Podcast
Kaizen Institute
Mark Conacher | Former Director of In Situ and Sustaining Development at Suncor Energy
Available June 18, 2026
Four and a Half Years to First Production.
Then Kaizen Changed That.
In this episode, Mark Conacher, Former Director of In Situ and Sustaining Development at Suncor Energy, shares how a breakdown between two engineering teams, drilling and facilities, on a major capital program led him to Kaizen. Through a candid conversation with Dan Chartier, Managing Director at Kaizen Institute Canada, Mark reflects on what it took to align those teams, cut the timeline to under two years, and why he wishes he’d found Kaizen sooner.
Mark Conacher
Former Director of In Situ and Sustaining Development
Suncor Energy
Mark is an engineer by trade who spent his entire career in the energy sector. At Suncor, he was tasked with optimizing the capital program for drilling wells and tying them into facilities, a process that involved two teams, long lead equipment, fabrication, construction, and a timeline that was costing the company years of deferred revenue. That’s where he met Dan Chartier and the Kaizen team. He wishes he’d found it sooner.
The Kaizen Institute Podcast
The Kaizen Institute Podcast is a platform dedicated to exploring continuous improvement, leadership, and operational excellence through in-depth conversations with industry leaders and experts. Our goal is to inspire change, share best practices, and provide actionable insights that professionals can apply in their organizations.
Each episode features engaging discussions on Kaizen principles, business transformation, lean methodologies, and leadership strategies, making it a must-listen for professionals committed to excellence.
