Welcome to The Inner Game of Change, the podcast where we explore the unseen forces that shape how we lead, adapt, and thrive in the face of change and transformation.

In this episode, I am joined by James Stevenson, Principal at Kaizen Institute Western Europe. James brings clarity, calm, and sharp thinking to the world of continuous improvement.

We talk about what Kaizen truly is (and what it is not), why it starts with the customer, not the process, and how so many change efforts lose their way by optimising for convenience rather than value.

From leadership mindsets to simulated learning, from efficiency gains to the often-ignored question of “what happens after the improvement?”, this conversation looks at the human and the structural sides of change.

We also explore the role of artificial intelligence in continuous improvement, and how AI might be the sharpest new tool in the Kaizen toolbox, if used wisely.

If you are in the business of enabling better change, better work and better workplaces, this one will land.

I am grateful to have James chatting with me today.

About James

A conscientious and hard-working consultant at Kaizen Institute Western Europe.

Contacts

James’ Profile

linkedin.com/in/jameskaizen

Website

uk.kaizen.com/ (Company)

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Ali Juma
@The Inner Game of Change podcast

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Welcome to a very special mini-series on The Inner Game of Change. I’m thrilled to take you on this journey as we explore something both timeless and practical: Mental Models for Managing Change.

Now, before we get into today’s topic, let’s quickly revisit something we mention in every episode — what is a mental model anyway?

A mental model is a way of seeing — a framework that helps us interpret complexity, solve problems, and make better decisions.
You can think of it like a map or a lens. The clearer it is, the more confidently we can navigate uncertainty.

In our last episode, we explored the OODA Loop — a model that helps us respond quickly and wisely when change is moving fast and unpredictably.

Today, we are building on that, because once you have figured out how to adapt quickly, the next challenge is dealing with sheer size and complexity.

That is where today’s mental model comes in — Chunking.

Send us a text

Ali Juma
@The Inner Game of Change podcast

Follow me on LinkedIn

Welcome to a very special mini-series on The Inner Game of Change. I’m thrilled to take you on this journey as we explore something both timeless and practical: Mental Models for Managing Change.

Now, before we dive into today’s topic, let’s quickly revisit something we mention in every episode — what is a mental model anyway?

A mental model is a way of seeing — a framework that helps us interpret complexity, solve problems, and make better decisions.
You can think of it like a map or a lens. The clearer it is, the more confidently we can move through uncertainty.

In our last episode, we explored Map vs Territory — a model that reminds us to challenge our assumptions and stay grounded in reality, not just in our maps or frameworks.

Today, we’re building on that — because once you’ve seen the difference between map and territory, the next question becomes: How do you move through it, especially when things are changing fast?

That’s where today’s mental model comes in — the OODA Loop.

Send us a text

Ali Juma
@The Inner Game of Change podcast

Follow me on LinkedIn