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 like the "Why can’t we achieve [a goal] now?" question, brainstorming, and mapping issues help narrow down specific problems. With collective expertise, facilitation skills, and a focus on understanding problems deeply, solutions become evident and impactful.

To purchase a copy of Ishan’s book, Unlock:
https://ishangalapathy.com/books/

MORE ABOUT ISHAN GALAPATHY
https://ishangalapathy.com/

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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 exploring problems deeply before proposing solutions. By embracing this mindset, businesses can address challenges effectively, improve processes, and drive sustainable success.

To purchase a copy of Ishan’s book, Unlock:
https://ishangalapathy.com/books/

MORE ABOUT ISHAN GALAPATHY
https://ishangalapathy.com/

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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, excellence helps us achieve more with less effort. Let’s embrace the opportunity to grow, be, and do more this year. Wishing you a prosperous and fulfilling 2025!

To purchase a copy of Ishan’s book, Unlock:
https://ishangalapathy.com/books/

MORE ABOUT ISHAN GALAPATHY
https://ishangalapathy.com/

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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 struggles: Organisations focus too much on tools rather than engaging people meaningfully in the process.

3. High urgency, low agency: Prioritising fewer, well-supported initiatives yields better results.

Let’s reflect on these trends and strategise for 2025. Stay safe over the holiday season!

To purchase a copy of Ishan’s book, Unlock:
https://ishangalapathy.com/books/

MORE ABOUT ISHAN GALAPATHY
https://ishangalapathy.com/

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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 explains how this approach enhances profitability, team engagement, and overall productivity.

To purchase a copy of Ishan’s book, Unlock:
https://ishangalapathy.com/books/

MORE ABOUT ISHAN GALAPATHY
https://ishangalapathy.com/

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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 philosophies, Ishan emphasises the importance of tailoring strategies to fit organisational needs and cultures, ensuring continuous improvement. The ultimate goal? Unlocking excellence by striving to do better every day.

To purchase a copy of Ishan’s book, Unlock:
https://ishangalapathy.com/books/

MORE ABOUT ISHAN GALAPATHY
https://ishangalapathy.com/

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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 purchase a copy of Ishan’s book, Unlock:
https://ishangalapathy.com/books/

MORE ABOUT ISHAN GALAPATHY
https://ishangalapathy.com/

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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 using clear KPIs and finance-approved formulas. He emphasises that celebrating these wins in tangible terms fosters a culture of excellence and inspires broader engagement.

To purchase a copy of Ishan’s book, Unlock:
https://ishangalapathy.com/books/

MORE ABOUT ISHAN GALAPATHY
https://ishangalapathy.com/

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.