The Culture of Excellence: Insights from Global Leaders

Euclides Coimbra

CEO & Managing Partner

Kaizen Institute Europe

https://www.linkedin.com/in/ecoimbra

Euclides Coimbra believes that lasting improvement happens when organizations successfully connect strategy, culture, and people. As CEO & Managing Partner of Kaizen Institute Europe — a global pioneer in Continuous Improvement, established in 1985 and present in more than 60 countries — he has spent nearly four decades helping organizations around the world achieve breakthrough results through cultural change and KAIZEN™ Lean transformations. He is the author of several books, including Kaizen in Logistics & Supply Chains, as well as the recent The Kaizen Culture Paradox, co-authored with Alberto Bastos. In this latest work, Coimbra explores seven cultural paradoxes that explain why sustainable Continuous Improvement is impossible without a people-first mindset. Drawing on decades of experience, the book demonstrates that embracing these paradoxes is not only essential for successful transformation but also one of the smartest ways to lead organizations today. Its purpose is to share practical learnings that help organizations take the next step in their KAIZEN™ journey. Throughout his career, Coimbra has led global transformation projects across multiple industries, fostering sustainable growth, empowering teams, and helping organizations thrive in times of disruption.

Marcos Paganini

Senior VP , Global Integ. Supply Chain Excellence

Merck Life Science

https://www.linkedin.com/in/marcos-paganini-36a300/

Marcos Paganini is a global Supply Chain and Manufacturing Transformation executive with more than 30 years of international leadership experience across diverse industries and regions. An Italian/European and Brazilian national, he specializes in driving operational excellence by integrating people, processes, and technology to enhance quality, safety, sustainability, and business performance. Currently Senior Vice President, Global Integrated Supply Chain Excellence at Merck Life Science, he leads large-scale transformation and continuous improvement initiatives worldwide. Recognized for combining strategic vision with strong execution, Marcos is passionate about talent development, innovation, and building inclusive, high-performing organizations.

Juan Miguel Alonso

Lean Manager

John Deere

https://www.linkedin.com/in/juan-miguel-alonso-gil-a885361b/

Juan Miguel Alonso is a Lean Process Expert at John Deere with extensive experience in Lean transformation within complex industrial environments. He works on the design and deployment of management systems, plant leadership routines, and continuous improvement initiatives, collaborating with manufacturing sites across Europe and Asia.