Learning to Lead, Leading to Learn

Lessons from Toyota Leader Isao Yoshino on a Lifetime of Continuous Learning

By: Katie Anderson

Narrated by: Katie Anderson

Refreshing, timeless lessons for those who care to lead

In Learning to Lead, Leading to Learn, leadership coach Katie Anderson and Toyota leader Isao Yoshino bring you a remarkable book about what it means to learn, to lead, and to care. Created through years of collaboration, this book offers their shared reflections on leadership and learning, providing readers an inspirational experience that defies generational and cultural divides.

“The only secret to Toyota is its attitude towards learning.” (Isao Yoshino)

With a career that spanned nearly four decades at Toyota Motor Corporation, Isao Yoshino’s stories help us understand how Toyota intentionally developed the culture of excellence for which it is renowned today, and how one person learned to lead so that he could lead to learn. Katie Anderson weaves together these heartwarming stories of personal discovery, and offers her own unique perspective on them, with the intention of helping you learn to lead and lead to learn.

Reflection is the key to learning.

Dive into Learning to Lead, Leading to Learn to discover the power of reflection as a source for learning. Uncover never-before-published “insider stories” from pivotal moments in Toyota’s history and fascinating nuances that inspired the Toyota Way. And walk away with fresh insights and excitement about people-centered leadership, organizational excellence, and yourself.

If you’ve ever been mentored - in business or in life - by someone whose words, experiences, and perspectives changed you for the better, you know that an entire book of honest reflection and deep wisdom can have a profound impact on the world. For today’s business professionals - dedicated to continuous learning and people-centered leadership - this is that book.

Learning to Lead, Leading to Learn is a beautiful, one-of-a-kind tapestry that will inspire both veteran and aspiring leaders to reflect and learn. It’s a book for leaders of all levels, in any industry, anywhere in the world, who strive to create a culture of continuous learning and to lead with intention - by helping others discover their best selves, while also developing themselves.

With a Foreword by John Shook, chairman, Lean Global Network

“If you are seeking the next step on your own journey of leadership transformation, reading this book and living its lessons will help you become the leader you always knew you could be.” (Richard Sheridan, CEO, Menlo Innovations and author of Joy, Inc. and Chief Joy Officer)

“I encourage anyone who influences people in cultural change to embrace the shared wisdom in this book.” (Tracey Richardson, author of The Toyota Engagement Equation)

“If you’re interested in lean and learning, this is an absolute must-read!” (Michael Balle, coauthor of The Gold Mine Trilogy and The Lean Strategy)

“If you want to really understand continuous improvement...read this book.” (Jeffrey Liker, author of The Toyota Way)

©2020 Katie Anderson (P)2023 Katie Anderson

Leadership wisdom

I listened to Katie's book during my morning runs a few days in a row. I was so 'energized' by the many insights shared, that I ended up purchasing a hard copy to keep in my library.

"Learning to Lead, Leading to Learn" is an easy listen and a good reference on leadership. Now that I have the book as well, I will be picking it up every once in a while to remind me of the power of humble leadership, the impact of a teaching leader, the greatness of owning mistakes, the importance of failure, etc... there is SO much more in there to chew on!

Mr. Yoshino and Katie share so many pearls of wisdom that it made me reconsider my own trajectory of life. Realizing that my vision of the future was a little fuzzy, I worked on clearing up the dust and setting up a fresh clear target. I am currently developing critical milestones and will soon end up with a much needed game plan. So, to say that this book impacted my life is kind of an understatement.

I do recommend this audible to anyone interested in perfecting their leadership skills. I hope to share this with friends and colleagues, as opportunities arise.

A must read for leaders

I just finished listening to L2L, L2L and I am working through the companion workbook. I just ordered the hard copy for myself and my team members. It is captivating, motivating, empowering and inspiring. A big thank you to Katie for sharing lessons learned from Isao Yoshino. Read this book and you will be thanking her too.

It's all about "Intention"

At least that was my "Aha" moment that I had from reading and now listening to it on my morning walks. A great job from what is to become a must in anyone's Lean, Learning and Leading library. A definite go-to for those interested in a culture change within the workplace.

A great story, and a great read! Perfect for leadership, book club!

Katie Anderson does a great job recounting the lessons, and the teachings of Toyota’s Isao Yoshino.
Both the book, and Mr. Yoshino’s reflections on his time, as a leader at Toyota manufacturing corporation, are relatable and useful for leaders at all levels.
I am just beginning my second leadership book club using Katie’s, Learning to Lead, Leading to Learn. The first group was very engaged, enjoyed the book, and found the lessons to be helpful, particularly as we are working to advance the lean culture in our organization.
We have since, added it to our Lean/leadership library.
Well done, Katie!
Of note, I rated performance, not entirely sure what that meant, as four stars instead of five, because I have found that this book is easier to follow and comprehend in hardcopy format. I actually purchased both a copy on Audible and a hardcopy and found that to be the best of both worlds. I also, halfway through the book, ordered the companion workbook and use that to help guide the discussions with leaders.

Toyota builds people while they build cars

I thoroughly enjoyed this book. Toyota builds people as it builds cars. This is a very true statement and is beautifully put forward in this book. As someone who has both worked at Toyota for many years and spent much time in Japan, I was reminded of many truths and memories as I read this book. Truths such as: no problem is problem and the importance of going to gemba.

A must read for any leader at any level!

Leadership isn't something we are taught; great leadership is something that is learned. Katie's sharing of her own insights and thoughts from her personal learning and that of Isao Yoshino can help any leader learn how to be a one that is worth following; one that will leave a legacy. This book left me reflecting on the type of leader I want to be and the steps I need to put into action to make that happen! This is truly a must-read!

A Deep DIve into Lean History and Practice

Katie Anderson shares her experience with and learning from one of Lean's pioneers - Isao Yoshino. Although I thought I knew a lot about Lean's history and practices, I learned a lot.
Mr. Yoshino is a role model for all of us who aspire to higher levels of Lean leadership. Katie has crafted his life story in a highly readable (listenable) way that drew me along, looking for each next phase in his career development, accompanied by deep Lean teaching that helped me think more clearly.
If you are looking for valuable lessons for both senior leaders and mid-level managers, you've come to the right place.
I highly recommend Learning to Lead, Leading to Learn!

Taking Leadership to a New Level-Amazing!

If you are looking for the "Magic" to elevate your leadership to the next level---THIS IS THE BOOK FOR YOU!! Transforming an organization through continuous learning, coaching and mentoring is so powerful. Mr. Yoshino's principles have brought a revolution of change that has trickled throughout the world. Katie's passion and energy bring the lessons to life and give you the motivation to re-start your leadership journey in an intentionally different way!

New and Refreshing View into Leadership

This was such an incredible book to experience. It personalizes the journey of growth through leadership and gives you an intimate view inside the life of an inspired leader. I started off scribbling notes and trying to capture everything then quickly came to a point where I paused and started over from the beginning. There'll be plenty of time for notes and reflection. This is a rich story that tugs at you and teaches you along the way. A one of a kind and never to be repeated. Thank you for writing this!

Connecting Toyota and America

Fascinating insights into the ties between Toyota and the US, from Mr Yoshino’s childhood encounters with US servicemen to his mentorship and friendship with Toyota’s first American employee John Shook.

Powerful to get a look behind the curtain with Mr Yoshino’s struggles with the US water-ski boat business, which happened in large part because of internal cultural issues, even after he helped drive the success of the NUMMI venture by helping to bridge its cultural issues. It is energizing to realize that the vaunted Toyota faced these culture challenges even as recently as the nineties. On construction sites across America we face the challenge of implementing lean to help our projects deliver more predictably, and to help our people live better, where our challenge has large cultural components. To know that Toyota and Mr Yoshino faced similar struggles makes it easier to stay in the fight.

A great story that reflects the ongoing partnership between Toyota and America, from Deming to lean to NUMMI and Yoshino and Shook.

Nice work Katie.