Our Consultants
At Makoto, our consultants are seasoned professionals with hands-on experience in implementing Lean principles across various industries. From mining and manufacturing to IT and services, they bring a wealth of knowledge and a pragmatic approach to drive sustainable change within organisations.
Japan Consultants—Makoto Global
BRAD SCHMIDT
Founder & Consulting Partner
CITY, JAPAN
As the founder and president of Makoto Global, Brad has been a Lean consultant for over two decades. Brad's varied engagements range from working with companies as small as 15 people, to multi-nationals.
His industries of experience include Manufacturing (from making bolts to making airplanes), Logistics (from 4 people operations to global), Service (Front end and back end) Finance and Service.
Brad achieves great results across diverse industries. He is passionate about teaching and motivating the real experts – the people doing the work who are there to see how to take action.
Brad relishes opportunities to implement performance increasing programs, in addition to training and sharing knowledge with internal leaders.
Business leaders globally are able to engage with Brad and Training Within Industry on Makoto’s Japan Lean Experience Tours. Makoto's TWI opportunities follow the original Toyota training methodology, providing insight into how participants can shape and deliver their own sustainable business transformation.
Born and raised in Japan, Brad has connected with Toyota Lean experts and was immersed in Lean thinking from an early age. Subsequently, Brad is also native in both English and Japanese.
LANGUAGES: English, Japanese.
Key Expertise
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Industry Focus
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SANJA TRIPKOVIC
Senior Consultant, Project Manager
CITY, JAPAN
Sanja has spearheaded Lean transformation in both Japanese SMEs and global operations in Japan.
Sanja holds a Bachelor of Arts in Oriental Studies, in addition to a Masters of Arts in Liberal Arts/ Comparative Cultural and Literary Studies.
As an associate of Makoto Global since 2008, Sanja is a certified TWI trainer, conducting TWI training courses fluently in both English and Japanese. She is proficient in Shop Floor Management. Additionally, Sanja is experienced in the application of Kaizen and TPS knowledge for the purpose of improving processes in manufacturing and distribution operations, sales, administration and project management.
Sanja's expertise includes assisting bilingual projects with senior Japanese consultants. She is an appreciated Senior Consultant and Lean Project Manager to Makoto Global.
LANGUAGES: English, Japanese, Serbian.
Key Expertise
Kaizen and TPS Knowledge Application
Lean Transformation
Training Within Industries (TWI)
Lean Project Management
Shop Floor Management (Safety, Quality, Delivery)
Industry Focus
Manufacturing & Service
MASAHISA MIZUMOTO
Senior Associate Consultant
CITY, JAPAN
Masahisa is a seasoned Lean Consultant with over 30 years of expertise spanning across automotive, electronics, and various other sectors. His diverse work experience includes collaborations with Japanese manufacturers as well as multinational enterprises across Asia.
Masahisa's dedication to lean principles has been reflected through his roles and constant curiosity to improve his technical skills. Additionally, he is the author of a reference guide on office work improvements and a pivotal article on the “Ideal Factory” structure.
With his deep knowledge of lean operations, quality improvement, and equipment performance, he's not just a consultant and auditor, but also an instructor of repute. He has conducted transformative seminars and training sessions for major manufacturers, molding his attendees toward operational excellence.
As a dynamic and globally certified professional, Masahisa serves as a cornerstone Lean Consultant and Instructor for numerous firms worldwide.
LANGUAGES: English, Japanese.
Key Expertise
Lean Operations Deployment
Quality Improvement
Equipment Performance Effectiveness
Lean Six Sigma Training
Kaizen Workshop: Origin of Toyota Production System and application to various Industries
Industry Focus
Manufacturing: Automotive, Electronic, Pharmaceutical, Food and other industries
Service: Office improvements, Transportation, Warehouse
North American Consultants—Makoto Global
KEIKO FUCHIOKA
Consulting Partner
BOSTON, UNITED STATES
Keiko Fuchioka is a highly accomplished and driven consultant, who brings significant value to an organization seeking to implement Lean principles, drive excellence, and foster positive change. Her combination of expertise, credentials, and passion for coaching makes her an invaluable asset to any business looking to thrive in today’s competitive landscape. Keiko Fuchioka is an accomplished Business Excellence leader with an impressive track record spanning over three decades across diverse industries. Her expertise lies in implementing Lean Thinking into management strategies, and she is deeply passionate about fostering a Lean culture within organizations. Keiko’s purpose-driven approach has been instrumental in catalyzing positive transformations, benefiting customers, engaging employees, and overall business outcomes.
Besides partnering and mentoring with business leaders on their Lean management journey, she also contributes to the development of emerging business leaders in the classroom as an educator at a top-tier business school. She enjoys life in Boston, MA, with her family, balancing her busy career with a fulfilling personal life.
LANGUAGES: English, Japanese.
Key Expertise
Lean Six Sigma Master Black Belt (General Electric)
Prosci Change Management Practitioner
SAFe (Scaled Agile Framework) Leader
Mission/Success Vision/Goals Workshops
Customised Lean Operations Programs
Industry Focus
Manufacturing
Finance
Life Sciences
