Jeremy sits down with his longtime mentor Joe LaCount, Founder and Principal Consultant of North Star Coaching and Consulting. They dig into what it really takes to lead change that respects people and delivers results.

In this episode

• People first, then process: Why respect for people is the foundation of every improvement, and how to treat the next operation as your customer
• Measurement that matters: Stop guessing outcomes. Measure inputs and key steps, not just the final output
• Real Kaizen, real buy-in: Joe refuses to run events without the frontline in the room. The people who do the work must design the work
• Start with small wins: The Moneyball “free Coke” story, and why solving one frontline pain builds momentum for bigger change
• 5S builds culture: “Would you have your mom work here?” Using workplace organization to show respect and shift behavior
• Coaching with humility: Guide, don’t force. Ask simple questions, listen, and let teams own the solution

Why it matters

Joe blends technical mastery with servant leadership. His stories and approach show how leaders can build improvement cultures that last and grow through the people doing the work.