About John
Who is John Bernard?
John M. Bernard is a distinguished Senior Fellow for the Governing Institute and an expert faculty member at the Best Practice Institute (BPI). He is widely recognized as a leading authority on performance transformation and Lean management systems, applied across both public and private sectors. Bernard’s expertise is rooted in a deep understanding of organizational efficiency and a proven ability to guide leaders in implementing practices that drive tangible results. He holds a degree in mass communications and journalism from the University of Portland.
Bernard is also the president of John M. Bernard LLC, a firm dedicated to enhancing organizational performance. His work is characterized by a practical, results-oriented approach that bridges the gap between theoretical management concepts and real-world application, particularly in challenging environments.
What is John Bernard known for?
John Bernard is best known for his pioneering work in applying Lean management principles in the United States, having been involved with its implementation in one of the first two U.S. companies to adopt the methodology in 1981. This early expertise established him as a forefront innovator in operational efficiency. He is also renowned for his significant contributions to public sector performance, advising multiple U.S. governors on strategic initiatives aimed at improving government effectiveness and efficiency.
Bernard's advisory roles have included serving as an external advisor for the design and rollout of "Results Washington," Governor Jay Inslee's highly respected large-scale Lean implementation. He also advises Governor Doug Ducey on the "Arizona Management System," demonstrating his continued influence in state-level performance improvement efforts. His insights and methodologies have been instrumental in helping government leaders apply robust business best practices to achieve better public outcomes. He has worked with leadership in Arizona, Michigan, Oregon, Tennessee, and Washington state.
What is John Bernard's background and experience?
John Bernard brings a wealth of diverse executive experience to his current roles. His career encompasses a broad spectrum of industries, including high-tech startups, multibillion-dollar financial-services companies, and manufacturing firms, where he has held executive positions globally. This extensive background provides him with a comprehensive perspective on organizational challenges and solutions across various scales and complexities.
His entrepreneurial spirit is evident in his founding of Portland, Oregon-based Mass Ingenuity, a company focused on driving performance. This blend of executive leadership, entrepreneurial ventures, and pioneering work in Lean management makes him a uniquely qualified expert in performance transformation. Bernard's foundational education in mass communications and journalism from the University of Portland further enhances his ability to articulate complex concepts clearly and persuasively, a critical skill in his advisory and authorial pursuits.
What topics does John Bernard speak and write about?
John Bernard is a prolific author and speaker on critical topics related to organizational performance and leadership. He is the author of the best-selling book Business at the Speed of Now (Wiley, 2012), which provides a framework for achieving rapid organizational change and efficiency in the modern business landscape. His other significant work, Government That Works: The Results Revolution in the States (Results America, 2015), co-authored with forewords by Governors Martin O'Malley and Rick Snyder, and with endorsements from Governors John Hickenlooper and John Kitzhaber, is a widely read book that articulates how public-sector entities can adopt business best practices to deliver more effective governance.
His written and spoken engagements frequently cover public and private sector performance transformation, the implementation of Lean management systems, and strategies for teaching public-sector leaders to adapt and apply proven business best practices. Bernard's work continually emphasizes the importance of results-driven leadership and the creation of management systems that foster continuous improvement and organizational agility.
How does John Bernard contribute to the Best Practice Institute?
As an expert faculty member at the Best Practice Institute (BPI), John Bernard contributes significantly to thought leadership and professional development. His involvement includes sharing his extensive knowledge and experience through various BPI platforms, including online training sessions and resources. For example, he has led sessions such as "Execution at the Speed of Change," focusing on how organizations can establish management systems to thrive amidst rapid change.
Bernard's role at BPI allows him to disseminate his expertise to a broad audience of leaders and professionals seeking to improve their organizational performance. His contributions align with BPI's mission to provide cutting-edge insights and practical tools for leadership and management, particularly in the areas of organizational development, learning and development, leadership development, employee engagement, assessments and evaluations, strategic planning, self-development, creativity and innovation, and coaching. Through BPI, he helps equip individuals and organizations with the strategies needed to achieve superior results and foster a culture of continuous improvement.