Podcasts about Tallinn

In this episode of the NatureBacked podcast, we take a deep dive into one of the most pressing environmental challenges of our time: plastic pollution in our oceans. Join us as we welcome Boyan Slat, the founder of The Ocean Cleanup, a pioneering non-profit organization dedicated to ridding the world's oceans of plastic. Boyan shares his vision and the innovative technologies being employed to tackle this global crisis. Discover how The Ocean Cleanup aims not just to clean up existing waste but also to prevent future plastic from entering our oceans. With a mission that is bold enough to ultimately put themselves out of "business", Boyan discusses the organization's journey, the challenges faced, and the advancements in technology that make this ambitious goal achievable. The episode was recorded on sidelines of Latitude59 conference in May 2025 in Tallinn. Get ready to be inspired as we explore the potential solutions to a cleaner, healthier planet. Tune in to learn how each of us can play a role in this vital mission! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Deniz Ari: Security Team Breakdown—The Devastating Impact of Poor Product Ownership 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. Deniz shares the story of a security project with a team of eight experienced, senior engineers working on mission-critical systems. Despite initial motivation and clear architectural solutions, the team soon exhibited signs of negative behavior including complaints and criticism. The root cause traced back to frequent Product Owner changes—several within less than a year—and poor client management. Instead of shielding the team, the PO directly transferred stress from clients to the team, demanded overtime, and created unnecessary tension by bringing unfiltered conflicts to the team and requesting excessive details. Deniz emphasizes the importance of avoiding unnecessary tensions, being more political when necessary to protect the team, and being mindful of tone in written communications. Self-reflection Question: In what ways might you be failing to set proper boundaries in your role, and how could establishing clearer limits improve both your effectiveness and your team's performance? Featured Book of the Week: Boundaries by Henrik Cloud Deniz recommends "Boundaries" by Henrik Cloud, a book about human relationships and personal limitations. The book addresses crucial questions: Does your life feel out of control? Do you keep saying yes to everyone? Are you taking responsibility for others' feelings and problems? Have you forgotten your own limitations? Deniz explains how this book helped them learn to say "no" while still considering others' realities and feelings, and understanding why we often struggle with setting boundaries. Deniz highlights that being a Scrum Master involves much more than just processes and methods—it requires healthy personal boundaries. [Scrum Master Toolbox Podcast Recommends]

We are happy to have Kayra Otaner as a special guest on the Absolute AppSec podcast. Kayra (kayraotaner on LinkedIn and X/twitter), the current Director of DevSecOps at Roche, brings over 15 years of cybersecurity leadership experience from New York and Wall Street. He's led DevSecOps and DevOps teams across a variety of organizations, including ADP, Voice, and adMarketplace, and has served as a trusted CTO advisor for Trendyol. His background also includes cybersecurity consulting for the Turkish Navy, where he helped develop a defense solution that was later deployed in NATO's Locked Shields cyber defense war games in Tallinn. Kayra is a frequent speaker at international DevSecOps conferences and serves on the Business and Computer Science Advisory Board at Middlesex County College in New Jersey. During this episode of the podcast Kayra discusses his journey into information security and spurs on his recent thoughts on authenticating open source developers through models similar to TSA PreCheck.

Deniz Ari: How Intense Delivery Pressure Destroyed Team Trust, Culture, and Brought Burnout 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 in the public sector, Deniz faced a challenging situation during a particularly busy winter period when the client wanted to combine multiple major initiatives simultaneously: migration, new features, and security improvements. This led to an oversized team of 25 engineers, which ultimately caused significant problems. The pressure to continuously deliver became overwhelming, breaking team trust and leaving members feeling abandoned. Several team members left, the team culture disintegrated, and cases of burnout emerged. After this difficult experience, Deniz conducted a comprehensive retrospective to process what happened and provide feedback to management about the dangers of excessive pressure in Scrum environments. Self-reflection Question: How might you recognize the early warning signs of team burnout before it reaches a critical point, and what boundaries would you establish to protect your team? [Scrum Master Toolbox Podcast Recommends]

Simina Fodor: Why the 'Why' Matters—Product Owner Communication Lessons 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 Great Product Owner: Transparency and Customer Focus This exemplary Product Owner shaped Simina's entire view of product management and even inspired her to consider a future transition to that role. Despite not having a traditional product background (coming instead from support), this PO demonstrated exceptional openness to both giving and receiving feedback. They consistently explained the logic behind decisions, sharing the "why" that motivated their priorities. What truly set them apart was bringing customer perspectives and use cases directly to the team, helping developers understand the features through the lens of personas and user scenarios. The PO's transparency extended to their own professional journey, openly sharing how they grew into the role, which created an atmosphere of continuous learning and development. The Bad Product Owner: The Ghost Commander This experienced Product Owner approached the role with a command-and-control mindset carried over from previous Project Management experience, believing that backlog grooming was "beneath them." Essentially a ghost to the team, they avoided retrospectives while issuing constantly shifting priorities with little explanation or logic. The PO would issue commands and demand immediate responses without considering consequences, creating a toxic environment that threatened to destroy team morale. Simina recommends coaching such Product Owners on agile mindset principles and seeking leadership support when necessary to prevent team deterioration. Self-reflection Question: How can you effectively bridge the gap between command-and-control Product Owners and teams seeking more transparency and collaboration? [Scrum Master Toolbox Podcast Recommends]

Simina Fodor: The Courage to Question—Signs of a Healthy Agile Team 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. For Simina, Scrum Master success goes far beyond facilitation skills – it's about what happens when you're not in the room. True success means creating a self-sustaining team that maintains healthy practices even in your absence. Simina looks for indicators like: Do team members feel safe raising concerns regularly? Can they push back with the Product Owner and offer suggestions? Do they proactively ask for the "why" behind requests instead of blindly following directions? She emphasizes that successful teams raise dependencies early in the sprint, have the courage to plan work with other teams, and handle integrations independently. The ultimate test of Scrum Master effectiveness is whether the team continues to thrive even when you step away for a few days. Self-reflection Question: What specific behaviors would indicate that your team has reached a level of self-sustainability that would allow you to step back? Featured Retrospective Format for the Week: Start/Stop/Continue Simina advocates for the simplicity of the Start/Stop/Continue retrospective format. After experimenting with numerous complex approaches, she found that sometimes the most straightforward formats yield the best results. This classic structure cuts through noise and focuses teams on what truly matters: what new practices they should begin, what isn't working and should stop, and what's effective and should continue. Simina appreciates how this format's simplicity makes it accessible and easy to follow, allowing teams to concentrate on meaningful conversation rather than getting lost in complicated retrospective mechanics. [Scrum Master Toolbox Podcast Recommends]

Simina Fodor: Building Bridges—How Cross-Department Champions Drive 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. Simina shares her experience leading an enterprise Agile transformation from her position in Project Management. Rather than pushing for immediate, wholesale change, she started small - seeking out interested colleagues, sharing case studies from other companies, and gradually building internal support. This patient approach took years before the organization officially embraced Agile and Scrum, but created a strong foundation of champions across departments. When business needs finally demanded faster releases and better responsiveness to change, Simina had already established a community of practice ready to support the transition. She began with a single pilot team implementing just daily standups, which then expanded into a full Agile program that ultimately facilitated her transition from Project Manager to Scrum Master. Self-reflection Question: How might building informal networks and starting with small changes create a more sustainable foundation for organizational transformation than top-down mandates? [Scrum Master Toolbox Podcast Recommends]

Simina Fodor: How Leadership Communication Can Destroy Team Morale 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. Simina recounts working with a diverse, remote team on a high-visibility project to retire legacy systems under strict deadlines. The team made sacrifices, working overtime and through vacations to meet the challenging timeline. When Simina recommended team bonuses to recognize their extraordinary efforts, leadership not only rejected the request but publicly announced that overtime was simply "expected" as part of the job. This single communication destroyed the team's trust, leading to disengagement, dropped velocity, missed deadlines, and team members skipping Scrum events. Simina highlights how quickly team dynamics can collapse when leadership dismisses extra effort and fails to acknowledge team contributions. Self-reflection Question: How might you advocate for proper recognition of your team's extraordinary efforts when leadership views such work as simply expected? Featured Book of the Week: The Making of a Manager by Julie Zhuo Simina recommends "The Making of a Manager" by Julie Zhuo, a book she initially dismissed because she wasn't in a management role. However, upon reading it, she discovered numerous parallels between effective management and Scrum Mastery. The book's message that managers don't need to know all the answers resonated deeply with her, reinforcing the importance of understanding humans first before implementing processes. Despite not being an Agile-specific book, Simina found its people-focused approach incredibly valuable for her Scrum Master practice. [Scrum Master Toolbox Podcast Recommends]

Simina Fodor: From Corporate to Startup—Navigating the Scrum Implementation Gap 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. In this episode, Simina shares a critical failure story from her transition from corporate settings to a startup environment. Believing she had all the necessary tools and experience, she attempted to scale up Scrum practices too quickly with developers who weren't familiar with the framework. Instead of starting with fundamentals and understanding where team members were in their Agile journey, she made assumptions based on her corporate experience. Simina emphasizes the importance of a proper discovery phase for Scrum Masters when joining new teams, especially in dynamic startup environments where roles are still evolving and significant change is occurring. Self-reflection Question: How might your previous experiences be creating blind spots when you join a new team or organization? [Scrum Master Toolbox Podcast Recommends]

Tallink Silja har gjort en storsatsning på Åbolinjen genom renoveringen av BALTIC PRINCESS. Fartygspodden har testat fartyget som får både ris och ros. Dessutom har vi provat att åka på femtimmarskryssning med MYSTAR mellan Helsingfors och Tallinn. Dessutom snackar vi om batterisatsningen på AURORA BOTNIA, förseningen av nya vägfärjan ALVARET och om försäljningen av COSTA FORTUNA. Välkomna ombord! /Christopher & Patrik

In this episode, we focus on the often-overlooked geographies of Eurasian connectivity with Dr. Wojciech Kębłowski, whose research brings attention to the Polish border towns of Małaszewicze and Narevka, key yet rarely discussed nodes in global infrastructure networks. As Eurasia undergoes a dramatic reconfiguration—with initiatives like China's Belt and Road Initiative, the India-Middle East-Europe Corridor, and numerous regional projects vying for influence—we discuss what happens at the edges. How are logistics nodes developed? Who lives in these nodes of connection, and how do they navigate the shifting tides of global ambition? Our conversation spans local politics, logistics, labor, railway connectivity, and geopolitics, offering a multidimensional view of border hubs where the global meets the local. These sites are not only shaped by supply chain logics but also by mounting geopolitical rivalries, as powers compete for infrastructural influence across continents. Dr. Kębłowski paints a vivid picture of Małaszewicze, once a booming railway town employing over 10,000 people, now economically depressed but still strategically vital. While geopolitical tensions—like the war in Ukraine—have disrupted trade flows, they haven't derailed Małaszewicze's importance. The town's traffic has rebounded, a testament to its logistical centrality. Dr. Kębłowski discussed the hopes of renewal spurred by the BRI and how local leaders have actively tried to position Małaszewicze on the global map—courting Chinese delegations, lobbying Warsaw, and crafting narratives of international relevance. He shares insights into how these symbolic and practical efforts illustrate both the ambitions and the limitations faced by peripheries striving to assert their place in global politics and connectivity networks. GUEST BIO: Wojciech Kębłowski is an urban researcher, photographer, and Assistant Professor in Urban Studies and Planning at the Vrije Universiteit Brussel, with affiliations at the Université libre de Bruxelles. He will begin a new professorship at the University of Hong Kong (HKU) in June 2025. His research sits at the intersection of urban, transport, and political geography, and draws on critical social and decolonial theory. It spans three main areas: the political economy and governance of “sustainable” transport, the urban geography of Global China, and alternatives to capitalist urbanism, including circular economy and degrowth practices. Wojciech's research is global in scope, with fieldwork and collaborations in diverse cities in Western Europe (Aubagne, Brussels, Luxembourg, Helsinki, Madrid), Eastern Europe (Sopot, Wrocław, Tallinn), China (Chengdu) and Cuba (Santiago). He uses a range of qualitative methods and is interested in photography as a research tool and a creative practice. Wojciech is involved in several international research projects, including LiFT (on fare-related mobility transitions), CARIN-PT (on flexible and on-demand transport), and previously led PUTSPACE and CIRCITY, focused on public transport and circular economies, respectively. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Support our show by becoming a premium member! https://newbooksnetwork.supportingcast.fm/political-science

« Locked Shields » est le plus grand exercice de cybersécurité au cours duquel les pays de l'Otan et leurs alliés s'entraînent. Quatre mille participants, répartis dans plusieurs pays, cherchent à trouver la parade pour contrer des attaques informatiques visant les États, les infrastructures et les services aux citoyens. Il s'agit de la 15ᵉ édition, imaginée par le Centre d'excellence de l'Otan à Tallinn, en Estonie, premier pays à avoir subi une cyberattaque de grande ampleur en 2007. Marielle Vitureau, notre correspondante, a pu se rendre en Estonie avant le début de l'exercice. De notre correspondante à Tallinn,Dans la salle où se trouve l'équipe estonienne, la centaine de participants porte un T-shirt bleu, un casque audio sur les oreilles et garde les yeux rivés sur un écran grand format. Dans quelques heures, avec des collègues de Lituanie, d'Ukraine et du Monténégro, tous à distance, ils devront répondre aux attaques lancées par l'équipe rouge. Le lieutenant-colonel Nino Rodrigues, du centre d'excellence de l'Otan, a élaboré le scénario qui se déroule dans des pays imaginaires : « Les gentils viennent de "Berylia", et les méchants de "Crimsonia". Les tensions augmentent autour de ressources naturelles situées dans les eaux internationales. C'est la racine du problème. Nous sommes partis de ce simple scénario pour créer un contexte qui justifierait une cyberattaque ».À écouter aussiLes cyberattaques pro-russes s'intensifient en France et dans l'UEUne menace bien présenteL'entrée pour aller voir l'équipe rouge, les attaquants, est filtrée. Il est interdit de photographier ou d'interviewer ceux qui mèneront les attaques contre les infrastructures et les services de communication de Berylia. Depuis le début de la guerre en Ukraine, les cyberattaques augmentent en Estonie. En 2024, les autorités en charge de la protection des réseaux en ont dénombré 6 515 ayant eu un impact. Récemment, l'Estonie a officiellement attribué l'une de ces attaques au renseignement militaire russe. Tanel Sepp, ambassadeur estonien pour la cybersécurité, explique : « Ces attaques sont souvent liées à des déclarations politiques. Dès que le Parlement ou le gouvernement fait certaines déclarations, il y a immédiatement des attaques qui mettent hors ligne les serveurs. C'est récurrent ». Dans la salle de l'équipe bleue estonienne, la pression monte. Tous les systèmes sont vérifiés avant le lancement de l'attaque.Pas de retour possible au papierUko Valtenberg dirige l'équipe estonienne. Cet exercice, pour lui, est plus que nécessaire : « L'Estonie est un pays complètement numérisé. Nous n'avons pas de solutions de repli, nous ne pouvons pas revenir au papier, ce n'est plus possible. Si quelqu'un nous ciblait, nous attaquait, les conséquences pourraient être dramatiques ». À l'avenir, les équipes devraient jouer 24 heures sur 24, comme si elles contraient une offensive dans la vraie vie. Et peut-être même que le scénario prévoira des morts, conséquence possible de cyberattaques.À écouter aussiLe cyber, une «arme d'emploi» pour la Russie

It is important what we say, and the way we speak over our own lives.  We need to say about God, who He is, and who He promised to be. That is the place of confidence and peace.  He is our shelter and our fortress - we can trust Him!  

« Locked Shields » est le plus grand exercice de cybersécurité au cours duquel les pays de l'Otan et leurs alliés s'entraînent. Quatre mille participants, répartis dans plusieurs pays, cherchent à trouver la parade pour contrer des attaques informatiques visant les États, les infrastructures et les services aux citoyens. Il s'agit de la 15ᵉ édition, imaginée par le Centre d'excellence de l'Otan à Tallinn, en Estonie, premier pays à avoir subi une cyberattaque de grande ampleur en 2007. Marielle Vitureau, notre correspondante, a pu se rendre en Estonie avant le début de l'exercice. De notre correspondante à Tallinn,Dans la salle où se trouve l'équipe estonienne, la centaine de participants porte un T-shirt bleu, un casque audio sur les oreilles et garde les yeux rivés sur un écran grand format. Dans quelques heures, avec des collègues de Lituanie, d'Ukraine et du Monténégro, tous à distance, ils devront répondre aux attaques lancées par l'équipe rouge. Le lieutenant-colonel Nino Rodrigues, du centre d'excellence de l'Otan, a élaboré le scénario qui se déroule dans des pays imaginaires : « Les gentils viennent de "Berylia", et les méchants de "Crimsonia". Les tensions augmentent autour de ressources naturelles situées dans les eaux internationales. C'est la racine du problème. Nous sommes partis de ce simple scénario pour créer un contexte qui justifierait une cyberattaque ».À écouter aussiLes cyberattaques pro-russes s'intensifient en France et dans l'UEUne menace bien présenteL'entrée pour aller voir l'équipe rouge, les attaquants, est filtrée. Il est interdit de photographier ou d'interviewer ceux qui mèneront les attaques contre les infrastructures et les services de communication de Berylia. Depuis le début de la guerre en Ukraine, les cyberattaques augmentent en Estonie. En 2024, les autorités en charge de la protection des réseaux en ont dénombré 6 515 ayant eu un impact. Récemment, l'Estonie a officiellement attribué l'une de ces attaques au renseignement militaire russe. Tanel Sepp, ambassadeur estonien pour la cybersécurité, explique : « Ces attaques sont souvent liées à des déclarations politiques. Dès que le Parlement ou le gouvernement fait certaines déclarations, il y a immédiatement des attaques qui mettent hors ligne les serveurs. C'est récurrent ». Dans la salle de l'équipe bleue estonienne, la pression monte. Tous les systèmes sont vérifiés avant le lancement de l'attaque.Pas de retour possible au papierUko Valtenberg dirige l'équipe estonienne. Cet exercice, pour lui, est plus que nécessaire : « L'Estonie est un pays complètement numérisé. Nous n'avons pas de solutions de repli, nous ne pouvons pas revenir au papier, ce n'est plus possible. Si quelqu'un nous ciblait, nous attaquait, les conséquences pourraient être dramatiques ». À l'avenir, les équipes devraient jouer 24 heures sur 24, comme si elles contraient une offensive dans la vraie vie. Et peut-être même que le scénario prévoira des morts, conséquence possible de cyberattaques.À écouter aussiLe cyber, une «arme d'emploi» pour la Russie

Miễn phí giao thông công cộng, liệu có phải là "liều thuốc tiên" cho bài toán tắc nghẽn đô thị? Thành phố Tallinn của Estonia từng thử nghiệm và kết quả gây bất ngờ: lượng xe cá nhân vẫn tăng, bất chấp xe buýt, xe điện miễn phí.

P.Julm

Good afternoon, I'm _____ with today's episode of EZ News. Tai-Ex opening The Tai-Ex opened up 147-points this morning from yesterday's close, at 20,691 on turnover of $4.8-billion N-T. Shares in Taiwan saw earlier gains erased to close little changed Thursday as contract chipmaker TSMC suffered last-ditch selling amid lingering concerns over the possibility of tariffs threatened by U.S. President Donald Trump. Non-tech stocks largely moved in weakness, but so-called "military concept stocks continued to attract rotational buying as aircraft maintenance services provider Air Asia Co. soared 10 percent, the maximum daily increase. Analysts say caution about Trump's tariffs on semiconductors remain, prompting (推動) investors to lock in profits with TSMC as their major target. Taiwan and Estonia sign MOUs on aerospace and defense collaboration A Taiwanese business delegation has signed two memoranda of understanding with Estonia to facilitate collaboration between aerospace and defense industries. According to the Taipei Mission in the Republic of Latvia, the delegation signed the M-O-Us with the Estonian Defence and Aerospace Industry Association and the Estonia Aviation Cluster in Tallinn. Taiwan's top envoy to Estonia, Andrew Lee is describing the signing of the deals as an important step for collaboration (合作) between the two countries - and one that opens a new chapter for collaboration between the two countries on drones, aerospace and related industries. The delegation to Estonia was led by Hu Kai-hong of the Taiwan Excellence Drone International Business Opportunities Alliance. Israel Closes UNRWA Schools Israel has closed six U.N. schools in east Jerusalem, forcing students to leave early and throwing the education of more than 800 students into question. Last month, heavily armed Israeli police and Education Ministry officials ordered six schools in east Jerusalem to close within 30 days. The United Nations agency for Palestinian refugees, called UNRWA, runs the six schools. UNRWA also runs schools in the Israeli-occupied West Bank, which continue to operate. Israel claims that UNRWA schools teach antisemitic content and anti-Israel sentiment (觀點), which UNRWA denies. US FEMA Head Dismissed The acting director of the US's Federal Emergency Management Agency is out of a job, a day after he told lawmakers he didn't support disbanding the disaster relief agency. US President Donald Trump and Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem have both recently suggested the agency known as FEMA should be eliminated (廢止). Ira Spitzer reports. Peru Elated on Election of Pope Peruvians are elated after a Catholic cardinal who spent years guiding the faithful in the South American country was elected pope. Pope Leo XIV, elected Thursday, is a dual citizen of the United States and Peru, where he first served as a missionary and then as an archbishop. That made him the first pope from each country. In Peru's capital, Lima, the bells of the cathedral rang after Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost was announced as Pope Francis' successor. People outside the church quickly expressed their desire (希望，想要) for a papal visit at one point. That was the I.C.R.T. EZ News, I'm _____. －－－－以下訊息由 SoundOn 動態廣告贊助商提供－－－－ 早餐是補充蛋白質的黃金期，吃錯食物小心可能吃進精緻澱粉、加工品、油脂、熱量…等隱形負擔早餐補充蛋白質，首選統一陽光，嚴選非基改黃豆、植物性大豆蛋白、零膽固醇，營養少負擔！ https://sofm.pse.is/7ktyqv -- Hosting provided by SoundOn

Latvia Weekly is back in a new format, with Joe covering some main happenings of the week and then interviewing Jelgava artist Katrīna Tračuma about the opening of her solo exhibition in Jelgava "Zemnieki. Zeme. Nieki. Zemieši. Zemgale." or "Farmers. Earth. Nothings. Zemgale. Earthlings." Theme song "Mēs esam ārzemnieki" by Aarzemnieki, used with permission Middle song courtesy of Ausma Apsīte Closing theme song: Think Tank by Audionautix audionautix.com​ Creative Commons — Attribution 3.0 Unported — CC BY 3.0 Free Download / Stream: bit.ly/_think-tank​ Music promoted by Audio Library youtu.be/mbV9t1Z0rA8

In this episode, we focus on the often-overlooked geographies of Eurasian connectivity with Dr. Wojciech Kębłowski, whose research brings attention to the Polish border towns of Małaszewicze and Narevka, key yet rarely discussed nodes in global infrastructure networks. As Eurasia undergoes a dramatic reconfiguration—with initiatives like China's Belt and Road Initiative, the India-Middle East-Europe Corridor, and numerous regional projects vying for influence—we discuss what happens at the edges. How are logistics nodes developed? Who lives in these nodes of connection, and how do they navigate the shifting tides of global ambition? Our conversation spans local politics, logistics, labor, railway connectivity, and geopolitics, offering a multidimensional view of border hubs where the global meets the local. These sites are not only shaped by supply chain logics but also by mounting geopolitical rivalries, as powers compete for infrastructural influence across continents. Dr. Kębłowski paints a vivid picture of Małaszewicze, once a booming railway town employing over 10,000 people, now economically depressed but still strategically vital. While geopolitical tensions—like the war in Ukraine—have disrupted trade flows, they haven't derailed Małaszewicze's importance. The town's traffic has rebounded, a testament to its logistical centrality. Dr. Kębłowski discussed the hopes of renewal spurred by the BRI and how local leaders have actively tried to position Małaszewicze on the global map—courting Chinese delegations, lobbying Warsaw, and crafting narratives of international relevance. He shares insights into how these symbolic and practical efforts illustrate both the ambitions and the limitations faced by peripheries striving to assert their place in global politics and connectivity networks. GUEST BIO: Wojciech Kębłowski is an urban researcher, photographer, and Assistant Professor in Urban Studies and Planning at the Vrije Universiteit Brussel, with affiliations at the Université libre de Bruxelles. He will begin a new professorship at the University of Hong Kong (HKU) in June 2025. His research sits at the intersection of urban, transport, and political geography, and draws on critical social and decolonial theory. It spans three main areas: the political economy and governance of “sustainable” transport, the urban geography of Global China, and alternatives to capitalist urbanism, including circular economy and degrowth practices. Wojciech's research is global in scope, with fieldwork and collaborations in diverse cities in Western Europe (Aubagne, Brussels, Luxembourg, Helsinki, Madrid), Eastern Europe (Sopot, Wrocław, Tallinn), China (Chengdu) and Cuba (Santiago). He uses a range of qualitative methods and is interested in photography as a research tool and a creative practice. Wojciech is involved in several international research projects, including LiFT (on fare-related mobility transitions), CARIN-PT (on flexible and on-demand transport), and previously led PUTSPACE and CIRCITY, focused on public transport and circular economies, respectively. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Support our show by becoming a premium member! https://newbooksnetwork.supportingcast.fm/world-affairs

In this episode, we focus on the often-overlooked geographies of Eurasian connectivity with Dr. Wojciech Kębłowski, whose research brings attention to the Polish border towns of Małaszewicze and Narevka, key yet rarely discussed nodes in global infrastructure networks. As Eurasia undergoes a dramatic reconfiguration—with initiatives like China's Belt and Road Initiative, the India-Middle East-Europe Corridor, and numerous regional projects vying for influence—we discuss what happens at the edges. How are logistics nodes developed? Who lives in these nodes of connection, and how do they navigate the shifting tides of global ambition? Our conversation spans local politics, logistics, labor, railway connectivity, and geopolitics, offering a multidimensional view of border hubs where the global meets the local. These sites are not only shaped by supply chain logics but also by mounting geopolitical rivalries, as powers compete for infrastructural influence across continents. Dr. Kębłowski paints a vivid picture of Małaszewicze, once a booming railway town employing over 10,000 people, now economically depressed but still strategically vital. While geopolitical tensions—like the war in Ukraine—have disrupted trade flows, they haven't derailed Małaszewicze's importance. The town's traffic has rebounded, a testament to its logistical centrality. Dr. Kębłowski discussed the hopes of renewal spurred by the BRI and how local leaders have actively tried to position Małaszewicze on the global map—courting Chinese delegations, lobbying Warsaw, and crafting narratives of international relevance. He shares insights into how these symbolic and practical efforts illustrate both the ambitions and the limitations faced by peripheries striving to assert their place in global politics and connectivity networks. GUEST BIO: Wojciech Kębłowski is an urban researcher, photographer, and Assistant Professor in Urban Studies and Planning at the Vrije Universiteit Brussel, with affiliations at the Université libre de Bruxelles. He will begin a new professorship at the University of Hong Kong (HKU) in June 2025. His research sits at the intersection of urban, transport, and political geography, and draws on critical social and decolonial theory. It spans three main areas: the political economy and governance of “sustainable” transport, the urban geography of Global China, and alternatives to capitalist urbanism, including circular economy and degrowth practices. Wojciech's research is global in scope, with fieldwork and collaborations in diverse cities in Western Europe (Aubagne, Brussels, Luxembourg, Helsinki, Madrid), Eastern Europe (Sopot, Wrocław, Tallinn), China (Chengdu) and Cuba (Santiago). He uses a range of qualitative methods and is interested in photography as a research tool and a creative practice. Wojciech is involved in several international research projects, including LiFT (on fare-related mobility transitions), CARIN-PT (on flexible and on-demand transport), and previously led PUTSPACE and CIRCITY, focused on public transport and circular economies, respectively. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Support our show by becoming a premium member! https://newbooksnetwork.supportingcast.fm/new-books-network

In this episode, we focus on the often-overlooked geographies of Eurasian connectivity with Dr. Wojciech Kębłowski, whose research brings attention to the Polish border towns of Małaszewicze and Narevka, key yet rarely discussed nodes in global infrastructure networks. As Eurasia undergoes a dramatic reconfiguration—with initiatives like China's Belt and Road Initiative, the India-Middle East-Europe Corridor, and numerous regional projects vying for influence—we discuss what happens at the edges. How are logistics nodes developed? Who lives in these nodes of connection, and how do they navigate the shifting tides of global ambition? Our conversation spans local politics, logistics, labor, railway connectivity, and geopolitics, offering a multidimensional view of border hubs where the global meets the local. These sites are not only shaped by supply chain logics but also by mounting geopolitical rivalries, as powers compete for infrastructural influence across continents. Dr. Kębłowski paints a vivid picture of Małaszewicze, once a booming railway town employing over 10,000 people, now economically depressed but still strategically vital. While geopolitical tensions—like the war in Ukraine—have disrupted trade flows, they haven't derailed Małaszewicze's importance. The town's traffic has rebounded, a testament to its logistical centrality. Dr. Kębłowski discussed the hopes of renewal spurred by the BRI and how local leaders have actively tried to position Małaszewicze on the global map—courting Chinese delegations, lobbying Warsaw, and crafting narratives of international relevance. He shares insights into how these symbolic and practical efforts illustrate both the ambitions and the limitations faced by peripheries striving to assert their place in global politics and connectivity networks. GUEST BIO: Wojciech Kębłowski is an urban researcher, photographer, and Assistant Professor in Urban Studies and Planning at the Vrije Universiteit Brussel, with affiliations at the Université libre de Bruxelles. He will begin a new professorship at the University of Hong Kong (HKU) in June 2025. His research sits at the intersection of urban, transport, and political geography, and draws on critical social and decolonial theory. It spans three main areas: the political economy and governance of “sustainable” transport, the urban geography of Global China, and alternatives to capitalist urbanism, including circular economy and degrowth practices. Wojciech's research is global in scope, with fieldwork and collaborations in diverse cities in Western Europe (Aubagne, Brussels, Luxembourg, Helsinki, Madrid), Eastern Europe (Sopot, Wrocław, Tallinn), China (Chengdu) and Cuba (Santiago). He uses a range of qualitative methods and is interested in photography as a research tool and a creative practice. Wojciech is involved in several international research projects, including LiFT (on fare-related mobility transitions), CARIN-PT (on flexible and on-demand transport), and previously led PUTSPACE and CIRCITY, focused on public transport and circular economies, respectively. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Support our show by becoming a premium member! https://newbooksnetwork.supportingcast.fm/eastern-european-studies

Psalms 91 is a promise to us about God's protection and safety. But we need to get to that secret place, that shelter God has prepared for us.  We do that by seeking the presence of the Lord, and going to this place daily, so we can face the difficulties in life. 

Carmen Jurado: Beyond the Backlog—How Great Product Owners Embrace Team Collaboration The Great Product Owner: Standing with the Team  Carmen shares that the best Product Owners she's encountered are those who stand with their teams. Drawing from her own recent experience as a Product Owner, she emphasizes the importance of being there for your team, recognizing that they make you look good. Great Product Owners understand that achievements are team efforts, not individual accomplishments. Carmen also highlights that exemplary Product Owners have a deep understanding of the goals, values, and principles of Agile methodologies, allowing them to better support their teams and leverage agile practices effectively. In this segment we refer to the book Generative AI in a Nutshell. The Bad Product Owner: The Novice Who Does Everything Carmen describes a common anti-pattern she encountered: the inexperienced Product Owner who attempts to handle everything independently. This particular PO was preparing reviews and planning sessions alone, feeling that these events wouldn't happen otherwise. The team wasn't engaged, and the backlog had ballooned to over 300 items. Carmen helped this PO sort through the backlog to start with a clean slate and conducted a stakeholder mapping session to manage difficult stakeholders, particularly a CFO who was treating the PO as merely a scribe. They also worked to involve the team in Scrum events, reducing the burden on the PO. Carmen emphasizes the importance of keeping the team updated on process changes and the value of having a PO who can openly discuss their challenges. Self-reflection Question: As a Scrum Master, how can you help both experienced and novice Product Owners find the right balance between taking ownership and enabling team participation? [Scrum Master Toolbox Podcast Recommends]

Filmskapandet blev en kontaktannons till pappa Hasse och ett sätt att försöka göra sig förstådd. Vad vill Tomas Alfredson säga? Lyssna på alla avsnitt i Sveriges Radio Play. Han är en av våra mest kända och erkända filmregissörer och han har rört sig över genre-gränserna som få andra. På Tomas Alfredsons CV finns internationella spionsuccén Tinker, tailor, soldier, spy, vampyrdramat Låt den rätte komma in, Alfons Åberg-serier och Killinggängets hyllade Fyra nyanser av brunt och Torsk på Tallinn. Nu under vintern har du kanske sett hans nytolkning av Ingmar Bergmans och Liv Ullmans svartsjukedrama Trolösa på SVT.”Minns energin, inte hans faderskap”Trots till synes skarpa hopp mellan genrerna så kan man skymta ett återkommande tema i hans filmer; ett utforskande av ensamhet, utanförskap och mellanmänskliga relationer. Hur kommer det sig? Och hur var det att växa upp i skuggan av pappan Hasse Alfredson – i en relation som präglades av både kärlek och frånvaro?Programledare: Martin WicklinProducent: Filip BohmKontakt: sondagsintervjun@sr.se

Carmen Jurado: The Power of Constructive Feedback in Building Trust in Agile Teams 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. Carmen identifies the hallmark of a successful team as one that allows itself to be vulnerable. Success isn't just about positive feedback but creating an environment where team members feel safe to discuss mistakes openly. She shares an experience where a team member made an error that caused a significant project delay, prompting other team members to complain. Instead of allowing this to create division, Carmen facilitated an open discussion where the team member acknowledged their mistake and received constructive feedback from colleagues. This exchange built trust and demonstrated that the team had developed the psychological safety needed to hold each other accountable. Carmen emphasizes that this accountability for work and agreements is a responsibility that belongs to the entire team, not just the Scrum Master. Self-reflection Question: How can you foster greater psychological safety in your team so members feel comfortable addressing mistakes directly with each other? Featured Retrospective Format for the Week: Golden Apples Carmen recommends the "Golden Apples" retrospective format, which draws inspiration from Greek mythology. This creative format incorporates feedback questions about sprints and the team, with game elements that introduce friendly competition. Carmen typically reserves this format for festive times of the year to boost team morale. She also mentions her fondness for movie-themed retrospectives and encourages Scrum Masters to invest time in creating fun, creative retrospective experiences that engage the team. In this segment, we refer to Norm Kerth's Retrospective Prime Directive. [Scrum Master Toolbox Podcast Recommends]

Carmen Jurado: Lean Change Management, How to Design Change with Those Affected 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. Carmen discusses the critical mistakes organizations make when implementing change without adequate communication and employee involvement. She highlights how employees are often simply informed of new methods without any prior communication, creating resistance and disengagement. Carmen advocates for involving employees early in the change process, suggesting that representatives participate in the design phase and provide feedback on change plans. She emphasizes that Scrum Masters can grow by facilitating this involvement, encouraging co-creation of change through approaches like Lean Change Management. Carmen also shares a practical tip: involve your biggest critics in the change design, transforming them from obstacles into co-creators of the solution. Self-reflection Question: How might you better involve team members in designing change processes rather than simply announcing changes to them? [Scrum Master Toolbox Podcast Recommends]

Carmen Jurado: The Power of Being Heard, Turning Critics Into Agile Advocates 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. Carmen shares how she was asked to step in as a Scrum Master for a struggling team that had a particularly vocal and critical lead developer. This developer had experienced multiple transitions and transformations, leading to significant resistance that was affecting the entire team's morale and creating unresolved conflicts. Carmen focused on building individual relationships with each team member and setting clear expectations. She discovered that the lead developer simply didn't feel heard. By listening and addressing these concerns, Carmen was able to transform her biggest critic into one of her strongest advocates. She emphasizes that resistance is often a sign of loyalty to something else and that understanding this can help transform a dysfunctional team into a high-performing one. Self-reflection Question: How might you address resistance in your team by focusing on individual relationships and understanding what team members feel loyal to? Featured Book of the Week: Joy Inc. by Richard Sheridan Carmen recommends Joy Inc. by Richard Sheridan, highlighting its practical insights for creating a motivating and enjoyable workplace. The book covers everything from hiring practices to team collaboration and experimentation, yet never explicitly mentions "Agile." Carmen appreciates the inspiring stories about understanding users in their environment and how these principles can be applied to create better working environments. [Scrum Master Toolbox Podcast Recommends]

Carmen Jurado: Scrum Masters, Your Team Needs to Know Which Hat You're Wearing 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. Carmen shares a valuable learning experience from her early days as a Scrum Master when she was assigned the additional responsibility of being a compliance officer for her team. During a retrospective, she noticed an uncomfortable atmosphere but didn't address it. After the session, the team requested a private meeting where they expressed their discomfort, explaining they weren't clear when Carmen was acting as their Scrum Master versus when she was enforcing compliance. This experience taught Carmen the critical importance of explicitly stating which role she was performing at any given moment and creating an environment where team members feel safe to provide honest feedback. Self-reflection Question: How clearly do you communicate your different roles and responsibilities to your team, and have you created an environment where they feel comfortable giving you direct feedback? [Scrum Master Toolbox Podcast Recommends]

Jesus was became the snake that was lifted up on the pole by the Israelites in the desert.  Jesus became sin and the curse of sickness on the cross for us, so that we can be righteous and healed - by faith.  We just need to look at Jesus, boldly ask God for His presence and power, and receive our healing. 

Chris Sims: The Empathy Advantage, How Great POs Connect Teams with Users 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 Great Product Owner: Deep Market Knowledge Creates Team Empathy Brad exemplifies a truly effective Product Owner through his exceptional understanding of end users and customers in the investment management space. What sets Brad apart is not just his deep domain knowledge, but his established relationships with gatekeepers at customer organizations. These connections provide valuable insights that inform product decisions. Most importantly, Brad regularly spends time with the development team, helping them empathize with stakeholders and understand the real-world impact of their work. His user stories consistently focus on actual users and why the requested features matter, creating clear context for developers and fostering meaningful connections between technical work and business outcomes. The Bad Product Owner: The Disempowered Proxy Problem Chris identifies a common anti-pattern: the disempowered proxy Product Owner. This situation occurs when someone performs the day-to-day PO responsibilities for the team, but lacks true authority to make decisions. Instead, an unseen "real PO" holds ultimate control and can swoop in at any time to change priorities or requirements. This arrangement quickly erodes team trust as they realize the proxy must continually defer decisions, creating delays and uncertainty. Chris suggests either empowering the proxy with more decision-making authority while keeping stakeholders appropriately involved, or having the higher-level PO commit to spending sufficient time with the team to fulfill the true Product Owner role themselves. Self-reflection Question: How might you identify and address power imbalances in the Product Owner role within your organization? [Scrum Master Toolbox Podcast Recommends]

Chris Sims: Dual Focus, Balancing Agile Team Health with Value Delivery 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. For Chris Sims, success as a Scrum Master centers on two critical outcomes: creating healthier, happier work environments and helping teams deliver more value. Chris emphasizes that Scrum is only valuable if it helps achieve these fundamental goals. He suggests using surveys to assess team health and happiness, tracking how often team members ask each other for help, and evaluating whether daily scrums focus on problem-solving rather than status reporting. Regarding value delivery, Chris cautions against measuring the wrong things (like velocity) which can drive counterproductive behaviors. Instead, he recommends tracking how frequently teams deliver to stakeholders, having meaningful discussions about business value, and ensuring stakeholder involvement in sprint reviews to better align with what truly matters to the organization. In this segment, we refer to Chris Sims' articles on Business Value Myths, and Measuring Value With Product Hypothesis. Featured Retrospective Format for the Week: The Dixit Retrospective Chris shares an innovative retrospective format based on the card game Dixit. In this approach, teams use the game's evocative picture cards to help describe their experiences during the sprint. The visual nature of these cards engages team members in a completely different way compared to traditional retrospectives, encouraging creative thinking and alternative perspectives. Chris notes that this format is particularly effective because it creates space for everyone to think before speaking, which helps balance participation between extroverts and more reflective team members. This retrospective technique can uncover insights that might not emerge in more conventional discussion formats. Self-reflection Question: How might you better balance measuring team health with measuring value delivery in your definition of success? [Scrum Master Toolbox Podcast Recommends]

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]

Chris Sims: The Hidden Cost of "No Time for People Stuff" in Software Teams 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 shares a challenging team situation involving strong personalities with conflicting opinions about how to approach their work. What began as small disagreements evolved into harmful behaviors including harsh criticisms and behind-the-back comments. As resentment grew, conflicts intensified, leading to a toxic environment that ultimately resulted in team members being dismissed. Chris highlights how the team's self-imposed belief that "we don't have time for this people-stuff" prevented them from addressing issues early. He recommends one-on-one coaching, exploring why people react as they do, using retrospectives to address latent conflicts, and explicitly discussing desired team culture with reference to the Scrum value of respect. Chris emphasizes that maintaining team health should take priority over productivity concerns, even during high-pressure situations. In this segment, we refer to the Core Protocols episode with Richard Kasperowski, and the Superchicken Paradox Ted Talk by Margaret Heffernan. Featured Book of the Week: The Elements of Scrum Chris shares his experience writing "The Elements of Scrum," a book he co-authored using Scrum principles and a story mapping approach. The process of writing the book became a significant learning experience for Chris. He also recommends "Sacred Hoops" by Phil Jackson, which explores how to manage teams of great professionals. Phil Jackson is renowned for his ability to get exceptional players to function effectively as a cohesive team, making this book particularly valuable for those managing talented individuals with strong personalities. Self-reflection Question: How might you better balance technical excellence with interpersonal dynamics in your high-performing teams? [Scrum Master Toolbox Podcast Recommends]

Chris Sims: When Terminology Creates Misunderstandings, The "Ideal Days" Story 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. In this insightful episode, Chris Sims shares a valuable lesson from his early days implementing XP and Scrum. Chris's team had established an effective workflow using relative estimation with "ideal days" rather than story points, achieving good predictability and velocity measurements. However, things took an unexpected turn when a skeptical VP discovered their tracking spreadsheet and misinterpreted their metrics as showing only 2.5 days of work per week. Despite Chris's best efforts to explain the concept of "ideal days," the misunderstanding tarnished the team's reputation. Chris emphasizes the importance of socializing your working methods with stakeholders and communicating in ways meaningful to leadership. Working "under the radar" can backfire, so transparency about your processes is crucial for organizational alignment and trust. Self-reflection Question: How transparent are you about your team's estimation methods with stakeholders who might not be familiar with agile terminology? [Scrum Master Toolbox Podcast Recommends]

Jesus rose again from the grave on the third day, just like He said that He would. Jesus is now King of kings! And He has been given all authority, and then He gave us that authority in HIs Name. And at the Name of Jesus, healing belongs to us.  

Richard Brenner: Hypothesis-Driven Product Ownership, The Experimental Mindset 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 Great Product Owner: The Experimenter Richard describes great Product Owners as "experimenters" who understand that everything they do is a hypothesis requiring validation. The best POs establish feedback loops early, actively engage with users and clients, and approach product development with a scientific mindset. Richard shares an experience working with a "coaching PO" who excelled at involving everyone in defining what needed to be done.  This PO was inspiring and helped the team participate in both building and decision-making processes. Richard emphasizes that the relationship between PO and team must be a true partnership—not hierarchical—for success to occur. Great POs facilitate team involvement rather than dictating direction, creating an environment where collaborative problem-solving thrives. In this segment, we refer to the Role Expectation Matrix Retrospective, and the Product Owner Sprint Checklist, a hands-on coaching tool for anyone interested in helping PO's prepare and lead successful Sprints with their teams. The Bad Product Owner: The Tech Visionary Disconnected from Users Richard recounts working with a high-level sponsor, a medical doctor interested in technology, who hired multiple development teams (up to four Scrum teams) to build a product. While technically knowledgeable, this PO had very concrete ideas about both the technology and solution based on assumptions about client needs.  The team developed impressive technology, including a domain-specific language (DSL), and felt they were performing well—until they delivered to actual clients. Only then did they discover users couldn't effectively use the software, requiring a complete rethinking of the UX concept. This experience taught Richard the critical distinction between the customer (the sponsor/PO) and the actual end users, demonstrating how even technically sophisticated Product Owners can miss essential user needs without proper validation. Self-reflection Question: How might you help Product Owners in your organization balance their vision with the practical realities of user needs and feedback? [Scrum Master Toolbox Podcast Recommends]

Richard Brenner: Contracting for Success,  Establishing Clear Agile Coaching Outcomes 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 reflects on his evolution in defining success as a Scrum Master and Agile Coach. Initially, he believed that if his team was successful, he was successful—but soon realized this perspective was incomplete. Top management wanted tangible evidence of coaching impact, which became problematic without clearly defined metrics. Richard now advocates for establishing a coaching agreement at the beginning of any engagement, with both management and teams defining what success looks like for the coach. He emphasizes the importance of dual-sided accountability as a natural outcome of proper contracting, using metrics that matter to the organization such as flow metrics and outcome metrics to demonstrate coaching value. Self-reflection Question: How are you measuring your own success as a coach or Scrum Master, and have you created explicit agreements with both teams and management about what success looks like? Featured Retrospective Format for the Week: Solution Focused Retrospective Richard recommends the Solution Focused Retrospective from the book "Solution Focused Coaching for Agile Teams." While traditional retrospective formats from books like "Agile Retrospectives" typically open a topic and dig deeply into the problem space, the solution-focused approach suggests spending only a short time discussing problems before pivoting to designing the desired future state. This format focuses on identifying the next step and emphasizing what positive outcomes the team wants to achieve, rather than dwelling on what's wrong. Richard values this approach for its ability to maintain a positive, forward-thinking mindset within teams. [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]

Did you know that most sunflower seeds end up as oil or animal feed? Our guest is challenging the centuries-old status quo of sunflower seed usage.  Join us as we speak with Dmitri Eivin, the co-founder and CEO of Sunfly. The episode was recorded live at Impact Day 2024 in Tallinn, Estonia. While over 95% of sunflower seeds are traditionally relegated to oil and animal feed, Sunfly is pioneering a disruptive approach. Discover how they're utilizing 100% of the seed to create a remarkable range of plant-based, protein-rich, and top 14 allergen-free products – from delicious seed spreads to dairy and even meat alternatives – all while drastically reducing their environmental footprint. Prepare to be inspired by Sunfly's commitment to a zero-waste future and its powerful impact on land use, water consumption, and CO2 emissions. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Richard Brenner: How Small Signs of Cynicism Can Destroy Agile Team Cohesion 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 a powerful story about how team dysfunction often starts with small steps. During a joint retrospective with three agile teams, Richard witnessed a moment where a team member made a cynical comment toward a manager who was attempting to participate. This revealed a damaged relationship between management and the team, creating tension that Richard initially chose to ignore. Looking back, he would now immediately address such comments and tackle the "elephant in the room." Richard explains how seemingly minor behaviors like cynicism or passive-destructive actions (such as consistently being late to stand-ups) can significantly impact team health. He recommends establishing conflict resolution protocols early and using impact feedback without judgment to address these issues before they escalate. In this segment, we refer to Lysa Adkins' conflict resolution protocol.  Self-reflection Question: What small signs of dysfunction might you be overlooking in your team that could develop into larger problems? Featured Book of the Week: Solution Focused Coaching for Agile Teams Richard recommends "Solution Focused Coaching for Agile Teams" by Ralph and Veronika. This book describes the solution-focused approach to many common situations that Agile coaches face in their work. Richard values this resource for its practical guidance on addressing challenges through a positive, solution-oriented perspective rather than dwelling on problems. [Scrum Master Toolbox Podcast Recommends]

Whew! This one was juicy. I sat down for my very first ever all-female roundtable with two of my dearest, most brilliant soul sisters—Dr. Lalita and Simone Heng—and let me tell you, we did not hold back. From getting shushed (multiple times) in a Tallinn café to unpacking what it really means to be a brown, bold, and brave woman in today's world, this episode is the unapologetic, heart-expanding chat you didn't know you needed.We're getting into everything: growing up the “rainbow sheep” of our families, healing generational wounds, thriving in male-dominated industries, and building deep, aligned female friendships that aren't just “transactional.” So pull up a seat, pour your matcha (or your wine), and get ready to feel seen, heard, and maybe even a little called out—in the best possible way.

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]

Zvonimir Durcevic: How Feedback Transforms Product Owners 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 Great Product Owner: Embracing Feedback and Adapting Over Time  Zvonimir shares his experience with a Product Owner who demonstrated exceptional growth over a two-year period. What made this PO stand out was their willingness to receive feedback from the team and adjust their behavior accordingly. When the team expressed difficulty accessing the PO for questions and early feedback, the PO responded by rearranging their schedule to sit near the team part-time. Zvone emphasizes how these incremental changes, driven by openness to feedback, transformed this person into an exemplary Product Owner. The key insight: great Product Owners honor past practices while embracing necessary changes for the future. Self-reflection Question: How might your willingness (or reluctance) to accept feedback be affecting your development as a Product Owner? The Bad Product Owner: The Reluctant Subject Matter Expert In this segment, Zvonimir describes working with a Subject Matter Expert who was assigned the Product Owner role despite not wanting the responsibility. While this person excelled at documenting requirements from their extensive knowledge, they resisted taking on core PO duties. The organization assigned them the role but didn't push for proper adoption of responsibilities. Consequently, the team and Scrum Master were forced to assume PO duties to fill the gap. Although this arrangement functioned temporarily thanks to the team's capabilities and the SME's knowledge, it created an unsustainable situation where role accountability was unclear. [Scrum Master Toolbox Podcast Recommends]

Zvonimir Durcevic: The Solution-Focused Retrospective for Agile Teams, Turning Problems Into Goals 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 defines Scrum Master success as being explicit and intentional about defining and achieving goals. He references Richard Hackmann's model of team effectiveness as a framework to evaluate whether he's helping teams become truly effective. For Zvone, success comes from creating structures that provide teams with feedback about their performance and being explicit about the team's purpose through practices like chartering. By focusing on these elements, Scrum Masters can help teams build the foundation for sustainable success. Featured Retrospective Format for the Week: Problems Are Disguised Goals This solution-focused retrospective format, inspired by the work of Ralph Miata and Veronika Jungwirth, allows teams to briefly acknowledge problems before pivoting quickly to what they want to achieve instead. Zvonimir explains that while teams need space to express challenges, the format redirects energy toward envisioning a better future through solution-focused questions. The process includes validating problems, using scale questions (0-10) to assess current status, reviewing past attempts at reaching goals, and designing small experiments to move toward desired outcomes. This approach helps teams shift from problem-orientation to goal-orientation. Self-reflection Question: How might reframing your team's persistent problems as goals change your approach to addressing them? [Scrum Master Toolbox Podcast Recommends]

Zvonimir Durcevic: From Command to Collaboration, An Agile Leadership Team's Transformation Story 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. In this episode, Zvonimir discusses his experience supporting a leadership team transitioning from a traditional command-and-control management style to a more collaborative approach involving people in change decisions. Drawing from EDGE Theory of Change (based on Arnold Mendel's work) and Organization and Relationship Systems Coaching (ORSC) training, Zvone helped the leadership team understand what awaited them on the "other side" of this transformation. Through multiple half-day coaching sessions, he guided them in defining their new leadership identity and developing self-reflection skills. A critical element of this work was creating a conflict protocol that allowed leaders to discuss different perspectives constructively. Zvone emphasizes the importance of helping teams create a "third identity" – a new collective self that emerges through transformation. Self-reflection Question: What elements of your current leadership identity would you need to let go of to embrace a more collaborative approach to change? [Scrum Master Toolbox Podcast Recommends]

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]

Zvonimir Durcevic: Establishing Communication Channels, Lessons From a Scrum Master's Failure  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. In this episode, Zvonimir shares a pivotal experience that shaped his approach as a Scrum Master. His team started strong with excellent stakeholder relationships, but gradually team members began missing refinement meetings as they took on more outside responsibilities. Despite conversations with management, the issue persisted, leading to a growing backlog that no one wanted to trim down. Zvone learned critical lessons about the importance of establishing clear working agreements with stakeholders and sponsors from the beginning. He emphasizes the need to create proper communication channels, as successful Agile work depends on reaching the right people when problems arise. Self-reflection Question: How might the communication agreements in your organization be contributing to your team's ability to focus on their work? [Scrum Master Toolbox Podcast Recommends]

My guest today is Chris Fitch, author of the upcoming book Wild Cities: Discovering New Ways of Living in the Modern Urban Jungle. In this episode we discuss case studies of cities around the world that embrace wilder nature.We go beyond the usual case studies like Singapore to explore lesser known examples like:Tallinn, Estonia - the city with pollinator corridors Tokyo, Japan - mini forests in a hyper-dense cityFlagstaff, USA - the Dark Skies cityWellington, New Zealand - a hotspot for native birds+ many othersPre-order the book Wild Cities here - out on 10 April 2025More about Chris Fitch here.*Correction: At 44:10, Chris says that Sydney harbour has more marine species than the British Isles or Mediterranean. He actually meant fish species rather than all marine life. It's also more accurate to say that the biodiversity in Sydney harbour is equivalent to the Mediterranean. - - - https://greenurbanist.org/ Consulting: Book a Discovery Call to discuss your project Course: Urban Sustainability Career Kickstart Subscribe to the Green Urbanist Newsletter The Green Urbanist podcast is hosted by Ross O'Ceallaigh. Register for the Webinar (25 April): Nature-based Masterplanning

The trio are back together as John Murray, Ian Dennis & Ali Bruce-Ball talk commentary life. Expect more football lookalikes, a tight Clash of the Commentators and which football terms will make it into the Great Glossary of Football Commentary?04:35 More clubs with a slash in their name 07:50 The famous ‘One team in Tallinn' match 11:20 Another soundalike to test your ears 17:15 An update on the Golden Mic goal ratios 20:05 Ali explains his ‘Bruce-Burglar' nickname 25:00 Ian looking forward to a Celtic pie 31:20 The guys are ‘all back' for Clash of the Commentators 37:50 Another ‘top corner' term goes in the Great GlossaryBBC Sounds / 5 Live commentaries this weekend: Sat 1215 Fulham v Crystal Palace in the FA Cup, Sat 1500 Celtic v Hearts in the Scottish Premiership, Sat 1715 Brighton v Nottingham Forest in the FA Cup, Sun 1330 Preston v Aston Villa in the FA Cup.

Sorry, we're late. We know. But we haven't forgotten about you. Devon and Nat are back to wrap up the 2025 season and recap Oslo, Tallinn and Lahti.We do really think we'll be back for a couple of postseason episodes. Sorry we haven't answered many of your questions but we've got a list and plan to tackle 'em soon. Thanks so much for following along this season — more soon. Reach us at devon@fasterskier.com and nat@fasterskier.com in the mean time.