AME JAPAN LEADERSHIP EXPERIENCE

See Lean at its source. Transform how you lead improvement.

Join an elite cohort of senior leaders on a unique, immersive exploration of operational excellence deeply rooted in Japanese organisational culture.

This not a study tour, but a leadership transformation experience.

Why This Experience Matters

Most transformation initiatives struggle because they focus on tools, not systems.

In Japan, you will see Lean deeply embedded in daily practice, supported by leaders, routines, behaviours and organisational architecture that lasts decades, not months.

This experience helps you understand:

• Why many improvement programs stall
• How long-term excellence is designed and sustained
• What leaders actually do differently

These are insights you cannot gain from books, conferences, webinars or standalone visits.

What You Will Gain

Transformational Outcomes for Leaders Who Want Real Change

• Clearer judgement on how to build systems that sustain performance
• A deep understanding of the connections between culture, leadership and capability
• Practical insight into why many improvement programs stall and how to prevent that
• A reframed view of Lean as a leadership discipline, not a checklist
• A trusted network of senior peers from diverse industries

Experience Highlights

• Site Visits
  Experience leading Japanese organisations where Lean comes to life, with guided insights you can apply back home.

• Leadership Conversations
  Learn directly from Japanese leaders and facilitators who reveal the “why” behind Lean practices through stories and dialogue.

• Shared Reflection
  Join peer discussions and daily debriefs that turn insights into meaningful leadership actions.

Who Should Attend

This program is intentionally designed for a senior peer cohort, including:

• CEOs, COOs and Managing Directors
• Transformation and Operational Excellence leaders
• Senior executives responsible for culture, capability and long-term performance

Expressions of interest are reviewed to ensure a high-quality peer cohort and meaningful leadership dialogue.

The Problems This Experience Helps Solve

• Improvement initiatives that do not stick
• Transformation fatigue and stalled momentum
• Cultural change that fails to translate into results
• Unclear leadership and capability pathways
• Uncertain investment decisions in complex environments

Meet the Program Leadership

This AME Australia-led experience includes insights and guidance from former Toyota executives and internationally respected Lean leaders, including:

• Darril Wilburn (USA)
• Barry McCarthy (Australia)
• Hiroyoshi Yoshiki (Japan)

How to Secure Your Place

1.  Submit and expression of interest 

2. A short discussion with AME to confirm suitability and alignment

3. Confirmed participants receive a registration invitation

4. Your place is secured with payment

Limited places available to ensure quality access and dialogue.

Important Information

• Payment - 50% deposit on confirmation; balance due 3 months before departure.

• Cancellations - less than 3 months out: 25% fee; within 3 months: 50% fee (remaining funds may be credited to a future AME trip).

• Program - subject to change based on availability and group size.

• Travel - participants arrange their own flights, insurance, documents, and personal expenses.

• Conduct - respectful, professional engagement with hosts and peers is expected.