ASQ: Program Meeting March 2025 – Project Innovation

Organizations and work are always changing, and keeping up requires constant improvement. While small changes and improvements are easier and simpler to implement, they are sometimes not enough to keep up.

In order to move from incremental change to breakthrough or disruptive change, you need a different approach.

This presentation highlights the tools, techniques, and strategies you need to innovate your business processes for a higher impact on your company and your customers. You’ll learn about innovation and implementing breakthrough process improvements to ensure your enterprise stays ahead of the game.

Jim Nelson is an external auditor, teacher, and consultant at Clarosys LLC, a management consultancy focused on management systems and process improvement. His background encompasses engineering, quality, Lean, and Six Sigma. Jim spent over 25 years working with various manufacturers in engineering, Lean Six Sigma Black Belt, continuous improvement, and quality roles. He continues to teach process improvement, innovation, and supply chain management at two universities. His current role as an external auditor includes auditing standards in ISO, Aerospace, and Responsible Care.

Jim is a Senior member of ASQ and is active in the Minnesota section of ASQ, where he has held many positions, including his current position as Senior Director. He is a co-author of the ASQ Innovation Technical Committee Body of Knowledge and is currently leading the development of the Lean Enterprise Division Body of Knowledge. He is an experienced Baldrige examiner, leading and participating in teams at the state and national levels. Jim holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Electronic Engineering Technology, a Master of Business Administration (Finance), and certifications as a Lean Six Sigma Black Belt, Manager of Quality/Organizational Excellence (CMQ/OE), Quality Auditor (CQA), and Unbeatable Mind coach.