The Pulse of High Performance

PHP E3 - The Path to Performance Excellence with Josh Racette

September 13, 2024 Competitive Solutions Season 1 Episode 3

In this episode of The Pulse of High Performance, hosts Paul Campbell, and Seth Davies are joined by Josh Racette, VP of National Programs and Development at the Baldrige Foundation.

They discuss how organizations can drive performance excellence using the Baldrige Framework, a model that has been advancing organizational success for over 30 years.


  • Introduction to the Baldrige Framework

Josh explains that the Malcolm Baldrige National Quality Award, established by Congress in 1987, promotes quality management and organizational excellence across multiple sectors, including business, healthcare, and nonprofits​.

  • Baldrige Award Process

Josh describes the multi-year process for organizations aiming to win the prestigious award. 

He emphasizes that pursuing excellence through the framework is a long-term commitment, often referred to as a "journey"​.

  • Customizable Framework

The framework is non-prescriptive, meaning it can be adapted to fit the unique needs of various organizations and sectors. 

It helps organizations ask the right questions to identify opportunities for improvement (OFIs)​.

  • Data Utilization Challenges

A significant challenge for organizations, especially in healthcare and manufacturing, is making effective use of the large amount of data available. 

Josh highlights the importance of having the right tools to turn data into actionable insights​.

  • Resources and Support

The Institute for Performance Excellence offers over 400 training and certification programs

Organizations, regardless of size, can access a wealth of knowledge, including white papers, research, and practical tools​.

  • Collaboration and Networking

The Baldrige Framework encourages collaboration through state and national programs.

The Quest for Excellence Conference allows organizations to benchmark against one another and share best practices​.


Josh encourages organizations to stay committed to the pursuit of excellence, highlighting the Baldrige Framework as a proven model for success.

He reminds listeners that the Baldrige Award cycle is an excellent opportunity for organizations to improve, with support available through the Institute and state programs. 


Join Competitive Solutions Leaders as they delve into the core of high-performing organizations on The Pulse of High Performance.

This show is sponsored by Visuant, your partner in driving operational excellence through data-driven insights.

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