Podcasts about agile transformation

Agilität in Deutschland? Klingt erstmal gut.Fühlt sich aber oft an wie: „Neues Korsett – alte Probleme.“In dieser Folge spreche ich mit Dr. Stephanie Puckett, Organisationspsychologin und Autorin von gleich mehreren Büchern zur agilen Transformation. Gemeinsam sezieren wir, warum viele Unternehmen auf Agilität setzen – und trotzdem keine PS auf die Straße bringen.Du erfährst:✅ Warum psychologische Sicherheit wichtiger ist als das perfekte Framework✅ Weshalb Agilität kein Prozess-, sondern ein Transparenzproblem ist✅ Wie Du die echten Kosten von Transformation erkennst – monetär UND mental✅ Und warum viele „agile Change-Prozesse“ eher Dressur als Empowerment sindReal Talk. Ohne Buzzword-Gelaber. Ohne Dogma.Dafür mit Klartext, Haltung – und einer klaren Vision:Was Agilität in Deutschland WIRKLICH braucht.

What's the best way to help Business Owners do their jobs better to empower an Agile transformation? In this episode, Kurt Jäger with KEGON explains why part of it involves speaking their language. Like what you hear? Connect with Kurt on LinkedIn. Explore SAFe courses here.

Changing your mindset can change your behaviors. In this episode, SPCT and Strategic Advisor Hiroaki Nakaya explains why this is so important to a successful transformation for any organization. Like what you hear? Connect with Hiroaki on LinkedIn. Explore SAFe courses here.

Chris Sims: Middle Management, The Forgotten Layer in Agile Transformations Read the full Show Notes and search through the world's largest audio library on Agile and Scrum directly on the Scrum Master Toolbox Podcast website: http://bit.ly/SMTP_ShowNotes. Chris Sims recounts his experience with a rapidly growing startup that decided to adopt Scrum to address slowing delivery. When a VP championed the initiative, Chris provided training that generated excitement at the team level. However, they overlooked a critical component: the middle management layer. As teams embraced Scrum, they found themselves caught between multiple sources of direction—their direct managers, project managers, and newly established Product Owners with backlogs. This created confusion as middle managers, who weren't included in the transformation discussions, continued operating in their traditional ways. The result was teams appearing busy yet delivering slowly. Chris emphasizes the importance of considering how management roles evolve during agile transformations, deliberately redefining job descriptions, and helping managers find ways to bring value in the new structure rather than undermining it unintentionally. Self-reflection Question: In your organization's agile transformation, how are you addressing the needs and concerns of middle managers whose roles might be significantly impacted? [Scrum Master Toolbox Podcast Recommends]

Richard Brenner: When Individual Performance Metrics Block Agile Transformation Read the full Show Notes and search through the world's largest audio library on Agile and Scrum directly on the Scrum Master Toolbox Podcast website: http://bit.ly/SMTP_ShowNotes. Richard shares an experience of implementing Agile methods in a large organization that initially showed promising signs with management "pull" for change. The transformation began well with cross-functional teams created through self-selection workshops. However, unexpected resistance emerged during the kick-off day, particularly from a line manager and his team. When investigating the source of this resistance, Richard discovered that the company's bonus structure was tied to individual performance metrics, fundamentally conflicting with Agile's team-oriented approach.  This insight led to developing a pilot for a team-focused performance management system. After three months, the team held a retrospective with all stakeholders, where management demonstrated remarkable leadership by empowering teams to redesign their structure when the initial setup wasn't working. This flexibility allowed even the most vocal critics to become part of the solution. Self-reflection Question: In what ways might your organization's reward structures be unintentionally blocking successful Agile adoption? [Scrum Master Toolbox Podcast Recommends]

What's the best strategy for an organization undergoing a very large Agile transformation to see tangible, sustainable results? Scaled Agile strategic advisor Travis Moorer shares his tips in this episode. Like what you hear? Connect with Travis on LinkedIn. Explore SAFe courses here.

Richard Brenner: Skipping the Vision, How Not to Introduce Kanban Read the full Show Notes and search through the world's largest audio library on Agile and Scrum directly on the Scrum Master Toolbox Podcast website: http://bit.ly/SMTP_ShowNotes. Richard shares an important learning experience from introducing Kanban to teams using a top-down approach. Without clearly articulating why the change was needed, team members questioned what they were doing wrong that necessitated change. Richard found himself unable to connect the organizational vision to the methodology shift, leading to resistance. He emphasizes the importance of first understanding the problem before applying Scrum or Kanban, defining what success looks like, and involving people early in the change process. Richard also recommends thorough contracting with client organizations to assess their current state and understand who is trying to change what, and why. In this episode, we refer to Kotter's book Leading Change. Self-reflection Question: How might your change initiatives be improved by spending more time defining the "why" before introducing new methodologies? [Scrum Master Toolbox Podcast Recommends]

In dieser Folge der Agile Transformation Toolbox dreht sich alles um eine Rolle, die in der agilen Welt immer wichtiger wird: den Agile Transformation Manager. Doch was genau macht ein Transformation Manager eigentlich? Wofür ist er verantwortlich – und warum reicht es nicht aus, ein paar Scrum Master und Agile Coaches ins Unternehmen zu holen?

In this candid and experience-rich conversation, Kate and Ryan unpack the most common reasons Agile transformations fail.  From lack of purpose and misunderstood roles to cultural resistance and tool obsession, this blog distills their insights into a practical top ten list.  Whether you're beginning your Agile journey or mid-transformation, this podcast is a must listen to!

Zvonimir Durcevic: Context Diagramming, Helping Agile Teams See Their Complex Communication Network Read the full Show Notes and search through the world's largest audio library on Agile and Scrum directly on the Scrum Master Toolbox Podcast website: http://bit.ly/SMTP_ShowNotes. Zvonimir shares a story about a five-person team developing an important product who maintained good internal dynamics but limited their interaction with the rest of the organization. Despite delivering quality work, they were viewed as a "difficult team" by stakeholders. When Zvone joined, he conducted assessments and introduced context diagramming to map the team's relationships and dependencies. This exercise revealed the complexity of their communication network and helped the team understand that cutting off relationships with stakeholders was counterproductive. The breakthrough came when the team began using the context diagram to explain their situation to others, helping stakeholders recognize how organizational factors were affecting the team's work. Self-reflection Question: How might mapping your team's communication network reveal disconnects that are affecting your effectiveness? Featured Book of the Week: Agile Transformation by Michael Spayd Zvonimir recommends "Agile Transformation" by Michael Spayd as a resource that helped him understand how to examine systems through different lenses. The book provides multiple perspectives for gaining deeper insights into the systems we work with. Zvone particularly values the book's ability to help practitioners look beyond surface-level issues and understand underlying dynamics in organizations undergoing Agile transformations. In this section we talk about the Integral agile transformation framework. [Scrum Master Toolbox Podcast Recommends]

In this episode of the Scrum.org Community Podcast, Dave West and PST Andy Brandt explore the state of Agile transformations and the shift toward the Agile Product Operating Model (APOM) as featured in their recently written whitepaper. While Agile has been widely adopted, challenges like misalignment between business strategy and technical execution persist. Andy shares how focusing on products instead of work and starting small with one team can drive meaningful change. They discuss the role of AI in enhancing productivity, the importance of organizational alignment, and how executive commitment can lead to spectacular results. Tune in to learn how to move beyond Agile transformations and embrace a product-first mindset!Referenced whitepaper: Moving Beyond Agile Transformations: Leveraging the Agile Product Operating Model

Send us a textIn this episode of Definitely Maybe Agile, hosts Peter Maddison and David Sharrock dive into the world of Objectives and Key Results (OKRs). They explore how this increasingly popular framework helps organizations create alignment, measure progress, and foster autonomy while moving away from traditional KPIs. From the origins at Intel in the 70s to widespread adoption by tech giants like Google, Peter and David discuss the nuances of implementing OKRs effectively and why they're particularly well-suited for organizations operating in rapidly changing environments.This week´s takeaways:Unlike KPIs which measure performance, OKRs measure progress and alignment to strategy. They should never be tied to individual performance metrics as this undermines their exploratory nature.Successful OKR implementation requires ongoing conversations, regular reviews, and a cultural shift. Many organizations underestimate the effort needed to maintain OKRs effectively.Effective OKRs should be limited in number (3-5 objectives with 3-5 key results each), represent stretch goals beyond business-as-usual, and serve as a prioritization mechanism for the organization.

Product Manager Brian Orlando and Enterprise Business Agility Coach Om Patel are listening and reacting to Melissa Perri on Lenny's Podcast as she makes claims about product management, agile, frameworks, and why most companies struggle with product management. We discuss many of her claims, including:Product Management has nothing to do with the Manifesto for Agile Software DevelopmentScrum is only for Large OrganizationsLarge Organizations Lack Infrastructure to support Product ManagementRigid Processes Can Crash Your Entire Company...and many, many more!Whether you're in a startup or enterprise, Silicon Valley or your average FinTech, this discussion offers practical insights on balancing process with customer-centricity.#ProductManagement #AgileLeadership #TeamDevelopmentTags: product management, agile coaching, scrum, kanban, product strategy, team development, organizational design, product owner, product manager, safe framework, agile transformation, continuous delivery, silicon valley, enterprise agileReferences:Lenny's Podcast with Melissa Perri, https://youtu.be/wbi9chsAHp4Marteen Dalmijn's newsletter about Waternet: https://mdalmijn.com/p/how-a-digital-transformation-canAA199 - W. Edwards Deming's Profound Knowledge for Transforming OrganizationsAA187 - The Future of AI, According to Big Tech= = = = = = = = = = = =YouTubehttps://youtu.be/c0htPyVTKeESubscribe on YouTubehttps://www.youtube.com/channel/UC8XUSoJPxGPI8EtuUAHOb6g?sub_confirmation=1Applehttps://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/agile-podcast/id1568557596Spotifyhttps://open.spotify.com/show/362QvYORmtZRKAeTAE57v3= = = = = = = = = = = =Toronto Is My Beat (Music Sample)By Whitewolf (Source: https://ccmixter.org/files/whitewolf225/60181)CC BY 4.0 DEED (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/deed.en)

BONUS: Challenging the Agile Status Quo with #NoBacklogs, Allan Kelly In this BONUS episode, we explore the provocative ideas of Allan Kelly, the author who introduced #NoBacklogs to the Agile community. Allan shares his insights on why traditional backlogs may be hindering true agility, offers practical alternatives, and explains how teams can maintain accountability while focusing on outcomes rather than outputs. The Problem with Traditional Backlogs "Backlogs keep ideas for far too long." Allan Kelly challenges the conventional wisdom of maintaining extensive backlogs in Agile environments. He distinguishes between sprint backlogs and product backlogs, highlighting how the latter often becomes a repository for stale ideas that outlive their relevance. Allan argues that this practice undermines the adaptability that should be at the core of Agile methodologies, transforming what should be a flexible approach into a more rigid, traditional project management framework. Outcome-Focused Alternatives "What are you doing to try and change the world?" Instead of lengthy backlogs filled with specific tasks and features, Allan advocates for approaches centered on outcomes and meaningful change. He discusses the concept of OKRs (Objectives and Key Results) as a form of "test first management" - a powerful framework that shifts focus from outputs to measurable impacts. This perspective encourages teams to consider the broader purpose of their work rather than simply executing a predetermined list of tasks. Balancing Structure and Flexibility "There should be a 'Best before' date for all backlog items." Finding the right balance between necessary structure and agile flexibility is crucial for effective delivery. Allan suggests implementing a "best before" date for all backlog items to prevent the accumulation of outdated ideas. He emphasizes starting with the Sprint Goal as a guiding principle, using it to create focus and purpose that allows teams to adapt their approach while maintaining a clear direction. Breaking Free from Traditional Mindsets "The work to do is not a fixed entity." According to Allan, the reliance on extensive backlogs has perpetuated traditional project management mindsets within supposedly Agile organizations. He challenges the underlying assumption that the scope of work is a predetermined, fixed entity waiting to be discovered and documented. Instead, he suggests embracing the evolving nature of work, allowing teams to respond to changing priorities and insights as they emerge. Maintaining Accountability Without Backlogs "Test first management as a management innovation that helps focus on goals, and measure progress by the teams." Allan addresses concerns about accountability by offering practical approaches to tracking progress without traditional backlogs. He emphasizes the importance of regular demonstrations of working solutions and assessing whether these demonstrations align with the team's strategic direction. His concept of "test first management" provides a framework for focusing on goals while measuring genuine progress rather than simply tracking task completion. Resources for Deeper Learning "Honey, I shrunk the backlog." For listeners interested in exploring these ideas further, Allan recommends his YouTube presentation "Honey, I shrunk the backlog," which offers additional insights and practical guidance on implementing a #NoBacklogs approach in Agile teams. About Allan Kelly Allan Kelly is the author of #noprojects: A Culture of Continuous Value, and an outspoken Agile practitioner that helped introduce the idea of #NoBacklogs to the Agile community. His work spans several decades, and includes some breakthrough contributions that he shares in his books and conference talks. He is the author, among others, of Project Myopia: Why projects damage software, Continuous Digital: An agile alternative to projects for digital business, The Art of Agile Product Ownership: A Guide for Product Managers, Business Analysts, and Entrepreneurs, and Xanpan: Team Centric Agile Software Development. You can link with Allan Kelly on LinkedIn.

In this episode of the Scrum.org Community Podcast, Dave West chats with Accenture's Professional Scrum Trainer Dimitris Dimitrelos about how companies and organizations introduce the Agile Product Operating Model (APOM). They explore the shift from project-based to product-based approaches, how APOM integrates business and product development, and the challenges of aligning legacy structures with new ways of working. Dimitris highlights the need for strong C-level sponsorship and cross-functional transformation teams to drive success. Tune in to learn how organizations are navigating this transformation to achieve true business agility.

Anuj Ojha: Beyond the Iron Triangle, A Path to True Agility Read the full Show Notes and search through the world's largest audio library on Agile and Scrum directly on the Scrum Master Toolbox Podcast website: http://bit.ly/SMTP_ShowNotes. Anuj shares his journey of understanding the complexities behind Scrum implementation, particularly when faced with fixed time and scope demands. He emphasizes the importance of learning to communicate effectively with different stakeholders in their own language. Through experience, he discovered that the traditional iron triangle (fixed time, scope, and resources) is a fiction in agile environments. His key insight is that while you can fix two sides of the triangle, attempting to fix all three undermines agility. He suggests building cases for critical needs like technical debt and ensuring all voices are heard when determining what's possible. Self-reflection Question: How do you handle situations where stakeholders demand certainty in all three aspects of the iron triangle? [The Scrum Master Toolbox Podcast Recommends]

We're exploring the growing anti-Agile sentiment among developers as the agile-industrial complex has stitched together a grotesque imitation of what was once a vibrant movement. Like Frankenstein's creation, what began with noble intentions has transformed into something both villagers and developers flee from in horror!Before lighting our torches and brandishing our pitchforks, we examine the common complaints: lightning-rod meetings that drain life force, the monster of micromanagement wearing agile's skin, the cruel illusion of self-organization, and the chains of cross-team dependencies binding teams to their suffering. We dissect the organizational structures that, like misguided scientists, fundamentally misunderstand the natural advantages of agility, creating abominations that shamble through corporate hallways.#AgileLeadership #ProductDevelopment #TeamEmpowermentReferences:AA199 - W. Edwards Deming's Profound Knowledge for Transforming Organizations, 2025Eric Ries - The Lean Startup: How Today's Entrepreneurs Use Continuous Innovation to Create Radically Successful Businesses, 2011Jeffrey Bezos - Bezos API Mandate, 2002Who Moved My Cheese - Spencer Johnson, 1998Extreme Ownership: How U.S. Navy SEALs Lead and Win - Jocko Willink, 2017= = = = = = = = = = = =YouTube= = = = = = = = = = = =Subscribe on YouTubeAppleSpotify= = = = = = = = = = = =Toronto Is My Beat (Music Sample)By Whitewolf (Source: https://ccmixter.org/files/whitewolf225/60181)CC BY 4.0 DEED (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/deed.en)

Season Hughes: Understanding the "Why" Behind Agile Transformation Read the full Show Notes and search through the world's largest audio library on Agile and Scrum directly on the Scrum Master Toolbox Podcast website: http://bit.ly/SMTP_ShowNotes. Drawing from her consulting experience, Season shares valuable insights about leading successful Agile transformations. Rather than simply implementing Scrum, she emphasizes the importance of understanding organizational motivations by asking crucial questions like "Why do you want this change?" and "What does success look like?"  She outlines a comprehensive approach that begins with foundational training using the Scrum Guide, followed by Liftoff workshops to establish team foundations, working agreements, and regular check-ins to support continuous improvement. In this segment, we refer to the Liftoff book, by Diana Larsen and Ainsley Niles. Self-reflection Question: What steps are you taking to understand and align with your organization's transformation goals? [The Scrum Master Toolbox Podcast Recommends]

Send us a textIn this episode of Definitely Maybe Agile, Peter Maddison and Dave Sharrock dive into the nuances of intake funnels and definitions of ready—key concepts for ensuring work progresses effectively. They explore how traditional project delivery mindsets differ from product-driven approaches, emphasizing the need for adaptability, continuous learning, and decision points that prevent wasted effort.From setting clear entry criteria to measuring throughput and pivoting when needed, they break down how teams can structure their workflows to prioritize value-driven outcomes. Whether you're refining your backlog, managing stakeholder expectations, or optimizing delivery processes, this episode provides practical insights to help you navigate uncertainty while keeping momentum.This week´s takeaways: Clear intake process – Define criteria to assess idea readiness before execution.Product vs. project mindset – Embrace uncertainty and pivot as needed.Measure progress – Use checkpoints and throughput tracking to prioritize work.Tune in to learn how to balance discipline with flexibility and ensure your work moves forward with intention!

BONUS: The Future of Agility, Insights from Industry Research with Simon Powers Is Agile really dead? What does this wide research from industry reveal?  In this detailed, and insightful episode, we explore the current state and future of agility with Simon Powers, founder of The Deeper Change Academy. Simon shares insights from his comprehensive survey conducted between October and December 2024, which included 311 survey responses, 15 case studies, and 8 in-depth interviews with senior leaders. The Current State of Agility The research reveals that while there's been a decline in traditional agile roles and certifications since October 2023, approximately 70% of organizations continue to invest in agile practices and transformations. However, these initiatives are often being rebranded and restructured, moving away from traditional "agile transformation" terminology. "Organizations are still embracing agility and moving forward with change, but what they're doing is that the names they're using are changing. People aren't necessarily being employed as agile coaches, but the agile coaching responsibilities are still required within organizations." Leadership Development and Organizational Structure A critical finding shows that leadership development in many organizations has stalled, creating two distinct organizational patterns: Organizations focused primarily on operational efficiencies, resulting in decreased agility Companies that have embraced coaching as a management tool and invested in leadership development "The culture is very different depending on where you sit. When you're constantly competing against a head count of a developer versus that of a coach, you're less able to take the necessary risks, talk to the right people, do bolder experiments, and have more of an effect within the organization." The Impact of Funding Models The research identified that the funding model for agile initiatives significantly impacts their success. Centrally funded transformation efforts tend to be more successful than those funded through departmental headcount, as they provide greater authority and ability to drive change across the organization. "Where people are hired or paid for within the head count, the overwhelming majority - like 90% of people who are in that position - are reporting that they do not have the authority to actually carry out the roles that they have responsibility for." Collaboration and Remote Work The survey revealed interesting insights about optimal collaboration patterns in the post-pandemic era: The sweet spot for office presence appears to be 2-3 days per week Full remote work can significantly reduce collaboration effectiveness Physical presence remains important for developing leadership skills and team dynamics "Being at home 100% of the time is a big reduction of collaboration and working on things and growing these skill sets that are needed in leadership as well as within the teams." Future Trends and Challenges Looking ahead, the research highlights several key areas that will shape the future of agility: Team structures remain a critical factor in software delivery capability The need for better strategy tools at senior leadership levels The importance of breaking down silos in software development The continued evolution of agile practices to meet increasing complexity "Organizations are going to need to sort out these problems that we've been slowly solving through agility for the last 20 years. We're just going to be continuing on, but what flavor? I don't know." About Simon Powers Simon Powers is the founder of The Deeper Change Academy and author of "Change: A Practitioner's Guide to Enterprise Coaching." With over 20 years of leadership experience, Simon empowers HR leaders and department heads to create thriving, human-centered workplace cultures through tailored coaching, strategic advisory, and transformational programs. You can link with Simon Powers on LinkedIn.

Send us a textIn this conversation, Jardena London—an Agile practitioner and author—discusses the concept of creating “soulful” organizations. Drawing on her background in software development, Jardena noticed that the real challenges weren't purely technical; instead, they stemmed from how people and teams work together.She highlights three core conditions for soulfulness in any organization:Dignity – Ensuring people are treated with respect, rather than being forced to earn basic self-worth through work.Creativity – Making space for genuine problem-solving and innovation, as opposed to purely transactional or process-driven work that drains energy.Human Connection – Fostering collaboration and openness instead of merely relying on rigid handoffs and “automated” communication.Jardena contrasts these elements with environments that “crush the soul,” where strict processes, ego-driven leadership, or lack of trust discourage creativity and honest dialogue. She believes leaders have a key role in setting conditions: by becoming more self-aware, staying curious (especially in high-stakes situations), and listening actively, they can reduce friction and remove obstacles for their teams.From an organization design perspective, Jardena advocates looking at formal structures, processes, and policies—like budgeting or performance reviews—and asking how they might be unintentionally stifling dignity, creativity, or connection. Then, leaders should revisit the original purpose of these processes and rebuild them in ways that restore or enhance soulfulness.Ultimately, Jardena's message is that while efficiency and outcomes matter, they are achieved more sustainably when leaders and teams operate with humanity at the forefront—creating organizations where people's energy and creativity can flourish.Support the show

Send us a text In this episode of Definitely Maybe Agile, Peter Maddison and David Sharrock explore the evolution of Agile methodologies. They discuss how Agile represents solutions to persistent problems that may be rebranded but address fundamental needs. The hosts examine why Agile has faced criticism, drawing parallels to Lean's journey from buzzword to established methodology, while exploring the challenges organizations face in implementation.This week´s takeaways: The fundamental problems Agile addresses remain constant, even as attitudes toward the methodology evolve.Organizations often struggle with Agile implementation due to legacy architecture, leadership buy-in, and organizational context.Like Lean before it, Agile is transitioning from a hyped methodology to becoming part of a broader toolkit.Ready for more insights?  Follow Definitely Maybe Agile on your favorite podcast platform and join Peter and David as they tackle the complexities of digital transformation at scale. New episodes drop regularly!

In dieser Episode des Podcasts geht es um die wesentlichen Kompetenzen, die moderne Softwareentwickler benötigen, um erfolgreich in agilen Umgebungen zu arbeiten. Ich spreche über die Bedeutung von Testautomatisierung, DevOps-Kenntnissen, agilem Arbeiten, Pair- und Mob Programming, Kommunikation, kontinuierlichem Lernen und Innovationskompetenz. Diese Fähigkeiten sind entscheidend, um in der heutigen Softwareentwicklung erfolgreich zu sein und agile Transformationen in Unternehmen voranzutreiben. Viel Spaß beim Reinhören

Antti Horelli: Balancing Delivery Pressure with Agile Transformation Read the full Show Notes and search through the world's largest audio library on Agile and Scrum directly on the Scrum Master Toolbox Podcast website: http://bit.ly/SMTP_ShowNotes. Antti shares his experience leading an agile transformation across three siloed organizations: development, QA/testing, and support. The transformation involved establishing cross-functional teams and implementing visual management through a comprehensive planning wall. Despite initial progress with joint planning days and rolling wave planning, the pressure to deliver led to reverting to traditional project management approaches. This story highlights the challenge of maintaining agile principles while under delivery pressure and the importance of focusing on reliable delivery rather than agile for agile's sake. Self-reflection Question: How do you balance the need for immediate results with long-term agile transformation goals? [The Scrum Master Toolbox Podcast Recommends]

Ellen Grove: Managing Change in Complex Organizational Cultures Read the full Show Notes and search through the world's largest audio library on Scrum directly on the Scrum Master Toolbox Podcast website: http://bit.ly/SMTP_ShowNotes. Ellen reflects on her early experiences as a Scrum Master, facing challenges in an environment that resisted the introduction of Scrum. She shares valuable lessons about handling external resistance, managing personal expectations, and avoiding emotional burnout when navigating organizational change. Ellen emphasizes the importance of focusing on what can be influenced and detaching from outcomes beyond one's control. Self-reflection Question: How do you maintain focus and resilience when dealing with resistance to Scrum in your organization? [The Scrum Master Toolbox Podcast Recommends]

Send us a textIn this episode of the Org Design Podcast, we're joined by Elizabeth Venter and Ross Libby to explore the human side of organizational change. Our guests share invaluable insights on how to implement structural changes while keeping people at the heart of the transformation process.Key discussion points include:The importance of involving team members in organizational change rather than imposing decisions from aboveWhy continuous communication is crucial throughout the entire change processHow seeking clarity rather than certainty leads to better organizational outcomesThe value of experimentation and learning through pilot programsElizabeth emphasizes that successful organizational change requires supporting each team individually through their transformation journey, while Ross shares the powerful perspective that "the future punishes certainty but rewards clarity." Together, they provide practical advice for leaders navigating organizational change, whether they're org design experts or just beginning their journey.This conversation offers essential insights for anyone interested in creating more effective, human-centered organizations that can adapt and thrive in today's rapidly changing business environment.Support the show

Robert Finan: Flexible Change Processes, How To Adopt Agile With An Agile Approach Read the full Show Notes and search through the world's largest audio library on Scrum directly on the Scrum Master Toolbox Podcast website: http://bit.ly/SMTP_ShowNotes. Robert discusses how top-down, project managed Agile transformations often fail to account for the complexity of change. By focusing on flexibility, inspect/adapt cycles, and bringing comfort to the change process, Scrum Masters can guide organizations away from one-size-fits-all solutions and toward the sustainable improvement that is the hallmark of Agile. Self-reflection Question: How can you bring comfort to the change process in your organization? [The Scrum Master Toolbox Podcast Recommends]

Robert Finan: The Challenges of Trying Too Hard in an Agile Transformation Read the full Show Notes and search through the world's largest audio library on Scrum directly on the Scrum Master Toolbox Podcast website: http://bit.ly/SMTP_ShowNotes. Robert shares his experience of burning out after just four months in a challenging Agile transformation. He reflects on the mistake of trying to push his vision without meeting the organization where it was. By facing embedded structures and resistance, Robert learned the value of pragmatism, experimentation, and nudging change instead of forcing it. Self-reflection Question: Have you ever faced resistance when introducing change? How can you adjust your approach to meet people where they are? [The Scrum Master Toolbox Podcast Recommends]

Xmas Special: Investing in Software: Alternatives To Project Management For Software Businesses With Vasco Duarte In the grand finale of the “5 Wishes for 2025” series, Vasco Duarte tackles the chaotic nature of software development and why traditional project management just doesn't cut it. Drawing on lessons from weather models, butterflies, and Agile practices, Vasco presents a bold manifesto for how we can thrive in uncertainty. Chaos Theory and Software Development “Project management is like trying to predict where a butterfly will land after flying through a hurricane – good luck with that!” Vasco begins with the story of Edward Lorenz, the MIT meteorologist who discovered what was later called the “butterfly effect.” This concept illuminates and explains the unpredictability of software development, where tiny changes can lead to massive, unexpected consequences – like a simple tweak spiraling into a full system refactor. Why Traditional Project Management Falls Short “Planning your year's meals in January? That's about as realistic as predicting October's sushi cravings!” Vasco humorously dismantles the premise of project management, which assumes stability, predictability, and complete information upfront. While Agile provides a more flexible approach, it's often misused as “project management in disguise,” failing to unlock the true potential of adaptability. The 2025 Manifesto: A New Way to Invest in Software “Loving Gantt charts is like loving fax machines – there's a better way!” Vasco outlines his four-point manifesto for how organizations can thrive in uncertainty: Fund Software Incrementally: Treat funding like stock market investing – small, regular investments over time. Think Like an Investor: Focus on maximizing returns, not rigidly executing plans. Experiment by Default: Acknowledge that the best ideas come from testing and iterating. Give Teams End-to-End Ownership: Empower teams to own their work from idea to delivery, eliminating micromanagement. The Need for Agility at All Levels “Scrum teams in a project management organization are like race car drivers stuck in traffic jams – all that potential, nowhere to go!” Vasco emphasizes that agility must extend beyond individual teams. Organizations need to embrace Agile principles at every level to avoid stifling innovation and potential. And his approach to funding and managing software investments does exactly that: bring agility to the decision making forums in the organization, instead of keeping it at the team level. A Wish for 2025: Embrace the Chaos “Butterflies don't follow project plans, and neither does software development!” Vasco's final wish for 2025 is for organizations to stop forcing software into rigid project management frameworks. Instead, they should embrace the unpredictable nature of development, leveraging incremental funding, iterative experimentation, and team empowerment to thrive in uncertainty. See It in Action: Global Agile Summit 2025 “Want to see how real organizations are thriving in chaos? Join us in Tallinn!” Vasco invites listeners to the Global Agile Summit 2025 in Tallinn, Estonia, where forward-thinking organizations will share their stories of breaking free from traditional project management. Holiday listeners can grab a 75% discounted Super Early Bird ticket at GlobalAgileSummit.com. About Vasco Duarte Vasco Duarte is a thought leader in the Agile space, co-founder of Agile Finland, and host of the Scrum Master Toolbox Podcast, which has over 10 million downloads. Author of NoEstimates: How To Measure Project Progress Without Estimating, Vasco is a sought-after speaker and consultant helping organizations embrace Agile practices to achieve business success. You can link with Vasco Duarte on LinkedIn.

BONUS: A Coaching Masterclass - How Our Language Affects Our Leadership Style, And The Culture We Create, With Michelle Pauk and Victor Pena In this BONUS episode, Victor Pena and Michelle Pauk dive deep into the power of language in shaping our work as leaders, Agile Coaches, and Scrum Masters. Together, we explore how the words we use influence relationships, decisions, and the success of Agile practices. From navigating the ambiguity of language to fostering effective communication, this episode provides actionable insights to help you thrive in a constantly changing workplace. Language as a Culture Carrier “Language is how we carry culture, but without clarity, it can lead to misalignment and conflict.” Victor and Michelle discuss how language reflects and shapes workplace culture. Misaligned terminology—like “servant leader”—can create tension between teams and executives. They highlight the importance of achieving shared understanding and the role of language in fostering trust and collaboration. “Start by asking what others mean by key words—it's the first step toward alignment.” Feedforward vs. Feedback “Feedback gets us stuck in the past, while feedforward builds a path to a better future.” Drawing inspiration from Marshall Goldsmith, we discuss how focusing on future-oriented improvement (feedforward) avoids the blame game and builds positive momentum. As Agile practitioners, shifting from root cause analysis to solution-focused coaching allows teams to move forward effectively. “Ask yourself, what can we do better tomorrow instead of dwelling on what went wrong yesterday?” The Ambiguity of Language in Collaboration “Words mean different things to different people—be curious about how others see the world.” Victor and Michelle unpack how language ambiguity impacts communication and decision-making. They emphasize the need to explore the assumptions behind others' words and how Agile principles like #NoEstimates challenge traditional views on planning and work management. “When you encounter a term that seems obvious, ask: What does this mean to you?” Semiotics and the Language of Work “Symbols are the silent drivers of collaboration.” Semiotics, the study of symbols, plays a vital role in Agile practices like visual management. From story cards to team boards, symbols help teams communicate and navigate their work. The duo discusses how the language of Agile evolves through symbols and how to introduce these effectively in organizations. “Create visual symbols that align with your team's values—they'll anchor your collaboration.” Beyond the “Agile is Dead” Debate, Raising The Bar Of Our Shared Conversation “What's trying to come forward in the evolution of Agile?” While some criticize Agile as outdated, Victor and Michelle argue that its core principles—delivering value faster and improving quality—remain timeless. They explore how Agile can evolve to meet current challenges while retaining its essence. “Instead of asking if Agile is dead, ask what the next evolution looks like.” About Victor Pena and Michelle Pauk Victor Pena is an Agile Coach dedicated to helping organizations achieve business agility. With a focus on innovation, collaboration, and delivering great customer value, Victor transforms practices to ensure long-term success in a dynamic environment. You can link with Victor Pena on LinkedIn and connect with him via email at victor@vpena.com. Michelle Pauk is the founder of Streamside Coaching, helping leaders and organizations thrive through change. With over 15 years of experience in Agile environments and certifications from the International Coaching Federation, Michelle specializes in leadership development and organizational growth. You can link with Michelle Pauk on LinkedIn and connect with her at StreamsideCoaching.com.

Karthiga Seturaj: Leading Agile Transformations with the Flow Framework Read the full Show Notes and search through the world's largest audio library on Scrum directly on the Scrum Master Toolbox Podcast website: http://bit.ly/SMTP_ShowNotes. Karthiga discusses an agile transformation involving the adoption of the Flow Framework and Spotify model. With leadership support and tools like Lean Change Canvas, the transition fostered psychological safety, adaptability, and feedback-driven improvement. Key lessons include measuring the current state, establishing clear success criteria, and embracing agility in agile adoption. Self-reflection Question: How can you ensure psychological safety during major changes in your organization? [The Scrum Master Toolbox Podcast Recommends]

Bryan and Adam were joined by Theo Schlossnagle, KellyAnn Fitzpatrick, and Steve O'Grady to talk about conferences in tech. A lot has changed in the past couple of decades about the impetus for conferences and what makes it worthwhile to attend.In addition to Bryan Cantrill and Adam Leventhal, speakers included Theo Schlossnagle, KellyAnn Fitzpatrick, and Steve O'Grady.The lightly edited live chat from the show:ellie.idb: 2005, huh? y'all met when i was 2goodjanet: yea i was younger than 10 loljgrillo_: I was just thinking I feel very young because I was a junior in high school but not anymore lolaka_pugs: my first conference - 1975ellie.idb: oxide appeals to the youthjbk1234: my first one was LISA in 05 or 06... mostly because it took a near act of god because my director didn't believe in sending his people to conferencesjgrillo_: "before software ate the world" is what I usually call "when the internet was still fun"ellie.idb: my earliest memory was, uhhh, Google I/O 2008 when they gave every attendee that android phoneellie.idb: i don't recall which one it was, but i do remember playing with it when i was 5 hahahahataitomagatsu: I've only been to one tech conference in person, and it was a very tame SIGGRAPH that happened in Santiago, CL (I live in Chile). It was a lot about animation. I wanted it to have talks on image processing like the ones over on the US x3 but oh well, beggars can't be choosersgoodjanet: I've never been to a tech conferencedevdsp2175: The Germans know how to run a conference. The chaos communications congress is wild.ellie.idb: same!! never actually attended one as an adult hahahataitomagatsu: Have you attended one remotely?goodjanet: nope, closest is just watching recorded talks after the facttaitomagatsu: I attended the rustconf of 2 years ago remotely. It was amazing and I was soooo tired by the end of it. Brain got depleted of juice for the daynetwork2501: looking forward to in person dtrace conference with a dedicated zball roomahl0003: more of a trade show, but I went to the MacWorld conference in the late '90sahl0003: I still have some BeOS install CDs from thengoodjanet: im so thankful for recorded talksahl0003: this is kind of wild: I went with my brother who was 12 or so and we met a guy at Be... my brother would go on to work with him 30 years later!ellie.idb: https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Motorola_Droid the OG droid with the flip up keyboard and everythingtocococa: ISCA this year was just around the corner from Santiago in Buenos Aires and it was pretty cool, and CARLA took place this year in Santiago tooblacksmithforlife: Since I can never get a conference approved from work, I live off recorded conference videos on YouTubenetwork2501: best momdevdsp2175: The shade! Sending hugs to Bryan's inner child.taitomagatsu: daaaaaamn, I didn't know about either! I might keep an eye on ISCA, maybe I can go next year ❤️devdsp2175: You can't record the hallway track...jh179: Bryan's talk for Papers We Love on the History of Containers is how I found out about him, Oxide and all the rest. Had an incredible tangent about jails...zeanic: Conference idea: all hallway tracksdevdsp2175: YouTube keeps recommending Bryan's talks on running containers on the metal at Joyant.devdsp2175: And I keep watching them!ellie.idb: wow, ISCA had some really fucking cool talks this yearellie.idb: damn. i'm adding this to my watch list too!!! i'll try and see if i can get funding for next year hahahatocococa: yeah, 100%, but my brain was melted after every daynahumshalman: Bryan has the luxury of working on OSS. I think the point that Theo was making is that Surge (I only attended the very last one) was a space where you could be open about proprietary stuff. Talking about failure in a safe space, etc.nahumshalman: Ah, Theo is now making that point.taitomagatsu: Does ISCA have any sort of official YT channel?taitomagatsu: Because I might... have a handful of talks to watchgoodjanet: 18 years ago isnt that long ago?network2501: 18 years ago is almost 3 generations of lives/eras agoellie.idb: what HPC conferences are going on? i need to hear about the deets going on with CXLjgrillo_: although 18yr is ~half my life it doesn't feel very long ago..tocococa: I am not sure, I know that all keynotes were recorded, but I don´t know where they might beellie.idb: 21 years ago i was not alive

Sara Caldwell: Vulnerability as a Tool for Overcoming Change Resistance in an Agile Transformation Read the full Show Notes and search through the world's largest audio library on Scrum directly on the Scrum Master Toolbox Podcast website: http://bit.ly/SMTP_ShowNotes. Agile transformations often face resistance from leaders and project managers, especially when their roles feel uncertain. In this episode, Sara shares how communication and stakeholder management can mitigate these challenges. Through vulnerability and strategic stakeholder engagement, Sara learned the importance of integrating empathy into the change process, emphasizing that “people aren't the process.” Tune in to discover tips for leading systemic change effectively. Self-reflection Question: How can you incorporate empathy and vulnerability into your stakeholder engagement strategies? [The Scrum Master Toolbox Podcast Recommends]

You can contact Women Talking About Learning through our website, womentalkingaboutlearning.com You can buy us a coffee to support Women Talking About Learning via Ko-Fi. Or you can email us via hello@llarn.com   Women Talking ABout Learning is produced by Llarn Learning ©Llarn Learning   Episode Links: We are all leaders whether we know it or not Flexible Family Leave is Lousy Feminism Culture Framework Bridging Perspectives, Unlocking Potential Accent Bias in Britain Accent Bias: How Can We Minimize Discrimination In The Workplace? Stereotyping and prejudice Why white people urgently need to get better at talking about race Putting an End to Conferences Dominated by White Men Why are the Dutch so tall? Understanding stereotypes, prejudice and discrimination Feminist Perspectives on Objectification Fishbowl technique The double-edged sword of labels The Problem with Labels Greenwashing Unconscious bias and prejudice in the workplace ¿A Difference that Makes a Difference? The US and Europe on Values and Culture 20 Differences Between the U.S. and Europe 5 ways Americans and Europeans are different The American-Western European Values Gap Intersectionality Prejudgment Prejudice This week's guests are Ornela Cianciarelli is an entrepreneur, Walking and Nature Coach, and Psychological Safety Practitioner passionate about fostering inclusive spaces for personal and professional growth. Through her company, SoftPace, Ornela offers tailored coaching that combines the principles of psychological safety with the grounding power of nature, helping individuals and teams find balance and connection. With a background in Agile Transformation and Stakeholder Management, and fluency in Dutch, Spanish, and English, Ornela brings a unique perspective to her work, supporting clients in discovering their potential in a reflective, non-judgmental environment.   LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ornelacianciarelli/   Camille Graux is a seasoned Learning and Development professional with a decade of experience in global talent strategies, leadership training, and performance development. Currently a Senior Manager at Dataiku, she develops talent management practices and learning experiences with diverse humans in mind. Having worked and lived in four countries and travelled to over sixty, she brings a mindset of openness, curiosity, and a strong inclination for tech and innovation.   My profile: https://www.linkedin.com/in/camillegraux/     Isis Fabian is a speaker, facilitator, and coach with a decade-long foundation of educating corporate audiences on identity-based topics like unconscious bias and conducting global research in Diversity Equity and Inclusion (DEI), corporate culture, and effective leadership. Being agender and neurodivergent, they specialise in gender and neurodiversity, and encourage others to tap into their own lived experiences to build shared understanding and co-create expansive cultural practices that enable everyone to reach their unique potential.    Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/isis-fabian/ Website: www.isisfabian.com  

Agile in Hardware: Agile for Physical Products, Insights from Dainese's Helmet Project With Massimo Terzo In this Agile in Hardware episode, Agile Coach and Consultant Massimo Terzo shares the story of his experience implementing Agile methodologies for physical product development, highlighting Dainese's journey to develop an innovative motorcycle helmet. Massimo shares essential strategies and unique challenges in applying Agile to hardware, emphasizing continuous learning, collaboration, and a customer-focused mindset. Whether you're in software or hardware, this conversation offers valuable insights for anyone navigating complex product development. The Agile Journey Begins: Adapting for Dainese's Helmet Project “Dainese is a cutting-edge company, but they faced market pressures that required faster development – this helmet project was all about innovation, under intense time constraints.” Massimo provides an overview of Dainese's motorbike helmet project, an Agile transformation journey for a purely physical product – with no software involved. As Dainese faced heightened competition and urgent market deadlines, they knew they had to accelerate product development. Massimo describes how Agile's typical techniques for software, like continuous delivery, had to be redefined for hardware. Instead of delivering functional increments, they focused on incremental learning to develop elements like airflow and ventilation. Prototyping became a central strategy, allowing the team to test quickly, gather feedback, and make informed design choices in a dynamic environment. “In hardware, Agile isn't about delivering functional slices but rather about acquiring critical knowledge incrementally to guide design.” Introducing Agile to Hardware Teams: Building an Agile Mindset "Getting the right people on board was key – we needed people open to Scrum values and willing to collaborate on cross-functional teams." Massimo talks about his initial steps coaching the Dainese team, who were accustomed to a waterfall approach. He began by training the team, especially focusing on the Product Owner, to adopt an Agile mindset. With enthusiastic support from the R&D Director, Massimo led a “Lift-Off” workshop to unify team goals, map out the project, and visualize workflows through story mapping. The team started to think of “increments” as stages of understanding rather than fully-functional slices (as we would do in software), and this helped shift them towards Agile principles of continuous improvement. “Starting with a ‘Lift-Off' workshop set a foundation for collaboration and got everyone focused on a common goal.” Bridging Agile and Waterfall: Working with Supplier Constraints "Suppliers were essential in this project – we had to adapt our Agile adoption to respect lead times and certain traditional practices." Massimo highlights the complex supplier relationships in hardware development and the need for hybrid planning. Agile principles like sprint planning and incremental development were adapted to accommodate suppliers' lead times and waterfall-style deadlines. The team balanced traditional Gantt charts for high-level planning with Agile sprint cycles for flexibility, using reverse planning to align the two approaches. By including a dedicated buyer in the team, they improved communication with suppliers and maintained transparency, ensuring project timelines could be met. “Adapting Agile to work with supplier constraints meant creating a roadmap that respected both Agile flexibility and traditional lead times.” Key Success Factors for Agile in Physical Product Development “Every Agile framework should be adapted to fit the product and the context. Don't get too focused on ‘doing Agile'—focus on making your product development faster and smarter.” Massimo provides his top advice for anyone looking to apply Agile in hardware contexts. He encourages teams to draw inspiration from Agile frameworks but adapt them to their specific product needs. Breaking down complex questions into smaller, testable hypotheses, fostering cross-functional skills, and investing in fast, reliable prototyping are essential steps to stay agile. He emphasizes transparency and reducing feedback loops as core practices to make informed, timely decisions, ultimately making the entire development process more efficient. “Agile isn't a template – it's a mindset for making product development faster, leaner, and more responsive to change.” Resources for Agile Hardware Enthusiasts “Whether you're new to Agile in hardware or looking to deepen your knowledge, these resources offer essential strategies.” Massimo shares his recommended reading list for those interested in Agile for physical product development. He suggests The Agile Factory by Claudio Saurin, Scrum for Hardware by Paolo Sammicheli, and Joe Justice's Scrum Master book. He also recommends exploring agile procurement and supply chain insights from Mirko Kleiner. About Massimo Terzo Massimo Terzo is an Agile Coach and Consultant with expertise in Agile methodologies for physical product development. Over the past decade, he has guided numerous organizations, including a major car manufacturer, through complex Agile transformations. Known for his knowledge in Agile for hardware and engineering, Massimo is a frequent speaker, inspiring teams to adopt agile practices for real-world product development challenges. You can link with Massimo Terzo on LinkedIn.

Agile in Hardware: Agile Transformation in a Hardware Organization, Wärtsilä Case Study with Henna Torkkola nd Maarit Laanti In this Agile in Hardware episode, Henna Torkkola and Maarit Laanti share the pioneering journey of integrating Agile practices into Wärtsilä's Marine R&D, particularly within the ambitious New Product Development (NPD) program for advanced engine technology. From fostering collaboration across the value stream to embracing simulation and hybrid Agile approaches, they offer insights into how Agile has reshaped R&D processes. Henna and Maarit explain how bringing Agile to hardware isn't about imposing frameworks but adopting a collaborative, flexible mindset that inspires productivity and innovation across teams. Starting with a Vision for Agile in Product Development Henna and Maarit delve into the origins of Wärtsilä's Agile journey, recounting how the NPD program, initiated in 2018, was envisioned to deliver faster releases, co-create with stakeholders, and establish a more satisfying work culture for program teams. Moving beyond traditional project stages, the company embraced Agile methods to accommodate real-time adjustments and maintain a competitive edge. “Agile success in hardware starts when you focus on the values behind the practices—not just calling it Agile.” Expanding the Agile Mindset Across the Value Stream Originally designed as an R&D initiative, the program expanded to engage the entire value stream, including sourcing and manufacturing. Henna explains how cross-departmental collaboration was achieved through inclusive events and ceremonies, bringing in diverse stakeholders from the start. This broad integration marked a shift from isolated R&D to a holistic approach involving the entire value chain, creating a product developed with inputs from every angle. “Cross-functional collaboration is crucial; bring everyone to the table early and celebrate wins together.” Integrating Manufacturing for a Smooth NPD Transition To bridge the gap between R&D and manufacturing, the team included design-for-manufacturing experts from the outset, ensuring seamless transitions and early feedback. The addition of quick real-world testing strategies like using a single-cylinder prototype and rolling-wave planning enabled the NPD program to adapt plans incrementally while collecting feedback earlier in the process compared to previous programs. “Invite manufacturing to R&D's early stages—you'll tackle issues before they escalate.” Blending Traditional and Agile Models for Hardware Innovation The team adopted a hybrid model that merges Agile's flexibility with traditional gate-check models, evolving over time as teams moved away from rigid milestones. By focusing on early feedback and iterative adjustments, they avoided process bottlenecks and fostered a product-centric mindset. “Don't get stuck on milestones; prioritize feedback loops to keep product goals aligned with real-world needs.” Simulation and Small-Scale Testing: Essential Tools for Fast Feedback Both simulation and small-scale testing proved essential to the program's agility, facilitating rapid feedback and enabling team alignment. With testing and simulation experts working alongside designers, the process quickly highlighted practical improvements, creating a more effective pathway from R&D concepts to production-ready components. “Invest in simulations—they give you insights much faster, aligning design with manufacturing realities.” Synchronization and Common Planning: Enabling Transparency and Efficiency Henna and Maarit underscore the benefits of synchronization and common planning cadences across the R&D teams, enhancing transparency and team spirit. These synchronizations empowered teams to independently manage priorities while aligning with organizational goals, creating an ecosystem where collaboration and autonomy coexist. “A synchronized cadence empowers teams, letting them take charge of plans within a unified vision.” Pivoting to Sustainable Fuel: Adapting Agile to Changing Requirements As the market focus shifted towards sustainability, the NPD program swiftly integrated sustainable fuels like ammonia into development. Thanks to the Agile-inspired adaptability, the program adjusted its trajectory, positioning Wärtsilä to lead in environmentally conscious engine development with a product-first mindset that welcomed change. “With Agile, your process adapts to change—making room for innovations like sustainable fuel in real-time.” Resources for Agile Enthusiasts in Hardware and Product Development For listeners eager to dive deeper, Henna and Maarit recommend: Flexible Product Development: Agile Hardware Development to Liberate Innovation by Preston Smith White papers on Agile in hardware, particularly those available on WikiAgile About Henna Torkkola and Maarit Laanti Henna Torkkola is an Agile coach at Wärtsilä's Marine R&D, focusing on Future Fuels and New Product Development. With expertise in banking and Agile transformations, she holds a Master's in Human Resource Management and is passionate about the cultural impact of Agile. You can link with Henna Torkkola on LinkedIn. Maarit Laanti, a pioneering Agile coach and co-founder of WikiAgile, is the author of the first PhD on Agile in a scaled environment. She has led transformative Agile initiatives at Nokia and contributed to the SAFe framework. A global authority on Lean and Agile, she is recognized for advancing Agile scaling in hardware. You can link with Maarit Laanti on LinkedIn.

Text us to share your thoughts What does it mean to be a leader responsible for transforming a legacy auto manufacturer to adopt an entirely new way of working?In this discussion with Jag Johal, he opens up about his journey and shares some of the perosnal challenges he's faced as he's transitioned from a role in HR to leading a trasnformation effort towards Agile ways of working.We discuss how:He's created a why of change amongst senior leaders at JLRHaving so many ideas and struggling to put them into practice can leave people feeling unsettledimportant it is to be vulnerable and open to feedback as a leaderself-awareness and humility is crucial to leverage the team's skills in making decisionsSo tune in to listen to the full discussion with Jag and discover his insights to being a senior leader leading change!Guest bioJag has been with JLR for over twenty years. joining as a grduate and for the majority of that time, working in HR, working with all parts of the business across multiple locations. For the last couple of years he has transitioned into the space of leading on their agile transformation, which has been a huge learning curve. It has been great way to learn new skills, methods and techniques, and be able to contribute to their overall transformation journey.To learn more about Jag, feel free to connect with him via LinkedIn.Visit our website www.humble.associatesOr check out our LinkedIn page to learn more about Humble Associates

Jelena Vucinic: Leading Change in a Large Scaled Agile Organization Read the full Show Notes and search through the world's largest audio library on Scrum directly on the Scrum Master Toolbox Podcast website: http://bit.ly/SMTP_ShowNotes. Jelena shares her experience leading change in a large scaled agile organization with 200 engineering teams. The change involved restructuring roles, connecting teams closer to customers, and a significant mindset shift. Jelena emphasizes the importance of introducing changes slowly, being transparent, and keeping communication open. She highlights the need to empower leaders with tools and support while collecting continuous feedback throughout the process. Self-reflection Question: What steps can you take to ensure that change initiatives are sustainable in your organization? Leave your answer in the comments, let's get this conversation started! About Jelena Vucinic Jelena is a self-conscious perfectionist and an everlasting optimist. She is deeply curious about the way people interact. After listening attentively, she likes to ask open questions that often help to reflect and improve collaboration. Jelena believes that every single person makes a difference, and she is dedicated to helping teams and leaders unlock their potential. You can link with Jelena Vucinic on LinkedIn.

BONUS: Unlocking High-Performance in Agile Organizations, with Rebecca Homkes In this BONUS episode, strategy expert Rebecca Homkes delves into the core themes of her book Survive Reset Thrive: Leading breakthrough growth strategy in volatile times. With a wealth of experience advising CEOs and serving as a Lecturer at London Business School, Rebecca shares practical advice on how leaders can navigate uncertainty, cultivate internal predictability, and create adaptive, high-performing teams. Whether you're in the software industry or any other fast-paced environment, this conversation offers invaluable insights into leading through change and driving sustainable growth. Reframing Our Response to Uncertainty for Agile Organizations “Uncertainty is the new certainty. Let's not make change bigger than it needs to be.” Rebecca opens with a key premise from her book: the need to reframe our natural response to uncertainty. She challenges the common association between uncertainty and negativity, urging leaders to embrace it as an opportunity for growth. She explains how software industry leaders can guide their teams to view change as a pathway to innovation, rather than a setback. Uncertainty, after all, is a constant, and thriving in volatile times requires a mindset shift towards flexibility and resilience. "Leaders should embrace uncertainty as an opportunity, not a setback. It's about changing the narrative and leading your team to thrive amidst change." Planning for the Future in Agile Contexts “Shift from planning to preparing. Build capabilities to seize opportunities as they emerge.” Rebecca advises against over-reliance on rigid strategic plans. Instead, she emphasizes the importance of building flexibility into long-term strategies—especially in fast-moving industries like software development. Leaders should focus on preparation, enabling their teams to adapt quickly to new opportunities as they arise. She highlights the value of testing beliefs, making small, incremental bets, and staying agile when strategic assumptions change. "Stop focusing on rigid plans. Build preparation into your strategy and be ready to capitalize on unexpected opportunities." Building Internal Predictability “Internal predictability enables teams to navigate chaos. Clarity in decision-making is key.” While adaptability is crucial, Rebecca highlights the importance of internal predictability to create a stable foundation for teams to thrive. This means establishing clear decision-making processes and aligning team goals, so that despite external chaos, there is an internal structure that teams can rely on. She underscores the need for "aligned speed"—the ability to make quick, effective decisions with clarity on who is responsible for each choice. "Adaptability doesn't mean chaos. Build internal predictability by codifying decision-making processes, enabling faster, clearer decisions." The 9 Power Moves in the Agile Framework "Surviving crises requires discipline in execution. The 9 Power Moves provide a playbook." Rebecca shares insights into her "9 Power Moves," a framework designed to help organizations navigate crises. She explains how these moves can be adapted by software companies facing market shifts or project setbacks. Each move offers a practical step leaders can implement to ensure their teams remain agile, focused, and ready to turn challenges into growth opportunities. "To thrive in a crisis, you need a disciplined approach. The 9 Power Moves give leaders a clear playbook for turning adversity into success." Celebrating Experimentation in the Software Industry “If you learn faster, you grow faster. Experimentation is about learning, not failure.” Rebecca emphasizes the importance of fostering a culture that celebrates experimentation, especially in industries like software where innovation drives success. Experimentation is not about failure but about quickly testing assumptions that could impact the company's success. She encourages leaders to create an environment where experimentation is seen as a discipline, supported by clear processes to test new ideas rapidly and cheaply. "Experimentation is about fast learning, not failure. Create a culture where testing assumptions is celebrated as a path to growth." Fostering Shared Context for Cohesive Agile Teams “Communication is not the same as understanding. Focus on simplicity and shared context.” One of the key insights Rebecca shares is the idea that more communication does not necessarily lead to better results. Instead, she stresses the need for shared context among team members. In agile environments, leaders should focus on simplicity, ensuring everyone understands what the organization is trying to achieve and how each person's work ties into that vision. This approach helps maintain alignment and efficiency, especially in cross-functional teams. "More communication doesn't equal better teamwork. Focus on building a shared context to ensure everyone is aligned on goals." Overcoming Leadership Obstacles in Agile Transformation “Take a pause and reassess your beliefs. Don't let past success create blind spots.” Rebecca identifies common leadership traps during Agile transformations, such as overconfidence in past successes. She advises leaders to regularly reassess their beliefs and strategies to avoid stagnation. She also stresses the importance of creating space for strategic conversations, so teams feel aligned and empowered to execute their work within the broader organizational goals. "Avoid leadership traps by regularly reassessing your beliefs. Don't let past success blind you to new realities." Learning from Real-Life Case Studies in Agile Environments “High-performing teams act on beliefs, not just facts. Track your beliefs to learn and adapt faster.” Drawing from real-life case studies from companies like Spotify and Dell, Rebecca shares key lessons for building high-performing teams. She emphasizes the importance of acting on well-tested beliefs and using these as the foundation for strategic decisions. To support this, she suggests using a "belief tracker" to monitor and adapt strategies based on real-time learning and experimentation. "Successful teams don't just rely on facts—they act on beliefs. Use belief trackers to stay agile and learn faster."     About Rebecca Homkes Rebecca Homkes is a strategy expert, advising CEOs and serving as a Lecturer at London Business School. With roles at Duke, BCG University, and as a London School of Economics fellow, she is also a keynote speaker and YPO Faculty Director. Leading fintech accelerators and serving on company boards, she holds a doctorate from LSE and resides in Miami, San Francisco, and London. Rebecca is the author of Survive Reset Thrive: Leading breakthrough growth strategy in volatile times. You can link with Rebecca Homkes on LinkedIn.

Sometimes, how you frame something can make all the difference. In this episode, Mylène Boutet, Manager of the Lean-Agile Center of Excellence (LACE) at Amadeus in France, shares how she helped the HR department have a bigger impact on the company's Agile transformation. Like what you hear? Connect with Mylène on LinkedIn. Explore SAFe courses here.

Johann Botha: Overcoming External Dependencies in Agile Transformations Read the full Show Notes and search through the world's largest audio library on Scrum directly on the Scrum Master Toolbox Podcast website: http://bit.ly/SMTP_ShowNotes. In large organizations, even the best Agile efforts can fail if external dependencies are not managed. Johann discusses his experience with a financial services IT department where traditional project governance stifled Agile initiatives. How can Agile leaders identify and navigate these roadblocks? Johann shares practical tips on engaging leadership, redefining governance, and using techniques like the double diamond for root cause analysis to foster an environment where Agile can thrive.   [IMAGE HERE] As Scrum Master we work with change continuously! Do you have your own change framework that provides the guidance, and queues you need when working with change? The Lean Change Management framework is a fully defined, lean-startup inspired change framework that can be used as the backbone of any change process! You can buy Lean Change Management the book at Amazon. Also available in French, Spanish, German and Portuguese. About Johann Botha Johann joins us from South Africa, helping build digital-age capabilities by developing practical skills to solve problems, grow people, and facilitate difficult change. A long-time proponent of Lean and Agile, Johann consults, coaches, speaks, and writes on the topic. He is also the chief examiner for the EXIN Agile Scrum product. You can link with Johann Botha on LinkedIn and connect with Johann Botha on Twitter.

Johann Botha: When Agile Teams Become The Reason Agile Fails in Organizations Read the full Show Notes and search through the world's largest audio library on Scrum directly on the Scrum Master Toolbox Podcast website: http://bit.ly/SMTP_ShowNotes. When Agile teams push too hard for transformation, they risk becoming the enemy. Johann explains how corporate "immune systems" react against new ideas, even when they're beneficial. What strategies can Agile teams use to navigate organizational resistance and avoid self-sabotage? Johann emphasizes the importance of listening, finding safe spaces to experiment, and avoiding the trap of making Agile seem like an invasive force. Featured Book of the Week: No Rules Rules by Reed Hastings and Erin Meyer Johann shares his journey through influential books that shaped his approach to management, from Tom Peters' Liberation Management to Netflix's story in No Rules Rules. How do these books provide a roadmap for progressive management practices in today's fast-paced world? Johann also highlights key texts like Accelerate by Nicole Forsgren et al., and his own work, Competing in a Digital Future, offering listeners a rich library to explore. [IMAGE HERE] Do you wish you had decades of experience? Learn from the Best Scrum Masters In The World, Today! The Tips from the Trenches - Scrum Master edition audiobook includes hours of audio interviews with SM's that have decades of experience: from Mike Cohn to Linda Rising, Christopher Avery, and many more. Super-experienced Scrum Masters share their hard-earned lessons with you. Learn those today, make your teams awesome!   About Johann Botha Johann joins us from South Africa, helping build digital-age capabilities by developing practical skills to solve problems, grow people, and facilitate difficult change. A long-time proponent of Lean and Agile, Johann consults, coaches, speaks, and writes on the topic. He is also the chief examiner for the EXIN Agile Scrum product. You can link with Johann on LinkedIn and connect with Johann on Twitter.

Do You Really Need a UX Researcher on Your Product Team? There are no easy answers on this podcast as we react to a provocative LinkedIn post. On this episode, Product Manager Brian and Enterprise Business Agility Coach Om debate the merits and challenges of having dedicated UX researchers on product teams. Listen as we explore:Are UX researchers a must-have or a luxury? Can product managers develop research skills?Does short-term thinking undervalue the impact of UX research?Could UX researchers upskill product teams?Join us for a delightfully balanced discussion about product management, UX professionals, and agile teams.= = = = = = = = = = = =Watch it on YouTube= = = = = = = = = = = =Subscribe to our YouTube Channel:https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC8XUSoJPxGPI8EtuUAHOb6g?sub_confirmation=1Apple Podcasts:https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/agile-podcast/id1568557596Spotify:https://open.spotify.com/show/362QvYORmtZRKAeTAE57v3Amazon Music:https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/ee3506fc-38f2-46d1-a301-79681c55ed82/Agile-Podcast= = = = = = = = = = = =Toronto Is My Beat (Music Sample)By Whitewolf (Source: https://ccmixter.org/files/whitewolf225/60181)CC BY 4.0 DEED (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/deed.en)

James Gifford: Crafting Culture, A Three-Step Approach to Agile Organizational Change Read the full Show Notes and search through the world's largest audio library on Scrum directly on the Scrum Master Toolbox Podcast website: http://bit.ly/SMTP_ShowNotes. In this episode, James shares a comprehensive approach to implementing culture change in a multi-site healthcare company. They used a simple three-step process to align values across diverse locations. And implemented an ambassador program and storytelling workshops catalyze the change. James explains the use of the ADKAR model and Lean Change Management principles in this large-scale transformation. James also shares the role that gamification played in encouraging narrative-centric sharing throughout the organization.   [IMAGE HERE] As Scrum Master we work with change continuously! Do you have your own change framework that provides the guidance, and queues you need when working with change? The Lean Change Management framework is a fully defined, lean-startup inspired change framework that can be used as the backbone of any change process! You can buy Lean Change Management the book at Amazon. Also available in French, Spanish, German and Portuguese.   About James Gifford James Gifford, a notable Agile/Lean coach and ProKanban Certified Trainer, is also a co-founder of Agile Uprising. He envisions a future where companies integrate Lean principles and Agile methodologies effortlessly, cultivating organizations that are dynamic, resilient, and centered around customer-focused products. You can link with James Gifford on LinkedIn and connect with James Gifford on Twitter.

Esther Schmit: Tips for Effective SAFe Implementation, Even if Teams are Already Using Agile Processes Read the full Show Notes and search through the world's largest audio library on Scrum directly on the Scrum Master Toolbox Podcast website: http://bit.ly/SMTP_ShowNotes. In this episode, we discuss scaling in Agile, and the challenges of transitioning teams from Scrum or other team-level Agile processes, to SAFe (Scaled Agile Framework). Esther describes common anti-patterns and resistance to change. She also shares insights on how to support teams, managers, and Scrum Masters through Agile coaching and other support groups, like community of practice.    [IMAGE HERE] As Scrum Master we work with change continuously! Do you have your own change framework that provides the guidance, and queues you need when working with change? The Lean Change Management framework is a fully defined, lean-startup inspired change framework that can be used as the backbone of any change process! You can buy Lean Change Management the book at Amazon. Also available in French, Spanish, German and Portuguese.   About Esther Schmit Esther is a freelance Agile Coach and Scrum Master, leading Agile Pro Center, which provides online Agile Coaching, Training, and Mentoring for Scrum Masters. Esther also hosts the Online Scrum Master Summit. You can link with Esther Schmit on LinkedIn, and visit her site Agile Gatherings.

Milica Lubinic: Consent-based Decision-making for Agile Organizations Read the full Show Notes and search through the world's largest audio library on Scrum directly on the Scrum Master Toolbox Podcast website: http://bit.ly/SMTP_ShowNotes. Milica shares insights from her experience in a company undergoing Agile transformation. She highlights the misalignment in decision-making processes and the need for consent-based decision-making. By facilitating retrospectives with leadership and creating guides for new decision-making approaches, she navigated through various challenges.    [IMAGE HERE] As Scrum Master we work with change continuously! Do you have your own change framework that provides the guidance, and queues you need when working with change? The Lean Change Management framework is a fully defined, lean-startup inspired change framework that can be used as the backbone of any change process! You can buy Lean Change Management the book at Amazon. Also available in French, Spanish, German and Portuguese.   About Milica Lubinic Milica is a Mom and Professional and Organizational Coach who is all about dealing with complexity, whether it's child development or organizational/team/individual transformation and growth. She found her true calling in the world of Agile, Cynefin, and Progressive organizational cultures. Creating safe spaces for innovation, nurturing trust, and sparking engagement is her true passion. You can link with Milica Lubinic on LinkedIn.

Milica Lubinic: Curiosity Over Assumption, How to Enter a New Agile Team or Company Without Triggering Resistance Read the full Show Notes and search through the world's largest audio library on Scrum directly on the Scrum Master Toolbox Podcast website: http://bit.ly/SMTP_ShowNotes. In this episode, Milica tells the story of a pivotal failure from the start of her career. She entered a company that, at first sight, already practicing scaled Scrum and aligned with Agile values. Milica was eager to contribute. However, she quickly discovered underlying taboos and a lack of true transparency. Her push for more openness led to unexpected resistance, teaching her the importance of curiosity and avoiding assumptions. Listen to learn how we can navigate the current status of Agile adoption without making premature judgments.   [IMAGE HERE] Recovering from failure, or difficult moments is a critical skill for Scrum Masters. Not only because of us, but also because the teams, and stakeholders we work with will also face these moments! We need inspiring stories to help them, and ourselves! The Bungsu Story, is an inspiring story by Marcus Hammarberg which shows how a Coach can help organizations recover even from the most disastrous situations! Learn how Marcus helped The Bungsu, a hospital in Indonesia, recover from near-bankruptcy, twice! Using Lean and Agile methods to rebuild an organization and a team! An inspiring story you need to know about! Buy the book on Amazon: The Bungsu Story - How Lean and Kanban Saved a Small Hospital in Indonesia. Twice. and Can Help You Reshape Work in Your Company.   About Milica Lubinic Milica is a Mom and Professional and Organizational Coach who is all about dealing with complexity, whether it's child development or organizational/team/individual transformation and growth. She found her true calling in the world of Agile, Cynefin, and Progressive organizational cultures. Creating safe spaces for innovation, nurturing trust, and sparking engagement is her true passion. You can link with Milica Lubinic on LinkedIn.

Kirsi Sahlstén: Understanding the Complexities of Driving A Large Scale Agile Transformation Read the full Show Notes and search through the world's largest audio library on Scrum directly on the Scrum Master Toolbox Podcast website: http://bit.ly/SMTP_ShowNotes. In this episode, Kirsi helps us understand the complexities of leading change in a large organization. She shares how a change team with representatives from various roles and a virtual setup facilitated a smooth transition to new teams. The use of pulse surveys, questionnaires, and a transparent Kanban board helped maintain alignment and trust throughout the process. Kirsi offers practical tips, such as starting with a common cadence and allowing teams to adjust later, and the importance of self-reflection surveys for continuous improvement. Discover the techniques that made this reorganization a success.   [IMAGE HERE] As Scrum Master we work with change continuously! Do you have your own change framework that provides the guidance, and queues you need when working with change? The Lean Change Management framework is a fully defined, lean-startup inspired change framework that can be used as the backbone of any change process! You can buy Lean Change Management the book at Amazon. Also available in French, Spanish, German and Portuguese.   About Kirsi Sahlstén Kirsi is a wanna-be neuroscientist and full-stack developer who, in real life, ended up as an Agile coach. She is passionate about sparking and enabling learning and unlearning, working together across boundaries, and focusing on the essential. Her favorite question is "Why?" and she is fascinated by the complexity of simplicity. You can link with Kirsi Sahlstén on LinkedIn.

Kirsi Sahlstén: When Protection Hinders Progress, A Guide to Tackling Psychological Safety in Agile Teams Read the full Show Notes and search through the world's largest audio library on Scrum directly on the Scrum Master Toolbox Podcast website: http://bit.ly/SMTP_ShowNotes. In this episode, Kirsi shares an insightful story about a large team working on regulatory reporting that struggled with psychological safety. Even if the team tried to shut out Agile coaches, leadership noticed alarming employee satisfaction scores and helped the change get started. Kirsi reveals how the Product Owner's protective approach stifled team growth and collaboration. She explains the anti-patterns observed and offers tips on how to address such challenges by taking a more directive stance and encouraging continuous improvement. Learn how small changes can make a big difference in a team's dynamics and success. Featured Book of the Week: Extraordinarily Badass Agile Coaching by Bob Galen Kirsi discusses Bob Galen's book, "Extraordinarily Badass Agile Coaching," highlighting its comprehensive approach to Agile coaching. She emphasizes the importance of the Agile coaching contract, even for internal coaches, and shares how it helps in setting clear expectations. Kirsi also explores the significance of journaling for self-reflection. This book is not just for coaches but also for Scrum Masters seeking to deepen their understanding and practice of Agile coaching. [IMAGE HERE] Do you wish you had decades of experience? Learn from the Best Scrum Masters In The World, Today! The Tips from the Trenches - Scrum Master edition audiobook includes hours of audio interviews with SM's that have decades of experience: from Mike Cohn to Linda Rising, Christopher Avery, and many more. Super-experienced Scrum Masters share their hard-earned lessons with you. Learn those today, make your teams awesome!     About Kirsi Sahlstén Kirsi is a wanna-be neuroscientist and full-stack developer who, in real life, ended up as an Agile coach. She is passionate about sparking and enabling learning and unlearning, working together across boundaries, and focusing on the essential. Her favorite question is "Why?" and she is fascinated by the complexity of simplicity. You can link with Kirsi Sahlstén on LinkedIn.

Kirsi Sahlstén: The Power of Collective Change in Agile Transformation Read the full Show Notes and search through the world's largest audio library on Scrum directly on the Scrum Master Toolbox Podcast website: http://bit.ly/SMTP_ShowNotes. In this episode, Kirsi shares a story about an organization struggling with large, complex teams and numerous dependencies. As an Agile Coach, she facilitated a reorganization around the customer journey. With half the team based on another continent created a big stress for Kirsi and her colleagues. Attempting to manage everything herself, she faced burnout. Through this challenge, Kirsi learned the importance of teamwork in driving change. She discusses creating a change team, leveraging eager participants, and establishing a change agent network to maintain engagement and representation. Discover the key steps Kirsi took to facilitate a successful reorganization and the valuable lessons she learned.   [IMAGE HERE] Recovering from failure, or difficult moments is a critical skill for Scrum Masters. Not only because of us, but also because the teams, and stakeholders we work with will also face these moments! We need inspiring stories to help them, and ourselves! The Bungsu Story, is an inspiring story by Marcus Hammarberg which shows how a Coach can help organizations recover even from the most disastrous situations! Learn how Marcus helped The Bungsu, a hospital in Indonesia, recover from near-bankruptcy, twice! Using Lean and Agile methods to rebuild an organization and a team! An inspiring story you need to know about! Buy the book on Amazon: The Bungsu Story - How Lean and Kanban Saved a Small Hospital in Indonesia. Twice. and Can Help You Reshape Work in Your Company.   About Kirsi Sahlstén Kirsi is a wanna-be neuroscientist and full-stack developer who, in real life, ended up as an Agile coach. She is passionate about sparking and enabling learning and unlearning, working together across boundaries, and focusing on the essential. Her favorite question is "Why?" and she is fascinated by the complexity of simplicity. You can link with Kirsi Sahlstén on LinkedIn.