Legends vs. Next Generation: The Evolution of Operational Excellence
What if the future of operational excellence is not about doing more of what we've always done—what if it’s about having the courage to challenge what we think we know?
For decades, the legends of Lean and operational excellence have shaped how organizations think about improvement, leadership, problem solving, and the power of people. Their ideas built the foundation of a movement that continues to transform organizations around the world.
But the world has changed.
Today’s next generation of leaders is stepping into a workplace defined by rapid technology advances, AI, changing workforce expectations, global disruption,and an increasing demand for purpose-driven leadership. The question is no longer simply, “How do we improve?” It is “What must operational excellence become next?”
In this dynamic Legends vs. Next Generation keynote, seasoned thought leaders go head-to-head with emerging voices to challenge assumptions, debate what still works, and explore what must evolve. Expect candid conversations,generational perspectives, provocative questions, and perhaps a few disagreements along the way.
- What should we keep?
- What should we rethink?
- What should we leave behind?
- And what will it take to engage the next generation in building organizations where people and performance thrive together?
This is more than a look back at where operational excellence has been. It is a conversation about where it is going—and who will lead the way.
Come ready to challenge your thinking, learn from another generation, and help shape the next chapter of operational excellence.
Billy Ray Taylor
CEO & President, LinkedXL and AME Board Chair
Becca Jenkins
Project Manager of Technical Training, Cambridge Air Solutions and AME Volunteer Director of Emerging Leaders Program
Alex Taylor
Operational Excellence / Continuous Improvement Leader, LinkedXL
Emily Swaney
Senior Director, Lean Promotion Office at OhioHealth
Jewelyn Harrington
Senior Director, Operational Excellence at United States Postal Service
Gary Peterson
Consultant, Teacher, Executive Coach at Peterson Consulting Group; Executive in Residence, Ohio State University; 2015 AME Hall of Fame Award Recipient
Helen Zak
Advisor and Coach, Executive Service Corps; 2017 AME Hall of Fame Recipient
