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The Rest is Lean

The Rest is Lean

By: Alan Lothian John Dee Russell Watkins
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The Rest is Lean Channel is a light-hearted and educational look at how to make businesses better through Lean Manufacturing and Operational Excellence.

Suited for all levels of understanding and from any industry or geographical region.

John, Alan & Russell are time-served lean professionals with over 30 years each in this field. Leading and coaching some of the best businesses from SMEs to multi-nationals.

Trained by some of the highest calibre Japanese masters from Toyota(one step from Ohno himself), Honda and Nissan , we want to share our experiences with you, allowing some of these 'pearls of wisdom' to help make your business processes, people, and profitability that little bit better each day.

We welcome your comments, questions, and guidance on future discussion topics so feel free to drop us a line via the comments section or via email.

therestislean@gmail.com

Oh, and don't forget to subscribe!!

© 2025 The Rest is Lean Economics Management Management & Leadership
Episodes
  • Measuring SQCDP and ensuring value over cost aka The measures of unintended consequences

    Measuring SQCDP and ensuring value over cost aka The measures of unintended consequences
    Jul 21 2025

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    Following the aftermath of #subcon2025, Team #TRIL discuss the dangers of measuring the wrong things in your business. and how to ensure you have balance to drive the right behaviours and enable your business to thrive!

    Other topics include:


    - Russell interviewing the wife (will ours be next!) and the sacrifices we sometimes have to make.
    - Being a pigeon and Floor Space Utilisation.
    - The Parenting Problem
    - John and his measures of unintended consequence.
    - Alan and the importance of value rather than cost when it comes to setting the best out of your people long term.

    Let's not forget the Japanese word of the week!

    If you're enjoying what we do and want to keep up to speed with the latest episodes, then don't forget to subscribe, click the bell notification icon, and share with anyone else you know who may be interested.
    Remember also that we are now available on all good (and some not so good) streaming platforms!

    The #TRIL Team are:
    John Dee. DEE Enterprise Excellence Ltd. www.dee.uk.net
    Alan Lothian. 3A Business Excellence Ltd. www.aaabel.co.uk
    Russell Watkins. Sempai Ltd. www.sempai.co.uk
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    34 mins
  • 'Goat or Car?' aka Keeping it Simple!

    'Goat or Car?' aka Keeping it Simple!
    Jun 29 2025

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    Sustainability and keeping it simple!!


    Continuing our conversations around lean transformation and sustaining it in your business, John, Russell & Alan (Team#tril) have finally recovered from their trip to #subcon2025.

    As well as our regular 'Japanese Word' slot the guys continue with their tips and thoughts which can simply be put into practice to aid you on your improvement journey.

    John brings 'The FOG Index' and 'The Stirling Engine' to the table (which blows Alan's mind!!!)

    Russell discusses the power of 'Fixed Point Photography' to aid you in remembering where you have come from!

    Alan & Russ take part in John's 'Goat v Car' game....!

    And find out if Alan has to part with another £150 worth of Harvester Vouchers!! :O)

    If you're enjoying what we do and want to keep up to speed with the latest episodes, then don't forget to subscribe, click the bell notification icon, and share with anyone else you know who may be interested.
    Remember also that we are now available on all good (and some not so good) streaming platforms!

    The #TRIL Team are:
    John Dee. DEE Enterprise Excellence Ltd. www.dee.uk.net
    Alan Lothian. 3A Business Excellence Ltd. www.aaabel.co.uk
    Russell Watkins. Sempai Ltd. www.sempai.co.uk
    Show more Show less
    29 mins
  • Subcon2025 Special Edition Live aka Visibility & Consistency

    Subcon2025 Special Edition Live aka Visibility & Consistency
    Jun 14 2025

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    For the first time ever, The Rest is Lean Podcast goes on the road! This time to Subcon2025 at the NEC in Birmingham UK. #subcon2025


    The #trilteam enjoy a jam-packed 2 days at the event, taking in some fantastic examples of manufacturing innovation from companies all over the globe.

    We continued our theme on sustainability of lean transformation projects. Offering insights into what has worked (and not worked) for us during our careers, plus some great questions from our audience both during and after the session. Even some of our subscribers popped by to say hello!!

    If you're enjoying what we do and want to keep up to speed with the latest episodes, then don't forget to subscribe, click the bell notification icon, and share with anyone else you know who may be interested.


    Remember also that we are now available on all good (and some not so good) streaming platforms!

    The #TRIL Team are:
    John Dee. DEE Enterprise Excellence Ltd. www.dee.uk.net
    Alan Lothian. 3A Business Excellence Ltd. www.aaabel.co.uk
    Russell Watkins. Sempai Ltd. www.sempai.co.uk
    Show more Show less
    31 mins
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