Scrum Master Toolbox Podcast: Agile storytelling from the trenches

Millions of Users, Multiple Stakeholders—The Art of Product Owner Navigation | Bernard Agrest

Jul 4, 2025
Bernard Agrest discusses the art of product ownership, emphasizing the importance of truly understanding stakeholder needs while maintaining clear communication. He contrasts effective Product Owners who add value by bridging gaps with the 'Collaborative Hoarder' anti-pattern, which dilutes focus on real outcomes. The conversation also touches on navigating complex organizational pressures, refining strategies for immediate needs versus long-term goals, and the power of community in the Agile space to enhance collaboration and learning.
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ADVICE

Avoid Overloading the Backlog

  • Avoid adding everything to the backlog just to appear collaborative.
  • Use Cost of Delay to prioritize and push back professionally on low-value items.
INSIGHT

Pressure Makes PO Say Yes

  • Product Owners often struggle with saying no due to hierarchical pressures.
  • Saying yes to everything pressures teams to deliver more, causing dysfunction.
ADVICE

Create PO Space for Team

  • Help Product Owners create space and time to be present with the team.
  • Facilitate team agreements to reinforce PO roles and improve productivity.
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