Healthcare Leadership Excellence

Episode 136: Lean, Leadership, and the Power of Reflection with Lorraine Armijos

Karl Pister Season 1 Episode 136

In this episode, I speak with Lorraine Armijos, a seasoned Lean consultant, executive coach, and founder of LAR Insights. Lorraine brings nearly 20 years of experience helping healthcare leaders apply Lean in meaningful, lasting ways. She explains that Lean isn’t just a set of tools; it’s a mindset grounded in respect for people and continuous improvement.

We talk about how Lean often fails when it becomes a “flavor of the month” initiative with no long-term commitment. Lorraine makes it clear that real Lean work starts with humility. Leaders must go see, ask questions, and listen deeply to those closest to the patient. It's about honoring the expertise of frontline staff and creating the conditions for them to solve problems.

Lorraine also stresses the importance of daily reflection. She encourages leaders to take five minutes a day to consider what went well, what didn’t, and what could be improved. This simple act creates a habit of growth. She adds something I strongly agree with: if you're not actively developing yourself, it’s unlikely you’re developing your team.

We explore how to start the day with intention, how to lead change effectively, and why physicians must embrace their influence, even without formal titles. Lorraine’s insights are practical and timely, especially for busy leaders managing both patient care and organizational demands.

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