--- title: Blog | Stiles Associates | Ted Stiles description: For over 30 years, Stiles Associates has been the premier retained executive search firm for Operations and Lean Transformation executives. --- # [![Stiles Associates](https://blog.leanexecs.com/hs-fs/hubfs/raw_assets/public/Leanexecs_September_2021/images/Stiles-Associates-Logo.png?width=230&height=500&name=Stiles-Associates-Logo.png "Stiles Associates")](https://www.leanexecs.com) - [Team](https://leanexecs.com/our-team) - [Our Team](https://leanexecs.com/our-team) - [Careers at Stiles](https://leanexecs.com/careers-at-stiles) - About - [Coverage](https://leanexecs.com/coverage) - [Frequently Asked Questions](https://www.leanexecs.com/faq) - [Interim Management](https://leanexecs.com/interim-management) - [Who We Are](https://leanexecs.com/who-we-are) - [Clients](https://leanexecs.com/clients) - Insights - [Blog](https://blog.leanexecs.com/) - [Compensation Data](https://info.leanexecs.com/offer-report) - [Compensation & Relocation Insights](https://info.leanexecs.com/compensation-relocation-insights-for-recruiting-senior-executives) - [Email Sign-up](https://info.leanexecs.com/newsletter-sign-up) - [Executive Recruiting Podcast](https://info.leanexecs.com/jake-stiles-is-a-featured-guest-on-the-lean-blog-interviews-podcast) - [Executive Sessions](https://leanexecs.com/thinking) - [Recruit & Retain Manufacturing Leaders Guide](https://info.leanexecs.com/recruit-retain-manufacturing-leaders) - [Contact](https://leanexecs.com/contact) - [Assignments](https://leanexecs.com/assignments) - [Team](https://leanexecs.com/our-team) - [Our Team](https://leanexecs.com/our-team) - [Careers at Stiles](https://leanexecs.com/careers-at-stiles) - About - [Coverage](https://leanexecs.com/coverage) - [Frequently Asked Questions](https://www.leanexecs.com/faq) - [Interim Management](https://leanexecs.com/interim-management) - [Who We Are](https://leanexecs.com/who-we-are) - [Clients](https://leanexecs.com/clients) - Insights - [Blog](https://blog.leanexecs.com/) - [Compensation Data](https://info.leanexecs.com/offer-report) - [Compensation & Relocation Insights](https://info.leanexecs.com/compensation-relocation-insights-for-recruiting-senior-executives) - [Email Sign-up](https://info.leanexecs.com/newsletter-sign-up) - [Executive Recruiting Podcast](https://info.leanexecs.com/jake-stiles-is-a-featured-guest-on-the-lean-blog-interviews-podcast) - [Executive Sessions](https://leanexecs.com/thinking) - [Recruit & Retain Manufacturing Leaders Guide](https://info.leanexecs.com/recruit-retain-manufacturing-leaders) - [Contact](https://leanexecs.com/contact) - [Assignments](https://leanexecs.com/assignments) ![iStock-970350938.jpg](https://blog.leanexecs.com/hubfs/image-asset.jpeg?format=2500w) **Blog** [Mar 27, 2026 4:36:19 PM](https://blog.leanexecs.com/why-the-best-lean-leader-isnt-always-the-obvious-choice) # [Why the Best Lean Leader Isn’t Always the Obvious Choice](https://blog.leanexecs.com/why-the-best-lean-leader-isnt-always-the-obvious-choice) ![Logo_medium.png](https://blog.leanexecs.com/hubfs/Why%20the%20Best%20Lean%20Leader%20Isn%E2%80%99t%20Always%20the%20Obvious%20Choice.png?format=750w) by [Ted Stiles](https://www.leanexecs.com/ted-stiles-partner-vp-executive-search), Partner I recently had a client that was hiring for a Director of Lean position. We went to work and lined up several interested individuals who all had classic backgrounds including pedigree training, 10-plus years in dedicated Lean positions and appropriate production environment histories (assembly, long lead times, low volume/high mix, etc.).  Share - [Tweet](https://twitter.com/share) [Feb 11, 2026 8:00:02 AM](https://blog.leanexecs.com/checklist-for-hiring-managers-addressing-top-candidate-concerns) # [Checklist for Hiring Managers: Addressing Top Candidate Concerns](https://blog.leanexecs.com/checklist-for-hiring-managers-addressing-top-candidate-concerns) ![Logo_medium.png](https://blog.leanexecs.com/hubfs/Checklist%20for%20Hiring%20Managers%20Addressing%20Top%20Candidate%20Concerns.png?format=750w) Attracting top talent in today’s competitive market requires more than just a compelling job description. Candidates are increasingly discerning, seeking transparency, growth opportunities and alignment with organizational values before making career moves. Share - [Tweet](https://twitter.com/share) [Jan 10, 2023 10:28:34 AM](https://blog.leanexecs.com/lean-thrives-in-service-industries) # [Lean Thrives in Service Industries](https://blog.leanexecs.com/lean-thrives-in-service-industries) ![Logo_medium.png](https://blog.leanexecs.com/hubfs/Lean%20Thrives%20in%20Service%20Industries.png?format=750w) *by [Ted Stiles](https://www.leanexecs.com/ted-stiles-partner-vp-executive-search), Partner Stiles Associates* It’s well understood that the tools, concepts and management system practices we know as “Lean” are rooted in the Toyota Production System, but the last three decades have shown us that Lean’s applicability extends well beyond automotive manufacturing. Today, these tools and concepts are used in nearly every type of manufacturing process in existence including food and beverage, pharmaceuticals, medical devices, building materials, industrial materials and much more. 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