Sam Mcpherson is a Shingo Faculty Fellow at Shingo Institute - Home of the Shingo Prize. He possess expertise in lean manufacturing, continuous improvement, value stream mapping, process improvement, operations management and 44 more skills. Colleagues describe him as "I had the privilege of embarking on a Lean Leadership journey with Sam, and it’s difficult to overstate his influence on my professional growth and on the broader operational excellence community. Sam has been an exceptional mentor to me, providing unwavering support and guidance, while his thought leadership in Lean principles has shaped the way I—and many others—approach continuous improvement. As a true sensei in the Toyota Lean Management System and Toyota Production System (TPS), Sam brings a depth of knowledge that is as inspiring as it is practical. His expertise doesn’t just stem from theory; he embodies the TPS principles in a way that resonates across all levels of an organization, from the executive suite to the frontlines. Sam has also been an invaluable executive advisor and confidante, offering insight, coaching, and wisdom that are rare in today’s fast-paced environment. His ability to guide leadership teams in developing cohesive strategies is unmatched. He’s not only a leader but also a coach who genuinely invests in developing others’ leadership capabilities, understanding that a strong leadership team is the backbone of sustainable excellence. In our hands-on work together, Sam’s dedication to Lean culture transformation stood out. He has an innate talent for creating a Lean Business System that builds an empowering culture, fostering an environment where every team member feels their contributions drive measurable results. While the specifics of our business performance improvements are confidential, it’s safe to say that Sam’s influence brought significant value in areas that directly affect efficiency, morale, and bottom-line results. What sets Sam and The Lean Leadership Academy apart is the unique blend of technical Lean expertise with human-centered coaching. Sam understands that transformation is about people first; his approach goes beyond processes to develop leaders who inspire and sustain change. Finally, Sam is an inspirational speaker and workshop leader whose sessions are as practical as they are energizing. His ability to communicate complex Lean concepts with clarity and passion has made him a sought-after figure in the Lean community, touching countless lives and careers, including mine. Thank you, Sam, for the profound impact you’ve had on my journey, our organization, and the Lean community at large.", "I first met Sam at a Lean Enterprise Institute conference many years ago when he spoke on Lean from the angle of Toyota and the U.S. Army Special Forces. I was instantly hooked by his down-to-earth style and vast knowledge and experience with two ultra-elite organizations. Since our first meeting, Sam has been an informal mentor/sensei who has taught me how to think differently and further apply Lean in the construction industry. I recently had the opportunity to tour the Toyota Forklift plant (TMH/TIEM) in Columbus, Indiana with Sam & Tom Lego it was a fantastic learning experience. I have toured other Toyota plants in Texas and Kentucky and this was by far the best learning experience. Seeing it all is one thing, but having it explained by true gurus is quite another. The tour really opened my eyes to the ties between strategic vision, daily management, and problem-solving. If you want to learn from the best, look no further. Come prepared with your questions and struggles, and you'll come away with solid guidance that you can apply the next day.", and "I have done continuous improvment for many years and I teach Green Belt. I participated to the Tour of Toyota Material Handling Manufacturing and the « Introduction to Toyota's Daily Mgt Obeya system » given by Sam. It was incredible. I was impressed to see how the different lean tools are used by Toyota. It was so fluid and synchronized. I participated to the training because I did not understand clearly what was an Obeya system and how to use it. It was explained to me but the different persons I talked to did not have the same understanding of what it was. Sam made it clear. His explaination, examples and exercices allowed us to understand and practice. He answered all my questions about the different obeya rooms and how to use them. He is so generous with sharing his knowledge. And his knowledge is increadible; a real mine of gold. I encourage everyone to attain his course / tour. It is a must to anyone who wants to increase his understanding of the lean and Toyota way."