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Penn and Teller

Stuart baffling Penn and Teller on the hit TV Show Fool Us.

Stuart as

Richard Preston

Stuart’s alter ego Richard Preston, The Greatest Magician Frozen in Time. Within months of creating Richard TV producers from the CW’s Masters of Illusion brought him in and a star was born.

A little bit of all the magic Stuart can do.

Keynote Speaking

"Stuart certainly has accomplished much in the world of magic, and learning about his journey, his use of lean and continuous improvement tools to create and hone his signature acts, and tying that with much magic fun was a great activity for our supply chain leadership"

Clayton Maas, Vice-President of Engineering & Sustainability Committee Chair

SpartanNash

The Presentation…

Stuart reveals the secrets behind the mesmerizing world of magic and how it intertwines with the powerful principles of Lean and Problem Solving. Magic, an art form that has captivated audiences for centuries, may seem like pure illusion and mystery. However, behind the seamless performance lies a systematic approach that uses Lean principles and problem-solving techniques to create new and awe-inspiring magic effects.

Firstly, let us understand what Lean principles entail. Lean is a management philosophy that originated from the manufacturing industry and has since been adapted to various fields, including magic. At its core, Lean seeks to eliminate waste, optimize processes, and enhance value for the end-user – in this case, our audience. A magician, like any other performer, aims to deliver the most impactful and memorable experience to their spectators. To achieve this, they apply Lean principles to their craft.

One crucial aspect of Lean is continuous improvement. Similarly, magicians are constantly refining their acts to make them more astonishing and engaging. They meticulously analyze each movement, word, and gesture, eliminating any unnecessary actions that might give away the secret or slow down the performance. The focus lies on delivering the magic effect with the greatest impact and efficiency.

Another Lean principle involves value stream mapping, where performers, like magicians, examine every step of their routine to identify potential improvements. By streamlining the flow of the performance, magicians ensure a smooth and seamless act, maintaining the audience's attention and curiosity at its peak.

Problem-solving is the backbone of innovation in any field, including magic. To create new magic effects, magicians follow a systematic approach to identify a problem and devise a novel solution. They might start with an effect that they wish to achieve, something seemingly impossible, and then work backward to understand how to make it happen. This process involves creativity, experimentation, and a willingness to fail and learn from mistakes.

Additionally, magicians often use the "Five Whys" technique to get to the root of a problem. By asking "why" multiple times, they can uncover the core issue and find a solution that addresses it effectively. This approach is not dissimilar to the problem-solving methods used in Lean management.

Furthermore, the scientific method plays a crucial role in a magician's repertoire of problem-solving tools. They form hypotheses, test them through trial and error, gather data, and draw conclusions. This method allows magicians to refine their acts and create new magical effects based on evidence and feedback.

Innovation in magic doesn't happen in isolation. Magicians actively collaborate, exchange ideas, and attend conferences and workshops to share their knowledge and inspire each other. This sense of community is akin to the Lean principle of respecting every individual's contributions and promoting teamwork and collaboration.

In conclusion, magic, like any art form, is a blend of creativity, dedication, and skill. However, behind the mystique lies a thoughtful application of Lean principles and problem-solving techniques. Continuous improvement, value stream mapping, problem-solving methods, and collaboration all play essential roles in a magician's journey to create new and astonishing magic effects.

As you continue to enjoy the wonder and enchantment of magic, I hope you'll appreciate the meticulous craftsmanship that goes into each performance, and perhaps, gain inspiration from the marriage of Lean principles and problem-solving in the magical realm. Thank you for joining me today, and may the magic of curiosity and discovery continue to illuminate our lives.

About Stuart MacDonald the Magician

Stuart has been performing his mind bending one of a kind magic for audiences all over the globe for 20 years!

Stuart's love of magic began at the age of 8 when his uncle bought him a magic set for Christmas. As if destiny leaned in on him, it turned out Stuart’s childhood home was only an hour from the largest gathering of magicians held every summer in Michigan. This ultimately became Stuart’s training ground amongst some of the greatest magicians in the world! Stuart’s most recent career achievements and accolades include fooling the legendary duo Penn and Teller on the award winning show "Fool Us" and winning People’s Choice and the North American Championships.

Upon winning Fool Us Stuart was asked to speak at TEDx Detroit and from there his speaking career began. What has differentiated Stuart from other magicians is he uses LEAN Principles and Continuous Improvement to build his act.

THE PROBLEM SOLVER

Solving a complex problem like a magician performs an illusion involves applying a combination of creativity, psychology, misdirection, and precise execution. Here's a step-by-step guide on how to approach a problem like a magician:

1. Understand the Problem: Just like a magician knows the intricacies of their tricks, you need to thoroughly understand the problem you're facing. Analyze its components, identify the underlying issues, and break it down into smaller, manageable parts.

2. Think Creatively: Magicians often come up with unique and unexpected solutions. Embrace creativity and think outside the box. Consider unconventional approaches and brainstorm different ideas that others might not have considered.

3. Plan the "Misdirection": Misdirection is a crucial aspect of magic tricks. In problem-solving, this can be likened to diverting attention from the real issue or focusing on a different aspect of the problem. Strategize how you can divert attention away from certain elements and keep others in focus.

4. Seek Multiple Perspectives: Magicians often take advantage of how the human mind perceives things differently from various angles. Similarly, gather input and perspectives from others. Diverse viewpoints can lead to insights and solutions that you might not have considered on your own.

5. Prepare and Practice: Magicians rehearse their illusions tirelessly before presenting them to an audience. In problem-solving, be prepared by refining your chosen approach and practicing the implementation of your solution.

6. Execute with Precision: A magician's success often hinges on executing tricks with precision and timing. Similarly, be meticulous in implementing your solution, paying attention to details, and ensuring your plan unfolds smoothly.

7. Embrace Uncertainty: Magic often involves uncertainty and unexpected twists. Similarly, complex problems might have unforeseen challenges or changes along the way. Be adaptable and prepared to adjust your approach as needed.

8. Control the Narrative: Magicians control the narrative of their tricks, guiding the audience's perception. In problem-solving, be proactive in shaping how stakeholders perceive the issue and your proposed solution.

9. Create an "Aha!" Moment: Magicians aim to surprise and delight their audience with a dramatic reveal. In problem-solving, strive for a similar moment where the pieces come together, and the solution becomes clear and impactful.

10. Learn from Mistakes: Even seasoned magicians make mistakes, but they learn from them to improve their performances. Likewise, view problem-solving as a learning experience. If your initial approach doesn't work, analyze what went wrong, and use that knowledge to refine your solution.

Remember, like magic, problem-solving can be an art form. Embrace the process with curiosity, an open mind, and a dash of wonder, and you'll be better equipped to tackle complex problems with flair and finesse.

30, 60 and 90 minute Magic and Keynote speaking

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Stuart’s TV appearances, performances and keynote presentation trailer.

TEDx Detroit, 5000 leaders listen to Stuart’s use of LEAN and Continuous Improvement in this magic.

Keynoting at the ASQ Six Sigma National Convention.