Join us for a MLC Lean Virtual Coffee!
Virtual | Free For Members | 8:30am - 9:30am
In this practical guide, Dustin Thomas shows how Lean principles can be used by anyone to address even the most complex challenges by utilizing the people who experience the issues and moving forward together. Drawing from real-world success stories and a proven, systematic approach, the book provides readers with the tools to identify root causes, reduce inefficiencies, and implement sustainable solutions. Through straightforward examples and actionable advice, this handbook empowers individuals to cultivate a mindset of continuous improvement.
Please read the whole book before the discussion session.
With around 20 years of hands-on Lean experience, Dustin Thomas has successfully led major Lean rollouts in both manufacturing and transactional environments. In his current role, Dustin is responsible for training employees in Lean methodologies, overseeing Lean certifications, and consulting various departments on problem-solving techniques. By coaching teams to eliminate waste and streamline processes, he fosters a culture of continuous improvement across the organization.
Melissa has worked in the utility industry for over 27 years, both for an Investor Owned and Cooperative, gaining experience in Electric and Gas Distribution Engineering, Business Support for Pumped Storage, River Hydro and Renewable Generation, Online Scheduling for Fossil Generation, and Enterprise Change.
Throughout her career, Melissa has instituted lean methodology while embedding change management methodology. From scheduling to warehouse redesigns, to value stream analysis. Melissa analyzes and measures the effectiveness of existing business processes and develops sustainable, repeatable, and quantifiable business process improvements. She analyzes data to drive problem solving, root cause analysis and functional area process improvement. Responsible for delivering significant results in Company Breakthrough Objectives.
She is passionate about leading others on their continuous improvement/lean and change management journey. She enjoys being able to share her love for teaching/coaching others and seeing the “ah ha” moments when someone truly understands the methodologies. It is through breaking down those methodologies in terms they understand that they can then tackle those big problems.
Melissa has also taught higher education since 2008 both in-seat and on-line in management, entrepreneurship and engineering disciplines, relating a lot of her teaching to the utility industry.
Melissa holds a Bachelors in Industrial Engineering Technology, a Master’s in Leadership Studies from Baker College, along with a Graduate Certificate in Leadership Strategies from Davenport University. She also holds an Associates Certificate in Project Management from George Washington University and is certified in Change Management through Acuity Institute.
A Virtual Coffee offers a relaxed and engaging platform to connect with Lean professionals and explore meaningful discussions in a collaborative virtual environment. These sessions combine the best of our Coffee Chats and Book Club, offering a platform to discuss all things Lean, share professional challenges, and explore solutions with like-minded peers.
Opportunity to connect with other Lean practitioners and like-minded individuals.
Attendees are able to ask questions, interact with the presenter and other attendees virtually.
Leverage Collective Knowledge: Tap into the expertise of our MLC membership.
Focus on Lean Implementation: Discuss practical applications of Lean tools and strategies.
Networking Opportunities: Expand your network of Lean professionals.
Share and Learn: Exchange best practices and gain insights from others' experiences.
Stay Engaged: Stay connected with the MLC community and learn about upcoming events.
Join us for a session filled with ideas, insights, and inspiration—all from the comfort of your home or office!
Members: Free
Non-Members: $20
At the MLC, we do our best to be inclusive at every level of experience, whether it’s a conference, Gemba walk or any other of our membership activities.
An individual or organizational membership gives you a year’s worth of great Lean learning and networking at low- or no-cost!
