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PODCAST

Excellence Unlocked

Ishan Galapathy

If you"re immersed in the world of manufacturing or supply chain management, you"ve likely encountered the elusive concept of excellence. But what does it truly mean? Is it a destination or a journey? And how do we navigate the path to unlock excellence within ourselves and our organisations? With more than 25 years’ experience in manufacturing across the Asia Pacific region, Ishan Galapathy delves into the heart of excellence, shifting the focus from tools and technology to the true drivers of

business management

All Episodes

10:24

Ep38 The 5 syndromes preventing supply chain excellence

Excellence Unlocked ·

2025/02/25

When was the last time you stopped to appreciate how seamlessly things just show up at your doorstep? You tap a button, and voila! Groceries, gadgets, even furniture, all delivered with near-magic precision. But behind that convenience? A chaotic, high-stakes world where companies either make it or move it – and it’s never a dull moment. Ishan has been in roles where he’s slept with his phone inches away, dreading a 2 a.m. emergency call. And he knows logistics teams running on

en-AU

9:39

Ep37 Maturity in motion: unlocking excellence...

Excellence Unlocked ·

2025/02/18

We talk a lot about journeys and maturity when it comes to business success—but let’s be honest, does the “mature” state of excellence even exist? Or is it just a mirage we keep chasing? Growth isn’t just about getting bigger, it’s about getting better. It’s about shifting from reacting to problems to proactively solving them before they happen. And just like learning to drive, there’s a process—starting with hesitation, gaining confidence, and

en-AU

12:17

Ep36 Beyond the tools: the hidden art of problem solving

Excellence Unlocked ·

2025/02/11

Ever feel like problem-solving is just a toolbox of fishbone diagrams and Pareto charts? Well, it doesn’t have to be! Let’s say, you’re in a room full of brilliant minds, armed with the same tools, yet the magic isn’t in the tools – it’s in the conversation. The real secret to unlocking excellence isn’t about how many problems you solve, but how you solve them. Today, Ishan is flipping the script: it’s not the tools, it’s the technique. To

en-AU

16:35

Ep35 How to create high-impact meetings that drive...

Excellence Unlocked ·

2025/02/04

Think back to your last meeting—how much time did it take? If your organisation is like many others, it would have lasted too long and not much was gained by the end. Meetings should be a business pulse check, ensuring the team is winning and taking action where needed. The best organisations structure meetings efficiently, with clear dashboards, effective settings, and disciplined follow-ups. Environment, structure, and accountability are key. Ishan guides you through how world-class teams

en-AU

12:27

Ep34 Factory secrets: what clean floors and...

Excellence Unlocked ·

2025/01/28

Have you walked into a warehouse or factory and it look looks a cluttered and disorganised? Well, it’s often a reflection on the overall operation of the business itself. Factory and warehouse tours offer valuable insights into business health. Key indicators include not only cleanliness, but also performance tracking tools like whiteboards, and employee engagement. Global companies like Coca-Cola, Lion Breweries, and Diageo utilise manual whiteboards despite access to digital tools. Effective

en-AU

18:28

Ep33 Crash course in problem solving: root causes...

Excellence Unlocked ·

2025/01/21

What are the root causes to issues that come up in your organisation? Well, investigations into airline crashes is an apt metaphor in getting to the bottom of things. While tragic, airline investigations often highlight the value of teamwork, discipline, and persistence in uncovering root causes. In his book Advance, Ishan Galapathy explored structured problem-solving and interviewed John Cox, a lead air crash investigator, to learn about the mindset and methodology behind such investigations. John

en-AU

16:11

Ep32 Mining your team’s brains for gold nuggets of...

Excellence Unlocked ·

2025/01/14

Unlocking excellence in organisations revolves around two key aspects: people and processes. Often, Ishan insists, disengaged employees are only seemingly disengaged. By fostering collaboration and exploring their potential, we can re-engage them. Process improvement, on the other hand, is less about tools and more about techniques like effective facilitation and asking the right questions. In problem-solving, assembling a cross-functional team and addressing their concerns is crucial. Techniques

en-AU

23:19

Ep31 Solve challenges like a detective, not a cowboy

Excellence Unlocked ·

2025/01/07

To unlock excellence in business problem-solving, adopting a "detective mindset" is crucial. Ishan says that many rush to solutions, akin to a "cowboy mindset," which may delay results or fail entirely. Thoroughly spend the time understanding the problem will yield better outcomes. This structured approach is evident in air crash investigations, where patience and unbiased data analysis uncover root causes. Tools like the 5W1H framework (Who, What, When, Where, Why, and How) can guide teams in

en-AU

6:43

Ep30 2025: A Roadmap for Growth and Impact

Excellence Unlocked ·

2024/12/31

As we step into 2025, it’s the perfect time to reflect on how we can unlock excellence in our lives, teams, and organisations. Excellence serves as a compass, guiding us from ambiguity to clarity; a discipline, aligning our actions with aspirations; and a transformative force, turning potential and problems into profitability. To embody excellence, focus on discipline — streamlining routines and decisions — and prioritising progress over perfection. As the pace of life accelerates,

en-AU

8:06

Ep29 Reflections on 2024: 3 Key Trends

Excellence Unlocked ·

2024/12/24

For Ishan, 2024 has been a whirlwind year of travel and reflection, with extensive travel domestically and overseas. These journeys have allowed him valuable time for journaling and contemplation. As the year ends, he’s observed three key trends among the organisations he’s worked with. 1. Goals exceed capabilities: Teams often aim high but lack the systems to achieve their aspirations, leading to burnout. Improving daily routines and huddles can ease this burden. 2. Problem-solving

en-AU

17:22

Ep28 Fixing what matters: four types of problems...

Excellence Unlocked ·

2024/12/17

Identifying and solving the right problems can unlock excellence in business. Using a quadrant matrix, Ishan Galapathy categorises problems based on when they occur (proactive vs. reactive) and who solves them (expert vs. team). Ishan illustrates the four types of problems: chaotic, sporadic, specific, and systemic. While chaotic and sporadic problems are reactive, specific and systemic problems are proactive. Emphasising the importance of tackling systemic issues with cross-functional teams, Ishan

en-AU

21:37

Ep27 A breakdown of Lean, Six Sigma, and TPM for...

Excellence Unlocked ·

2024/12/10

Ishan Galapathy explores the three core methodologies of continuous improvement: Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma, and Total Productive Maintenance (TPM). He delves into their origins, key principles, and practical applications, highlighting how each approach contributes to improving productivity and reducing waste. Ishan explains Lean’s focus on eliminating non-value-added tasks, Six Sigma’s structured problem-solving framework, and TPM’s emphasis on machine reliability. By blending these

en-AU

12:01

Ep26 Identify and fix the kinks in your business

Excellence Unlocked ·

2024/12/03

If you’re looking to improve business performance, it’s important to identify and remove operational frustrations on the shop floor. Ishan Galapathy explains the importance of immersing oneself in operational roles to truly understand pain points. He highlights how addressing inefficiencies, like unkinking a garden hose, can unlock business excellence. By eliminating non-value-adding processes—such as redundant approvals or unnecessary managerial interventions—teams can enhance productivity. To

en-AU

18:17

Ep25 Show Me the Money: Unlocking Excellence Through...

Excellence Unlocked ·

2024/11/26

Ishan Galapathy explores the importance of quantifying and sharing the financial impact of continuous improvement efforts to build a culture of excellence. Showcasing the team’s results often causes anxiety among senior leaders. Common fears include employees expecting monetary rewards, difficulty sustaining improvements, and challenges in demonstrating savings on the P&L. Ishan addresses these concerns by advocating for simple, relatable methods to calculate and communicate savings, such as

en-AU

14:33

Ep24 Achieve rapid results without micromanaging

Excellence Unlocked ·

2024/11/19

While technology can speed up processes, over-involvement by leaders often stifles team autonomy. That’s according to Ishan Galapathy, who says effective leaders assign initiatives to teams, providing guidance but avoiding direct control. Set meaningful, measurable KPIs that teams can easily track, like waste reduction per shift. Establish aspirational, realistic goals to inspire without overwhelming. Support teams by removing barriers, ensuring regular check-ins, and fostering a culture of

en-AU

14:38

Ep23 Build momentum through consistency

Excellence Unlocked ·

2024/11/12

Ishan Galapathy dives into the core principles of continuous improvement as a path to unlocking excellence. Continuous improvement, he insists, is about consistent, small wins that accumulate over time, like building momentum on a metaphorical “flywheel”. Ishan outlines his model, comprising three key elements: building momentum, gaining traction, and expanding followers. Organisations should focus on solving two types of problems: those that drain profits (like inefficiencies) and those that drive

en-AU

30:24

Ep22 Empowering frontline leaders for operational...

Excellence Unlocked ·

2024/11/05

Aaron Jolliffe is a seasoned leader in operational excellence, known for his pragmatic approach to problem-solving and team engagement. Currently, Director of Warehouse Operations and Services at ALDI Stores Australia, Aaron advocates for the power of effective consultation and the importance of empowering frontline leaders to drive cultural change within organisations. Aaron discusses the role of technology, warning against data overload, and stresses the importance of balancing technology with

en-AU

31:21

Ep21 Operational success starts at the top – Dean Patton

Excellence Unlocked ·

2024/10/29

Dean Patton is Regional Operations Leader at Goodman Fielder, an Australian manufacturer and distributor of consumer goods. Dean discusses with host Ishan Galapathy the key principles for driving operational excellence and continuous improvement in businesses. Success in continuous improvement, Dean insists, starts with clear, consistent direction from leadership. Without it, efforts become unsustainable as individuals may take charge but lack long-term support. When improving operations, focus on

en-AU

15:58

Ep20 Unlocking Potential in Teams and Leaders

Excellence Unlocked ·

2024/10/22

Ishan Galapathy wraps up his exploration on how to unlock potential in individuals, teams, and organisations through insights from his latest book, Unlock: Engage the Seemingly Disengaged. Ishan reflects on Stephen Covey’s insight: “You cannot talk yourself out of a problem you behaved yourself into.” True change, he says, requires trust and tangible results rather than just grand promises. Think about the momentum of a train climbing a hill or Jim Collins' flywheel concept. Starting with manageable

en-AU

30:11

Ep19 Empowering the Disengaged with Key Leadership...

Excellence Unlocked ·

2024/10/15

Alodia Bourke is a seasoned continuous improvement expert with nearly 30 years of experience leading transformation and engagement initiatives across global companies. She discusses with host Ishan Galapathy the significance of building trust, transparency, and communication, especially when addressing performance issues, and promotes a culture where discussing challenges (“reds”) is encouraged rather than hidden. She advocates for tailored continuous improvement approaches based on the maturity

en-AU

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