In a time of constant change, alignment and communication are not optional—they are essential.
This year’s summit centers on how organizations can move strategy into action through hoshin kanri while cultivating transparent, trust-based communication that drives engagement, innovation, and sustainable results.
Participants will gain practical tools and real-world insights to:
Translate strategic goals into clear, actionable priorities using hoshin kanri
Strengthen alignment across teams, departments, and leadership levels
Practice honest, purpose-driven communication that builds trust
Reduce confusion, silos, and rework through clearer strategic execution
Lead change with integrity in complex, people-centered systems
Ken Bogard | Know Honesty
Ken Bogard is the best selling author of “Know Honesty”, entrepreneur, Expert EOS Implementer, and the Open and Honest Expert. Ken’s Know Honesty approach is transforming people's lives, raising the bar on communication, leadership collaboration, and sparking a movement. His entrepreneurial grit and enthusiasm for positive results provide people with the momentum they need to achieve what they really want. Ken has impacted over 75 organizations, 400 owners and leaders, and thousands of employees. His work has been endorsed by EOS Worldwide and featured on outlets like Fox, NPR, and other top streaming platforms. Ken is changing how the world communicates.
Presentation: Solving Every Leadership Teams #1 Problem - Communication
You will learn how these two healthy rules, open and honest, positively impact Vision, Traction and most importantly, team health. Top performing teams and great communication are correlated, but unfortunately most communication training only teaches you how to talk. We'll explore why real communication can't happen without you being you, how brutal honesty kills progress, and what it takes to say (and receive) what actually needs to be said. This is about the raw, human work of showing up, speaking up, and staying open, especially when it is hard.
Jennifer Schoenherr | Lean and Six Sigma Manager, Ford Motor Company
Jennifer Schoenherr is a Lean and Six Sigma Manager at Ford Motor Company, with over 25 years of experience leading cross-functional teams to deliver simple solutions to drive problems to zero. Known for her use of data and drill down trees, she successfully solved a major epoxy fill issue on the F150 Lightning Stator. Jennifer holds a degree in Mechanical Engineering from Michigan Technological University, a Masters in Engineering Management from Oakland University and is currently working on her PhD in Manufacturing Engineering at Michigan Technological University. She is proficient in Lean Manufacturing, Kaizen Activities, and Problem-Solving. Outside of work, she is an advocate for community service, which fuels her passion for giving back to those who gave her a head start. Jennifer is married to Todd and has one son, Samuel, and a black lab, Tornado.
Presentation: Cartooning As a Problem-Solving Tool
The research investigates whether cartooning—defined as a simple, visual communication method using caricatures—helps teams simplify complex ideas and reach their goals more effectively than traditional Lean problem-solving methods alone. The Study found that although cartooning did not have a statistically significant effect on a team’s results when used alongside other Lean tools, the data did show that the teams using cartooning had less variation in their results and a high rate of reaching stated goals. Cartooning is a low barrier tool that forces clarity, engages the brain, enhances collaboration, and visualizes the “invisible”. Cartooning is presented as one of seven simple strategies to expedite problem-solving. While it isn't a replacement for other Lean tools, it is a highly effective way to get an entire team involved, ensure everyone is looking at the same problem, and understand how a process is supposed to work versus how it is actually working. The second portion of the presentation will examine cartooning examples and the audience will complete an exercise to practice cartooning to allow them to implement this tool when they return to their workplace.
Christopher Davis | Technology Analyst, Consumers Energy and Founder, Country Roads Data Consulting, LLC
Chris Davis grew up in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains, where his first “real job” at 13 involved tending an orchard, with his grandfather, and selling apples and peaches to the community. After serving four honorable years in the United States Marine Corps and working on natural gas pipelines, Chris realized his true calling lay in technology and data—a realization that set the stage for a bold career pivot.
In 2013, Chris moved to Michigan and started from scratch, earning two associate degrees and a bachelor’s in Engineering Technology Management while completing internships at Nexteer Automotive, the VA Hospital, and Consumers Energy. During his time at Consumers, Chris enrolled in an in-house data analytics program—a decision that changed his life. That program sparked a passion for data and analytics, ultimately leading him to earn a master’s degree in Data Analytics from West Virginia University. While completing his graduate studies, Chris was introduced to the world of Artificial Intelligence and Large Language Models, which ignited a new mission: promoting ethical, responsible AI use.
Today, Chris is a Technology Analyst at Consumers Energy and the founder of Country Roads Data Consulting, LLC, where he helps small businesses and organizations harness big data and AI without breaking the bank. He is a passionate advocate for ethical AI, working to dispel misconceptions and ensure technology serves as a tool for positive impact. From teaching the intricacies of apples and peaches to translating technical jargon into business language, Chris has always excelled at bridging gaps and bringing people together. Outside of work, he’s a proud husband and dad, a self-professed nerd who loves Star Wars, comic books, music, and LEGO, and enjoys life with his wife Krystal, daughter Rylie, three dogs, and thirteen cats.
Presentation: Ethical AI
In this presentation, we’ll tackle a defining leadership challenge in the age of AI: Will your organization use AI as a tool to amplify human capability—or as a crutch that masks systemic weaknesses? Leading with honesty and purpose means acknowledging that this choice cannot rest solely with executives or technologists. In today’s environment, everyone—from the C-suite to the front line—must be knowledgeable about AI’s potential, limitations, and ethical considerations to lead effectively. Without this shared understanding, organizations risk blind dependency, eroding critical thinking, and automating flawed processes instead of fixing them.
Conversely, treating AI as a tool fosters resilience, innovation, and trust—empowering people to do higher-value work while maintaining agency and judgment. Hoshin Kanri provides a powerful framework to operationalize this philosophy, aligning a vision of “AI that strengthens, not substitutes” with breakthrough objectives, ethical design principles, and continuous learning loops. This approach reframes ethics as a driver of value, not a compliance checkbox, and makes governance tangible through measurable outcomes and transparent practices. The result? AI that accelerates progress without immobilizing growth—a compass for purposeful leadership rather than a splint for fragility.
Why Sponsor the Summit?
Amplify Your Reach: Gain visibility with a highly engaged audience passionate about continuous improvement.
Showcase Your Leadership: Position your organization as a leader in Lean practices and innovation.
Build Meaningful Connections: Network with professionals and decision-makers from across industries.
Please park in the Fulton Lot as indicated by the map below:
We’re excited to offer a convenient hotel option for Summit attendees. Reserve your stay at the Holiday Inn Grand Rapids Downtown and enjoy a special group rate exclusively for our event participants.
Details
Hotel Name: Holiday Inn Grand Rapids Downtown
Address:310 Pearl St. NW, Grand Rapids, MI 49504
Room Type: Two Queen Standard
Booking Information:
Book your stay online, or by calling 616-235-7611 and mention the Grand Rapids Lean Summit group block.
Hotel Cancellation Policy
Guests can cancel their reservation without penalty according to the hotel’s standard cancellation policy.
Book your Stay Here
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!
We understand that plans change. In the event you are unable to attend an event, refunds will be issued in full for cancellation refund requests received in writing via the events@michiganlean.org email at least seven (7) days before the event. Refunds will not be issued when less than a seven (7) day notice is provided. After submitting your cancellation refund request via email, please allow up to ten (10) business days for your refund to be processed. If the event is rescheduled, all purchases will be honored for the rescheduled event date. If the event is cancelled, all purchases will be refunded in full.
