When the Work Speaks for You
Kaizen Snapshot
Setting: Global Lean Summit at Indiana University
Challenge: Sustaining Kaizen momentum at scale
Stakes: Culture, credibility, and long-term capability
Approach: Hands-on Kaizen facilitation, leader development, culture building
Outcome: Public CEO endorsement, new relationships, expanded opportunities
Key Lesson: Consistent results build credibility and credibility opens doors
The Situation
At the 2025 Global Lean Summit, I was scheduled to deliver five workshops over two days. That alone made it a memorable event.
What made it even more meaningful was learning that Andrew Koenig, CEO of CITY Furniture, would also be speaking. I had worked closely with Andrew and his team for two years, helping them re-energize their Kaizen culture and build internal capability.
I reached out and let him know I’d be tracking him down when he arrived. He was happy to reconnect.
We finally met early on the final conference day at my booth.
What Happened Next
After catching up and sharing recent adventures, Andrew looked at me and said something I didn’t expect:
“Adam, you’ve done so much for us. What can I do for you?”
Honestly, I hadn’t thought about that. I felt he had already given me plenty through the opportunity to work with his organization.
Still, a few thoughts crossed my mind:
It would be nice to be acknowledged as part of CITY Furniture’s Lean journey
Introductions to leaders he thought I could help would mean a lot
And maybe, just maybe, he’d wear the Kaizen Ninja socks I hand out
He smiled and said he’d do what he could.
The Moment I Didn’t See Coming
When Andrew took the stage later that morning, he began telling the story of CITY Furniture’s Lean journey.
Early in his talk, he shared how we met and how my work helped re-energize their Kaizen culture.
Later, he spoke again about the role I played in building their long-term Kaizen strategy.
Then he asked me to stand.
“Adam became part of how we grew our Kaizen capability not just our events.”
The response from the audience was immediate. After the talk, leaders came up to me wanting to understand my perspective, my approach, and how I supported CITY Furniture’s transformation.
Andrew’s words carried weight. Far more than anything I could have said myself.
What Changed
Later that day, Andrew came over, gave me a hug, and invited me to attend the CITY Furniture vendor conference.
I hadn’t been a vendor for more than two years. But I knew I needed to go, if for no other reason than to reconnect with the Kaizen team members and see how they were doing.
The conference itself was outstanding. But the real impact was something else entirely.
The Takeaway
When you do good work, consistently, respectfully, and with the long view in mind, others will tell your story for you.
Credibility isn’t built through self-promotion. It’s built through results.
Why This Matters
Leaders are flooded with claims and credentials.
What cuts through the noise is proof, especially when it comes from someone they trust.
Sustainable Kaizen cultures grow when results speak louder than words.
Want Results Like This?
If you’re looking to build Kaizen capability that leaders stand behind. Not just events that check a box: