

Stellar Work
Benjamin Igna
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/
www.stellarwork.com
Benjamin Igna 👉 https://www.linkedin.com/in/benjamin-igna/
Episodes
Mentioned books

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 PflägingNiels 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/8607856RedForty2:https://www.redforty2.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 Niels Pflaeging and His Work03:08 The Challenges of Management Tools05:48 Understanding Complexity in Organizations08:37 The Role of Consultants in Organizational Change11:05 The Limitations of Frameworks and Blueprints13:37 The Importance of Conversations in Problem Solving16:17 Navigating Organizational Transformation18:47 Open Source Approaches to Change Management21:14 Implementing Time-Boxed Change23:37 Conclusion and Future Directions27:17 Organizational Suffering and Transformation32:21 The Challenge of Transformation in Large Corporations35:46 Learning from Successful Organizations44:35 The Importance of Understanding Principles Over Practices51:33 The Future of Automation and Manufacturing54:50 Transformational Strategies for New Technologies55:14 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 Salibahttps://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=brEduardo 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 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_/30min🤘 Generated Music: https://suno.com/@stellarworkChapters00:00 Introduction to Agile in Law03:49 The Need for Agile in the Legal Industry06:34 Challenges in Traditional Legal Practices09:49 Implementing Agile Methodologies12:37 Measuring Success in Agile Transformations15:40 Practical Tips for Immediate Implementation18:58 Resources and Training Opportunities37:48 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 HohmannLuke 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 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 Luke Hohmann03:29 The Importance of Profit in Agile05:48 Roles in Agile and Profitability10:40Understanding Value in Agile Practices15:01 Feature Traps and Customer Feedback18:38 Profit as a Measure of Success20:57 Defining Value in Agile24:34 Cost Centers and Value Creation26:55Introduction to Software Profit Streams30:55 Target Audience for Software Profit Streams37:17 Total Cost of Ownership and Pricing43:18 The Agile Community's Approach to Value51:22 Conclusion and Future Directions

Dec 23, 2024 • 55min
#22 Santa and Rudolph at the Kata Conference
In this lively discussion, Joe Justice, an Agile expert from Team Wikispeed, and Tilo Schwarz, a Lean management pro from Festool, dive into the evolving world of work. They explore how AI impacts decision-making and the balance between autonomy and direction. The guests highlight the importance of visualization for collaboration and creativity, especially in the automotive industry. They also touch upon the engineering challenges in the EV landscape and the cultural shifts needed for continuous improvement and innovation.

Dec 9, 2024 • 44min
#17 Jurgen Appelo - The Unfix Model
Jurgen Appelo, an agile management expert and author, shares his insights on the Unfix model for organizational design. He emphasizes the shift from rigid frameworks to flexible pattern libraries, allowing for innovation and adaptability. Appelo discusses the 'swarming' method for team dynamics and the impact of AI on job roles in software development. His experiences showcase how tailored practices can improve team effectiveness and employee satisfaction while fostering creativity in agile management practices.

Nov 25, 2024 • 42min
#16 Marc Sniukas - The better Strategy OS
In this episode of the Stellar Work Podcast, Benjamin interviews strategy advisor Marc Sniukas, who shares insights on modern strategic planning and the Better Strategy OS framework. They discuss the challenges of traditional strategy, the importance of defining strategy in terms of challenges and ambitions, and the need for a structured approach to strategy that includes testing options and stakeholder value. Marc also provides a case study on Netflix's strategic evolution and offers advice for those new to the field of strategy.Marc Sniukas:Marc Sniukas is a leading strategy advisor helping CEOs and business owners design and execute winning strategies in a smart and fresh way so that they lead with clarity and confidence and achieve profitable results, even in times of uncertainty and turbulence.Over the past 20+ years, Marc has equipped CEOs, senior leaders, and executive teams of companies such as Accenture, ArcelorMittal, BMW, DeBeers, HP, HSBC, Lufthansa, McDonald’s, RTL, and ZF to create strategies that double their revenue and profits, drive innovation that sets them apart from their competition, and create lasting transformation and increased performance. Today, he helps CEOs and business owners of medium-sized businesses create a refreshingly simple approach to strategy that leads to powerful results even during a recessionary climate. Fast, without months of analysis and planning, and taking too much time and resources away from daily business. And without the pains of the traditional, old-school approaches.All by using his unique, proven approach, which he has developed and fine-tuned over the years: The Better Strategy OS.Download your free ebook at www.makebetterstrategy.comwww.sniukas.comhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/sniukas/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/@stellarwork

Nov 11, 2024 • 52min
#19 Klaus Leopold - Flight Levels Case Study
Klaus Leopold, a leading expert in Kanban and Agile methodologies, unveils the Flight Levels model, designed to enhance organizational agility. He discusses the three key levels: operational, coordination, and strategy, emphasizing visualization and focus. The conversation delves into practical strategies for implementation, engaging stakeholders, and measuring success through metrics. Klaus advocates for flexibility in agile practices, highlighting how customizable approaches can address complex challenges, ultimately encouraging deeper connections within teams.

Nov 5, 2024 • 55min
#21 Martin Wanitschke - Wandelbots NOVA
In this conversation, Martin Wanitschke discusses his role at Wandelbots and the company's mission to democratize robotics. He explains the evolution of robot programming, the introduction of the TracePen, and the challenges faced in product development. The discussion highlights the shift towards a software-focused approach with the upcoming launch of Wandelbots Nova, a hardware-agnostic operating system for robots that aims to make robotics accessible to a wider audience. In this conversation, Martin Wanitschke discusses the innovative programming methods for robotics, the transformation of company structure at Vandalbots, and the integration of simulation technologies in automation. He emphasizes the empowerment of software developers in the robotics field, the potential for remote programming, and the emergence of new business models. The conversation also touches on the restructuring of the company, financial outlook, and expectations following the upcoming product launch.Martin Wanitschke & WandelbotsAt Wandelbots, we believe robots can do more than just one job. Just like how our world is always changing, we think robots should be able to adapt and change with us. We don't want only the experts to have all the fun; we want everyone to experience the magic of automation.Wandelbots NOVA guides businesses through planning, building, and scaling automation. With familiar tools and integration of software and hardware, NOVA ensures consistent performance with minimal disruptions.Our name combines the German word 'Wandel' (meaning change) with 'Bot', showing our love for our roots and our passion for modern tech. In simple words, we're here to shake things up, make robots more accessible, and let everyone be a part of this exciting journey. Website: https://www.wandelbots.com/Beta Access: https://www.wandelbots.com/developers-betaMeet Wandelbots at SPS: https://www.wandelbots.com/spsMartin Wanitschke: https://www.linkedin.com/in/martinwanitschke/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/@stellarwork

Nov 4, 2024 • 51min
#20 Steffen Stammel - Dynamic Shared Ownership at Bayer
Disclaimer: The views and opinions shared by Steffen are based on his personal reflections and experiences. He is not representing the company's stance or policies.In this episode of the Stellar Work Podcast, Benjamin interviews Steffen Stammel, Global IT Strategy Director at Bayer, who shares his personal reflections on the company’s ongoing transformation amidst various challenges. They explore the impact of leadership changes, the introduction of a dynamic shared ownership model, and the importance of employee well-being during this transition. Steffen offers insights into the strategies being implemented to foster innovation and agility within the organization, while also addressing the need for a cultural shift to support these changes. He emphasizes that these views are based on his own experiences and do not represent Bayer’s official stance or policies. The conversation concludes with reflections on personal well-being and the future outlook for Bayer.Steffen Stammel Steffen Stammel is the Global IT Strategy Director at Bayer, focusing on driving digital transformation across the organization. He defines digital transformation as the rapid adoption of change aimed at accelerating growth, a principle that applies not only to Bayer’s organizational structure but also to its projects and initiatives. With a proactive approach, Steffen aims to shape the future rather than merely react to changing circumstances. His work spans transformation, product management, AI strategy, and health, performance, and longevity initiatives. On the Stellar Work Podcast, he highlighted Bayer’s dynamic shared ownership model, which empowers employees and reduces bureaucracy, all while ensuring that innovation and employee well-being are central to the company’s ongoing transformation.LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/steffen-stammel/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 measurable and 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/@stellarworkTimestamps:00:00Introduction and Personal Updates02:27Bayer's Transformation Journey10:06Leadership Changes and New Approaches13:33Dynamic Shared Ownership Model20:19Navigating Change and Employee Well-being28:53Future Vision and Organizational Structure44:48Steffen Stammel.wav


