The 20th Annual Northeast Lean Conference
Last week, I had the opportunity to travel to Providence, Rhode Island, to attend the 20th Annual Northeastern Lean Conference (NELEAN2024).
In the fall of 2023, Bruce Hamilton (aka the "Toast Kaizen" guy) reached out and invited me to attend the conference. Although I was excited to participate, circumstances that year didn’t allow me to go, which was a disappointment. However, I reached out to Bruce, expressing my interest in attending the following year, and he encouraged me to do so. This time, I prepared well in advance, purchasing a plane ticket and booking accommodations six months ahead.
Then, in June, Bruce contacted me again with an unexpected proposal: he asked if I’d like to give a presentation. I immediately agreed, seizing the opportunity, but I had no idea what I was going to present. After some deliberation, I developed a presentation titled "Set Your People Free," which outlines the Lean journey of the Supply Chain at Marel Iceland, capturing key milestones and lessons—both the successes and the challenges.
Despite some nerves, the presentation was a success, with all seats occupied, lively discussions, laughter, and insightful questions from attendees. The following two days were filled with great conversations, reflections, and exchanges with inspiring, humble leaders who are passionate about leading with humility and amplifying every team member’s voice.
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I want to especially thank Bruce Hamilton and his family and Pat Wardwell for making this dream come to life, as well as the entire GBMP Consulting Group & The Northeast Lean Conference team for welcoming me, making me sing karaoke, and involving me in panel discussions, among other things I never anticipated a year ago.
I also want to thank my friends and colleagues for their support.
After the conference, Pat Wardwell and I even made a stop at Home Depot and LOWES to pick up some “Lean” tools for my "LEAN" garage—an unexpected but fitting close to a memorable Lean journey at NELEAN2024.
#NELEAN2024 #GBMP #enjoythejourney #Marel #útfyrirkassann #neverstoplearning #continuousimprovements