Apply for the Nov 2025 Japan Leadership Experience - early registration rate now through May 31st!
https://kbjanderson.com/japantrip/

How much of the Toyota Way is dependent on Japanese culture?

And how much of it all comes down to… being human?

There are questions I’ve explored with 130+ global leaders who’ve joined my Japan Leadership Experience programs.

To help you answer this question, I’ve invited Tim Wolput – Japanologist and Toyota Way Management expert, to Chain of Learning.

Together, we take a deep (and fun!) dive into the differences between classical Japanese and Western management and explore the cultural and historical roots of real lean leadership.

In this episode, we travel through Japanese history—from Confucius’ teachings to samurai and rice farming traditions, and Deming’s influence on Japanese management.

If you’ve ever wanted a masterclass on Japanese management and Toyota Way principles—and how you can apply these lessons to create a culture of excellence—these two episodes are a must-listen.

YOU’LL LEARN:

• Misconceptions about the Toyota Way management practices and applying the principles across cultures
• Deming’s influence on Japan and the development of the Toyota Production System and Toyota Way
• The way of the samurai: Focus on the process, not just the outcome
• Shu-ha-ri: The process towards mastery and turning knowledge into wisdom by learning through doing
• The power of leading through influence and “doing the right thing”: true leadership inspires growth, not just results

Subscribe so you don’t miss Part 2, where we continue along this path of learning to explore the nuances of Japanese concepts like kata and obeya and their relationship to lean management practices today.

ABOUT MY GUEST:

Tim Wolput is a Japanologist and Toyota Way Management expert passionate about helping people transform themselves, their organizations, and the world for the better. Since 2023 Tim has been my in-country partner for my immersive Japan Leadership Experiences. Originally from Belgium, Tim has lived in Japan since 1999 where he attended Tokyo University Graduate School and studied traditional Japanese mathematics. Tim is a certified Toyota Way Management System instructor and consultant to global organizations on Lean, Agile, and Toyota Production System (TPS).

IMPORTANT LINKS:

• Full episode show notes: ChainOfLearning.com/42
• Connect with Tim Wolput: linkedin.com/in/timwolput
• Check out my website for resources and working together: KBJAnderson.com
• Follow me on LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/kbjanderson
• Learn about my Japan Leadership Experience program: kbjanderson.com/JapanTrip

TIMESTAMPS FOR THIS EPISODE:

03:53 Biggest misconceptions about Toyota Way management practices
05:10 Katie’s perspective Japan versus the west
08:46 The meaning of Shu Ha Ri and the traditional way of learning
10:23 Deming’s influence on Japan and The Toyota Way
13:05 Why Japan embraced PDCA
15:45 Difference in mindset between Asia and the west

17:28 The working culture in Japan and how work together in the community
22:17 Power of the supplier relationship
23:40 Japanese leadership style
29:15 Concept of doing the right thing

30:56 How to focus on processes as the way to get results

34:13 Powerful words of wisdom about the way of the samurai

Apply for the Nov 2025 Japan Leadership Experience - early registration rate now through May 31st!
https://kbjanderson.com/japantrip/

You’re doing great work….yet you know you could have a greater influence.

You have a vision for more. More strategic work. More influence.

Only question—how do you get there?

The issue isn’t your talent or skills. It’s how you are positioned—how your clients or organization see (and value) your role.

In this episode, I’m joined by Betsy Jordyn—former Disney OD consultant turned brand positioning strategist—to help you reshape how others perceive your value and become the one leaders turn to when it comes to making significant changes to their leadership and culture.

Besty shares actionable ways to communicate your value so you can land the roles and work you truly deserve. And we both share insights we've learned from evolving the framing of our own positioning over time.

Whether you’re an internal change leader tired of being stuck in execution mode or a consultant struggling to land strategic engagements, this conversation is your road map to stop playing small.

YOU’LL LEARN:

• What positioning actually is—and why it matters
• How to spot the signs your positioning isn’t landing the way you want
• The 3 levels of positioning every leader and consultant should master
• Real examples from our own careers on how we’ve evolved our positioning
• A simple process to clearly articulate your value and stand out in your market

ABOUT MY GUEST:

Betsy Jordyn is a Brand Positioning Strategist who helps consultants and coaches clarify their message, amplify their influence, and monetize their strengths. Drawing on her experience as a former Disney OD consultant and leader of an external practice serving brands like Wyndham and AAA, she empowers clients to make a bigger impact through authentic thought leadership.

IMPORTANT LINKS:

• Full episode show notes: ChainOfLearning.com/41
• Watch the Bonus Video – Elevate Your Positioning to Lead Transformational Change: https://youtu.be/O0W9dq3jYnw
• Connect with Betsy Jordyn: linkedin.com/in/betsy-jordyn
• Betsy’s Meeting Discovery Script: betsyjordyn.com
• Betsy’s Podcast, Consulting Matters: betsyjordyn.com/podcasts/consulting-matters
• My website for resources and working together: KBJAnderson.com
• Follow me on LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/kbjanderson
• My Japan Leadership Experience program: kbjanderson.com/JapanTrip
• FREE KATALYST™ Change Leader Self-Assessment: KBJAnderson.com/katalyst

TIMESTAMPS FOR THIS EPISODE:

03:26 What positioning is and why it matters

06:48 Why your brand is your reputation
07:54 Signs your brand positioning is off

10:38 Betsy’s personal story in understanding the importance of positioning

18:28 How Betsy helped Katie improve her positioning

25:37 Changing the name from Japan Study Trip to Japan Leadership Experience

28:42 Clarity - the highest level of positioning
32:25 Second level of positioning that happens a client approaches you with a request
35:25 How to clarify the strategic frame and position yourself against that

42:15 Third level of positioning in positioning yourself as a strategic partner

46:12 How to position yourself when working with a new client
48:44 The opportunity of stepping out of the box and become a thinking partner
50:06 One key learning to reposition your own work

54:07 The strategic framework to pivot your messaging

Apply for the Nov 2025 Japan Leadership Experience - early registration rate now through May 31st!
https://kbjanderson.com/japantrip/

Do you ever feel overwhelmed that you are responsible for doing too much?

Maybe you’re frustrated that your team relies on you for answers instead of developing their own solutions.

Or you’re disappointed that improvements fall apart as soon as you step away.

The problem: You’re likely stuck in the Doer Trap—and it’s holding you (and your team) back from the results you want.

The good news? There’s a way out.

In this episode, I dive into three simple shifts that will instantly help you break free from the Doer Trap and into true transformational leadership.

Your power and influence doesn’t come from doing it all.

Whether you are an executive manager, internal change leader, or lean consultant, your ability to create lasting impact lies in knowing the outcomes you want and your role in getting there.

Are you ready to break free from the Doer Trap and lead with real impact?

YOU’LL LEARN:

• What the Doer Trap is—and why it’s so easy to fall into
• 5 Doer Trap roles (and which ones you might be stuck in)
• 3 simple shifts to instantly break free of the Doer Trap and make immediate impact
• How to gain clarity on your role and step into true leadership by modeling the way
• A simple way to frame a contracting conversation to clarify roles and expectations

IMPORTANT LINKS:

• Full episode show notes with links to other podcast episodes and resources: ChainOfLearning.com/40
• Read my IndustryWeek Article "The Doer Trap: How Leaders Get Stuck and How to Break Free"
• Check out my website for resources and to learn more about my trusted advisor, coaching, and learning experiences KBJAnderson.com
• Follow me on LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/kbjanderson
• Download my FREE KATALYST™ Change Leader Self-Assessment: KBJAnderson.com/katalyst

TIMSTAMPS:
03:14 What the doer trap is—and why we fall into it

04:55 Mode 1: The Hero – Not everything needs your rescue

05:48 Mode 2: The Rescuer – Why you need to let others struggle

06:52 Mode 3: The Magician – Doing it all behind the scenes
07:43 Mode 4: Pair of Hands – When you default to doing

09:53 3 simple shifts to break free from the trap
10:06 Shift 1: Clarity – Know your role and who owns what
14:14 Why so many operational leaders feel overwhelmed
15:12 The power of a purposeful pause
17:10 Shift 2: Contracting – Align on roles and expectations

23:03 How to frame a clear contracting conversation
27:58 Shift 3: Model the way and label your intent
28:19 Two ways to reflect and invite real feedback
31:49 A real-life example of how one leader found freedom
33:42 Questions to reflect if you’re falling into one of the doer traps