Michael Wiseman
Senior Productivity Specialist
937-844-1094
Responsibilities:
Mike has been a consultant working alongside the Purdue MEP staff since May 2016 before coming on board as a full-time staff member in January 2023. Mike initially used his skills to help teach Lean principles to manufacturing plants throughout Indiana, much like he did since 2008 for multiple Tier I auto suppliers before taking early retirement from Honda in November 2015. Along the way, he also began teaching the Skills for Success classes. Now he focuses on Lean and Six Sigma subject matter but is also called upon to deliver a variety of other trainings as needed for his clients.
Background:
Mike spent 18 years at Honda, including four years in Japan at Honda R&D as a liaison, where he caught a glimpse of what processes are needed to bring a new model to market in a timely manner. He then spent his last seven years as a process engineer and in this role, traveled frequently to Honda Tier I facilities to coach and mentor the principles of Lean manufacturing.
In 2012 and 2013, Mike obtained his Master of Business in Operational Excellence (a Lean Six Sigma Black Belt degree) from Ohio State’s Fisher College of Business. This was pursued by Mike because he not only wanted to be better equipped in reaching out to Honda suppliers, but he also saw the link between good processes and strong teams. From his experience in the Army and the subsequent pursuit of what it means to lead well, Mike saw the principles of Lean reinforcing the goals of leadership by ensuring people had the right ‘tools’ to be successful.
Mike’s strength is applying the principles of Lean (primarily standard work, visual management, and leader standard work) to any process, be that in a manufacturing, clinical, or back-office environment. He excels at teaching others those lessons in easily digestible ways that enable his students to easily apply those skills to their work. ‘Success’ is when people come to work each day with anticipation, leave each day with a sense of satisfaction, and the output of exceptional goods/services is what attracts and retains loyal customers.
Skills & Expertise:
- Developing Leaders
- Developing Strong Teams
- Lean Principles
