Ep. 5 · You Don't Have To Be Born Curious with Shawn Washburn
Get more curious and creative! Manufacturing engineer and podcaster Shawn Washburn joins Dan on this episode of Quality Time with MoreSteam. In the "About" section of his LinkedIn profile, Shawn describes himself like this: "A manufacturing engineer with over 25 years experience in manufacturing, from product to design to manufacturing improvements. Well versed in Lean Manufacturing concepts and looking for ways to eliminate waste in all of its forms. Excellent communicator who strives to connect and communicate in visual and effective ways. Excellent problem-solver, utilizing root cause analysis skills and leveraging knowledge of the team involved." Shawn and Dan talk about creating a Lean culture, using the concepts of continuous improvement, building relationships, and becoming more curious. As Shawn says, "You don't have to be born curious. You can become more curious. You can ask better questions."
In this episode you'll hear about:
2:31 - Shawn's podcast
4:51 - What a mechanical engineer does
6:14 - Shawn's introduction to Lean
8:10 - Using Lean principles at work
9:44 - Poka-Yoke
12:21 - Improving a current process
15:55 - The importance of relationships in Lean
17:16 - Having the entire organization on board
19:28 - Creating a new process
22:08 - Miscommunication as a source of waste
24:54 - Using Lean priciples outside of work
26:54 - Creativity in engineering and Lean
33:05 - Becoming more curious
Additional Resources
Engineering Your Business Podcast
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Harnessing Process Modeling for Lean Transformations
Process Modeling Fuels Operational Excellence in High-Stakes Industry
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Host • MoreSteam
Dan Swartwout is the host of Quality Time with MoreSteam. A lifelong Central Ohio resident, Dan is a double Buckeye. He earned both a BA and a law degree from The Ohio State University. Before joining MoreSteam, Dan had a long career as a host, comedian, and master of ceremonies. For 17 years, Dan was the studio audience host for the Ohio Lottery game show Cash Explosion. Dan was also the host of CBuzz, which was a collaboration between the Columbus Chamber of Commerce, WWCD 92.9, and the Columbus Dispatch. On CBuzz, Dan interviewed some of the most prominent entrepreneurs in Central Ohio. From 2002-2020, Dan toured the country as a standup comedian. Tracks from his comedy CD have been played over 5,000 times on Sirius/XM satellite radio. Now, Dan brings his experience and enthusiasm to Quality Time with MoreSteam -- it's business and fun, together.
Shawn Washburn is a manufacturing engineer with over 25 years experience in manufacturing, from product to design to manufacturing improvements. Shawn is well versed in Lean Manufacturing concepts and looking for ways to eliminate waste in all of its forms.
