Central Coast Lean Summit 2025
Future of People at Work
The 15th annual Central Coast Lean Summit returns to San Luis Obispo for two transformative days exploring how people, technology, and organizational practices are evolving together. New for 2025, we're experimenting with a modular two-day format - attend both days for the full experience, or choose the day that best fits your schedule and interests. Join us for an innovative hybrid experience featuring thought leaders and practitioners from diverse industries sharing practical insights on building more effective, human-centered workplaces.
April 17-18, 2025 • San Luis Obispo, California • Hybrid Format (50-70 in-person, 15-25 virtual attendees)
2025 Speakers:
John Shook • Toyota
John Shook is a pioneering figure in lean management and the Toyota Production System, having spent 11 years working for Toyota in both Japan and the United States. His unique distinction as Toyota's first American kacho (manager) in Japan positioned him at the forefront of transferring Japanese manufacturing excellence to Western operations. During his tenure with Toyota, Shook played a crucial role in implementing production, engineering, and management systems at NUMMI (New United Motor Manufacturing, Inc.) and other facilities worldwide. His expertise extended to leadership positions at Toyota's North American engineering center in Ann Arbor, Michigan, and the Toyota Supplier Support Center in Lexington, Kentucky, where he helped North American companies adopt Toyota's renowned production methods. Shook's academic background as an industrial anthropologist, with degrees from the University of Hawaii and the University of Tennessee, brought a unique perspective to manufacturing processes. He later shared his knowledge as director of the Japan Technological Management Program at the University of Michigan. His contributions to lean management literature have been significant. He co-authored "Learning to See," which introduced value-stream mapping to a global audience, and "Kaizen Express," a bilingual guide to Toyota Production System fundamentals. His work "Managing to Learn" revealed the intricacies of Toyota's A3 management process. His article "How to Change a Culture: Lessons from NUMMI" earned the Richard Beckhard Memorial Prize from Sloan Management Review, cementing his position as a thought leader in organizational development.
Rachel Reuter • Toyota
Rachel Reuter is a seasoned automotive industry executive with a distinguished four-decade career at Toyota. Throughout her remarkable tenure, she progressed from a staff position to executive leadership, demonstrating exceptional versatility and expertise across multiple disciplines. Her comprehensive experience spans project management, production, quality control, supplier development, data management, human resources, accounting, facility management, and shared services. Committed to continuous learning, Reuter has built a strong educational foundation. She holds a bachelor's degree in computer science and a master's degree in manufacturing management. In 2023, she further enhanced her credentials by earning a doctorate in organizational change and leadership, reflecting her dedication to understanding and implementing effective organizational transformation. Reuter's professional journey embodies her personal philosophy, "You determine the future," which has guided her approach to leadership and career development. Beyond her professional achievements, she maintains a balanced lifestyle, finding joy in travel and family time. Her extensive experience at Toyota, combined with her diverse educational background and leadership philosophy, positions her as a distinguished figure in the automotive manufacturing sector.
Eric Olsen • Central Coast Lean
Eric Olsen is a distinguished leader in operational excellence and workplace improvement, serving as both a Professor in Industrial Technology at Cal Poly San Luis Obispo and Director of Central Coast Lean (CCL). With over two decades of experience in engineering and manufacturing management at companies like Caterpillar, Litton, and Hewlett Packard before transitioning to academia, Olsen brings a wealth of practical knowledge to his work. As the developer of "Customer Lean," Olsen has innovatively expanded lean thinking by actively involving customers in the improvement process. His approach empowers customers to identify waste, solve problems, and participate in continuous improvement alongside organizations. He currently co-leads the Future of People at Work (FPW) initiative, which unites seven leading improvement organizations to shape the future of workplace practices through collaborative learning. At Cal Poly, Olsen teaches undergraduate and master's courses in lean thinking, six sigma, and operations management, while directing the university's Lean Six Sigma Green and Black Belt Certification Program. His commitment to community building extends beyond the classroom through initiatives like Hobnob-SLO, which he co-created with his wife Dawn to foster local connections. Olsen's work bridges theoretical knowledge with practical application, as demonstrated through his leadership of numerous improvement events both at Cal Poly and throughout the local community. His research, consulting, and training focus on practical applications of lean performance improvement, strategy deployment, and six sigma, always emphasizing the importance of building sustainable communities of practice.
Colleen Soppelsa • GE Aerospace
Colleen grew up in Cincinnati, OH and completed her undergraduate studies at Smith College (MA) and her MBA at Thunderbird (AZ). After working several years in Japan (educational services) and Italy (consumer luxury goods), where she met her husband, she began her lean continuous improvement journey in Purchasing at Toyota Engineering and Manufacturing NA in Erlanger, KY supporting electronics assemblies and steel structures. She then transitioned into the Aerospace and Defense industry in 2011 working for GE Aerospace and L3Harris Technologies in performance improvement. Throughout her years as a facilitator of teams for project management, kaizen or strategy deployment, she became increasingly dedicated to organizational behavior - the power of trust, teamwork and creativity - in advanced engineering environments. Her favorite quote is by Patrick Lencioni: “Not finance. Not strategy. Not technology. It is teamwork that remains the ultimate competitive advantage, both because it is so powerful and so rare.” She will lead a working session on Integrating Human Factors in Practical Problem Solving based on the systemic approach to change management by Siobhan McHale.
Scott Gauvin • Respect for People
Scott Gauvin is a seasoned business transformation expert with over two decades of experience helping organizations unlock their full potential. As the founder of Macresco, a consultancy practice, he specializes in driving organizational performance through strategic alignment and innovative operations strategies. Throughout his career, Gauvin has served as a trusted advisor to companies worldwide, working across diverse industries including pharmaceuticals, biotech, consumer goods, medical devices, agriculture, packaging, and industrial manufacturing. His expertise lies in assessing organizational capabilities, managing transitions, and revolutionizing underperforming business models to enhance Total Cost of Ownership and market opportunities. Prior to establishing Macresco, Gauvin built his foundation in the technology sector, where he specialized in systems design and architecture. This technical background, combined with his strategic business acumen, allows him to bring a unique perspective to organizational transformation challenges. A lifelong learner, Gauvin holds a Bachelor of Arts from the University of Massachusetts and an MBA from Boston University. His commitment to operational excellence is further demonstrated by his Six Sigma Black Belt certification, which equips him with advanced methodologies for process improvement and quality management. In his consulting practice, Gauvin focuses on guiding companies through complex transitions, helping them adapt to changing market conditions while improving their operational efficiency. His progressive approach to business transformation has made him a valuable partner for organizations seeking to navigate change and achieve sustainable growth in competitive markets.
Nick Katko • BMA
Nick Katko is a pioneering figure in Lean Accounting and serves as the President and owner of BMA, where he has been instrumental in guiding organizations through their Lean Accounting transformations since 2002. His expertise spans across multiple industries, including manufacturing, healthcare, software, engineering, and service sectors, working with clients ranging from family-owned businesses to multinational corporations worldwide. Katko's journey in Lean Accounting began in the 1990s when, as CFO of Bullard, he implemented one of the early comprehensive lean management accounting systems. This groundbreaking work included the elimination of standard costing and demonstrated the practical application of Lean principles to financial management. A respected thought leader in his field, Katko regularly shares his expertise at the annual Lean Accounting Summit and has presented at conferences across the United States, Europe, Asia, and Australia. His influence extends through his written works, including his seminal book "The Lean CFO," first published in 2013 and recently updated in a second edition (2023). The book's impact is evidenced by its translations into Turkish and Italian. He also co-authored "Practicing Lean Accounting" (2021), which has likewise been published in Italian. Through his consulting work at BMA, Katko continues to develop, lead, and coach organizations in their Lean Accounting transformations. His approach combines practical experience with strategic insight, helping companies align their financial systems with Lean management principles to achieve more effective and efficient operations.
Paul DeChant • Physician Leadership
Dr. Paul DeChant, MD, MBA is a distinguished physician executive and leading expert on clinician burnout prevention and organizational well-being. With over 25 years of experience practicing family medicine and 30 years in progressive healthcare management roles, Dr. DeChant brings a unique dual perspective to healthcare leadership. As the former CEO of Sutter Gould Medical Foundation, a 300-physician medical group, Dr. DeChant led transformative changes that dramatically improved provider satisfaction from the 45th to the 87th percentile. Under his leadership, the organization achieved recognition as Consumer Reports' #1 California medical group for two consecutive years. Dr. DeChant specializes in implementing Lean Transformation methodologies in healthcare settings to reduce physician burnout and enhance operational efficiency. His expertise spans crucial areas including medical group leadership coaching, physician engagement, EHR optimization, and physician compensation plans. He has served in executive positions at prominent healthcare organizations including Sutter Health and Geisinger. As a thought leader in healthcare management, Dr. DeChant co-authored "Preventing Physician Burnout: Curing the Chaos and Returning Joy to Patient Care," which offers practical solutions for healthcare organizations struggling with clinician burnout. His proven approach helps organizations identify, treat, and prevent burnout while creating sustainable cultures of well-being. Currently, Dr. DeChant consults with healthcare organizations nationwide, advising senior executives on performance improvement and organizational transformation. His unique combination of clinical experience, executive leadership, and Lean methodology expertise makes him a valuable advisor for healthcare organizations seeking to improve both provider satisfaction and operational excellence.
Christopher Ferrier • Inland Empire IEHP
Christopher Ferrier is a seasoned Lean practitioner and educator with two decades of experience in process improvement and organizational transformation. As a process improvement facilitator at Inland Empire Health Plan (IEHP), he applies his extensive Lean expertise to the healthcare sector. He simultaneously serves as a lecturer at Cal Poly San Luis Obispo and an instructor at Central Coast Lean, sharing his knowledge with the next generation of improvement professionals. Throughout his career, Ferrier has demonstrated impressive reach and impact across multiple industries, including Manufacturing, Aerospace, Construction, and Healthcare. His work at prominent organizations like Haas Automation and Stanley Black & Decker has yielded remarkable results. He has coached an impressive 1,000 Toyota Kata cycles, trained 200 Lean belts, and facilitated 50 rapid improvement events, showcasing his comprehensive understanding of Lean methodologies and their practical applications. Ferrier's academic credentials include both a Bachelor's and Master's degree in Industrial Technology from the Orfalea College of Business at Cal Poly, San Luis Obispo. His commitment to continuous learning is evident through his additional certifications from TKMG Academy and his Lean Six Sigma Black Belt certification, obtained under the guidance of Coach Ron Pereira at Gemba Academy. His diverse experience across multiple sectors, combined with his roles in both industry and education, positions him as a valuable bridge between theoretical knowledge and practical application in the field of process improvement and Lean methodology.
Featured Learning Topics:
Day 1 - April 17
The Future of People at Work - Eric Olsen, Central Coast Lean
Latest insights from industry leaders on emerging workplace trends, collaborative technologies, and organizational adaptations. Interactive breakout sessions will help you apply these concepts to your specific context.
Respect for People as Organizational Practice: Scott Gauvin, Respect for People
Transform your understanding of "Respect for People" from an individual mindset to a systematic organizational practice. Learn practical methods for embedding respect into your company's DNA.
Navigating Lean Paradoxes: Rachel Reuter with John Shook
A rare opportunity to learn from John Shook, one of the founding architects of the lean movement and former Toyota manager who helped bring lean to the West. Together with Rachel Reuter, John will explore the creative tensions that drive successful lean transformations. Drawing on decades of experience implementing lean globally, they will help you discover how embracing apparent contradictions can lead to breakthrough improvements in your organization.
Lean Financial Intelligence: Nick Katko, BMA
Learn how financial and operational metrics can support better decision-making in lean organizations. Interactive exercises will demonstrate how to align financial practices with lean principles.
Day 2 - April 18
Addressing Burnout Through Lean Practice - Paul DeChant, MD, MBA
Evidence-based approaches to recognizing and reducing burnout using lean principles. Develop practical standard work for daily huddles that support sustainable high performance.
Human Factors in Problem Solving - Colleen Soppelsa, L3Harris Technologies
Transform your A3 problem-solving by incorporating human factors and emotional intelligence. Practice combining technical analysis with narrative understanding for more effective solutions.
Open Space & Action Planning
Self-organized discussion groups focused on practical application, followed by structured commitment to action using the What/So What/Now What framework.
Schedule:
April 17th
7:45 AM - Check-in & Breakfast
8:15 AM - Welcome & Impromptu Networking
8:45 AM - 5:00 PM - Learning Sessions
5:00 PM - Lean Hobnob Social
April 18th
7:45 AM - Check-in & Breakfast
8:15 AM - Re-engagement
8:45 AM - 2:30 PM - Learning Sessions
2:30 PM - Summit Close: Ideas to Action
3:30 PM - Hard Stop
Each Learning Topic session includes:
30 minutes maximum lecture time
60 minutes minimum facilitated activity
Interactive engagement beyond standard Q&A
Registration Options:
Contact eric.o@centralcoastlean.org for groups larger than 10 attendees