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The Story Behind Leadership Excellence: A Podcast to Inspire Leaders Worldwide

In the world of leadership and Lean excellence, two names stand out: Dr. Tom Lawless and George Trachilis. Together, they bring decades of experience in transforming organizations and inspiring leaders to achieve extraordinary results. Dr. Tom Lawless, president of LeanTAC (Lean Training and Consulting), has spent his career helping businesses implement Lean principles to unlock their potential. George Trachilis, founder of the Leadership Excellence brand, is a 30-year veteran in the Lean Leadership industry, known for empowering leaders to align their goals with their vision.

As two passionate advocates of continuous improvement, Tom and George shared a vision: to reach more leaders, inspire greater change, and spread the knowledge of the Harada Method and the Toyota Way. But how could they extend their impact beyond the boardrooms and shop floors they’ve spent years transforming?

The answer came one day when Tom looked George in the eye and said, “We need to start a podcast.”

A Vision for Leadership Excellence

George wasn’t immediately on board. “A podcast?” he asked skeptically. As a seasoned Lean professional, George was more comfortable leading workshops, consulting, and writing. But Tom saw an opportunity that George couldn’t ignore.

“Think about it, George,” Tom said. “We’ve spent our lives teaching leaders face-to-face. But there are so many more people out there who need to hear about the Harada Method and the Toyota Way. A podcast is the perfect way to reach them. Together, we can inspire a global audience to lead with excellence.”

Tom’s vision was compelling. He wasn’t just proposing a podcast; he was proposing a movement. A way to connect with leaders across industries and continents, providing them with the tools, insights, and inspiration to excel. George knew Tom was right—it was time to take their message to a larger stage.

And so, the Leadership Excellence podcast was born.

Two Leaders, One Mission

What makes the Leadership Excellence podcast unique is the equal partnership between Tom and George. Both bring complementary strengths to the table:

• Dr. Tom Lawless is a master of Lean training and consulting, with a focus on practical implementation and organizational transformation. As president of LeanTAC, he has guided countless companies to success by teaching them how to simplify processes, reduce waste, and create a culture of excellence.
• George Trachilis, founder of the Leadership Excellence brand, is a leader in Lean Leadership and continuous improvement. With decades of experience, George has worked with leaders in diverse industries, helping them align their teams’ goals with their organization’s vision.

Together, Tom and George bring a balanced perspective that resonates with listeners. Tom’s focus on practical application and George’s emphasis on leadership alignment create a dynamic synergy that makes every episode inspiring and actionable.

The Harada-Lean Approach

At the heart of their podcast is the Harada-Lean approach, a unique blend of the Harada Method and the Toyota Way.

• The Harada Method is a revolutionary goal-setting system that empowers individuals to achieve self-reliance and unlock their full potential. Shohei Ohtani, one of the greatest athletes of our time, used this method as a teenager to set and achieve his ambitious goals.
• The Toyota Way is the foundation of Lean principles, emphasizing continuous improvement and respect for people. It’s a proven approach for creating organizational excellence and achieving long-term success.

Together, these methodologies form the backbone of the Leadership Excellence podcast. Tom and George believe that by teaching leaders how to align their vision with actionable goals, they can inspire teams to deliver extraordinary results.

A Podcast with Purpose

What sets the podcast apart is its authenticity. Tom and George don’t just talk about leadership—they live it. They share their personal stories, from George’s work transforming aerospace companies to Tom’s experience guiding executives through Lean transformations. Their passion for helping others shines through in every episode.

Reaching Leaders Everywhere

For Tom and George, the podcast has become more than just a platform—it’s a mission. “We’ve always been driven to help leaders excel,” Tom explains. “But with the podcast, we can reach so many more people. Leaders from all over the world tune in, apply what they’ve learned, and share their success stories with us. It’s incredibly rewarding.”

George agrees. “Tom was the one who pushed me to start this podcast, and he was absolutely right. It’s been amazing to see how far our message has spread. We’re not just teaching Lean principles—we’re inspiring a community of leaders to embrace continuous improvement and achieve their goals.”

What’s Next for Leadership Excellence?

Tom and George are just getting started. They’re expanding their offerings to include workshops, webinars, and resources that help leaders implement the Harada-Lean methodology. They’re also exploring new ways to engage with their audience, from live Q&A sessions to collaborations with other thought leaders in the industry.

But at its core, the podcast remains true to its purpose: to inspire leaders to excel, one episode at a time.

Join the Movement

The Leadership Excellence podcast is more than just a show—it’s a rallying cry for leaders who want to make a difference. If you’re ready to align your goals with your vision, embrace the Toyota Way, and unlock your potential with the Harada Method, this podcast is for you.

As Tom and George like to say: “Leadership Excellence isn’t just something you practice—it’s something you become.”

Tune in, take action, and lead with excellence.