Lean By Design
Lean by Design explores how organizations can fix what’s predictably broken in their operations — starting with the systems, decisions, and behaviors that shape how work gets done. Hosts Oscar Gonzalez and Lawrence Wong speak with leaders from biopharma and beyond, drawing lessons from industries that share the same pursuit of clarity, efficiency, and sustainable execution. Each episode breaks down real challenges into practical insights that help teams align better, think smarter, and move faster. Produced by Sigma Lab Consulting, Lean by Design helps organizations design for what works—and eliminate what doesn’t. Listen on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts.
Episodes
31 episodes
0209. Efficiency Is Not Just Cutting Costs
In this episode, we discuss the 2025 MassBio Industry Snapshot — an annual report tracking employment trends, investment, real estate, and pipeline activity across ...
•
51:19
0208. It’s Not the Science — It’s the System
Why Operational Excellence is Biopharma’s Next Competitive AdvantageIn this special cofounder episode of Lean by Design, Oscar Gonzalez and Lawrence Wong pull back the curtain on the ideas behind Oscar’s upcoming book—a...
•
Season 2
•
Episode 8
•
54:51
0207. Fix What Matters Most: Rethinking Workflow Improvement in Biopharma
In this episode, we introduce a new approach to operational excellence, one built for the realities of today’s biopharma landscape.As the industry faces tighter budgets and widespread restructuring, the pressure to “do more with less” ha...
•
Season 2
•
Episode 7
•
56:11
0206. From Chaos to Clarity: Bridging the Gap Between R&D Decisions and Scientific Data with Bogdan Knezevic
In this episode, we sit down with Bogdan Knezevic, co-founder and CEO of Kaleidoscope, to talk about a growing challenge in life sciences R&D: making smart decisions when data is scattered across teams, tools, and partners.Bogdan exp...
•
Season 2
•
Episode 6
•
51:06
0205. Before You Scale: Designing Workflows That Set Teams Up for Success with David Hirschfeld
In this episode, we sit down with David Hirschfeld, 35-year software veteran and founder of Tekyz, to talk about why designing workflows before you start building is critical for sustainable growth.We explore how the speed of mo...
•
Season 2
•
Episode 5
•
43:05
0204. Start With the End: How PRFAQs Create Clarity Before You Build with Marcelo Calbucci
Have you ever started a project only to realize you’re building something your leaders never asked for? You’re not alone.In this episode of Lean by Design, we sit down with Marcelo Calbucci, a veteran of Amazon, Microsoft, and mul...
•
Season 2
•
Episode 4
•
51:23
0203: Build or Buy? Developing Internal Process Capabilities vs. Relying on External Experts with Liam O'Neill
Have you ever noticed the gap between where your organization is and where it needs to be widening every day—especially when workflows are undefined or changing?In this episode of Lean by Design, we sit down with Liam O’Neill of B...
•
45:08
0202. When Everyone’s Rowing, But the Boat Isn’t Moving
Have you ever watched a rowing team give it their all only to spin in circles? That’s exactly how we feel when our teams pour in effort without clear roles and responsibilities.In this episode of Lean by Design, we explore how vag...
•
Season 2
•
Episode 2
•
52:33
0201. From Small Wins to Organizational Transformation: Building Momentum in Biopharma
In this episode, we explore how small, intentional improvements—not sweeping changes—drive real progress in biopharma operations. The discussion highlights a common challenge: the disconnect between strategy and execution, often due to underuti...
•
Season 2
•
Episode 1
•
45:00
0122. Revolutionizing Project Management in Biopharma: Smartsheet Change Management Strategies
Unlock the potential of Smartsheet for the biopharma industry with strategies that can transform project management. Can a minimalist approach to Smartsheet integration enhance team efficiency and adaptability? In this final part of our series ...
•
Season 1
•
Episode 22
•
11:45
0121. Empowering Accountability through Smartsheet: Rethinking Team Dynamics and Automation in Biopharma
Is it possible to build a culture of accountability without slipping into micromanagement? In this episode of Lean by Design, we dig into strategies for fostering responsibility and efficiency in high-stakes environments like biopharma. Exp...
•
Season 1
•
Episode 21
•
11:34
0120. Securing Team Buy-In for Smartsheet Implementation in Biopharma: Strategies for Seamless Software Adoption
Struggling to secure team buy-in for Smartsheet adoption in a high-stakes, fast-paced environment? In this episode of Lean by Design, we explore the strategies that drive effective implementation in the intricate world of biopharma, where w...
•
Season 1
•
Episode 20
•
15:05
0119. Unleashing Innovation Through the Power of Simplicity with Lisa Bodell
In this episode of Lean by Design, we’re joined by Lisa Bodell, CEO of FutureThink, to unpack a counterintuitive truth: complexity is innovation’s worst enemy. From her days in advertising to her role as a simplicity guru in biopharma,...
•
Season 1
•
Episode 19
•
44:00
0118. Transformative Strategies for Scaling Operations in Biopharma Part 2
Ever wondered how continuous improvement can propel your organization's growth to new heights? In this episode of Lean by Design, host Oscar Gonzalez delves into innovative strategies drawn from recent projects. Discover how you...
•
Season 1
•
Episode 18
•
13:52
0117. Transformative Strategies for Scaling Operations in Biopharma
Ever wondered how to supercharge your company's operations without expanding your team? In this episode of Lean by Design, host Oscar Gonzalez reveals innovative strategies from a recent project with a dynamic 100-person company...
•
Season 1
•
Episode 17
•
19:29
0116. Harnessing the Power of PPM Tools for Organizational Synergy: A review of Smartsheet's PPM whitepaper.
-Effective Project Portfolio Management Strategies-Challenges and Opportunities in PPM Tools-Implementing Technology in Organizational Processes-Effective Deployment of PPM ToolsIDC White Paper: The Power...
•
Season 1
•
Episode 16
•
53:37
0115. Innovating for Tomorrow: Sustainable Pharma Facilities and Digital Revolutions
- Unpacks insights from ISPE Facilities of the Future Conference- Focuses on sustainability and digital evolution in pharma- Next-gen facilities are efficient and eco-friendly- Shift to interconnected data systems revolutionizes res...
•
Season 1
•
Episode 15
•
44:15
0114. Triumphs in Team Bonding and Strategic Vision at Sigma Lab Consulting
- Unexpected team bonding and strategic planning during a snowed-in off-site retreat at Sigma Lab Consulting- Reflecting on past year's successes and future opportunities- Team cohesion and unique problem-solving approach leading to rep...
•
Season 1
•
Episode 14
•
1:05:41
0113. Seamless Teamwork and Strategic Tools for a Smooth R&D Operation
- Boost R&D team efficiency through collaboration and accountability- Address inefficiencies in most R&D projects- Cultivate a successful life sciences workplace culture- Refine data for actionable insights and shared owners...
•
Season 1
•
Episode 13
•
1:02:38
0112. Safeguarding Scientific Progress with a Maintenance Master Plan.
- Highlight the critical importance of a robust asset management strategy.- Discuss maintenance scheduling, coordination, and the power of clear communication.- Emphasize post-service rituals to ensure optimal equipment performance....
•
Season 1
•
Episode 12
•
37:40
0111. Mastering the Game of Operational Excellence and Continuous Improvement.
- Discover actionable strategies for success, including data-driven decisions and effective communication.- Learn why operational excellence involves refining resources, not just adding them.- Unlock the power of performance metrics and...
•
Season 1
•
Episode 11
•
51:11
0110. Exploring the Impact of Inventory Control on Business Performance.
- Uncover the potential of inventory management for business success.- Dive into laboratory inventory and budget management intricacies.- Learn the art of categorizing items in databases and tracking consumable usage.- Explore uniqu...
•
Season 1
•
Episode 10
•
40:09
0109. The Art and Science of Optimizing R&D Timelines in Life Sciences.
- Explore challenges and the fast-paced nature of R&D.- Discuss the merits and demerits of the waterfall approach.- Offer tips for maintaining momentum in short task sprints.- Provide insights on optimizing R&D timelines.
•
Season 1
•
Episode 9
•
40:22
0108. Sigma Lab Consulting's First Year: Triumphs, Challenges, and the Art of Consulting.
- Explore a year in the life of Sigma Lab Consulting.- Share the rollercoaster journey, trials, triumphs, and memorable moments with clients.- Spotlight on work-life balance and the world of consulting.- Discuss the art of simplific...
•
Season 1
•
Episode 8
•
58:24
0107. When "house flipping" meets corporate America. Process improvement for the eventual asset sale.
What happens when an equity firm wants to add to their portfolio? Only the asset is not quite polished for purchase? In this episode we connect with Jon Holden, Private Equity Management Consultant. Jon walks us through various examples of how ...
•
Season 1
•
Episode 7
•
51:35
