Why Lean Consultants Must Level Up Their Positioning and Messaging with Katie Anderson

As a consultant, I’ve seen firsthand how powerful Lean and continuous improvement can be in transforming organizations. But I’ve also noticed a recurring challenge: practitioners often struggle with how to position themselves and clearly communicate the value of their work.

That’s why I was thrilled to sit down with my friend and colleague, Katie Anderson, an internationally recognized leadership and Lean consultant, to talk about what it takes to elevate the way we describe, market, and deliver our expertise.

Why Positioning Matters More Than Ever

In today’s business environment, leaders aren’t looking for jargon. They want results. They want to understand how what we do directly impacts their bottom line and their people.

Katie and I discussed how Lean practitioners, in particular, have an incredible toolkit, but often hide behind technical language that leaders simply don’t connect with. If we want to expand our influence and impact, we have to be able to frame our work in terms of outcomes, transformation, and business value.

Moving Beyond Jargon

One of the biggest takeaways from my conversation with Katie was the importance of dropping jargon. Leaders don’t need us to talk about A3s, hoshin kanri, or value streams. They need to know:

• How will this help my people succeed?

• How will this reduce waste and inefficiency?

• How will this improve financial and operational performance?

When we connect our work to what matters most to executives, we stop sounding like specialists and start sounding like strategic partners.

Lean as a People-First Strategy

Katie reminded me of something central to Lean: it’s not just about tools or efficiency, it’s about respect for people. When we fix broken processes, we don’t just make organizations more effective; we make employees feel valued, respected, and heard.

That people-first approach is a story worth telling. And it’s a story leaders resonate with when we take the time to explain it in their language.

Practical Ways to Reframe Your Message

In our conversation, Katie and I brainstormed practical ways Lean practitioners (and really any consultant) can reframe their message:

• Lead with business outcomes, not process steps.

• Share stories of transformation, not just metrics.

• Highlight the human impact alongside the operational wins.

This is how we move from being seen as “process people” to being trusted advisors who drive meaningful change.

My Challenge to You

If you’re a Lean consultant or improvement professional, I challenge you to audit how you describe your work. Ask yourself:

• Am I speaking in my client’s language?

• Am I clear about the value I bring?

• Am I positioning myself as a strategic partner?

The more intentional you are about your positioning, the more your impact will grow.

My conversation with Katie Anderson was a powerful reminder that Lean is about so much more than efficiency, it’s about people, transformation, and creating lasting business value.

If you want to dive deeper, check out the full episode of the podcast where Katie and I unpack these ideas in detail.

What's next:

• If this conversation with Katie Anderson resonated with you and you’re ready to level up your own positioning and influence as a consultant, I’ve created a free resource just for you. This FREE audio training and workbook,  From Playing Small to Playing True, has proven strategies to get you the clarity & confidence you need to go after the consulting or coaching clients, impact & income you’re ready for. When you know the value of what you do and convey it with clarity, building a highly profitable, purpose-driven consulting or coaching business isn’t just possible, but inevitable! (even in challenging economic times). Get From Playing Small to Playing True here.

•  Check out my other blog post where Katie and I dive into her own positioning and messaging transformation. AND you can click here to see the full case study on Katie's brand positioning transformation here.

• If you’re ready to stop hiding behind jargon and start positioning your expertise in a way that leaders truly understand, let’s talk. Book a free discovery call with me and we’ll explore how you can elevate your message, expand your influence, and create the impact you’re meant to have. Book your Discovery Call and learn more about my services here.

If you enjoyed this blog post, you'll also enjoy:

• The ROI of Clarifying Your Brand Positioning with Katie Anderson

• Lean: The Unsung Hero of Employee Engagement That Actually Works
• Rethinking Everything We Know About Employee Engagement
• Flawless Consulting in Action: Peter Block on Power without Authority & Social Change

About the guest:  Katie Anderson is an internationally recognized leadership consultant, professional speaker, and learning enthusiast, who inspires and equips purpose-driven leaders create organizational learning cultures that foster innovation, engagement, and continuous improvement. A skilled change agent, Katie has empowered tens of thousands of global leaders across diverse industries to transform their cultures and accelerate individual and organizational impact. Katie is the author of the bestselling book Learning to Lead, Leading to Learn, which has received multiple international awards, including the Shingo Publication Award, and has been translated into over eight languages. Katie is also the host of the transformational leadership podcast Chain of Learning®. Katie holds a BA with honors from Stanford University and was a Fulbright Scholar in Australia, where she received her Master’s degree in public health policy. A global citizen who has lived in seven countries, Katie regularly hosts an immersive Japan Leadership Experience for global leaders looking to deepen their knowledge of people-centered leadership and operational excellence.

About me: Betsy Jordyn is a brand messaging strategist and business mentor for purpose-driven consultants and coaches. With a background in organizational development—including a consulting career with Disney—she helps experts clarify their unique value, position themselves strategically, and build businesses that deliver impact, income, and personal fulfillment. Connect with Betsy Jordyn to clarify your message, elevate your brand, and attract the clients you're meant to serve. Start here → https://www.betsyjordyn.com/services