In this episode of the Operations Science Podcast, host Edward Pound sits down with Oscar Sroor, a global operations leader based in Bordeaux, France, to explore what it really takes to achieve sustainable operational excellence.

With experience spanning manufacturing, medical devices, FMCG, and global supply chains, Oscar shares his journey from classic lean initiatives to leading large-scale business transformations. The conversation goes beyond tools and frameworks, focusing on structured thinking, scientific discipline, cultural adaptation, and systems-level improvement.

Key topics include:

• Why lean tools alone aren’t enough
• How to standardize and improve tender processes
• Scaling capacity without burning out teams
• Optimizing distribution networks and ERP systems
• Measuring cultural maturity in continuous improvement
• The evolving role of AI, Industry 4.0, and Industry 5.0
• Leading transformation across diverse European cultures

This episode is essential listening for operations leaders, continuous improvement professionals, transformation leaders, and executives who want to move beyond surface-level optimization and build systems that truly perform.

Timestamps -

00:00 Trailer

00:47 Meet Our Guest: Oscar Sroor

01:31 Oscar's Continuous Improvement Journey

02:30 Explaining Operational Roles and Challenges

04:13 Transforming Business Processes

06:55 Standardizing Tender Processes

09:50 Measuring and Improving Tender Responses

15:31 Doubling Factory Capacity

17:37 Optimizing Distribution Networks

20:30 ERP Systems and Operational Decisions

27:16 Trainer Development and Kaizen Facilitation

28:41 Measuring Cultural Maturity in Lean Practices

29:39 Challenges in Training Facilitators

32:15 Communication and Cultural Adaptation in Europe

36:35 AI and Industry 4.0

41:58 Oscar Sroor's Journey and Influences

45:16 Balancing Work and Family Life

47:44 Podcast Conclusion and Call to Action

#OperationsScience #OperationalExcellence #ContinuousImprovement #BusinessTransformation #LeanThinking #ProcessImprovement

In this episode of the Operations Science Podcast, host Ed Pound sits down with Stefano Relli, an international leader in continuous improvement at a global precision optical lens manufacturer.

Together, they break down the real-world challenges of running a make-to-order, high-variability production system and how balancing a push-pull system can transform flow, efficiency, and customer responsiveness.

Stefano shares how his multicultural leadership journey shaped his approach to operational excellence, people alignment, and driving change in high-precision environments.

From understanding the complexity of lens manufacturing to managing production capacity, optimizing equipment efficiency, and engaging both frontline teams and senior leadership, this episode dives deep into what it takes to run operations at scale.

Perfect for professionals in manufacturing, operations, Lean systems, continuous improvement, and supply chain, this conversation delivers practical insights backed by global experience.

Topics Covered:

• Handling high-mix, make-to-order challenges
• Implementing push-pull systems
• Cultural intelligence in leadership
• Aligning KPIs with operational goals
• Managing variability and production capacity
• Engaging teams in continuous improvement
• The human side of operational transformation
• Stefano’s personal passion for road cycling

Timestamps -

00:00 Introduction to the Operations Science Podcast

00:49 Meet Stefano Relli: A Leader in Optical Lens Manufacturing

01:57 Stefano's Multicultural Journey and Its Impact on Leadership

08:24 Challenges of Make-to-Order Systems in Lens Manufacturing

12:46 Understanding the Lens Manufacturing Process

19:44 Implementing Push-Pull Systems for Operational Excellence

25:53 Ensuring Equipment Efficiency

26:42 Managing Production Capacity

28:31 Engaging Leadership in Continuous Improvement

34:20 Aligning People and Processes

35:26 Personal Journey and Influences

41:34 The Joy of Road Cycling

43:46 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

#OperationsScience

#ManufacturingExcellence

#ContinuousImprovement

#OpticalLensManufacturing

#LeanManufacturing

#MakeToOrder

#PushPullSystem

#OperationalExcellence

#SupplyChain

#LeadershipInManufacturing

In this episode of The Operations Science Podcast, host Edward Pound sits down with Santiago Camacho, a global supply chain leader with over two decades of experience in manufacturing and operations. Currently spearheading the setup of a new Greenfield site in Portugal for Coloplast, Santiago shares a candid look at the realities of modern supply chain leadership.

From balancing demand forecasts and managing production capacity to integrating AI into planning systems, Santiago explores how technology and people intersect in shaping the future of operations. He also reflects on leadership lessons, cross-cultural experiences, and how resilience and adaptability define successful supply chain transformation.

Whether you’re an operations professional, manufacturing leader, or curious about the human side of global logistics, this episode delivers grounded insights and actionable takeaways.

Timestamps:

00:00 Introduction to the Operations Science Podcast

00:49 Meet Santiago Camacho: A Supply Chain Expert

02:03 Challenges in Modern Supply Chain Management

03:50 AI's Impact on Entry-Level Jobs

07:13 Building a New Greenfield Site in Portugal

14:50 Postponement Strategy in Supply Chain

17:12 Leadership Lessons from Santiago Camacho

21:23 Balancing Demand Forecasts and Capacity

28:52 Global Supply Chain Planning at Coloplast

34:57 Personal Insights: Santiago Camacho's Journey

39:56 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

#SupplyChain #OperationsScience #Leadership #Manufacturing #Coloplast #AIinOperations #GlobalSupplyChain #OperationsExcellence #GreenfieldProject #Logistics #SupplyChainInnovation #BusinessStrategy #IndustrialLeadership #SantiagoCamacho #EdPound #Podcast #OperationalExcellence

In this episode of Operation Science, host Ed Pound sits down with Silindile Sitole, a leader in supply chain and operations who ensures millions of lenses travel seamlessly from Asia to Africa.

From navigating time zone gaps and language barriers to optimizing freight methods and managing over 50,000 SKUs, Silindile shares her journey of resilience, precision, and leadership in one of Africa’s most complex supply networks.

You’ll hear how her team adapted to port strikes, switched from air to sea freight for cost efficiency, and used data-driven systems like Microsoft D365 MRP to balance inventory across continents.

Silindile also opens up about mentoring new teams, aligning production with capacity, and her thoughts on the future role of AI in supply chain operations.

Whether you’re a manufacturing professional, operations leader, or just fascinated by how global logistics keep the world moving, this episode delivers deep operational insights and leadership lessons you can apply today.

🎧 Listen now to explore how great operations leaders turn complexity into clarity.

Timestamps -

00:00 Introduction by Ed Pound

01:05 Meet Silindile Sitole: Managing global lens supply chains

03:10 Challenges in working with Asian suppliers and time zones

06:40 Switching from air freight to sea freight: Why and how

10:15 Handling port strikes and emergency air shipments

13:05 Communication and customer management during backorders

16:30 Inside the polycarbonate lens production process

20:00 Role of data and MRP in managing 50,000 SKUs

24:40 Expanding operations to Mauritius

28:20 Training new teams and overcoming system differences

32:00 Key KPIs and weekly reporting for operational excellence

37:25 Managing capacity and forecasting with production teams

42:10 Collaboration between finance and supply chain teams

45:20 Thoughts on AI and the future of supply chain automation

49:15 Regulatory challenges, tariffs, and exporting to Africa

53:00 Lessons in leadership, trust, and operational agility

55:30 Closing thoughts: The future of efficiency in operations

#OperationScience #SupplyChainLeadership #LogisticsPodcast #ManufacturingExcellence #OperationsManagement #SupplyChainAfrica #IndustrialInnovation #OperationalExcellence #AIinOperations #ManufacturingPodcast #BusinessOperations #LeadershipInAction #SupplyChainInsights #LensManufacturing #EdPoundPodcast #OperationsStrategy

In this episode of the Operations Science Podcast, host Edward Pound sits down with logistics veteran Juan Maldonado from Karl Storz, a global leader in medical device manufacturing. With over 25 years in the field, Juan takes us through the evolution of logistics, from paper-based processes to data-driven operations powered by technology and automation.

They dive into the challenges of balancing customization vs. standardization, implementing new systems, and designing adaptable warehouse layouts. Juan emphasizes the role of employee engagement, inventory accuracy, and operational discipline in sustaining efficiency during growth.

Drawing from his experience at Toyota, Juan also shares lessons on continuous improvement, simplicity in operations, and the importance of Gemba. Whether you’re in logistics, supply chain management, or operations leadership, this conversation offers practical strategies and timeless principles to keep processes efficient, resilient, and people-focused.

Timestamps -

00:00 Introduction to the Operations Science Podcast

00:49 Meet Juan Maldonado: Logistics Expert

02:02 Evolution of the Logistics Industry

03:08 Balancing Customization and Standardization

06:29 Importance of Gemba and Employee Engagement

10:34 Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) in Logistics

14:13 Managing Efficiency During Growth

16:14 Warehouse Layout and Adaptability

21:22 Technology and Automation in Warehousing

23:15 Inventory Accuracy and Final Thoughts

24:13 Evolution of Inventory Management

24:46 Daily Cycle Counts and System Integration

27:20 Best Practices for External Warehouses

31:22 Operational Discipline in Companies

33:16 Lessons from Working at Toyota

37:22 Personal Background and Career Journey

42:44 Conclusion and Podcast Wrap-Up

#Logistics #SupplyChain #WarehouseManagement #Automation #InventoryAccuracy #ContinuousImprovement #OperationsExcellence #ToyotaWay #EmployeeEngagement #Gemba #LogisticsPodcast #SupplyChainPodcast #OperationalDiscipline #LogisticsInnovation

Welcome to the Operations Science Podcast! In this episode, host Ed Pound welcomes Lisa Elles, a trailblazer in the shipbuilding and ship repair industry. With over 30 years of experience, Lisa discusses the challenges and triumphs of the maritime sector, shedding light on the Lean Shipbuilding model and its transformative impact.

From the historical significance of Liberty ships to the potential of AI in ship design, this episode delves into the complexities and innovations driving the industry forward. Tune in to explore leadership secrets and operational excellence that could revolutionize your approach to operations.

00:00 Introduction to the Operations Science Podcast

00:49 Meet Lisa Elles: Transforming the Shipbuilding Industry

02:25 Challenges and Innovations in Shipbuilding

04:57 Historical Insights: The Liberty Ships

08:14 The Decline and Future of US Shipbuilding

11:36 Lean Shipbuilding Model: Principles and Applications

18:10 Impact of Lean Shipbuilding on the Industry

30:55 The Role of AI in Ship Design and Production

35:32 Lisa Elles: Personal Journey and Professional Insights

41:28 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

In this episode of the Operations Science Podcast, host Ed Pound interviews Sanjay Huprikar, Chief Global Officer of the Global Electronics Association. They delve into the complexities of global trade policies, tariffs, and their impact on electronics manufacturers. Sanjay shares insights into the evolution of the association, its expanded focus on advocacy, training, and industry standards, and the importance of supply chain resilience. They also discuss the growing influence of AI in manufacturing and the importance of lifelong learning and mentorship in the industry. The episode concludes with personal anecdotes from Sanjay's career and his passion for music, baseball, and world travel.

00:00 Introduction to the Operations Science Podcast

00:49 Meet Sanjay Hooper Car: A Leader in Electronics Manufacturing

01:50 Global Trade Policies and Their Impact on Electronics Manufacturing

05:21 Challenges Facing the Electronics Industry

13:13 The Evolution of the Global Electronics Association

20:07 Training and Upskilling in Electronics Manufacturing

22:49 Upskilling in Engineering: Opportunities and Challenges

24:10 The Excitement of Soldering Competitions

28:04 AI's Impact on the Electronics Industry

30:16 Advocacy and Industry Leadership

32:52 Personal Journey and Early Career

37:15 Hobbies and Personal Interests

38:43 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

In this episode of the Operations Science Podcast, host Ed Pound interviews Mark Gray, a thought leader in continuous improvement and lean thinking. Mark shares insights from his extensive experience across industries, the importance of learning from mistakes, and the role of leadership in fostering a culture of psychological safety. Learn about the integration of lean principles with statistical process control, the impact of motivational interviewing, and how AI could revolutionize improvement work. The conversation also delves into Mark's personal journey and early influences that shaped his career.

00:00 Introduction to the Operations Science Podcast

00:56 Meet Our Esteemed Guest: Mark Gray

02:29 Mark Gray's Journey to Thought Leadership

05:36 The Inspiration Behind 'The Mistakes That Make Us'

08:59 Balancing Process and Innovation Mistakes

15:09 Creating Psychological Safety in the Workplace

17:58 Mark Gray's Favorite Mistakes

28:01 The Power of Saying It Out Loud

29:50 Switching Topics: Northwestern and Factory Physics

32:43 Applying Operation Science in Healthcare

34:11 Challenges in Healthcare Operations

40:20 Integrating Lean and Other Methodologies

44:53 The Role of AI in Improvement Work

48:56 Personal Background and Influences

52:26 Conclusion and Final Thoughts