Amazon

Continuous Improvement Manager

Area Manager

Site Manager

Junior Site Manager

Syddansk Universitet - University of Southern Denmark

Junior Research Assistant

Kverneland Group Kerteminde A/S

Master Thesis Project

ForeFlight

Data Consultant

Odense University Hospital

Semester Project

Follow for daily posts about Lean, CI & Innovation | Continuous Improvement Manager @ Amazon

Hi!👋 Ivan here

I'm an industrial engineer with 7+ years of experience in Operations Management and Continuous Improvement.

I serve two main groups of people:

	• Business owners and executives who want to turn their broken processes into brilliant ones (and save so much damn money) through Kaizen and Innovation

	• Founders and consulting firm owners within CI, Lean or Innovation who want to promote their businesses and make LinkedIn a legit revenue channel

(DM me for the details) 


I started writing on LinkedIn in October 2023. 

Since then, I have been sharing actionable, educational, and entertaining content to support LinkedIn community members in their continuous improvement journey. This helped me grow my audience from 9,000 to 100,000 followers in a year.

Join my newsletter here: https://lnkd.in/ddQncJM5

Ivan Carillo

26 Kaizen Leadership Mantras

Here are the 4 principles that I believe are most powerful (and why):

1/ Gemba never lies; go and see for yourself.

I've seen leaders make terrible decisions because they trusted Excel sheets over their own eyes. The problems that cost us millions are often visible on the shopfloor, but nobody bother to look. Reports tell you what people want you to know. Gemba tells you what's actually happening. I think the moment you stop walking the floor is the moment you lose touch with reality. Your operators won't lie to you if you show up regularly, ask good questions, and actually listen to their answers.

2/ Without psychological safety, Kaizen dies.

I've watched brilliant Kaizen programs collapse because people were terrified to speak up. Companies that blame individuals for systemic problems get exactly what they deserve. Silence. Workers hide defects, skip reporting near-misses, and watch waste happen rather than risk looking stupid or getting punished. I think this is why most Kaizen initiatives fail within a year. You can't improve what people won't talk about, and people won't talk about problems in a culture of fear.

3/ The person doing the work knows it best.

I learned this the hard way early in my career when I implemented a Kaizen idea. The operators supported it, then immediately went back to their old method the moment I left. Every time I've ignored frontline expertise, I've wasted time and money solving the wrong problem. I think we underestimate how much knowledge lives in the hands and muscle memory of people who do the same task hundreds of times daily.

4/ Kaizen culture doesn't support strategy. Kaizen culture is strategy.

I spent years thinking CI was something that helped execute our "real" strategy. I was wrong. Companies with a strong Kaizen culture adapt faster, survive disruptions better, and outperform competitors with superior strategic plans. I think this is the principle most executives miss. Your competitors can copy your products in months, but they can't copy a culture where thousands of people solve problems every single day.

P.S. What's your fav one in the list?

Founder of Gemba Walk AI — I help executives cut waste and fix the broken processes costing them millions

Brutal truth: most Kaizen implementations fail within 6 months.

Here's why (and how to fix it):

Common failure pattern..

↓ Launch with great enthusiasm 
↓ Form improvement teams 
↓ Run some workshops 
↓ See initial results 
↓ Get distracted by other priorities 
 ↳ Kaizen activities fade away

The missing ingredient? 
Systems thinking.

Successful Kaizen requires these systems working together:

1/ Total Quality Management

+Customer focus throughout organization
+Process-oriented improvement mindset

2/ Just-In-Time Production

+Elimination of waste in all forms
+Flow-based operations

3/ Total Productive Maintenance

+Equipment reliability and efficiency
+Operator involvement in maintenance

4/ Policy Deployment

+Clear targets cascading from top to bottom
+Aligned improvement efforts

5/ Suggestion Systems

+Employee engagement in daily improvement
+Recognition of participation

6/ Small Group Activities

+Quality circles and improvement teams
+Collaborative problem-solving
 
Most companies try to implement Kaizen 
…without these foundations. 

Remember:

Success requires patience.

+Start with one system
+Build it thoroughly
+Connect it to others gradually

…and never stop improving!

Founder of Gemba Walk AI • I help executives cut waste and fix the broken processes costing them millions

Most companies create fantastic value stream maps.

Then file them away. (I've seen it dozens of times) 

Video credit to Krish Sengottaiyan. Give him a follow

Teams spend weeks mapping their current state. 

They identify waste. 
They draft the future state

Then ...nothing changes.

You know why?

No one is responsible for the customer experience.

Traditional organizations are function-based.

→ Finance reports to CFO 
→ Operations reports to COO 
→ Sales reports to CRO

Each leader knows their department.
But nobody understands how value flows end-to-end.

No single leader owns value stream performance.

"Everyone" is responsible = No one is responsible

VSM needs an owner with authority. 
One leader who can make decisions across silos.

CEO could, but they operate too high to manage CI.

So it's key to assign executive-level VSM ownership. 

Before you map your next value stream, answer this:

Who owns the complete customer journey?

If you can't name them...
save yourself the effort.

P.S. Does anyone in your organization have E2E accountability for value delivery?

Asim Khaliq

7 Successful Exits | 25+ yrs of Experience | Transforming Business Consultants into Brand Leaders | CMO & Brand Strategist | Generated $800M+ in E-Commerce Revenue

Follow Me for Daily Tips on Business, E-Commerce, Marketing & Growth.

About Me:

Consultant , Coach, Entrepreneur, and Content Creator.

I founded my first company when I was 22 years old.

Over the last 27 years, I've built 7 businesses, generating more than $800 million in revenue for myself and my clients. 

I have helped 100s of businesses in 30+ countries with scaling, growing and hiring people.

With a career spanning over two decades, I’ve worked with startups, growth-stage businesses, and established brands to help them define who they are, build what matters, and scale what works.

Areas of Focus

E-Commerce & Business Strategy:

↳ Positioning new businesses for meaningful market entry
↳ Rebranding and repositioning for mature businesses
↳ Structuring offers, funnels, and monetization models
↳ Building execution systems for product, marketing, and operations

Entrepreneur Coaching & Advisory:

↳ Working 1-on-1 with aspiring founders and professionals
↳ Guiding startup leaders through launch, traction, and scale
↳ Mentoring eCommerce teams in high-growth environments

Leadership & Team Building:

↳ Strategies for leading with purpose.
↳ Building teams that drive growth and innovation.

Organizational Growth:

↳ Developing branding and marketing strategies to fuel growth.
↳ Consulting on e-commerce growth, from 7-figure to 9-figure revenue.
↳ Scaling businesses through effective growth marketing and processes.

Key Highlights:

↳ Founded and scaled 7 businesses from scratch.
↳ Generated $800M+ in revenue for myself and clients.
↳ Developed systems and processes that help organizations thrive.
↳ Hired and managed thousands of employees across 30+ countries.
↳ Helped over 100 businesses build teams, develop strategies, and scale globally.
↳ Led the growth of e-commerce companies from 7-figure to 9-figure revenues.

Industry Expertise

Fashion & Apparel, Beauty, Consumer Goods, Hair Care, Nutrition, Furniture, Food, Technology, Home & Kitchens, Jewelry, Real Estate, Online Education, Accounting & HR

My Approach:

I’ve lived every stage of the business lifecycle.

From launching ideas to building brands, from hiring globally to fixing what’s broken, my work is grounded in hands-on experience, deep strategic thinking, and a passion for building what matters.

My coaching and consulting is rooted in practical experience, not just theory.

Let’s Connect:

Whether you're launching your first product, growing your team, or preparing to scale

Let’s talk. (DM me if you want to grow your brand, business, or revenue.)

Best regards

Asim Khaliq

Member Board of Directors

I Almost Quit:

(And every time, right before the breakthrough.)

What I learned the hard way is simple:

Success doesn’t reward talent first.

It rewards endurance.

Here’s the real problem we don’t talk about:

We give up too early, right before momentum kicks in.
W
→ Failures blur our sense of direction
→ Delays convince us we’re not capable
→ Setbacks feel personal, not situational
→ We mistake slow progress for no progress

Therefore, train yourself to try “one more time”:

→ Break the challenge into one small next step.
→ Create routines that move you even when motivation is low
→ Replace “Why isn’t it working?” with “What can I improve today?”
→ Build patience like a muscle instead of expecting instant results

Trying one more time compounds into outcomes others call “luck.”

→ You develop grit, the real competitive advantage
→ You eventually arrive where most people quit
→ You break limits you once believed were permanent
→ You start seeing progress where others see problems

Here’s what I remind myself today:

Your life doesn’t change when you achieve something.

It changes when you refuse to stop trying.

So, the next time you feel like giving up, pause and ask:

“What if the breakthrough is one attempt away?”

Because most of the time… it is.

Like and Repost this to help others.

Follow Asim Khaliq for more business insights and growth.

Business Growth Coach & eCommerce Consultant | Top 3 Marketing Leader in Canada | 25+ Years Building & Scaling Businesses | 7x Founder | Generated $800M+ in E-Commerce

Leadership is Not the Rank You Hold:

(The following 8 behaviors reveal something deeper)

I meet people across every level of an organization, from entry-level employees to senior executives.

And I’ve noticed something consistent:

True leadership often comes from the calmest person in the room.

→ They think before they act.
→ They notice what others ignore.
→ They listen more than they speak.

Here are 8 behaviors I’ve seen repeatedly in people who naturally lead with clarity and depth:

1) They’re Quiet Listeners:
→ They speak less and absorb more, processing what others miss.

2) They Notice Small Details:
→ They see patterns, expressions, and inconsistencies that most overlook.

3) They’re Thoughtful Planners:
→ They think ahead, anticipate outcomes, and prepare for possibilities.

4) They Value Alone Time:
→ Solitude sharpens their perception and enables them to process things deeply.

5) They’re Good at Reading People:
→ They pick up on tone, body language, and energy faster than words can express.

6) They Value Their Relationships:
→ They nurture meaningful connections and remember what truly matters.

7) They Retreat Into Their Inner World:
→ Cherish a rich inner life for processing emotions and generating creative ideas, fostering personal growth.

7) They’re Deeply Self-Aware:
→ They understand their emotions, motives, and reactions, and adjust with intention.

Remember:

Leaders lead not through authority, but through presence.

Their awareness shapes how others think, decide, and grow.

Like and Repost this to help others. 

Follow Asim Khaliq for more business insights and growth.

Ever Walked Away from a Conversation Feeling Guilty?

(That’s manipulation in disguise.)

I’ve seen this pattern:

In workplaces, friendships, and even leadership rooms.

Manipulation hides behind charm, guilt, or concern.

→ “You’re overreacting.” (to make you doubt yourself)
→ “I was only trying to help.” (to twist accountability)
→ “I don’t want to hurt you.” (to mask control as care)
→ “You’re the only one I can count on.” (to trap you in obligation)

These words seem harmless.

But over time, they chip away at your confidence.

Therefore, "awareness is your defense."

Here’s how intelligent people protect themselves:

→ Listen beyond the words 
→ Set boundaries early, not after you’re drained.
→ Don’t explain your “no.” It’s a complete sentence.
→ Choose clarity over comfort; silence feeds manipulation.
→ Surround yourself with people who make you feel lighter, not guilty.

When you stop feeding manipulation, something powerful happens:

→ You reclaim your voice.
→ You attract authentic relationships.
→ You lead with confidence, not fear.
→ You stop mistaking control for care.

Remember

Pay attention to how people make you feel.

Not just what they say.

Like and Repost this to help others.

Follow Asim Khaliq for more business insights and growth.

Excellence Alone Won’t Earn Trust or Respect:

(8 Habits That Quietly Erode Your Reputation)

People notice more than your output. 

They notice how you show up.

→ Your habits
→ Your attitude
→ Your consistency

Even small missteps compound over time and quietly damage your credibility.

Here’s how you unknowingly sabotage your reputation:

1) Missing Deadlines:
→ Hurts your credibility; signals unreliability.
↳ Fix: Break tasks into smaller milestones, communicate delays early, build buffer time.

2) Gossiping at Work:
→ Destroys trust; fuels negativity.
↳ Fix: Avoid drama, focus on solutions, create a safe space for teammates.

3) Constant Complaining:
→ Drains energy; labels you as negative.
↳ Fix: Raise issues with solutions, elevate standards instead of spreading noise.

4) Poor Communication Skills:
→ Creates confusion; slows progress.
↳ Fix: Be clear, prompt, and thoughtful. Listen deeply,it changes perception.

5) Oversharing Personal Issues:
→ Blurs professional boundaries.
↳ Fix: Be authentic, but know when to pause. Keep work conversations purposeful.

6) Lack of Accountability:
→ Breaks trust; weakens influence.
↳ Fix: Own mistakes, take responsibility, avoid passing the buck.

7) Inappropriate Social Media Behavior:
→ Questions judgment; harms credibility.
↳ Fix: Post with intention. If you wouldn’t say it in a meeting, don’t share online.

8) Missing Work or Arriving Late:
→ Signals low commitment.
↳ Fix: Respect others’ time. Build a rhythm that demonstrates reliability, even unseen.

Remember:

Consistency, accountability, and integrity make you unforgettable.

→ Polish your presence, not just your skills.

Like and Repost this to help others.

Follow Asim Khaliq for more business insights and growth.

Habits That Make Good Employees Look Unprofessional

Different Moments Demand Different Leaders:

(I learned this the hard way.)

Years ago, I kept pushing one of my teams with the same “visionary” approach I always used. 

It worked in the past, so I thought it would work again.

It didn’t.

→ Motivation dropped. Execution slowed.

And I realised something powerful:

Leadership isn’t a personality (It’s a portfolio.)

Here are the six styles every strong leader switches between:

1) Coaching:
↳ When the goal is long-term growth and capability.

2) Authoritative:
↳ When you need to set direction and energize the team.

3) Pacesetting:
↳ When the team is highly skilled and speed matters.

4) Coercive:
↳ When a crisis hits, you need immediate action.

5) Affiliative:
↳ When morale is low and people need connection.

6) Democratic:
↳ When you need collective wisdom and deep buy-in.

The mistake?

Most people rely on one of these, usually the one that matches their personality.

The real skill?

→ Learning to read the room.
→ Adjusting to the moment.
→ Choosing the style your team needs.

If you want to grow as a leader, start here:

→ Expand your range.
→ Build your emotional intelligence.

Like and Repost this to help others.

Follow Asim Khaliq for more business insights and growth.

7  Empowering Things to Say Back to a Gaslighter .

Your Resolution to Succeed Matters More Than Anything Else:

(Most people pause, doubt, and lose rhythm.)

I’ve seen this over and over again.

People depend too much on motivation.

When motivation fades, so does progress.

→ They wait for the right time.
→ They seek approval before action.
→ They let emotions decide their effort.
→ They lose focus when results are slow.

Therefore, resolution is what keeps you moving when nothing works.

→ Commit before you’re ready.
→ Show up even when it’s hard.
→ Focus on what you can control.
→ Stay grounded in your purpose.

And strong resolution builds unshakable momentum:

→ You build resilience that lasts.
→ You inspire trust and consistency.
→ You move forward despite challenges.
→ You grow into the person success demands.

Remember:

Opportunities, resilience, and success only come from perseverance.

Like and Repost this to help others.

Follow Asim Khaliq for more business insights and growth.

taplio

The Battle

Ivan Carillo

Asim Khaliq

Followers

Posts

Engagements

Likes

Performance ScoreIvan Carillo's LinkedIn Performance

Performance ScoreAsim Khaliq's LinkedIn Performance

Ready to grow your LinkedIn presence?

taplio

The Battle

Ivan Carillo

Asim Khaliq

Followers

Posts

Engagements

Likes

Performance Score.css-goub6s{font-size:var(--chakra-fontSizes-md);font-weight:500;color:var(--chakra-colors-gray-600);display:block;margin-top:var(--chakra-space-1);}Ivan Carillo's LinkedIn Performance

Performance ScoreAsim Khaliq's LinkedIn Performance

Ready to grow your LinkedIn presence?

Performance ScoreIvan Carillo's LinkedIn Performance