Topic(s)
- People-centric leadership
Many organizations place a high value continuous improvement-but without prescribing a single methodology. This decentralized approach can foster innovation and autonomy, but it also presents challenges with inconsistent application of tools, decision-making and the risk of well-intentioned misuse of lean or six sigma principles.
In this session, explore how leaders can effectively apply structured improvement thinking in environments where no single method is endorsed. Drawing on real-world examples as well as an intriguing historical case study, this session will examine how to overcome challenges by leading with influence rather than authority, how to make sound decisions with limited data and how to respectfully guide teams toward better practices without enforcing rigid frameworks.
Key learning objectives
- Leading continuous improvement in method-agnostic cultures
- Decision-making when data is scarce or ambiguous
- Coaching and correcting CI misuse with empathy and clarity
Company
Lam Research Corporation is a global supplier of innovative wafer fabrication equipment and services to the semiconductor industry. Lam's equipment and services allow customers to build smaller and better performing devices. In fact, today, nearly every advanced chip is built with Lam technology. The company combines superior systems in engineering, technology, leadership and a strong values-based culture with an unwavering commitment to its customers. Lam Research (Nasdaq: LRCX) is a FORTUNE 500® company headquartered in Fremont, California, with operations around the globe. https://www.lamresearch.com/
Presenter
Rob Rule is vice president of supply chain operations at Lam Research, where he leads business operations, purchasing, network planning and digital transformation. With 25 years in the semiconductor equipment industry, he oversees the operational backbone of Lam’s supply chain, ensuring agility, resilience and alignment with the company’s strategic growth objectives.
Rule has held leadership roles at Lam Research and Applied Materials and previously served as a U.S. Navy submarine officer. His career has included roles in field service, sales, business operations, Lean Six Sigma, and supply chain. He holds degrees in nuclear engineering and mechanical engineering from Oregon State University. 
