Foreword Preface AcknowledgementsAuthor Bios Chapter 1: Baby Shoes - How It All Started How We Ventured Into OperationsHow Our Relationship BeganChapter 2: Cowboy Boots - New Sheriffs In Town Setting The VisionGetting StartedUnderstanding Current StateGemba Walks ⁰́₃ Go And SeeChapter 3: Steel Toes ⁰́₃ Time To Hit The Plant Floor FeedbackMaterial and Information FlowBalancing People And MachinesCommunication Is KeyChapter 4: Training Shoes - So Much Training, So Little Time Creating The StrategyOur Passion For SafetyLet The Training BeginChapter 5: Stilettos - From the Plant To The Office Office Value Stream TransformationsOffice 5SEstablishing TraditionsChapter 6: Rain Boots - Weathering The Storm Developing The TeamStandards And Work BalanceBuilding Finished Goods MarketsScheduling The PlantChapter 7: Tap Shoes - Dancing through The Noise Requirements From HeadquartersBack to BusinessLayered Process AuditsChapter 8: Flats - Picking Up The Pace Sharing Expertise Developing RelationshipsExpanding The LearningsPushing ForwardChapter 9: Flip Flops - Not Your Typical Spring Break Special OccasionsSpring Break Lean ReviewThe Flip Flop AftermathChapter 10: Hiking Boots ⁰́₃ More Mountains To Climb Unexpected TreasuresUnexpected MisfortuneMaterial Delivery And Ergonomic ImprovementsChangeover Time ReductionAndon Signals And Escalation PlansBackslidingChapter 11: Combat Boots ⁰́₃ Battling For Lean Honor Lofty GoalsOpportunities EverywhereThe Season Of Model Plant AuditsChapter 12: Party Shoes - Time To Celebrate Model Plant CelebrationResults

The authors joined forces professionally when Kathy hired Shannon to be a member of her leadership team. This book describes the transformation they led to convert operations from traditional manufacturing to a lean enterprise. Kathy, executive leader responsible for profitability, and Shannon, transformation leader, share the finer points of a comprehensive change process, the challenges and triumphs, and the real emotion involved during their quest for success. Each describes the professional journey from their unique perspective and the highlights of an endearing friendship that was formed along the way. This story will inspire female leaders in any organization, showcasing an example of high-performing women thriving in an intense and fast-paced world. Kathy and Shannon are role models for those juggling vigorous, fulfilling careers alongside life⁰́₉s complexities such as dual-career marriages and raising children. Their story provides a powerful case study of women supporting each other in the workplace to drive positive culture and significantly improved business results through leading with authenticity and inclusivity. This book can be read as a narrative account or used an implementation guide for a lean transformation. It shares some of the organizational and cultural roadblocks that arise during the implementation process and how the authors overcame them to create real change and drive business performance results.

OCLC-licensed vendor bibliographic record.