Agile Mentors Podcast from Mountain Goat Software

#168: Gratitude, Growth, and the Power to Evolve with Brian Milner

Nov 26, 2025

Brian Milner takes a heartfelt pause to share what gratitude means to him this year, emphasizing a human-centered approach to agility. He reflects on the evolving roles of leaders in the community and the importance of psychological safety in the workplace. Milner expresses appreciation for his team and behind-the-scenes contributors, highlighting the need for professional evolution and experimentation. To wrap up, he encourages listeners to take a moment to acknowledge three things they are thankful for, fostering a spirit of reflection before the year's end.

Ask episode

AI Snips

Chapters

Transcript

Episode notes

INSIGHT

Human-Centered Agility Rising

The Agile conversation is shifting from tools to people, centering psychological safety and human needs.
Brian Milner sees this human-centered focus as a positive evolution for the community.

INSIGHT

Human Needs Gain Visibility

Attention to psychological safety, burnout, stress, and hope surfaced more often in classes and conversations this year.
Brian suggests AI may indirectly highlight human needs because it can't replicate them well.

ANECDOTE

Gratitude For The Team Behind The Show

Brian thanks Mountain Goat Software and Mike Cohn for sponsoring and supporting the podcast since day one.
He also calls out Laura Kendrick for essential behind-the-scenes work that makes the show possible.

Get the Snipd Podcast app to discover more snips from this episode

Get the app

It’s not a full episode this week—but it might be the one your heart needs. Brian Milner shares what he’s truly grateful for this year (spoiler: it’s not a new tool or framework), reflects on the human side of agility, and invites you to join him in a quick pause before the final sprint of 2025.

Overview

In this special solo episode, Brian Milner pauses to reflect on what he's most grateful for this year—and invites you to do the same. From a renewed focus on the human side of agility to the evolving nature of our roles as leaders and practitioners, this heartfelt message is a reminder that change isn’t just necessary—it’s powerful. Brian also shares his appreciation for the Mountain Goat Software team and a behind-the-scenes shoutout to Agile Mentors’ own Laura Kendrick for making the show possible. Short, sweet, and soul-centered, it’s a moment to breathe, acknowledge growth, and say thanks before we sprint toward the end of the year.

References and resources mentioned in the show:

Five Lessons I’m Thankful I Learned in my Agile Career by Mike Cohn
#123: Unlocking Team Intelligence with Linda Rising
#125: Embracing Gratitude in Challenging Times with Brian Milner
#134: How Leaders Can Reduce Burnout and Boost Performance with Marcus Lagré
Subscribe to the Agile Mentors Podcast

Want to get involved?

This show is designed for you, and we’d love your input.

Enjoyed what you heard today? Please leave a rating and a review. It really helps, and we read every single one.
Got an Agile subject you’d like us to discuss or a question that needs an answer? Share your thoughts with us at podcast@mountaingoatsoftware.com

This episode’s presenters are:

Brian Milner is a Certified Scrum Trainer®, Certified Scrum Professional®, Certified ScrumMaster®, and Certified Scrum Product Owner®, and host of the Agile Mentors Podcast training at Mountain Goat Software. He's passionate about making a difference in people's day-to-day work, influenced by his own experience of transitioning to Scrum and seeing improvements in work/life balance, honesty, respect, and the quality of work.