Kent McDonald

Kent McDonald, a freelance product manager and expert in agile methodologies, joins for an engaging discussion about the essential knowledge business analysis professionals should have about agile. They dive into the evolution and dilution of agile practices, busting myths about roles like product owner versus business analyst. Kent shares practical advice on demonstrating real impact rather than just talking about 'value.' The conversation emphasizes the importance of collaboration over rigid frameworks and understanding context in agile approaches.

Kent McDonald, a seasoned product management expert with decades in software development, delves into effective backlog management. He discusses the pitfalls of bloated backlogs, stressing that many teams mistakenly view them as storage. Kent introduces the Now-Next-Later-Never roadmap framework, explaining how it organizes tasks for better efficiency. He shares practical strategies to keep backlogs lean and focused on what truly drives outcomes, along with advice on maintaining roadmap integrity to adapt to changing priorities.

Kent McDonald, an experienced product manager and writer, shares his insights from nearly two decades in corporate software. He discusses the intricate challenges that product managers face in large organizations developing internal software. The importance of strategic decision-making and effective communication is emphasized. McDonald also delves into evolving product operating models and collaboration across diverse skill sets. Key takeaways from Agile 2024 highlight overlooked trends in product management, focusing on discovery and the need for better metrics in corporate environments.