Upcoming Events
July 9 | 12 – 1 p.m. | Zoom Webinar
Does your organization struggle to achieve consistent business results? Do you set strategic goals but fail to see them translate into measurable outcomes? Are your teams disconnected from the execution of strategic priorities?
In this webinar, Mark Reich will share practical insights on the Hoshin Kanri methodology from his new workbook, Managing On Purpose. The session will address issues related to horizontal and vertical alignment in organizations when it comes to developing, clarifying, and executing on a strategic vision. Mark will speak on key management systems and leader behaviors that can be brought into play to provide business results.
This session will include relevant takeaways no matter your level of familiarity with Hoshin Kanri. Topics will include:
- Defining and articulating the purpose of Hoshin Kanri utilizing a structure of PDCA
- Developing a hoshin (strategy) with inputs that ensure competitiveness and engage up and down through catchball
- Executing on that strategy through small cycle PDCA and reflecting for the future
- Developing capabilities of leaders through A3 problem solving
Mark Reich spent 23 years working for Toyota, starting in 1988 with six years in Japan in the Overseas Planning Division, where he was responsible for Product Planning and collaborated with Chief Engineers to define vehicle specifications for overseas markets. In 1994, Mark returned to the United States and transitioned to the Toyota Supplier Support Center (TSSC), a non-profit organization Toyota in North America established dedicated to the practical application of the Toyota Production System (TPS) across various sectors. Mark joined Toyota's Corporate Strategy group in North America in 2001, serving as Assistant General Manager.
In 2011, Mark transitioned to the Lean Enterprise Institute (LEI) and has held several positions, including Chief Operating Officer and, since 2018, Senior Coach and Chief Engineer, Strategy. He has led lean transformations and coached executives in hoshin kanri across various industries, with clients including Freeman, GE Appliances, Legal Sea Foods, Michigan Medicine, Nucleus Software, and Turner Construction.
Mark is now the author of Managing on Purpose, published by LEI in March 2025. This workbook is vital for leaders looking to implement hoshin kanri effectively within their organizations.
Mark earned his bachelor’s degree from Ohio Wesleyan University and specialized in Japanese studies at Nanzan University. He resides outside of Cincinnati with his wife and daughters. He is fluent in written and spoken Japanese.
July 23 | 1 – 4 p.m. | In-Person Workshop
Often when working in teams, conflicts or disagreements arise. However, we are not always very clear on what is behind these problems. This workshop will provide insight into how you and others approach problem solving through creative and perhaps differing ways. We will learn more about your own approach to problem-solving and how this knowledge can be used to address conflict and maximize creative problem solving.
The Kirton Adaption-Innovation Inventory (KAI) is a way to look at an individual’s problem-solving style and creativity. This training will enhance your understanding of team dynamics in problem-solving and increase group cohesion, effectiveness, and team building.
In this workshop, participants will:
- Learn more about Kirton’s Adaption-Innovation Theory
- Explore your own problem-solving style
- Brainstorm how this can help you in your workplace and even in your personal life.
Mary Rodriguez is an associate professor of community leadership and development. As a leadership practitioner, she is passionate about understanding behavior change and how we can support communities, households, and individuals through change. Her research centers around adoption of agricultural innovations and exploring household and community resilience. Mary has worked in Sub-Saharan Africa, Latin America and the Caribbean, and with Black/Brown communities and Immigrants/Refugees in Ohio. She implements critical perspectives and incorporates a systems approach in her work. Additionally, she has been leading workshops in problem-solving, culturally responsive mentorship, and community leadership and development for the last 9 years.
This is a limited-capacity, in-person only workshop on the campus of the Fisher College of Business. The interest form for this workshop is now closed. If you have been selected to participate, you’ll receive an email by June 30. For questions and waitlist inquiries, please contact Wendy Douglass at douglass.162@osu.edu.
August 6 | 12 – 1 p.m. | Zoom Webinar
Imagine a workplace where every team member believes in their ability to succeed, takes ownership of their choices, and embraces challenges as opportunities for growth. This webinar will empower leaders to create that reality by unlocking the transformative power of self-efficacy and Choice Theory.
Join us to explore how fostering self-efficacy—the belief in one’s ability to achieve goals—can drive innovation, collaboration, and job satisfaction across your organization. Through engaging anecdotes, cutting-edge research, and actionable strategies, you’ll learn how to cultivate confidence and autonomy in your teams.
Discover how Glasser’s Choice Theory helps leaders empower employees by aligning their actions with basic psychological needs, leading to greater engagement and performance.
You’ll walk away with:
- Proven techniques to build self-efficacy in individuals and teams.
- Strategies for creating a culture of continuous improvement fueled by belief and accountability.
- Insights into how self-efficacy and job satisfaction impact retention, innovation, and overall success.
If you’re a leader ready to inspire your team, drive meaningful change, and create lasting impact, this session is for you. Let’s unlock the potential within your organization—one confident step at a time.
David Veech is a senior lecturer in the Fisher College of Business at the Ohio State University where he teaches graduate and undergraduate courses in operational excellence. Highly energetic and engaging, David has made a significant positive impact on the lives of thousands of people through his teaching and his work. He served proudly as an officer in the US Army for 20 years and now focuses on teaching, coaching, and consulting to make people more fearless, more engaged, and more effective at work. David has written two best-selling books, taught at four universities, and transformed leaders and organizations in dozens of industries and government agencies.
Registration coming soon!
Save the Date
June 26-27 | Future of People at Work Symposium (In-person Collaborative Event)
April 7-9, 2026 | COE Summit 2026 (In-person only)