Podcasts
A selection of podcasts and vodcasts featuring Tom, recommendations to learn more about Lean and SOPs, and episodes from GembaDocs HQ.
GembaTalk Podcast
Latest episodes from GembaTalk with Tom Hughes and guests.

GembaTalk S1 E4 – How a bang on the head sparked a Lean business with Pablo Scarpatti
Pablo Scarpatti discusses how they’ve created a lean culture, grew their business rapidly, released fear from their team to learn, and built a skills matrix to rival them all – all because of a bike

GembaTalk S1 E3 – Why “Knowledge is Bad” with Stephan Hilmer of Tridelta Meidensha
Stephan takes us through how someone is only an expert when they’re able to train someone else, how they utilize critical thinking approaches with Kaizen time and how they have CEOs of each department for

GembaTalk S1 E2 – Scoring Goals through process with Dwain Steele of Hampton Conservatories
Dwain Steele of Hampton Conservatories explains the challenges of getting staff engaged in SOPs, developing ownership of processes, and the empowerment staff gain by being able to score a process goal, daily.
Podcasts Episodes
Podcast episodes featuring our CEO, Tom Hughes
Rebranding Construction: Broken processes cost construction teams $177 billion a year — FMI Corp.
In this interview Adam and Tom Hughes explain how clear processes and a supportive culture drive high-performance teams. They share three process types: light bulb processes for trivial tasks, banana processes for stable outcomes with varied methods, and traffic light processes for critical tasks that need strict steps.
Episode: Broken processes cost construction teams $177 billion a year | Listen
ScaleUp, Ep 483: Engagement, Education, and Recognition with Tom Hughes
This session breaks down what lean really looks like in a small business context – and it’s not about cutting costs or mimicking manufacturing giants. It’s about reducing struggle, improving value flow, and making work life better for your team. From leadership behaviours to team rituals, Tom shares real-world tactics that any SME can start using today.
Episode: 483 | Listen
ANZ 2SL Learning Club
In this episode of the ANZ Lean Learning Club, we sit down with Tom Hughes—author of Improvement Starts With I —for a no-BS conversation on what it really takes to build a culture of continuous improvement.
Episode: Improvement Starts With I – Introduction with Tom Hughes | Listen via YouTube
Gemba Academy, Ep 440: Engagement, Education, and Recognition with Tom Hughes
Ron and Tom discussed how culture and standards coexist in lean, and why it’s so important to be candid. Tom also shared some great anecdotes and lean wisdom.
Episode: 440 | Listen
Lean Made Simple: The Power of G.R.E.A.T Processes
In this episode, learn how understanding lean principles, documenting procedures, and observing customer behavior can transform your business—saving you 20 years of trial and error!
Episode: The Power of G.R.E.A.T Processes | Listen
Contractor Evolution: Contractor SOPs for overwhelmed owners
No one sets out to run a dumpster fire of a business. But that doesn’t mean through smart systems, we can’t overcome it and create organizational order. Standard Operating Procedures are arguably the most critical weapon in this battle.
Episode: 151 | Listen
Contractor Evolution: SOPs - Why Your Business Is A Mess & What To Do About It
If you don’t have clear SOPs (Standard Operating Procedures) for all the things you do in your business you’re in trouble. Find out more in this episode with the Contractor Evolution team.
Episode: 78 | Listen
Lean Solutions: The Importance Of Standard Work In The Digital Age
In this episode, Tom Hughes and Patrick discuss the extensive experience Tom has gained helping hundreds of organizations across the world do standard work/digital work instructions better with his software product GembaDocs.
Episode: S2, Ep5 | Listen
Lean Made Simple: Destroy Chaos In Your Business With Standard Work!
In this episode, Tom Hughes and Matthew Thompson dive into the transformative power of standard work.
Episode: Destroy Chaos In Your Business With Standard Work! | Listen
The Lean Effect: Streamline Processes and Drive Improvements
Explore the world of process optimization, harness the power of video documentation, and unlock the benefits of team involvement for driving improvements. Tune in for practical advice and inspiring anecdotes that will elevate your business strategies.
Episode: 130 | Listen
Made to Grow: The Simple Secret to Lean Success
In this episode of Made To Grow, Tom joins Rich Dale from Flowlens to explore the world of Lean Manufacturing and how to foster a culture of continuous improvement within your organization.
Episode: S1, Ep2 | Listen
Million Dollar Landscaper: Landscaping Lean: An Interview with Tom Hughes
SOPs are like the dance steps of a well-coordinated team. They ensure that everyone is moving in sync and that performances are consistent and repeatable. With the right SOPs in place, an organization can be like a well-oiled machine, humming along like a happy little bee. And who doesn’t love a happy bee?
Episode: 239 | Listen
Ever So Lean: Putting the Answer Where the Question Is - SOPs
Tom, a seasoned professional rooted in Engineering and Lean Methodologies, opens the door to a world where SOPs are not just a corporate necessity but a strategic force for operational excellence.
Episode: 130 | Listen
Recommended Podcast Series
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