Industry Ignited Podcast

What’s the Secret to Sustainable Process Improvement? Ann Marie O’Connell Explains | Ep. 30

Leeanne Aguilar, Ph.D. Season 1 Episode 30

In this episode of Industry Ignited, host Dr. Leeanne Aguilar sits down with Ann Marie O’Connell, professional engineer, MBA, and certified Six Sigma Black Belt, to explore the intersection of process discipline and creativity. With over four decades leading MCU Limited, Ann Marie shares how flexible, physics- and economics-based design thinking can drive real innovation—without stifling imagination. She reveals why true process excellence isn’t about rigid control, but about empowering teams to think critically, identify root causes, and design systems that sustain improvement even in disruption. From digital twins to design-for-manufacture, Ann Marie explains how leaders can balance rigor and empathy to make continuous improvement part of their company’s DNA.