
Stellar Work
Hey everyone, welcome to Stellar Work. The podcast that explores the art of creating exceptional products and services that not only inspire their customers but also ignite the passion of the developers behind them. Each episode, we shine a spotlight on incredible individuals who are pushing the boundaries and reshaping the landscape of product development. From groundbreaking strategies to innovative solutions, our guests share their experiences and insights on what it takes to make a mark in these dynamic fields.
www.stellarwork.com
Benjamin Igna 👉 https://www.linkedin.com/in/benjamin-igna/
Latest episodes

Apr 20, 2025 • 47min
#31 Tom Soderstrom II - Bringing NASA JPL up to speed
In this episode of the Stellar Work Podcast, Benjamin interviews Tom Soderstrom, former CTO at NASA Jet Propulsion Laboratory. They discuss the intricacies of working at NASA, the creative processes behind space missions, the search for extraterrestrial life, and the differences between government and commercial space industries. Tom shares insights on fostering a culture of innovation, the importance of data visualization, and the integration of cybersecurity in space missions. He also provides valuable advice for aspiring professionals in the space industry, emphasizing the importance of passion and hands-on experience.Tom Soderstrom Since June 2023, Tom Soderstrom serves as an Enterprise Strategist helping and coaching executive customers with their transformation and innovation strategies and actions. From 2020-2023, he created and built the worldwide Chief Technologist team for AWS Public Sector, responsible for identifying emerging technology trends, helping solve complex technical problems at scale, and advising public sector executive CTOs and AWS leaders. Soderstrom served as the IT Chief Technology and Innovation Officer at NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL) from 2006-2020, where he helped define, support, and implement innovative Space missions, emerging IT trends, and mentor the next generation of IT and Space explorers. Prior to JPL, he led teams working on large scale IT technologies, best practices, tools development, and change efforts in small startups, large commercial companies, international venues, and the US Government.LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tomsoderstrom/AWS: https://aws.amazon.com/executive-insights/enterprise-strategists/tom-soderstrom/Stellar Work:Check out www.stellarwork.com for more information about how evolutionary agile transformations workMake sure to follow us on your podcast player 🔔 as well as on LinkedIn to never miss out on more content: https://www.linkedin.com/company/stellarwork/Sponsors:This podcast is 100% sponsored by me :)If you need help with you agile transformation and opting for an evolutionary approach seems like something you want to check out, click here and lets meet: https://calendly.com/benjamin-igna-dcs_/30minNote:Stellar Work Podcast hosts and guests may hold assets discussed in this episode. This podcast is not investment advice, and is intended for informational and entertainment purposes only.You should do your own research and make your own independent decisions when considering any financial transactions.Chapters00:00 Exploring NASA's Work Culture and Mission Goals03:23 The Distinction Between NASA and Private Space Companies06:36 The Search for Extraterrestrial Life09:28 Career Paths in the Space Industry12:31 The Differences in Work Culture: NASA vs. Commercial Space15:43 Encouraging Open Communication in Large Enterprises18:27 Collaborating for Innovation in Space Exploration21:33 Harnessing Data for Space Missions24:02 The Power of Data Visualization27:27 Cybersecurity Insights and Challenges29:38 Building Cross-Functional Teams35:59 Creating a Culture of Psychological Safety40:22 Advice for Aspiring Space Industry Professionals46:58 Introduction and Episode Overview

Apr 6, 2025 • 53min
#30 Tom Soderstrom Tech Transformation Learnings from NASA JPL and AWS
In this episode, Tom Soderstrom shares insights from his extensive experience in technology transformation at NASA and AWS. He emphasizes the importance of focusing on the mission, making informed decisions, and fostering a culture of experimentation. Tom discusses the critical role of AI and data in driving business success and highlights the need for collaboration between IT and business units. He concludes with practical advice for leaders navigating organizational change, stressing the importance of speed and adaptability.Tom Soderstrom Since June 2023, Tom Soderstrom serves as an Enterprise Strategist helping and coaching executive customers with their transformation and innovation strategies and actions. From 2020-2023, he created and built the worldwide Chief Technologist team for AWS Public Sector, responsible for identifying emerging technology trends, helping solve complex technical problems at scale, and advising public sector executive CTOs and AWS leaders. Soderstrom served as the IT Chief Technology and Innovation Officer at NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL) from 2006-2020, where he helped define, support, and implement innovative Space missions, emerging IT trends, and mentor the next generation of IT and Space explorers. Prior to JPL, he led teams working on large scale IT technologies, best practices, tools development, and change efforts in small startups, large commercial companies, international venues, and the US Government.LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tomsoderstrom/AWS: https://aws.amazon.com/executive-insights/enterprise-strategists/tom-soderstrom/Stellar Work:Check out www.stellarwork.com for more information about how evolutionary agile transformations workMake sure to follow us on your podcast player 🔔 as well as on LinkedIn to never miss out on more content: https://www.linkedin.com/company/stellarwork/Sponsors:This podcast is 100% sponsored by me :)If you need help with you agile transformation and opting for an evolutionary approach seems like something you want to check out, click here and lets meet: https://calendly.com/benjamin-igna-dcs_/30minNote:Stellar Work Podcast hosts and guests may hold assets discussed in this episode. This podcast is not investment advice, and is intended for informational and entertainment purposes only.You should do your own research and make your own independent decisions when considering any financial transactions.🤘 Generated Music: https://suno.com/@stellarworkChapters00:00 Introduction to Tom Soderstrom02:06 Tom's Journey from NASA to AWS03:50 Lessons from NASA: Focus on the Mission06:52 Amazon's Leadership Principles and Decision-Making11:06 Transformations Across Industries12:22 Approaching Client Transformations14:24 Experimentation in Transformation17:47 Return on Attention vs. Return on Investment21:16 Bridging the Gap Between IT and Business26:46 Bridging IT and Business32:20 Trends in AI and Technology40:35 Navigating Business Challenges48:00 Advice for Leaders and Managers52:02 Introduction to Consultancy and AI Insights

Mar 23, 2025 • 51min
#29 Leah Tharin - Product Led Growth and Sales
In this episode of the Stellar Work Podcast, Benjamin interviews Leah Tharin, an expert in product-led growth. They discuss the differences between product-led and sales-led growth, the importance of understanding customer needs, and the challenges of transitioning from one model to another. Leah shares insights on cultural differences in sales approaches, metrics for measuring growth, and valuable resources for learning more about product growth strategies.Leah TharinLeah Tharin is an experienced product leader and serial entrepreneur with over two decades in tech and four startups of her own. She currently serves as the interim CPGO at GotPhoto, a Berlin-based scale-up, and advises B2B SaaS companies on achieving sustainable growth by aligning product, sales, and distribution. Previously, she was Head of Product at Jua.ai and Deindeal, and led the core product at Smallpdf, scaling it to over 50 million monthly active users within three years. Leah specializes in product-led growth for scaleups, offering hands-on expertise as an interim executive and advisor.LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/leahtharin/Substack: https://www.leahtharin.com/Stellar Work:Check out www.stellarwork.com for more information about how evolutionary agile transformations workMake sure to follow us on your podcast player 🔔 as well as on LinkedIn to never miss out on more content: https://www.linkedin.com/company/stellarwork/Sponsors:This podcast is 100% sponsored by me :)If you need help with you agile transformation and opting for an evolutionary approach seems like something you want to check out, click here and lets meet: https://calendly.com/benjamin-igna-dcs_/30minNote:Stellar Work Podcast hosts and guests may hold assets discussed in this episode. This podcast is not investment advice, and is intended for informational and entertainment purposes only.You should do your own research and make your own independent decisions when considering any financial transactions.🤘 Generated Music: https://suno.com/@stellarworkChapters00:00 Introduction to Leah Tharin and Her Work03:12 Understanding Product-Led Growth vs. Sales-Led Growth06:06 The Role of Sales in Product Development08:53 Navigating Sales Strategies in Different Markets12:13 Cultural Differences in Sales Approaches14:48 Finding the Balance Between Sales and Product Growth23:08 Transitioning to Product-Led Growth31:06 Building a Sales Organization39:32 Measuring Success in Dual Models47:25 Resources for Learning Product Growth50:25 Introduction to Consultancy and AI Insights

Mar 9, 2025 • 52min
#28 Markus Andrezak - Product -Management and -Strategy
In this episode of the Stellar Work Podcast, Benjamin interviews Markus Andrezak, a product management expert, discussing the intricacies of product management and strategy. They explore Markus's career journey, the importance of a clear business model, the evolution of tech companies in Europe, and the challenges faced by product managers. The conversation delves into the role of product managers in different contexts, the significance of storytelling, and the strategic frameworks that guide product management. Markus emphasizes the need for education, experience, and effective communication in navigating the complexities of product management.Markus AndrezakMarkus Andrezak is a seasoned professional in the German internet industry, with over 15 years of experience in developing large-scale internet products. He began his career in the late 1990s, designing and building significant internet products. In 1998, he started designing and delivering products and technology for AOL and CompuServe Germany, aiming to differentiate their offerings in the German market. Following this, he consulted for various European corporations, including Heidelberger Druck, Aventis, and Philips. In 2007, Markus joined mobile.de, where he transformed product development processes by introducing Scrum and later Kanban methodologies, enhancing the delivery of international marketplaces. He later led the mobile product department. In 2012, he supported MyHammer in overhauling its product and business model and defining a mobile strategy based on user-centric methods. Markus is the founder of überproduct, a product consulting company where he advises numerous companies in the fields of strategy and agility. He has contributed significantly to the Agile and Kanban communities through publications and talks. In 2012, he was nominated for the Brickell Key Award and became an invited fellow of the Lean Systems Society. LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/markusandrezak/Website: https://ueberproduct.de/en/Stellar Work:Check out www.stellarwork.com for more information about how evolutionary agile transformations workMake sure to follow us on your podcast player 🔔 as well as on LinkedIn to never miss out on more content: https://www.linkedin.com/company/stellarwork/Sponsors:This podcast is 100% sponsored by me :)If you need help with you agile transformation and opting for an evolutionary approach seems like something you want to check out, click here and lets meet: https://calendly.com/benjamin-igna-dcs_/30minNote:Stellar Work Podcast hosts and guests may hold assets discussed in this episode. This podcast is not investment advice, and is intended for informational and entertainment purposes only.You should do your own research and make your own independent decisions when considering any financial transactions.🤘 Generated Music: https://suno.com/@stellarworkChapters00:00 Introduction to Product Management and Strategy06:54 Markus's Journey in Tech and Product Management14:11 The Evolution of Product Management Roles21:02 Hiring and Interviewing Product Managers26:01 Navigating Product Management in Large Corporations28:32 Navigating Product Management Challenges34:12 The Art of Storytelling in Product Management41:26 Understanding Strategy in Product Management49:34 Markers and Options: A Strategic Framework

Feb 23, 2025 • 52min
#27 Al Shalloway - Future of Agile Training and Coaching
In this episode of the Stellar Work Podcast, Benjamin interviews Al Shalloway, a prominent figure in the Agile community. They discuss Al's extensive journey in Agile, the challenges of training and education in the field, and the importance of integrating coaching with Agile practices. Al emphasizes the need for a new type of training that is affordable and ongoing, addressing the capability gap in Agile. The conversation also touches on the flaws in Agile foundations, the impact of AI on Agile roles, and the necessity of systems thinking in the Agile framework. Al shares valuable insights on continuous learning and the importance of thinking for oneself in the Agile community.Al ShallowayAl Shalloway is the founder and CEO of Success Engineering, recognized as a thought leader in Lean, SAFe, Kanban, Scrum, design patterns, Acceptance Test-Driven Development, lean management, value creation networks, and Lean product management. He created the FLEX system, which forms the core of the Disciplined Agile Value Stream Consultant workshop. Al has co-authored seven books, including “Design Patterns Explained: A New Perspective on Object-Oriented Design” and “Lean-Agile Software Development: Achieving Enterprise Agility.” He holds master’s degrees in Electrical Engineering and Computer Science from MIT and in Mathematics from Emory University. Al is an international speaker and has contributed to SAFe as an SPC TrainerLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alshalloway/Stellar Work:Check out www.stellarwork.com for more information about how evolutionary agile transformations workMake sure to follow us on your podcast player 🔔 as well as on LinkedIn to never miss out on more content: https://www.linkedin.com/company/stellarwork/Sponsors:This podcast is 100% sponsored by me :)If you need help with you agile transformation and opting for an evolutionary approach seems like something you want to check out, click here and lets meet: https://calendly.com/benjamin-igna-dcs_/30minNote:Stellar Work Podcast hosts and guests may hold assets discussed in this episode. This podcast is not investment advice, and is intended for informational and entertainment purposes only.You should do your own research and make your own independent decisions when considering any financial transactions.🤘 Generated Music: https://suno.com/@stellarworkChapters00:00 Introduction to Al Shalloway and His Journey03:23 The Evolution of Agile and Lean Practices06:29 The Concept of Capability Gap in Agile09:19 Challenges in Agile Training and Education12:14 The Importance of Context in Agile Practices15:20 Amplio University: A New Approach to Learning18:27 Integrating Coaching with Agile Training21:19 The Shift in Agile Community Perspectives24:09 Foundational Knowledge in Agile and Lean25:31 The Holistic Approach to Agile Development30:17 The Evolution of Agile and Its Challenges31:25 The Impact of AI on the IT Job Market34:24 Navigating the AI Landscape in Business38:05 The Future of Scrum Masters in an AI World40:28 The Importance of Learning to Think Independently44:43 Co-Creation and Community in Agile Practices51:47 Introduction to Consultancy and AI Insights

Feb 16, 2025 • 49min
#26 Anja Hendel - Transforming the Automotive Industry
In this episode of the Stellar Work Podcast, Benjamin interviews Anja Hendel, a seasoned expert in digital transformation within the automotive industry. Anja shares her journey from studying computer science to leading digital initiatives at major companies like Porsche and Volkswagen. The conversation delves into the challenges faced by hardware-focused organizations in adapting to software-driven models, the importance of organizational structure in successful transformations, and the future of mobility in an era of autonomous driving. Anja emphasizes the need for a cultural shift in how companies evaluate success and adapt to changing market demands.
Anja Hendel
Anja Hendel is the Managing Director at diconium, a digital services company, where she has been instrumental in guiding the digital transformation efforts at Volkswagen AG since 2020. As a mobility expert, she specializes in navigating the digital shifts within the automotive industry, particularly in translating traditional engineering into a software-centric business model. Before joining diconium, Anja led the Porsche Digital Lab in Berlin, where she managed an international team of deep-tech experts. Her previous experiences also include roles at the European pharmaceutical wholesaler Celesio AG and the IT consulting giant Capgemini.
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/anja-hendel/
Stellar Work:
Check out www.stellarwork.com for more information about how evolutionary agile transformations work
Make sure to follow us on your podcast player 🔔 as well as on LinkedIn to never miss out on more content: https://www.linkedin.com/company/stellarwork/
Sponsors:
This podcast is 100% sponsored by me :)
If you need help with you agile transformation and opting for an evolutionary approach seems like something you want to check out, click here and lets meet: https://calendly.com/benjamin-igna-dcs_/30min
Note:
Stellar Work Podcast hosts and guests may hold assets discussed in this episode. This podcast is not investment advice, and is intended for informational and entertainment purposes only.
You should do your own research and make your own independent decisions when considering any financial transactions.
🤘 Generated Music: https://suno.com/@stellarwork
Chapters
00:00 Introduction to Anja's Journey
05:37 Transitioning from Hardware to Software
10:33 The Challenges of Digital Transformation in Automotive
15:19 The Future of Mobility and Autonomous Driving
20:44 Evaluating Automotive Companies in a Changing Market
25:22 Strategies for Successful Transformation
30:44 Comparing Traditional and New Automotive Companies
35:31 Philosophical Perspectives on Company Success
44:44 Exploring Key Themes in the Conversation
45:06 Anja Hendel.mp4

Feb 10, 2025 • 59min
#25 Niels Pfläging - Organize for Complexity
In this episode, Benjamin engages with Niels Pfläging, a thought leader in management and organizational transformation. They discuss the challenges of conventional management practices, the importance of understanding complexity in organizational problems, and the role of consultants in facilitating change. Niels emphasizes the need for effective change management strategies and the significance of learning from successful organizations. The conversation highlights the importance of principles over practices in achieving meaningful transformation.
Niels Pfläging
Niels Pflaeging is founder of the BetaCodex Network, and partner/associate at Red42, based in Wiesbaden (Germany). He is an acclaimed international speaker and acts as an adivsor to organizations from all over the world. Niels is also an investor in the tech startup disqourse, which was founded in September 2021.
Since 2006, Niels has been strongly involved in organizational transformation initiatives in firms both in Europe and in the Americas. Niels is a prolific speaker, speaking four languages fluently - English, German, Spanish and Portuguese. Prior to the BetaCodex Network, Niels was a director with the BBRT for five years. Website:
http://www.nielspflaeging.com
LinkedIn:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/niels-pflaeging-11a89/
BetaCodex Network: https://www.linkedin.com/groups/8607856
RedForty2:
https://www.redforty2.com/
Stellar Work:
Check out www.stellarwork.com for more information about how evolutionary agile transformations work
Make sure to follow us on your podcast player 🔔 as well as on LinkedIn to never miss out on more content: https://www.linkedin.com/company/stellarwork/
Sponsors:
This podcast is 100% sponsored by me :)
If you need help with you agile transformation and opting for an evolutionary approach seems like something you want to check out, click here and lets meet: https://calendly.com/benjamin-igna-dcs_/30min
Note:
Stellar Work Podcast hosts and guests may hold assets discussed in this episode. This podcast is not investment advice, and is intended for informational and entertainment purposes only.
You should do your own research and make your own independent decisions when considering any financial transactions.
🤘 Generated Music: https://suno.com/@stellarwork
Chapters
00:00 Introduction to Niels Pflaeging and His Work
03:08 The Challenges of Management Tools
05:48 Understanding Complexity in Organizations
08:37 The Role of Consultants in Organizational Change
11:05 The Limitations of Frameworks and Blueprints
13:37 The Importance of Conversations in Problem Solving
16:17 Navigating Organizational Transformation
18:47 Open Source Approaches to Change Management
21:14 Implementing Time-Boxed Change
23:37 Conclusion and Future Directions
27:17 Organizational Suffering and Transformation
32:21 The Challenge of Transformation in Large Corporations
35:46 Learning from Successful Organizations
44:35 The Importance of Understanding Principles Over Practices
51:33 The Future of Automation and Manufacturing
54:50 Transformational Strategies for New Technologies
55:14 Niels Pflaeging.mp4

Feb 2, 2025 • 41min
#24 Adriana & Eduardo - Helping Law Firms through Kanban
In this episode, Benjamin interviews Adriana and Eduardo, experts in Kanban and agile methodologies, focusing on their application in the legal industry in Brazil. They discuss the challenges faced by law firms, the need for agile practices, and how Kanban can transform traditional legal workflows. The conversation highlights the importance of understanding the legal context, the cultural barriers to change, and practical steps for implementation. Adriana and Eduardo also share insights on measuring success and provide actionable tips for law firms looking to adopt agile methodologies.
Adriana da Costa Saliba
https://www.linkedin.com/in/adriana-saliba/
https://spaceneedle.tech/
https://www.agileforall.com.br/
Adriana is the Chief Operating Officer (COO) at Space Needle Tecnologia, where she collaborates with the CEO to define strategies, develop talent, optimize resources, and drive cost efficiency. She has represented the company in national and international events like Refresh Miami and Startup Safari Miami.
Founder of AGILE FOR ALL, Adriana specializes in training and mentoring in Compliance, LGPD, and Agile Methods. A certified Compliance Officer, she has led compliance training for corporate universities of major companies such as CNP Brasil and Wiz, and facilitated LGPD compliance for organizations including the World Security Federation and the National Federation of Private Security Companies.
With over 14 years of legal expertise, Adriana is a certified Scrum Product Owner, Scrum Master, and Management 3.0 facilitator. She has implemented Agile practices across sectors such as legal, finance, and HR and co-authored the book “Ágil além da TI”, exploring agility in the legal field.
As professor at Escola Paulista de Direito and a speaker at Agile Trends, Adriana combines her passion for leadership, mentorship, and innovation, empowering teams and organizations to achieve transformative results.
Eduardo Bobsin Machado https://www.linkedin.com/in/eduardobobsin/?originalSubdomain=br
Eduardo is a seasoned systems and solutions architect with nearly 20 years of experience designing software solutions, from enterprise systems to high-performance backends. His expertise spans architecture, coding, project management, process quality, operations, and networking.
As an Agile Coach specializing in Kanban, Eduardo has led teams and organizations through Agile transformations, combining Lean, Agile, and Kanban methodologies. A passionate educator, he has taught graduate students and trained colleagues in Agile practices, systems architecture, and advanced development techniques, driving innovation and excellence at every level.
Stellar Work:
Check out www.stellarwork.com for more information about how evolutionary agile transformations work
Make sure to follow us on your podcast player 🔔 as well as on LinkedIn to never miss out on more content: https://www.linkedin.com/company/stellarwork/
Sponsors:
This podcast is 100% sponsored by me :)
If you need help with you agile transformation and opting for an evolutionary approach seems like something you want to check out, click here and lets meet: https://calendly.com/benjamin-igna-dcs_/30min
🤘 Generated Music: https://suno.com/@stellarwork
Chapters
00:00 Introduction to Agile in Law
03:49 The Need for Agile in the Legal Industry
06:34 Challenges in Traditional Legal Practices
09:49 Implementing Agile Methodologies
12:37 Measuring Success in Agile Transformations
15:40 Practical Tips for Immediate Implementation
18:58 Resources and Training Opportunities
37:48 Eduardo and Adriana.mp4

Jan 19, 2025 • 47min
#23 Damian Boeselager - Fixing the EU!
In this episode of the Stellar Work Podcast, Benjamin interviews Damian Boeselager, a member of the European Parliament and co-founder of Volt, a pan-European political party. They discuss the importance of progressive politics in Europe, the challenges posed by right-wing populism, and the need for a unified European approach to economic competitiveness and innovation. Damian emphasizes the role of regulation in fostering innovation, the cultural differences in investment perspectives, and the necessity for political engagement among citizens to shape the future of Europe.Damian BoeselagerDamian Boeselager is best known for his pioneering political career with Volt Europa, a pan-European political movement he co-founded in 2017. Volt was created to address shared European challenges like climate change, digital transformation, and migration with a united, progressive approach. Damian became the face of Volt in Germany and, in 2019, was elected as its first Member of the European Parliament (MEP). This marked a milestone for the young political movement.In the European Parliament, Damian has been a driving force behind initiatives that modernize and unify Europe. He’s actively engaged in shaping policies related to startups, technology, and innovation. Damian champions a digital-friendly Europe, advocating for smoother access to funding for startups and the creation of a fair, competitive tech ecosystem. He supports the development of a “digital euro” and the responsible use of data to drive innovation while safeguarding privacy.Damian is also heavily involved in crafting the EU’s Data Act, which aims to make data-sharing easier across Europe, helping businesses and startups thrive. His passion for startups stems from his belief that a vibrant tech ecosystem can boost Europe’s economy and tackle big societal challenges like the green transition and labor shortages. Through his work, Damian strives to make the EU a global leader in tech and innovation, while ensuring that these advancements benefit all Europeans.https://damianboeselager.org/https://voltdeutschland.org/menschen/damian-boeselagerStellar Work:Check out www.stellarwork.com for more information about how evolutionary agile transformations workMake sure to follow us on your podcast player 🔔 as well as on LinkedIn to never miss out on more content: https://www.linkedin.com/company/stellarwork/Sponsors:This podcast is 100% sponsored by me :)If you need help with you agile transformation and opting for an evolutionary approach seems like something you want to check out, click here and lets meet: https://calendly.com/benjamin-igna-dcs_/30minNote:Stellar Work Podcast hosts and guests may hold assets discussed in this episode. This podcast is not investment advice, and is intended for informational and entertainment purposes only.You should do your own research and make your own independent decisions when considering any financial transactions.🤘 Generated Music: https://suno.com/@stellarwork00:00 Introduction to Volt and Damian's Background04:03 The Rise of Populism and Volt's Response06:27 The Need for European Unity09:06 Economic Competitiveness in Europe11:48 Regulation and Innovation in the EU14:31 Cultural Perspectives on Investment17:11 The Role of the State in Economic Growth20:07 Challenges and Opportunities in European Politics22:49 Future Steps and Political Engagement38:42 Engagement with Diverse Political Views39:10 Damian Boeselager.wav

Jan 6, 2025 • 58min
#18 Luke Hohmann - Software Profit Streams™
In this episode, Benjamin interviews Luke Hohmann, a prominent figure in the Agile product development community and author of 'Software Profit Streams™'. They discuss the critical link between value and profit, emphasizing the importance of understanding profitability within Agile practices. Luke shares insights on how Agile coaches and practitioners can contribute to a company's profitability and the necessity of defining value in order to create sustainable business models. The conversation also touches on the concept of Profit Streams™, the role of cost centers, and the significance of pricing strategies in the software industry.
Luke Hohmann
Luke Hohmann is a four-time author, three-time founder, and SAFe® Fellow known for his expertise in Agile Software Development and creating sustainable business models. As Chief Innovation Officer of Applied Frameworks, he helps companies design sustainably profitable software businesses. His latest book, *Software Profit Streams™*, co-authored with Jason Tanner, shares key strategies for building profitable software solutions. Luke also founded Conteneo, Inc., known for its decision agility platforms, which was later acquired by Scaled Agile, Inc.
https://www.linkedin.com/in/lukehohmann/
https://profit-streams.com/
Stellar Work:
Check out www.stellarwork.com for more information about how evolutionary agile transformations work
Make sure to follow us on your podcast player 🔔 as well as on LinkedIn to never miss out on more content: https://www.linkedin.com/company/stellarwork/
Sponsors:
This podcast is 100% sponsored by me :)
If you need help with you agile transformation and opting for an evolutionary approach seems like something you want to check out, click here and lets meet: https://calendly.com/benjamin-igna-dcs_/30min
Note:
Stellar Work Podcast hosts and guests may hold assets discussed in this episode. This podcast is not investment advice, and is intended for informational and entertainment purposes only.
You should do your own research and make your own independent decisions when considering any financial transactions.
🤘 Generated Music: https://suno.com/@stellarwork
00:00 Introduction to Luke Hohmann
03:29 The Importance of Profit in Agile
05:48 Roles in Agile and Profitability10:40Understanding Value in Agile Practices
15:01 Feature Traps and Customer Feedback
18:38 Profit as a Measure of Success
20:57 Defining Value in Agile
24:34 Cost Centers and Value Creation26:55Introduction to Software Profit Streams
30:55 Target Audience for Software Profit Streams
37:17 Total Cost of Ownership and Pricing
43:18 The Agile Community's Approach to Value
51:22 Conclusion and Future Directions
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