
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

Jun 29, 2025 • 41min
#36 Nicolas Brown - Real World Agility
In this episode of the Stellar Work Podcast, host Benjamin and agility consultant Nick Brown discuss the practical application of agile methodologies in real-world contexts. They explore the importance of understanding organizational dynamics, the significance of context in agile practices, and the challenges faced by agile coaches. Nick shares insights from his experiences, emphasizing the need for effective measurement of success, the role of flow metrics, and the necessity of feedback loops in agile transformations. The conversation also touches on the future of agile coaching and offers advice for aspiring practitioners in the field.Nicolas Brown:Nick is a seasoned agility and product consultant with a career spanning eCommerce, financial services, and professional services. He has led on the adoption of agility at companies like PwC, Nationwide, Royal Mail and ASOS, focusing on ways of working, product thinking, and organisational flow. Currently, he works as a Principal Flow Consultant at Thrivve Partners, helping teams build great digital products in the most effective way(s) possible.Nick is incredibly passionate about agility, product, and data, and builds numerous open-source tools that make life easier for teams using Jira and Azure DevOps.Nicks LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nicolasjmbrown/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://zeeg.me/stellarworkNote: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 Introduction to Real World Agility06:03 Understanding Real World Agility11:02 The Importance of Context in Agility15:56 Measuring Success in Agile Practices20:53 Flow Metrics and Their Impact25:44 Feedback Loops and Product Agility30:45 Navigating Organizational Challenges35:46 Advice for Agile Practitioners39:39 Conclusion and Key Takeaways40:10 Introduction to Stellar Work Podcast40:37 Engagement and Community Building

Jun 15, 2025 • 50min
#35 Andrei Savine on agentifying Consulting and Management
In this episode of the Stellar Work Podcast, Benjamin interviews Andrei Savine, a transformation leader with over 20 years of experience. They discuss the challenges of digital transformations, the importance of data in decision-making, and how AI can enhance management practices. Andrei shares insights on his platform, CapabiliSense, which aims to streamline transformation processes by analyzing organizational documents and providing evidence-based assessments. The conversation also touches on the cultural shifts needed for successful transformations and the future of AI in organizational settings.Andrei SavineWith over two decades of hands-on experience leading transformation at global organizations such as AWS, Decathlon, and Airbus, Andrei is a recognized Transformation Leader known for making change initiatives deliver real results. Throughout his career, he has specialized in designing operating models, steering complex programs, and ensuring that transformation efforts translate into measurable outcomes. Having seen firsthand how recurring challenges can undermine even the most promising initiatives, Andrei is now building CapabiliSense—an AI platform that analyzes an organization’s existing documents to deliver a clear, evidence-based assessment of their readiness for change. Drawing on his extensive experience, Andrei is dedicated to helping organizations sidestep common pitfalls and achieve their most important goals more quickly and effectively.LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/savine/Andrei on Medium: https://medium.com/@andreisavineStellar 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://zeeg.me/stellarworkNote: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 Introduction to Andrei Savin03:34 Understanding Transformations: Beyond Cloud13:23 The Role of Capability Sense in Transformations22:17 AI and Data in Organizational Transformation33:02 Cultural Shifts and Change Management38:28 Real-World Applications and Lessons Learned49:32 Introduction to Stellar Work Podcast50:00 Engagement and Community Building

Jun 2, 2025 • 38min
#34 Christian Piechnick - Building Tech Companies in Europe
In this episode, Christian Pichnick, co-founder and CEO of Wandelbots, discusses the future of robotics and automation, the challenges and opportunities for tech startups in Europe, and the impact of AI on manufacturing. He emphasizes the need for a shift in mindset towards innovation and the importance of having a clear vision for the future. The conversation also touches on the macroeconomic changes affecting the tech ecosystem and strategies for founding successful companies in Europe.Christian PiechnickChristian Piechnick is the CEO and co-founder of Wandelbots, a Dresden-based robotics startup revolutionizing industrial automation through its hardware-agnostic NOVA operating system, launched in 2024 to simplify robot programming using modern IT tools like Python. A former TU Dresden researcher in adaptive software architectures, he pivoted Wandelbots from hardware solutions like the TracePen to a software-first strategy in 2023, prioritizing scalable automation platforms. Under his leadership, the company secured over €113 million in funding from investors including Microsoft, Siemens, and Insight Partners, establishing partnerships with NVIDIA and 3M to integrate AI capabilities. Recognized as Germany’s "Newcomer of the Year" in 2020, Piechnick aims to democratize robotics by enabling non-experts to deploy industrial robots across sectors like manufacturing and food production. His vision positions Wandelbots as a global leader in accessible automation, challenging traditional robotics paradigms while fostering Dresden’s emergence as a tech innovation hub.LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/christian-piechnick/Wandelbots: https://www.wandelbots.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://zeeg.me/stellarworkNote: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 Introduction to Robotics and Wanderbots05:54 Founding a Tech Company in Europe vs. Silicon Valley11:48 AI's Role in Manufacturing and Innovation17:48 Navigating a Fractured Market in Europe24:41 Risk Aversion in European Innovation30:23 Building a Global Relevant Player35:31 Moving Ahead of the Wave in Technology37:36 Podcast Redesign and Feedback37:36 Future Directions and Professionalism

May 18, 2025 • 56min
#33 Holger Heinze - The Drama Free Workplace
In this episode of the Stellar Work Podcast, Benjamin interviews Holger Heinze, a management consultant and author of 'Drama Free Workplace.' They explore how to create a less stressful and more empowering work environment by understanding the drama triangle, the connection between mindset and drama, and practical strategies to avoid drama in the workplace. Holger shares insights on the importance of recognizing triggers, the roles people play in drama situations, and how to shift from a victim mindset to a creator mindset. The conversation also delves into the cultural implications of drama in organizations and the need for systemic changes to foster a healthier workplace culture.Holger HeinzeHolger Heinze is an Executive Coach, Consultant, and Certified 3VQ® Trainer, specializing in leadership development, cultural transformation, and organizational resilience. He is Managing Partner at O’Donovan Consulting AG, where he supports mid-sized organizations in driving customer-centric change and building high-trust, drama-free workplace cultures.With a background in digital innovation and entrepreneurship, Holger brings over two decades of experience in guiding leaders, teams, and HR professionals through complex transformations. He is the author of the German book Dramafreie Arbeitswelt ("Drama-Free Workplace") and a trusted coach to executives navigating change with clarity, courage, and focus.LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/holgerheinze/Book: https://dramafreiearbeitswelt.de/Consulting: https://www.odonovan.de/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 Introduction to Holger Heinze and His Work09:30 Understanding Mindset and Change19:27 The Drama Triangle in Workplace Dynamics29:21 Navigating Stress and Decision-Making31:51 Mindset and Culture in Drama Dynamics37:09 Intervening in Drama: Strategies and Techniques39:25 Victimhood vs. Empowerment in Life Choices45:39 Roles in the Empowerment Dynamic50:20 Changing Organizational Culture and Structures55:50 Introduction to Consultancy and AI Insights

May 4, 2025 • 19min
#32 Solo - 1 Year Stellar Work Podcast
In this solo episode, Benjamin reflects on the past year of the Stellar Work podcast, discussing key insights and lessons learned about organizational transformation. He emphasizes the importance of leadership commitment, effective strategies, and understanding organizational dynamics to drive successful change. Benjamin also shares his journey of podcasting, highlighting the learning experiences and connections made along the way.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 Reflecting on a Year of Transformation05:10 Key Success Factors in Organizational Transformation10:30 Understanding Organizational Dynamics15:42 Strategies for Effective Transformation18:27 The Journey of Podcasting and Learning

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