Preview: Why Great CI Programs Don't Get Funded (and What to Do About It)
About this episode
This episode discusses the challenges of securing funding for continuous improvement programs and how to effectively communicate their value to executives.
Why do strong continuous improvement programs sometimes struggle to secure funding? In this preview of an upcoming KaiNexus webinar, Mark Graban talks with presenter Jeff Roussel, Chief Revenue Officer at KaiNexus, about a common problem: CI leaders often describe operational challenges in language that does not connect with the priorities executives are prepared to fund. Jeff explains why continuous improvement should be positioned not merely as a way to manage projects or count ideas, but as a business outcome engine that supports the organization’s mission and strategic goals. They also discuss: Why CI programs can be valuable yet still fail to gain executive support How to translate improvement needs into organizational priorities Connecting CI work to safety, quality, customer satisfaction, engagement, and financial results Practical ways to reframe the case for investment The full webinar, “Why Great CI Programs Don’t Get Funded—and What to Do About It,” will be presented live on Wednesday, July 22, 2026, at 1:00 p.m. Eastern. Register or watch the recording afterward at https://info.kainexus.com/jeff-roussel-continuous-improvement-funding-webinar
People in this episode
Host: Mark Graban
Guest: Jeff Roussel
Mentioned in this episode
Organizations: KaiNexus
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