Lean Leadership in the Era of Transformation. Featuring Dr. James P. Womack at the Peak Performance Symposium

Manufacturing is evolving faster than ever. Technology, global trade, and workforce shifts are reshaping how businesses operate, and how leaders must think. In the midst of this transformation, one principle remains constant; the need to focus relentlessly on value.

Few have shaped this idea more profoundly than Dr. James P. Womack, co-author of The Machine That Changed the World and Lean Thinking, and a founding voice of the global lean movement.

Why Leadership, Not Just Tools, Defines Lean Success

When companies talk about “going lean,” they often start with tools: value stream mapping, 5S, kaizen events. But as Dr. Womack reminds us, lean isn’t a toolkit — it’s a way of leading. “The lean manager believes that problem solving is about experimentation by means of plan-do-check-act.” James Womack, Gemba Walks (management-quotes.net)

That mindset — learning by doing, not by dictating — turns everyday challenges into opportunities for growth. In an era where automation, AI, and global uncertainty dominate headlines, leaders who embody lean thinking are the ones able to adapt, innovate, and sustain results.

Lean Leadership for a Changing World

Dr. Womack has long argued that lean isn’t about cutting costs, it’s about creating systems where people can solve problems and add value more effectively. “The most fundamental insight in Lean Thinking is that organizations need to focus on creating value for customers by working backwards… maximize customer value by minimizing waste.” Jim Womack, Lean Thinking at 20: A Q&A with Jim Womack and Dan Jones (lean.org)

That message feels more relevant than ever. As manufacturers face skilled labor shortages, supply chain volatility, and rapid digitalization, lean leadership provides a framework for navigating complexity, aligning teams, eliminating waste, and focusing on what truly matters. “Lean is about engaging everyone in the company in the never-ending process of improvement. That’s the heart of lean leadership.” James P. Womack, Lean Post Interview (lean.org)

A Fireside Chat with Dr. Womack

At the Peak Performance Symposium on November 7, join us for a rare opportunity to hear directly from Dr. Womack in an intimate fireside chat with Peak Performance CEO Denise Hall. The Session Title: Lean Leadership in the Era of Transformation will be an engaging conversation that explores how lean principles intersect with today’s biggest manufacturing challenges from trade policy to digital transformation to developing the next generation of talent. The session will conclude with an open Q&A, giving attendees the opportunity to engage directly with one of the most influential voices in modern manufacturing. If you are a manufacturing professional, this conversation will leave you inspired to lead with clarity, purpose, and continuous improvement at the forefront.

A Special Giveaway for Attendees

As part of this year’s symposium, we’ll also be raffling three books authored and signed by Dr. James Womack offering attendees a chance to take home a piece of lean history and inspiration from the pioneer himself.

Don’t Miss This Conversation

Lean thinking has never been more vital. Join us on November 7 for this exclusive fireside chat with Dr. Womack at the Peak Performance Symposium. Reserve Your Seat Here

Because transformation doesn’t just happen through technology, it happens through leadership.