusion, sheeting, and dipping. SSF's lean efforts over the past decade have transformed the company and enable it to compete globally from facilities in California and Michigan. The theme of this episode is Lean Leadership.  I have met many different business leaders over the years and Steve is definitely one of the best.  He is an excellent communicator and knows the best way to solve problems is to head directly to the gemba, or the place the work is done. To play the podcast please press the play button at the top of this post.  You can also download a MP3 version of the podcast here. In this episode youâll discover: How SSF got started with their lean journey What a Lean Thinking Vice President of Operations does on a day to day basis What the main characteristics of a lean leader are Steve's advice for the person who doesn't have top level management commitment Steve's advice for the leader or manager who is just starting out on their continuous improvement journey Podcast Resources: Right Click to Download the MP3 SSF Morning Meeting Video Here's the first video from the SSF Gemba Live episode. Please Subscribe to this Podcast If you enjoyed this podcast please be sure to subscribe on iTunes.  Once youâre a subscriber all new episodes will be downloaded to your iTunes account and Smart Phone. CLICK HERE to subscribe to the LSS Academy podcast. What Do You Think? What do you think of Steve's advice?  What do you think the main characteristics of a lean leader are?  And what advice do you have for those who don't have management support or may just be starting out on their continuous improvement journey?
