Join us for a MLC Lean Virtual Coffee with Author Elizabeth Swan!
Virtual | Free For Members | 8:30am - 9:30am
Picture Yourself a Leader is a guidebook designed to help problem solvers hone their leadership skills by recognizing growth opportunities and learning from real-world experiences. Through stories and illustrated vignettes, Elisabeth Swan shares lessons from her own stumbles and those of others, offering readers practical insights and invitations to experiment with their habits, mindsets, and skills as they develop their potential.
The book defines leadership as untethered to titles or positions yet critical to influence and problem-solving. Whether leading a life, a team, or an organization, the micro-lessons provide actionable ways to improve collaboration, recognize strengths, and navigate common challenges. From listening better to breaking down silos, each chapter invites reflection and encourages readers to embrace their flaws while building better pathways for themselves and others.
Grounded in methodologies like Lean, Practice Kata, and Six Sigma, the book offers a low-risk approach to testing new behaviors and discovering what works. With its unique combination of storytelling, illustrations, and practical advice, Picture Yourself a Leader serves as a versatile resource for professionals at any stage, helping them foster innovative, people-focused cultures while addressing everyday leadership challenges.
Elizabeth Swan
President | Swan Consulting & Associates, Inc
Elisabeth is a co-founder of Just-in-Time Cafe learning nexus, and co-host of the Just-in-Time Cafe podcast with mission to lift all boats with a rising tide of continuous improvement.
She has consulted in the business process performance industry for over 30 years. Her experience spans from helping local non-profits expand their reach to guiding Fortune 100 companies through Lean Transformations. She has mentored thousands of people in improvement efforts generating millions in savings. She has deep experience coaching problem solvers and guiding leadership to operational excellence.
An innovative educator, she was the co-designer and instructor for Lean Six Sigma Leadership Course at University of California, San Diego (UCSD). She is the Lead Instructor for the Lean Six Sigma Green Belt at UC San Diego Health, and she also designs and runs Lean Six Sigma courses at UC Davis, and the University of Denver.
She is the award-winning author of, Picture Yourself a Leader: Illustrated Micro-Lessons in Navigating Change, and the second edition of her co-authored, Problem Solver’s Toolkit: A Surprisingly Simple Guide to Your Lean Six Sigma Journey, is publishing in early 2025.
A Virtual Coffee offers a relaxed and engaging platform to connect with Lean professionals and explore meaningful discussions in a collaborative virtual environment. These sessions combine the best of our Coffee Chats and Book Club, offering a platform to discuss all things Lean, share professional challenges, and explore solutions with like-minded peers.
Opportunity to connect with other Lean practitioners and like-minded individuals.
Attendees are able to ask questions, interact with the presenter and other attendees virtually.
Leverage Collective Knowledge: Tap into the expertise of our MLC membership.
Focus on Lean Implementation: Discuss practical applications of Lean tools and strategies.
Networking Opportunities: Expand your network of Lean professionals.
Share and Learn: Exchange best practices and gain insights from others' experiences.
Stay Engaged: Stay connected with the MLC community and learn about upcoming events.
Join us for a session filled with ideas, insights, and inspiration—all from the comfort of your home or office!
Members: Free
Non-Members: $20
At the MLC, we do our best to be inclusive at every level of experience, whether it’s a conference, Gemba walk or any other of our membership activities.
An individual or organizational membership gives you a year’s worth of great Lean learning and networking at low- or no-cost!
