Podcasts about change agents

On today's episode of the podcast, we sit down with Tim McBride, founder of Change Agents of Arizona, to discuss the inspiration behind the movement and the second annual Change Agents of Arizona event celebrating this year's honorees.  This event is an invite-only gathering that recognizes a small, carefully selected class of real estate professionals who lead with generosity, integrity, and purpose. These agents aren't just successful in business—they use their platform to lift others, lead boldly in their communities, and inspire change far beyond the closing table.   For more information and to purchase tickets for this year's Change Agents of Arizona event, visit changeagentsofarizona.com  Website: changeagentsaz.com  Instagram: changeagentsarizona BACK STORY Inspired by the legacy of the Walter Payton Man of the Year Award, Change Agents of Arizona (formerly Change Agents of Phoenix) was created to celebrate a new standard of excellence in real estate—one that honors not just professional achievement, but the ability to use that success as a force for good. The inspiration for this initiative comes from my deep connection to professional sports and the respect I hold for athletes who are recognized for both their performance and their character. In real estate, where authenticity and trust are everything, I believe the same should apply: greatness is not just about numbers—it's about how you lead, how you serve, and the impact you leave behind. Change Agents of Arizona is more than an event. It's a movement to elevate the industry by spotlighting those who are transforming lives and communities through their everyday business. These are the professionals who think beyond transactions—who use their platforms with purpose and lead with heart. Each year, a select few agents are nominated and carefully chosen by peers, past honorees, and industry partners to represent the Change Agents class. This is not an award anyone applies for—it's a distinction that must be earned through leadership, service, and consistent alignment with the core values we hold sacred.   SUBSCRIBE TO ICONIC HOUR If you enjoyed today's podcast, I'd be so appreciative if you'd take two minutes to subscribe, rate and review ICONIC HOUR. It makes a huge difference for our growth. Thanks so much!   ICONIC LIFE MAGAZINE  Stay in touch with ICONIC LIFE magazine. We invite you to join our digital VIP list and SUBSCRIBE!   JOIN OUR ICONIC COMMUNITY Website: iconiclife.com Instagram: @iconiclifemag Facebook: Iconic Life YouTube: ICONIC LIFE   FOLLOW RENEE DEE Instagram: @iconicreneedee LinkedIn: Renee Dee   Thanks for being a part of our community to Live Beautifully. TAGS: changeagentsofarizona, changeagentsofaz, homesforgoodfoundation, oneteamscottsdale, impact, iconichourpodcast, iconiclifemag, livebeautifully   

On this week's episode of Change Agents, Andy sits down with award-winning journalist Mariana van Zeller, host of National Geographic's Trafficked, to explore cartels, black markets, and human trafficking in the U.S. and abroad. Mariana discusses how cartels operate in small American towns, use domestic flights for smuggling, and recruit American citizens as distributors. She also examines the trade of Vietnamese brides into China and the broader social and economic factors that enable these crimes. The conversation highlights the scale of drug trafficking and human exploitation and emphasizes the need for awareness and solutions that address the root causes. Change Agents is an IRONCLAD Original Sponsors:  Firecracker Farm Use code IRONCLAD to get 15% off your first order at https://firecracker.farm/ AmmoSquared  Visit https://ammosquared.com/ today for a special offer and keep yourself fully stocked. With over 100,000 members and thousands of 5-star ratings, Your readiness is their mission. TacPack  Visit http://www.TacPack.com  and use code IRONCLAD at checkout to get a free $70 tactical gift   Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Tom Molenaar: Systemic Change Management—Making the Emotional Side of Change Visible 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. "We tend to skip the phase where we just give the person the space to grieve, to not know, instead of that, we tend to move to solutions maybe too quick." Tom faces a significant challenge as he prepares to start with new teams transitioning between value streams in a SAFe environment. The teams will experience multiple changes simultaneously - new physical locations, new team dependencies, and organizational restructuring. Tom applies systemic change management principles, outlining five critical phases: sense of urgency, letting go, not knowing, creation, and new beginning. He emphasizes the importance of making the emotional "understream" visible, giving teams space to grieve their losses, and helping them verbalize their feelings before moving toward solutions. In this episode, we refer to Systemic Change Management, an approach that views organizations as complex, interconnected systems—rather than collections of independent parts. Instead of focusing only on individual skills, isolated processes, or top-down directives, SCM works with the whole system (people, structures, culture, and external environment) to create sustainable transformation. Self-reflection Question: How comfortable are you with sitting in uncertainty and allowing teams to process change without immediately jumping to solutions? [The Scrum Master Toolbox Podcast Recommends]

Why foreign “hammers” fail and what leaders must do differently in 2025 For decades, foreign companies entering Japan have repeated the same mistake: dispatching a “change agent” from HQ to shake things up. The scenario often ends in disaster. Relationships are broken, trust collapses, and revenues fall. In 2025, the lesson is clear—Japan doesn't need hammers. It needs builders who listen, localise, and lead with respect. Why do foreign change agents so often fail in Japan? Most fail because they arrive as “hammers,” assuming Japanese organisations are nails to be pounded. They issue orders, demand compliance, and move quickly to replace “uncooperative” staff. Within months, good people leave, clients are alienated, and HQ is asking why nothing has improved. In Japan's relationship-driven culture, trust and precedent matter more than speed. What works in the US or Europe—shock therapy and rapid restructuring—backfires badly in Tokyo. Mini-Summary: Change agents fail because they impose foreign models on Japan, destroying relationships and trust in the process. What makes Japan's business environment unique? Japan's corporate culture is deeply relationship-based. Employees and clients alike expect stability, respect for hierarchy, and long-term partnership. Leaders who ignore these norms are seen as reckless and disrespectful. Imagine if a Japanese executive were sent to New York or Sydney with no English, no knowledge of local clients, and an eagerness to sack your colleagues. How would staff react? That's how many Japanese employees feel when foreign hammers arrive. Mini-Summary: Japan values stability, respect, and trust. Ignoring cultural context guarantees resistance to foreign-led change. How does poor localisation damage performance? Foreign leaders often fail because they don't understand Japanese customers, laws, or working styles. Policies designed for HQ markets rarely fit Japan. When imposed, they drive away clients and demoralise employees. Losing even a handful of senior staff can devastate sales because relationships with clients are personal and long-standing. Unlike in Silicon Valley or London, relationships in Japan cannot be quickly replaced. Mini-Summary: Poor localisation alienates both staff and customers. Once key relationships are broken in Japan, they are almost impossible to rebuild quickly. What should leaders do differently before landing in Japan? Preparation is everything. Leaders should study Japanese language, culture, and business practices before stepping on the plane. They must also build “air cover” at HQ—support for localisation and patience with results. Quick wins help: small, visible improvements that build credibility. Equally important is identifying influencers inside the Japanese office to champion necessary changes. Instead of dictating, leaders must co-create solutions with the local team. For a comprehensive roadmap, leaders should read Japan Business Mastery and Japan Leadership Mastery, which remain the most up-to-date guides on how to succeed in Japan's unique and complex business environment. Mini-Summary: Leaders should prepare deeply, secure HQ support, and pursue small wins with local influencers. Japan Business Mastery and Japan Leadership Mastery are the definitive playbooks for succeeding in Japan. Why is listening more powerful than ordering in Japan? Successful leaders in Japan listen first. They try to understand why processes exist before changing them. What seems inefficient to outsiders may serve a hidden purpose, such as preserving harmony with partners or complying with local regulations. Listening builds credibility and signals respect. Staff become more open to change when they feel heard. By contrast, ordering without listening provokes silent resistance, where employees nod in meetings but fail to execute later. Mini-Summary: Listening creates buy-in and reveals hidden logic. Ordering without listening triggers silent resistance in Japan. How can foreign leaders build rather than wreck in Japan? The answer is to be a builder, not a wrecker. Builders respect relationships, cultivate influencers, and adapt global practices to local realities. They hasten slowly, introducing sustainable changes without blowing up trust. Executives at firms like Microsoft Japan and Coca-Cola Japan have shown that localisation, patience, and humility create long-term growth. Change agents may deliver in other markets, but in Japan, only builders succeed. Mini-Summary: Builders succeed by respecting trust, localising global models, and moving at Japan's pace. Conclusion The “change agent” model is a repeat failure in Japan. In 2025, foreign companies must abandon the hammer approach and embrace a builder mindset—listening, localising, and cultivating trust. Japan's market is rich, stable, and full of opportunity, but only for leaders who respect its unique culture. For executives who want a practical roadmap, Japan Business Mastery and Japan Leadership Mastery remain the most relevant and up-to-date books on how to win in this demanding environment. About the Author Dr. Greg Story, Ph.D. in Japanese Decision-Making, is President of Dale Carnegie Tokyo Training and Adjunct Professor at Griffith University. He is a two-time winner of the Dale Carnegie “One Carnegie Award” (2018, 2021) and recipient of the Griffith University Business School Outstanding Alumnus Award (2012). As a Dale Carnegie Master Trainer, Greg is certified to deliver globally across all leadership, communication, sales, and presentation programs, including Leadership Training for Results. He has written several books, including three best-sellers — Japan Business Mastery, Japan Sales Mastery, and Japan Presentations Mastery — along with Japan Leadership Mastery and How to Stop Wasting Money on Training. His works have also been translated into Japanese, including Za Eigyō (ザ営業), Purezen no Tatsujin (プレゼンの達人), Torēningu de Okane o Muda ni Suru no wa Yamemashō (トレーニングでお金を無駄にするのはやめましょう), and Gendaiban “Hito o Ugokasu” Rīdā (現代版「人を動かす」リーダー). In addition to his books, Greg publishes daily blogs on LinkedIn, Facebook, and Twitter, offering practical insights on leadership, communication, and Japanese business culture. He is also the host of six weekly podcasts, including The Leadership Japan Series, The Sales Japan Series, The Presentations Japan Series, Japan Business Mastery, and Japan's Top Business Interviews. On YouTube, he produces three weekly shows — The Cutting Edge Japan Business Show, Japan Business Mastery, and Japan's Top Business Interviews — which have become leading resources for executives seeking strategies for success in Japan.

Courtney Davis is the Executive Vice President and Global Education Practice Leader at HUB International. Courtney was a guest on the podcast back in 2022 and has returned for a follow-up interview at the RIMS 2025 Conference in Chicago. She reflects on changes in her career, what it means to effectively educate and engage across a network, and how she is working to be an agent for change and greater diversity at every level in the insurance industry.   Key Takeaways: ● Courtney's journey from the University of Chicago to HUB International. ● The conversations and possibilities that attracted Courtney to her present role. ● HUB's growing footprint in the insurance industry. ● The biggest surprises in Courtney's shift from risk management to brokerage. ● Educating and engaging an entire network. ● Supporting greater diversity at every level in the insurance industry. ● Effective strategies for attracting new talent. ● What it takes to become a change agent.   Mentioned in This Episode: Courtney C. Davis HUB International   Tweetables:   “As much as an opportunity may be great, it's who you work with that will make you successful.”   “Sometimes you have to be the change agent yourself.”   “Don't stop until you see the change that you want.”   “Being truly intentional to support the next level of talent is what we have to commit to.”

It's October at the Cafe, and Elisabeth and Tracy got to sit down with Meg Bowles—co-author of the New York Times bestseller How to Tell a Story—to explore why stories power so much of our work and lives. In Book Buzz, they spill what got underlined and dog-eared (stakes, structure, callbacks, and more) in today's book. And for Q&A, they tackle the evergreen trap: jumping to solutions before we've even named the problem. 00:00 - Intro 01:25 - What's on the Menu? 02:11 - Book Buzz How To Tell A Story 15:15 - Q&A "How do you handle the impulse to jump to solution?" 27:37 - Featured Guest Meg Bowles 01:01:40 - Upcoming Events Lean Construction Congress New England Lean Summit Virtual Lean Coffee Discussion of Picture Yourself a Leader Hosted by the Michigan Lean Consortium:

On today's episode, Andy sits down with Bobbie Johnson, senior editor at Wired and an investigative journalist with deep experience covering technology, security, and digital culture. Bobbie unpacks a startling new investigation into how North Korea has infiltrated Western tech companies through remote work schemes. Using fake identities, stolen documents, and AI-powered tools to breeze through coding tests and interviews, North Korean operatives have managed to secure jobs at hundreds of U.S. companies. With the help of facilitators inside the United States, these workers receive laptops, funnel salaries back to Pyongyang, and generate millions for the regime's weapons programs. The conversation explores how these tactics threaten both national security and private industry, why they're so hard to detect, and what steps companies can take to guard against them. Change Agents is an IRONCLAD Original Firecracker Farm Use code IRONCLAD to get 15% off your first order at https://firecracker.farm/ AmmoSquared Visit https://ammosquared.com/ today for a special offer and keep yourself fully stocked. With over 100,000 members and thousands of 5-star ratings, Your readiness is their mission. TacPack Visit http://www.TacPack.com and use code IRONCLAD at checkout to get a free $70 tactical gift Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Terry Haayema: When Consensus Becomes Paralysis—The Nemawashi Challenge For Agile Software Development 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. "The problem I'm facing is 'too much consensus'... we talk, bounce ideas, but we don't get going." Terry shares his current coaching challenge in a Japanese company where their cultural practice of Nemawashi (consensus building) has become a barrier to progress. While working across the entire organization, he's discovered that quality is suffering because teams aren't clear about desired outcomes before starting work. The excessive focus on building consensus means initiatives bounce between stakeholders without ever gaining momentum. Terry explains how he's experimenting with delaying detailed refinement to build shared understanding as teams progress, rather than trying to achieve perfect consensus upfront. He uses the metaphor of flying a plane - pilots don't stick rigidly to flight plans but constantly make small course corrections based on real-time feedback. Self-reflection Question: In your organization, what well-intentioned practices have become obstacles to the very outcomes they were designed to achieve? [The Scrum Master Toolbox Podcast Recommends]

In this episode, we have an enlightening conversation with Susan LePlae Miller, the founder of Pieces of I, LLC, and a strategic partnership leader specializing in women's health initiatives. Susan shares her extensive experience in building impactful collaborations across healthcare, nonprofit, and technology sectors. We explore the concept of change agents in leadership, discussing how to transform awareness into action and create spaces where women feel empowered to make informed healthcare decisions.You will learn the following:1. The role of change agents in women's health and how they can turn challenges into opportunities. 03:452. Key leadership traits essential for driving initiatives forward, including compassion, resilience, and collaboration. 05:583. Effective strategies for sustaining momentum in resistant environments through awareness and action. 08:144. The importance of male leaders in supporting women's health initiatives and modeling allyship. 09:535. How self-care impacts leadership effectiveness and the necessity of prioritizing personal health. 11:33To get in contact with Susan: LinkedIn: ⁠⁠⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/susan-leplae-millerWebsite: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.piecesofi.comThis episode is sponsored by   Fantail Services  ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Website:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.fantailservices.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Our podcast is sponsored by   The Global Trends MagazineWebsite: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.gc-bl.org/global-trends⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Southern, Sweet & Sassy™ Coffee   Website: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://grounds4cause.com/pages/s3-coffee-co⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Use DTLWPODCAST at checkout for your discount.   The Outlier Project   Website: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://theoutlierproject.co⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Ascend MeditationsWebsite: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.ascendmeditations.app⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Chop AiWebsite: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.chopai.app⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Make sure to Catch us streaming on Parade Deck, and on Roku and Amazon Fire TV on the Purpose Place Network.Also catch our Exclusive Members only content “Going Deeper Within” on the Lions Guide Academy.⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.lionsguide.com/gdw⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Shawn Dsouza: From AI Anxiety to AI Advantage: A Scrum Master's Experimental Approach 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. Shawn faces the massive AI transformation currently reshaping the tech industry, acknowledging both its benefits and the fear it creates among professionals questioning their relevance. In his organization, he witnesses AI delivering wonders for some teams while others struggle and lose projects. Rather than viewing AI as an overwhelming wave, Shawn advocates for experimentation. He shares practical examples, like helping a Product Owner streamline story creation from Excel to JIRA using AI tools, and leveraging MIRO AI for team collaboration. His approach focuses on identifying friction points where AI experiments could add value while keeping conversations centered on possibilities rather than fears. Self-reflection Question: Instead of fearing technological changes like AI, how can you create small experiments to explore new possibilities and reduce friction in your current work processes? [The Scrum Master Toolbox Podcast Recommends]

On today's episode, Andy sits down with Steven Dudley, an investigative journalist and expert on Latin American organized crime. Steven is the founder of InSight Crime, a leading organization dedicated to studying and reporting on criminal networks in the region. They discuss the structure and operations of cartels, recent U.S. maritime drug enforcement actions, and the use of terrorism designations in policy. Steven highlights the potential impact of these operations on international relations, particularly with countries like Venezuela, and shares insights into the challenges of targeting decentralized criminal networks. Change Agents is an IRONCLAD Original Subscribe on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/change-agents-with-andy-stumpf/id1677415740 Subscribe on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3SKmtN55V2AGbzHDo34DHI?si=5aefbba9abc844ed Sponsors  Firecracker Farm Use code IRONCLAD to get 15% off your first order at https://firecracker.farm/ AmmoSquared (Megaphone only)  Visit https://ammosquared.com/ today for a special offer and keep yourself fully stocked. With over 100,000 members and thousands of 5-star ratings, Your readiness is their mission. TacPack (megaphone only) Visit http://www.TacPack.com  and use code IRONCLAD at checkout to get a free $70 tactical gift   Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Bernie Maloney: Mastering Complexity Through Systems Thinking and NLP Coaching 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. Bernie addresses the constant challenge of mid-sprint changes by asking the crucial question: "what do you want to trade in for that new request?" His approach centers on recognizing that everyone is trying to do their best with what they have, using techniques from NLP and the three coaching positions to help people see the whole system. Bernie emphasizes rapport building as a key skill for Scrum Masters and warns against the anti-pattern of becoming judgmental when challenges arise. He advocates for moving from a plan-and-predict mentality to sense-and-respond thinking, highlighting the importance of conducting retrospectives once challenges are solved. Bernie's coaching philosophy revolves around helping people step into the "third position" - a dissociated perspective that enables better problem-solving and systems thinking. In this episode, we refer to Neuro-linguistic Programming (NLP), and to Instant Rapport by Michael Brooks, a primer on NLP. We also refer to the plan-and-predict vs sense-and-respond mentality. Self-reflection Question: How effectively are you helping your teams and stakeholders see the whole system when challenges arise, rather than just focusing on individual pain points? [The Scrum Master Toolbox Podcast Recommends]

On Mission Matters, Adam Torres interviews Dorothy Suskind, Director of the Southside Virginia Writing Project and Associate Professor at Longwood University. Dorothy discusses her research on workplace bullying, the role of creatives as disruptive change agents, and why belonging—not just fitting in—is essential for healthy, innovative organizations. This interview is part of our ⁠State of the Women Coverage Series⁠. Big thank you to ⁠Gail Letts!⁠ Follow Adam on Instagram at ⁠https://www.instagram.com/askadamtorres/⁠ for up to date information on book releases and tour schedule. Apply to be a guest on our podcast: ⁠https://missionmatters.lpages.co/podcastguest/⁠ Visit our website: ⁠https://missionmatters.com/⁠ More FREE content from Mission Matters here: ⁠https://linktr.ee/missionmattersmedia Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Turns out your organization's inability to adapt and align in this era of great change may have little to do with structure, sales, or cutting costs and more to do with how you are investing in building your team's people skills: you know, old-fashioned communication, empathy, collaboration, and conflict resolution. Sorry to break it to you, but research is showing those skills are going to be MORE, not LESS important in the age of AI. Today's guest, Dan Tocchini, has been helping leaders bring more magic to their teams for over 35 years. We talk about what leadership really means, the biggest enemy of a high-performing culture, and how to spot when your team is misaligned. Dan also shares why it can feel lonely at the top, how empathy helps leaders have difficult conversations that make a real difference, and the best time to address issues before they derail performance. If you want practical, hard-earned wisdom on how to lead with both courage and compassion—while still driving results—this is the conversation for you.To access the episode transcript, please search for the episode at TheEmpathyEdge.com.Key Takeaways:The biggest enemy is fear, and what you don't face will defeat you. Courage is being in touch with prices and rewards.You have to live your values. If you're not living them, you won't understand the nuances and where things could fall apart.Leadership doesn't have to be lonely; it only is because you're not willing to solve that problem. Often, the unwillingness to hear feedback is the biggest breakdown.Business, now more than ever, influences culture. With AI becoming increasingly relevant, it is up to leaders to become more relational and more empathetic. “Most executives work around the hard conversations. They end up reacting to them. The hard conversations become your culture, and the conversation you're not willing to have becomes your culture. What you don't face now will eventually defeat you.” - Dan TocchiniEpisode References:The Empathy Edge Podcast: Kara Goldin: On Undaunted LeadershipAbout Dan Tocchini, Change Agent, Catalyst, Consultant, CoachDan Tocchini has been helping leaders bring some more magic onto their teams for over 35 years. He has worked with executive teams from Interstate Batteries and ESPN, to Smarty Pants Vitamins and Impulse Space, as well as on-profits like Homeboy Industries and Defy Ventures. Dan gives a no-fluff approach by helping transform leadership teams without any pixie dust - just courageous leadership, creative conflict resolution, and relevant restructuring. No conversation is too difficult, no situation too conflicted, because a leader with a vision cannot be held hostage by circumstance or history.Connect with Dan:Take New Ground: takenewground.comLinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/dantocchiniInstagram: instagram.com/dan_tocchiniThe Change Imperative (FREE e-book) change.takenewground.comRevenant: takenewground.com/revenant Connect with Maria:Get Maria's books on empathy: Red-Slice.com/booksLearn more about Maria's work: Red-Slice.comHire Maria to speak: Red-Slice.com/Speaker-Maria-RossTake the LinkedIn Learning Course! Leading with EmpathyLinkedIn: Maria RossInstagram: @redslicemariaFacebook: Red SliceThreads: @redslicemaria

On this episode, Andy welcomes back former CIA officer John Kiriakou for a wide-ranging conversation about intelligence and global power. They discuss Jeffrey Epstein's alleged ties to Israeli intelligence and what those claims reveal about the overlap between private influence and state security. The conversation then turns to the rise of the BRICS nations—Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa—and how their growing cooperation could shift the global balance. They also explore the importance of maintaining dialogue with adversaries, drawing on Trump's meetings with Putin and Zelensky, and consider possible scenarios for Russia's political future beyond Putin. Change Agents is an IRONCLAD Original Sponsors  Firecracker Farm Use code IRONCLAD to get 15% off your first order at https://firecracker.farm/ AmmoSquared Visit https://ammosquared.com/ today for a special offer and keep yourself fully stocked. With over 100,000 members and thousands of 5-star ratings, Your readiness is their mission. TacPack Visit http://www.TacPack.com  and use code IRONCLAD at checkout to get a free $70 tactical gift  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Mariano Gontchar: From Evangelist to Facilitator—How To Lead A Successful Company Merger 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. During a complex merger between two telecom companies, Mariano faced the challenge of uniting team members with different cultures, practices, and tools. His initial approach of selling Agile theory instead of focusing on benefits failed because he forgot about the "why" of change. The breakthrough came when he shifted from being an Agile evangelist to becoming a facilitator who listened to managers' real challenges. By connecting people and letting the team present their own solutions to leadership, Mariano successfully created unity between the formerly divided groups. Self-reflection Question: Are you trying to sell your methodology or solve real problems, and what would happen if you focused on understanding challenges before proposing solutions? [The Scrum Master Toolbox Podcast Recommends]

How can we REALLY make a difference in our world? We start right where we are. God has created us as unique individuals with differing interests, talents, relationships and occupations. Our gifts and talents vary greatly, and our roles in life are vastly diverse. Yet, at City Life Church, God has all brought us together at this specific time for specific purposes. Discover the power of understanding and operating on your "Cultural Street," and begin to make a unique difference for Jesus!

Salum Abdul-Rahman: From Lunch Conversations to Company-Wide Change—The Power of Creating Communities of Practice Within Organizations 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. Salum shares how he organically built an Agile community within his company by recognizing a shared need for discussion and learning. Starting as a software developer who took on Scrum Master tasks, he felt isolated in his Agile journey. Rather than waiting for formal training or external events, he sent out a simple invite on the company Slack for a lunch discussion during a work day. People showed up, and what began as informal conversations about different approaches to Scrum and Kanban evolved into monthly gatherings. Over time, this grassroots community grew to organize company-wide events and even found new leadership when Salum moved on, demonstrating the power of identifying shared needs and taking initiative to address them. Self-reflection Question: What shared learning needs exist in your organization that you could address by simply reaching out and organizing informal discussions? [The Scrum Master Toolbox Podcast Recommends]

When we think about digital transformation, most people picture engineers, coders, or the CIO. But the real heroes often sit outside of IT - people like Becky in Finance, HR leaders, procurement teams, and legal advisors. In this episode, Kat and Pete dive into why transformation only sticks when organisations empower these unsung heroes. From employee experience to automation, self-service, and AI, we explore how everyday change agents are driving sustainable innovation.

Chapters (00:00:00) - sermon on the Mount(00:01:20) - agents of change(00:07:33) - You Are the Salt of the Earth(00:09:01) - Salt and the Way of Life(00:14:32) - Jesus said salt is good for the body(00:22:09) - Jesus Calling: Let Your Light Shine(00:22:48) - Are We Being the Light of the World?(00:29:17) - Be the Light of the World(00:36:02) - Clifford Baptist Church

On this episode , Andy talks with Jack Barsky, a former KGB spy, who lived undercover in the United States during the Cold War. Barsky details how the Soviet Union recruited and trained him, the high-stakes challenges of creating a new American identity, and the constant pressure of balancing a normal life with espionage. He recounts the dramatic moment the FBI caught up with him, the tactics he used to escape the KGB's grip, and what his story reveals about the hidden world of Russian intelligence. Change Agents is an IRONCLAD Original Sponsors  Firecracker Farm Use code IRONCLAD to get 15% off your first order at https://firecracker.farm/ AmmoSquared Visit https://ammosquared.com/ today for a special offer and keep yourself fully stocked. With over 100,000 members and thousands of 5-star ratings, Your readiness is their mission. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Irene Castagnotto: Timing Is Everything - Learning When Agile Teams Are Ready for Change 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. Irene shares a powerful story about discovering team dependencies and proposing solutions that management initially rejected. When her team identified that Epics weren't organized to avoid dependencies between teams, they proposed using a single unified backlog to manage these challenges. Despite the logical solution, management wasn't ready to accept it. A month later, the same management team returned with the identical proposal. This experience taught Irene that timing is crucial in change management—you don't decide when the right time is; the people involved determine their own readiness. She emphasizes the importance of socializing changes early and often, collecting feedback before proposing major transformations, especially when those changes affect management structures. Self-reflection Question: How do you balance persistence with patience when you know a change is needed but the organization isn't ready to embrace it? [The Scrum Master Toolbox Podcast Recommends]

On this episode, Tom goes "On the Aisle" with Tania Castroverde Moskalenko, Chief Executive Officer of the Sarasota Performing Arts Center, who reminisces about her multifaceted career in the performing arts. From her Cuban immigrant roots and early love for ballet to holding executive roles at prominent arts organizations across the US, Tania shares her journey. She discusses her significant contributions to institutions like the Center for the Performing Arts in Carmel, Indiana, the Auditorium Theater in Chicago, and Miami City Ballet. Now, as the Chief Executive Officer of the Sarasota Performing Arts Foundation, she talks about her latest exciting project involving renowned architect Renzo Piano. Alongside her professional insights, Tania offers personal stories about her family, including her marriage to former Bolshoi Ballet dancer Alexei and raising twins with rich cultural influences. This episode offers an engaging perspective on arts leadership, personal growth, and the transformative power of the arts.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

On today's episode, Andy sits down with Michael Schwirtz, a Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist and national security reporter for The New York Times. They discuss a recent investigation that uncovered a Russian “spy factory” in Brazil, where spies created credible long-term identities under the Illegals program. These operatives are trained to conduct deep-cover missions targeting countries including the U.S. Schwirtz also explains the challenges intelligence agencies face with modern technology, the role of Brazilian authorities in uncovering these spies, and the complexities of international spy swaps. Change Agents is an IRONCLAD Original Sponsors  Firecracker Farm Use code IRONCLAD to get 15% off your first order at https://firecracker.farm/ AmmoSquared  Visit https://ammosquared.com/ today for a special offer and keep yourself fully stocked. With over 100,000 members and thousands of 5-star ratings, Your readiness is their mission. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Somya Mehra: From Top-Down to Collaborative—Reimagining Organizational Restructuring 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. During a business unit split and reorganization focused on creating smaller teams, Somya and her fellow Scrum Masters were invited to create the new structure process. After hearing feedback that teams felt excluded from previous changes, they decided to include teams in the reorganization process to give them a sense of control. They started by asking top management for constraints, then applied them to see what was possible. They facilitated workshops with Product Owners to divide the product portfolio and determine team assignments, ensuring people felt involved in the change process. Self-reflection Question: When leading organizational change, how do you balance the need for structure with giving teams meaningful input into decisions that affect them? [The Scrum Master Toolbox Podcast Recommends]

Send us a textCEO Brent Lucas of Envoy Medical (NASDAQ: COCH), an innovative hearing health technology company and sole US-domiciled cochlear implant company  joins the WTR Small-Cap Spotlight podcast to talk about hearing loss, the third most chronic physical condition prevalent in the US, and how  Envoy's innovative device technology can disrupt the hearing solutions market that has long lacked transformative advancements.  Lucas discusses Envoy's two fully implantable hearing solution products, one in the market (Esteem), the only FDA approved middle ear implant for moderate to severe hearing loss, and the other (Acclaim),  a cochlear implant targeting severe to profound hearing loss which is currently in the advanced stages of clinical development (Acclaim), the competitive landscape and the commercial opportunities. 

On this week's episode of Change Agents, Andy speaks with journalist Max Read about the evolution of rationalism and the emergence of the Zizians, a splinter group with radical beliefs. The conversation explores the origins of the group, the role of its central figure Ziz, and the intersection of technology, ideology, and identity. They also examine the dynamics of online communities, the influence of militant veganism within the group, and what the rise of the Zizians suggests about the broader rationalist movement and its place in Silicon Valley. To Visit Max's substack: https://maxread.substack.com/ Change Agents is an IRONCLAD Original Sponsors: Firecracker Farm Use code IRONCLAD to get 15% off your first order at https://firecracker.farm/ AmmoSquared Visit https://ammosquared.com/ today for a special offer and keep yourself fully stocked. With over 100,000 members and thousands of 5-star ratings, Your readiness is their mission. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Florian Georgescu: From Resistance to Effective Change Leadership in Agile Adoption 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. Florian shares his transformation from resisting organizational standardization to becoming a champion of strategic alignment. Initially fearing that standardization would stifle innovation and turn agile practices into rigid frameworks, he discovered the bigger picture when he became scrum master chapter lead for 12 scrum masters across multiple locations and cultures. The breakthrough came from implementing a three-level standardization approach: level 1 for non-negotiables, level 2 for encouraged patterns, and level 3 for team-specific innovations. Using the 80/20 principle, they focused on the 20% of standards that would create 80% of alignment. The scrum master chapter became a learning hub where teams could share their level 3 innovations, creating a balance between consistency and creativity that enabled effective cross-tribe collaboration. Self-reflection Question: How might you balance the need for organizational alignment with preserving team autonomy and innovation in your current context? [The Scrum Master Toolbox Podcast Recommends]

Send us a textEver feel like you're pitching to a brick wall? This week on "The Selling Podcast," Mike and Scott sit down with Ryan Blair, a dynamic change consultant, to tackle one of the toughest challenges in sales: getting people to embrace change. We all know change is hard—for us, and for our prospects—and Ryan provides the blueprint for making it happen.In this insightful episode, Ryan reveals his battle-tested tips and tricks for guiding people through the change process. He shares how to quickly and accurately identify the person who's simply not interested in your message and how to avoid wasting precious time on lost causes.But more importantly, Ryan breaks down how to strategically set up your sales and service process so that prospects are not just willing, but eager to change and implement your solution. He explains how to build a case for change that resonates on a deep level, turning resistance into enthusiasm.Tune in for a powerful conversation filled with actionable strategies on how to become a true change agent, not just a salesperson. Mike and Scott bring their signature blend of sharp wit and hard-hitting sales wisdom to make this a must-listen for any sales professional looking to get a "yes" from even the most change-averse clients.Scott SchlofmanMike Williams - Cell 801-635-7773 #sales #podcast #customerfirst #relationships #success #pipeline #funnel #sales success #selling #salescoach

On this week's episode, Andy talks with Glenn Chafetz, former CIA analyst and expert on strategic culture and national security. They discuss the evolution of nuclear weapons policy, the role of trust and treaties in international relations, and how changing global alliances are affecting stability. Glenn draws on his experience to provide context on nuclear proliferation and its implications for the future of global security. Change Agents is an IRONCLAD Original Sponsors:  Firecracker Farm Use code IRONCLAD to get 15% off your first order at https://firecracker.farm/ AmmoSquared Visit https://ammosquared.com/ today for a special offer and keep yourself fully stocked. With over 100,000 members and thousands of 5-star ratings, Your readiness is their mission. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Anamaria Ungureanu: Practical Strategies for Organizational Tool Rollouts 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. Anamaria shares her approach to successfully implementing JIRA across an organization by focusing on practical value rather than forcing adoption. Her strategy involved identifying early believers within teams, conducting open discussions to gather feedback, and demonstrating concrete benefits like improved dependency management. Rather than trying to convince resisters, she concentrated on working with willing teams to showcase the tool's value, providing real-time support during implementation, and ensuring team members felt supported throughout the transition. Her method emphasizes being present to answer questions immediately and building momentum through successful early adopters. Self-reflection Question: When leading organizational change, how do you balance addressing resistance with amplifying the voices of those ready to embrace new approaches? [The Scrum Master Toolbox Podcast Recommends]

On today's episode, Andy speaks with national security expert Nicholas Eftimiades about the recent arrest of two Chinese nationals charged with acting as unregistered agents of China's Ministry of State Security. The pair allegedly targeted U.S. Navy personnel and gathered intelligence on military sites across multiple states. Drawing from decades of experience in the CIA, DIA, and State Department, Eftimiades explains how China's intelligence operations function, why the U.S. military is a key focus, and what this case signals about the broader landscape of Chinese espionage efforts inside the United States. Change Agents is an IRONCLAD Original Sponsors:  Firecracker Farm Use code IRONCLAD to get 15% off your first order at https://firecracker.farm/ AmmoSquared (don't put it on Youtube, megaphone only) Visit https://ammosquared.com/ today for a special offer and keep yourself fully stocked. With over 100,000 members and thousands of 5-star ratings, Your readiness is their mission. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Anh Vu: From Project Mindset to Product Thinking - Leading Client 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. Anh describes a transformative collaboration experience while building multiple websites for a client. Over time, his team recognized significant commonalities between projects and saw the opportunity to create reusable components for future work. However, they faced resistance when trying to shift the client's mindset from short-term project delivery to long-term product thinking. The business stakeholders remained focused on immediate project completion rather than investing in sustainable, reusable solutions.  Anh's approach to leading this change involved presenting concrete evidence from previous projects to demonstrate the tangible benefits of component reusability. Rather than just proposing the idea theoretically, they suggested implementing reusable components immediately within the current project, showing rather than just telling. His strategy centered on providing clear evidence of benefits and demonstrating achievability, making the transition from project to product mindset more tangible and less risky for the client. In this episode, we refer to the book “From Project to Product” by Mik Kersten.  Self-reflection Question: How might you help your stakeholders see beyond immediate deliverables to recognize the long-term value of sustainable practices and reusable solutions? [The Scrum Master Toolbox Podcast Recommends]

A CMO Confidential Interview with Peri Hansen, Korn Ferry Leader, CMO Practice, North America. Peri discusses why the CMO position is becoming the vanguard of innovation, the importance of an "agile learner" mindset, and why there's no substitute for great leadership. Key topics include: how nothing "returned to normal" after COVID; the importance of org design; and why CMO's should own the entire customer life cycle and help drive company strategy. Tune in to hear why references matter more than ever and the importance of building a personal brand.Why the CMO Is Now the Innovation Leader | Peri Hansen, Korn Ferry CMO PracticeIn this episode of CMO Confidential, Mike Linton sits down with Peri Hansen, leader of the CMO Practice at Korn Ferry North America, to explore how the role of Chief Marketing Officer has become the new vanguard of innovation, strategy, and customer-centric growth.From org design to leadership development, Peri breaks down the key traits of successful CMOs and why companies are no longer returning to pre-COVID norms. She shares why agile learning, personal brand-building, and owning the full customer lifecycle are now non-negotiables for modern marketing leaders.Topics Covered: • Why CMOs are being tapped to drive innovation and transformation • The post-COVID shift in org design and what it means for marketing • The importance of leadership, agility, and continuous learning • Why great references still matter in the hiring process • How CMOs can (and should) influence company-wide strategySubscribe for weekly episodes featuring world-class marketing leaders, board members, and C-Suite executives.⏱️ Chapters (Optimized for 29-minute Runtime)00:00 – Intro: The Evolving Role of the CMO01:00 – Meet Peri Hansen: Korn Ferry CMO Practice Leader02:12 – Why the CMO is Now the Vanguard of Innovation04:30 – Three New Mandates for CMOs: Tech, Strategy & Lifecycle06:50 – The CMO as a Change Agent and Team Builder08:30 – Tech CMOs Are Leading—Who's Catching Up?10:15 – Building Tech Credibility as a Marketing Leader12:10 – “Nothing Returned to Normal” After COVID13:30 – Post-COVID Turnover: What CEOs and Boards Want Now15:30 – What's Replacing the Traditional CMO Role?17:10 – Why Org Design Is a Top Priority in CMO Searches19:05 – How Companies Realize They Need Org Restructuring20:45 – The AI Era: Is There a Leadership Gap Forming?22:20 – What Agile Leadership Actually Looks Like24:00 – What Resumes Reveal: Pivot Points and Risk-Taking25:10 – Why References Matter More Than Ever27:00 – Final Advice: CMOs, Build Your Own Personal Brand28:40 – Wrap Up & Where to Find More CMO Confidential Content#CMOConfidential #PeriHansen @kornferryintl #ChiefMarketingOfficer #Leadership #OrgDesign #CustomerExperience #MarketingStrategy #PersonalBrand #ExecutiveSearch #CMOInsightsSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

If you're a change agent, such as a SAFe Practice Consultant (SPC), your job is to bring about change—even if the organization doesn't want to change. Eduardo Alvim, SAFe Fellow and principal business agility consultant at Gladwell Academy shares his advice for leading change in challenging situations. Like what you hear? Connect with Eduardo on LinkedIn. Explore SAFe courses here.

On today's episode, Andy talks with Cory Gautereaux—Army veteran and founder of The G.O.A.T. Initiative—about what he's uncovered along remote sections of the southern border. From finding discarded passports from countries like China and Venezuela, to accessing a smuggler's Chinese phone, to identifying stretches of the border that remain completely unguarded, Cory shares raw details from the ground.  To find out more about the GOAT Initiative, visit:  https://thegoatinitiative.org/ Change Agents is an IRONCLAD Original Sponsors: Firecracker Farm Use code IRONCLAD to get 15% off your first order at https://firecracker.farm/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Joelle Tegwen: Breaking Knowledge Silos Through Strategic Skill Sharing 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. Working as a Scrum Master on a team rewriting an old application, Joelle faced a significant challenge: experienced developers were located in India while new, experienced developers brought in locally lacked familiarity with the medical domain. Drawing inspiration from The Phoenix Project, she implemented a skills matrix to address the knowledge silos that were preventing new team members from contributing effectively.  Using a teacher-student model, initially frustrated leaders who had to work with "students" discovered within 2-3 sprints that they were also learning new things and no longer carried the pressure of being the only ones with critical knowledge. The new team members brought fresh ideas that improved the codebase, and when the team eventually grew too large, the skills matrix facilitated smooth self-selection for team reorganization. What started as a solution to get new hires productive evolved into a comprehensive approach to knowledge sharing and team scalability. Self-reflection Question: Where do knowledge silos exist in your current team or organization, and how could you implement structured knowledge sharing to transform those constraints into learning opportunities? [The Scrum Master Toolbox Podcast Recommends]

On this week's episode, Andy sits down with Mark Dubowitz, CEO of the Foundation for Defense of Democracies and a leading expert on Iran sanctions and U.S. foreign policy. Dubowitz has advised multiple U.S. administrations and lawmakers on strategies to counter Iran's nuclear ambitions and regional activities. The conversation covers the evolution of U.S.-Iran relations, the effectiveness and limitations of sanctions, and the impact of domestic political divisions on international strategy. Dubowitz also examines the importance of historical context and discusses the potential role of supporting internal dissent within Iran as part of a broader policy approach. Change Agents is an IRONCLAD Original Sponsors:  Firecracker Farm Use code IRONCLAD to get 15% off your first order at https://firecracker.farm/ AmmoSquared Visit https://ammosquared.com/ today for a special offer and keep yourself fully stocked. With over 100,000 members and thousands of 5-star ratings, Your readiness is their mission. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Pascal Papathemelis: From Waterfall to Agile—A Multi-Level Change Strategy 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. Pascal describes a successful agile transformation where he collaborated with a fellow coach in the IT department of a large organization with a waterfall history and heavy documentation-driven processes. The two coaches worked together effectively, sharing information and scouting for opportunities to take action. They began with an assessment and discussions across IT, business, and management levels to understand the current state. Using the Cynefin framework to understand complexity, they conducted a two-day workshop to introduce Agile vocabulary, covering concepts like Push/Pull and process waste.  The coaches operated at multiple levels simultaneously - working strategically with leadership who typically pushed excessive work to the organization, while also helping teams visualize their processes and clarify priorities. At the team level, they acted as Scrum Masters to demonstrate the role while mentoring the actual Scrum Master through one-on-one sessions. They also supported the Product Owner in understanding their role and used story maps to help visualize and organize work effectively. Self-reflection Question: How might collaborating with another coach or change agent amplify your effectiveness in leading organizational transformation? [The Scrum Master Toolbox Podcast Recommends]

This episode originally aired on January 3, 2024. On today's episode, Andy sits down with Nick Bryant, an investigative journalist, podcaster, author, and expert on human trafficking who is credited with helping to expose the widespread abuse of Jeffrey Epstein and his criminal associates. He is also the author of the book The Franklin Scandal: A Story of Powerbrokers Child Abuse & Betrayal. His new book, The Truth About Watergate: A Tale of Extraordinary Lies and Liars, will be released on Jan. 15.  He is also the Director of the organization Epstein Justice. Learn more here ⁠https://epsteinjustice.com/⁠ Change Agents is an IRONCLAD Original Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Bernard Agrest: One-on-One Insights—Building Change Strategy Through Individual Conversations 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. When faced with a tool that needed complete rebuilding rather than more "duct-tape" features, Bernard knew that disruption was inevitable—but where to start? Through extensive one-on-one conversations with employees and stakeholders, he discovered that teams didn't understand their work was cyclical, and more importantly, that the onboarding team was central to the entire process. By starting the transformation with this pivotal team and focusing on training and user adoption, the new tool provided immediate organizational impact with data-driven decision making. Bernard's approach demonstrates that successful change management starts with understanding the true workflow and identifying the critical connection points that can drive the most significant positive impact. Self-reflection Question: In your current change initiatives, have you identified which team or process serves as the central hub that could accelerate transformation across the entire organization? [The Scrum Master Toolbox Podcast Recommends]

On today's episode, Andy sits down with former CIA analyst Michael Shurkin to explore the agency's post-9/11 focus on Africa and the emergence of jihadist movements in the Sahel. They unpack the rise of Al-Qaeda–linked groups in Mali, the regional dynamics that fueled instability, and how external actors like France and Russia shaped the conflict. The conversation highlights the day-to-day realities of intelligence work, the strategic blind spots of U.S. foreign policy, and why what's happening in Africa could have consequences far beyond the continent. Change Agents is an IRONCLAD Original Sponsors: Firecracker FarmUse code IRONCLAD to get 15% off your first order at https://firecracker.farm/ AmmoSquared Visit https://ammosquared.com/ today for a special offer and keep yourself fully stocked. With over 100,000 members and thousands of 5-star ratings, Your readiness is their mission. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Lilia Pulova: Leading an Agile Transformation—The Power of Patience and Small Wins 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. Lilia shares her experience leading a genuine Agile transformation in an organization just beginning their journey. Faced with widespread skepticism and resistance, she encountered impatient stakeholders demanding immediate results during the challenging first 2-3 months. The breakthrough came after two months when stakeholders finally witnessed tangible improvements in the application and faster release cycles. Patience emerged as the critical skill that carried the transformation through its most difficult phase. Lilia emphasizes the importance of conducting numerous one-on-one conversations and consistently praising teams while celebrating small wins to maintain motivation throughout the change process. Self-reflection Question: How do you maintain team morale and stakeholder confidence during the uncertain early phases of organizational change? [The Scrum Master Toolbox Podcast Recommends]

On today's episode, Andy is joined by Bill Roggio—senior fellow at the Foundation for Defense of Democracies and editor of The Long War Journal—for a wide-ranging conversation on national security, starting with the complexities of firearm ownership in the U.S. and shifting into an in-depth analysis of the global jihadist threat. They trace the evolution of groups like the Taliban and al-Qaeda, examining how these networks have resurged in the wake of the U.S. withdrawal from Afghanistan. The discussion dives into U.S. military strategy, missteps in the War on Terror, and the enduring ideological mindset of jihadist fighters. Together, they unpack what went wrong, what the media often overlooks, and why public awareness of these threats is more important than ever. Change Agents is an IRONCLAD Original Sponsors: Firecracker Farm Use code IRONCLAD to get 15% off your first order at https://firecracker.farm/ AmmoSquared Visit https://ammosquared.com/ today for a special offer and keep yourself fully stocked. With over 100,000 members and thousands of 5-star ratings, Your readiness is their mission. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Agile in Construction: The Parade of Trades—Teaching Flow in Construction, With Luca Cotta Ramusino 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. Luca learned the hard way that you can't just parachute consultants into construction sites and expect Lean methods to stick. His change strategy focuses on getting buy-in from crews by showing them "what's in it for them." He starts with exercises that provide insight into how Lean ideas apply to their specific jobs, like the "Parade of Trades" simulation that demonstrates how one crew moving at twice the speed still gets stuck behind slower crews ahead. This reveals that predictability of progress matters more than speed of progress. Once teams become familiar with these concepts, Luca transitions from directive teaching to facilitating meetings and conversations, moving into the background to help teams become more sustainable in their Lean practices. In this segment, Luca refers to the movie Karate Kid from 1984, and to Theory of Constraints. Self-reflection Question: How do you ensure that change initiatives show clear value to the people who must actually implement them? [The Scrum Master Toolbox Podcast Recommends]

Stuart Tipples: Beyond Hierarchy—Influencing Agile Adoption Through Setting the Example and Community 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. Stuart explores the challenging aspect of leading change as a Scrum Master without hierarchical authority. He shares his experience as a chapter lead where he built a community of practice and recruited new Scrum Masters to become change agents. The breakthrough came when he convinced director-level leaders to run their own quarterly retrospectives, creating a powerful example for teams throughout the organization. Stuart emphasizes that change spreads organically - when you change your team, it becomes contagious. His approach involved showing up daily as a change agent, understanding the difference between sponsors and change agents, and initially facilitating leadership retrospectives to demonstrate proper technique. Self-reflection Question: How can you leverage community building and lead by example to create lasting organizational change without relying on formal authority? [Scrum Master Toolbox Podcast Recommends]

On today's episode, Andy sits down with Brandon Fugal, chairman of Colliers International in Utah and owner of Skinwalker Ranch. They discuss his transition from real estate to leading scientific investigations at the ranch, the site's unusual history, its former owner Robert Bigelow, and the ongoing research into unexplained phenomena. The conversation also covers government secrecy around UFOs and the broader implications for science and society. Change Agents is an IRONCLAD Original Sponsors: Firecracker FarmUse code IRONCLAD to get 15% off your first order at https://firecracker.farm/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Making changes in our own lives is hard enough. It's even more challenging when we need to lead our teams or organizations to do it. That's why I invited Dan Heath back to the podcast. Dan is the #1 New York Times bestselling author of Made to Stick, Switch, and The Power of Moments. This time he's here to talk about his latest book, Reset: How to Change What's Not Working. Dan shares powerful stories of leaders who've helped their teams and organizations make high-impact changes. He discusses the tools they used and leverage points they prioritized. This book takes change management to a whole other level.   Related Links What's the Goal of the Goal? Dan Heath on Innovative Problem Solving (interview) Dan Heath on Creating Moments that Matter (interview) The Team Learn more about host, Gayle Allen, and producer, Rob Mancabelli, here. Support the Podcast If you like the show, please rate and review it on iTunes or wherever you subscribe, and tell a friend or family member about the show. Subscribe Click here and then scroll down to see a sample of sites where you can subscribe.

On today's episode, Andy sits down with former CIA officer John Kiriakou to discuss his path into the Agency, the unconventional recruitment process, and his firsthand experience with enhanced interrogation and rendition operations. Kiriakou shares the moral and ethical dilemmas he faced, what ultimately led him to speak out, and the personal consequences of becoming a whistleblower. The conversation also explores the political environment during the Bush administration, the evolution of U.S. counterterrorism strategies after 9/11, and Kiriakou's perspective on the current crisis in Gaza and the broader implications of American foreign policy. Change Agents is an IRONCLAD Original Sponsors: Firecracker FarmUse code IRONCLAD to get 15% off your first order at https://firecracker.farm/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices