From Action Plans to Experiments

From The Lean Solutions Podcast by Patrick Adams

May 26, 2026 · 35 min · Season 5 · Episode 20

About this episode

The episode discusses the shift from rigid action plans to scientific thinking through experimentation and coaching in Lean transformation.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode: In this episode, Patrick Adams welcomes back Beth Carrington to explore the difference between simply executing action plans and developing true scientific thinking through Improvement Kata and Coaching Kata. Beth shares her journey from the automotive industry into Lean transformation work and explains how discovering Toyota Kata fundamentally changed her approach to leadership and continuous improvement. The conversation breaks down why organizations often over-rely on rigid action plans and how experimentation creates better long-term learning and adaptability. You’ll learn how leaders can use simple coaching routines, PDCA cycles, and reflection questions to help teams think more scientifically, solve problems more effectively, and stay focused on outcomes rather than just completing tasks. Beth also explains why AI and emerging technologies make experimentation and scientific thinking even more important in today’s business environment. If you’ve ever struggled with teams becoming too task-focused or wondered how to build a stronger culture of learning and experimentation, this episode provides practical tools and frameworks to help you get…

People in this episode

Host: Patrick Adams

Guest: Beth Carrington

Topics covered

Lean transformation
scientific thinking
experimentation
coaching
continuous improvement
psychological safety

Keywords

action plans
experimentation
Improvement Kata
Coaching Kata
PDCA cycles
psychological safety
AI
continuous improvement

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: Toyota, AI