
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

Sep 2, 2024 • 45min
#11 Ivett Ördog - Lean Poker
In this episode, Ivett shared her journey of bringing continuous deployment practices to engineering teams and how she developed Lean Poker as a workshop to practice CD. Lean Poker is a game where participants develop poker-playing bots and deploy them continuously to compete against each other. Ivett emphasized the importance of immediate feedback and the mindset of continuous learning in software development. She also discussed the challenges of implementing continuous deployment in organizations and the need for proper testing, monitoring, and release processes. Ivett highlighted that Lean Poker can be applied in various agile frameworks and that continuous delivery principles can be extended beyond software to other fields.
Ivett Ördög:
Ivett Ördög is a seasoned software developer and engineering manager based in Germany, known for her contributions to the tech community as a public speaker and educator. She has over 15 years of experience in software development and leadership. Ivett is the creator of Lean Poker, a gamified DevOps training tool designed to teach developers about agile, lean, and continuous deployment practices. She also manages a YouTube channel called NextIncrement, where she provides practical advice and shares real-life stories to help aspiring engineering leaders grow their skills and confidence.
Ivett Ördög on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ivett-%C3%B6rd%C3%B6g-03aa9035/
Lean Poker Lean Poker is a fast-paced, hands-on workshop that super charges software teams by exposing growth opportunities and breaking myths about what effective software development looks like.
Ivett Ördög on Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@NextIncrement
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 mainly 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

Aug 19, 2024 • 1h 14min
#10 David Anderson - The Future is Kanban
In this conversation, Benjamin and David Anderson discuss the evolution of agile and the principles of Kanban. David shares his background and how he got involved in the Agile movement. He explains that Kanban is an evolutionary approach to achieving agility, focusing on operational and management practices. He emphasizes the importance of starting with the basics and evolving from there, rather than implementing prescriptive frameworks. David also discusses the challenges of scaling agile practices in organizations and the need for an explicit approach to dealing with resistance.
David Anderson:
Anderson studied electronics and computer science at the University of Strathclyde and worked in the IT field at companies including Motorola, Microsoft, and Corbis in the Seattle metropolitan area. In 2005, he established the use of Kanban in software development, and five years later, he published the first book on Kanban. Anderson is an influential author, with notable works including “Kanban: Successful Evolutionary Change for Your Technology Business.” As a consultant and trainer, he founded David J. Anderson & Associates and the Kanban University, offering expert guidance on implementing agile practices. Through his thought leadership and community contributions, Anderson has significantly shaped the modern understanding and application of agile and lean management principles.
David J Anderson School of Management (djaa.com) With the code STELLAR - David is giving you 20% off all classes until the 8th of September 🤑
Kanban+ — All Kanban knowledge in one place David has created a special coupon code which can be applied to the platform between the 19th August and the 8th September. Use the code STELLAR to get two weeks free trial of the BWK+. Here is how you apply the code (Link)
LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/agilemanagement/
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 mainly 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

Aug 5, 2024 • 45min
#9 Mike Lyons - Fixing the Scrum Master Crisis
In this conversation, Benjamin and Mike discuss the current state of the agile community, particularly the layoffs and job market for Scrum Masters and Agile Coaches. They emphasize the importance of understanding project management and how it relates to agile ways of working. Mike suggests that Scrum Masters should focus on showing value by increasing top-line revenue and decreasing bottom-line costs. They also discuss the need for context-specific approaches to agile, depending on the size and industry of the organization.
Mike Lyons:
With three decades of hands-on experience, Mike completed 16 agile certifications, and having trained thousands and garnered over 10,000 followers and earned recognition as a top voice in the Agile Community by LinkedIn. His journey has taken him through diverse landscapes, from startups and nonprofits to global corporations and government agencies.
Mikes Training Institute https://www.kairise.com/
Agile Foundations Course (🤑use the promo code: stellarworkpodcast to get 30% off your course price) https://www.kairise.com/courses/agile-foundations
LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/cyberlyons/
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:
Making a podcast ain't cheap, so this could be you 🫵
This podcast currently doesn't have a sponsor. But it would be really cool to get the hosting costs somewhat covered😇
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

Jul 22, 2024 • 59min
#8 Sophie Seiwald Hojer & Matthias Patzak - All Hands on Tech
The conversation Sophie, Matthias and Benjamin discuss the the need for a pragmatic approach to evolve, and the importance of understanding the specific pain points in an organization. They also discuss the role of methodologies and frameworks in driving change and the need to focus on value creation rather than just process execution. They highlight the importance of understanding the purpose behind rituals and meetings and the need to adapt them to the organization's context.
The conversation explores the concepts of agile software development, domain-driven design, and Wardley mapping. It emphasizes the importance of understanding the why behind these methodologies and tailoring them to the specific context of an organization. Overall, the conversation encourages a thoughtful and iterative approach to software development.
Guest:
Sophie Seiwald-Højer
For 17 years, Sophie has been immersed in the world of technology at Mercedes-Benz. Throughout her career, she has accumulated a wealth of experience and insights, encountering the inevitable ‘wear and tear’ that comes with long-term dedication to the tech industry. Over the past decade, Sophie has played a pivotal role in transforming her teams from a project-led to a product-led approach. This journey has been filled with challenges, from emotional outbursts and unmet expectations to rebellious teams, downtimes, and major process and design failures. Despite these hurdles, Sophie finds immense value in these experiences and loves to share her insights with others, affirming that the journey is indeed worth it.
Mathias Patzak
Mathias’s passion for technology is evident from his early achievements. In 2002, he built his first continuous integration pipeline for 120 engineers at a German automotive company. By 2004, he had pioneered the first multi-scrum team as an engineering manager, gaining hands-on experience with extreme programming techniques. His career trajectory led him to become the CTO of AutoScout24, a leading European classified portal for cars, where he introduced lean-agile practices at scale. Since joining Amazon Web Services in 2020 as an Enterprise Strategist, Mathias meets with leaders of the world’s largest companies to help modernize their business and IT from a people, process, and technology perspective. His extensive experience and strategic insights make him a valuable asset in the tech industry.
Homepage https://www.all-hands-on.tech/
Newsletter https://allhandsontech.beehiiv.com/subscribe
LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/sophieseiwald/
LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/matthias-patzak/
Stellar Work:
Check out www.stellarwork.com for more information about how 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:
😅 Well, making a podcast ain't cheap, so this could be you.
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

Jul 8, 2024 • 40min
#7 Alex Smith - Strategy
In this conversation, Benjamin interviews strategy expert Alex Smith. They discuss the concept of strategy and its importance in business. Alex emphasizes the need for businesses to focus on delivering unique value rather than competing for market share. They also touch on the strategic approaches of companies like Apple and Tesla. Alex provides insights into his book and shares resources for further learning.
Guest:
Alex is an award winning strategist known for his work with his company, Basic Arts where he aims to make companies without competitors. Alex is a responsible for the direction of some of the most exciting and fastest growing new brands of the past decade. He is founder of Basic Arts, and writer of newsletter "The Hidden Path", which teaches strategic thinking to founders.
Homepage https://basicarts.org/
LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/alex-m-h-smith/
Newsletter the Hidden Path https://basicarts.org/newsletter/
Alex Book https://basicarts.org/book/
Stellar Work:
Check out www.stellarwork.com for more information about how 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:
😅 Well, making a podcast ain't cheap, so this could be you.
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

Jul 1, 2024 • 49min
#6 Jose Casal - Kanban and future of Agile
Jose Casal, an expert in Kanban and Agile methodologies, shares insights on the evolving future of agility and the challenges it faces. He discusses the balance between certifications and genuine expertise, cautioning against overreliance on AI tools that could stifle creativity. The conversation emphasizes understanding each organization's unique context rather than copying successful models like Spotify. Finally, they explore the psychological aspects of stress in crises and how cultivating a positive organizational culture can support knowledge workers.

Jun 24, 2024 • 39min
#5 Joe Justice - Operating like a Musk Company
In a captivating conversation with Joe Justice, founder of WIKISPEED and an agile management expert, the discussion pivots around the power of a clear, long-term goal in driving innovation. Joe shares insights on how the Justice Board can identify bottlenecks and enhance KPIs. He delves into the significance of modularity in design and the role of collaborative teams in fostering creativity. Additionally, they explore the thrilling potential of the electric vehicle market and how agility can transform traditional corporate structures.

Jun 17, 2024 • 54min
#4 Sonya Siderova - Flow Kanban Dashboards (getNave)
Benjamin Igna and Sonya Siderova, the founder and CEO of NAVE, discuss the importance of data-driven decision making in improving workflows and delivering better products faster. She emphasizes the need for solutions tailored to each team's specific problems, rather than blindly following processes. Sonja explains how NAVE's Kanban Analytics suite helps teams optimize their processes and make reliable decisions based on objective flow metrics. They also highlight the value of maintaining stability in the system and the mindset shift required to prioritize finishing work over starting new work.
Sponsors:
😅 Well, making a podcast ain't cheap, so this could be you.
Guest:
Sonya is a passionate business owner and accomplished Product Manager. As a Kanban Champion, She holds a track record of improving process efficiency, team productivity and customer value. She has helped cutting-edge businesses by significantly reducing development costs, increasing team performance and transforming business operations to meet high-value commercial objectives.She founded and established Nave, a Kanban analytical suite that helps managers improve their working practices, make reliable delivery commitments and enable supportive organizational culture.To learn more about the reliable approaches and making delivery predictions, download her complete guide to forecasting → https://bit.ly/3frMlQ5
Homepage https://getnave.com/
LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/siderova/
GetNave Blog https://getnave.com/blog/
Sustainable Predictability: https://getnave.com/sneak-peek?utm_source=converflow&utm_medium=popup&utm_campaign=sneak-peek
Stellar Work:
Check out www.stellarwork.com for more information about how 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/
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.
Music from #Uppbeat (free for Creators!):
https://uppbeat.io/t/danijel-zambo/stardust
License code: CLKPBWKNRAIUI6KK

Jun 10, 2024 • 59min
#3 Peter Stevens - Working like Tesla with AI
Peter Stevens, an Executive, coach, and author, shares insights on Tesla's innovative strategies and agile methodologies. He delves into the challenges traditional manufacturers face when adapting to rapid innovation. The conversation highlights the principles of Extreme Manufacturing and the importance of dynamic team structures for success in hardware development. Additionally, Stevens discusses the significance of personal agility and how legacy companies can embrace change to thrive in a competitive market.

Jun 3, 2024 • 51min
#2 Chris Jones - Product Operating Model
Chris Jones, partner at Silicon Valley Product Group, discusses the concept of a product operating model and how it helps companies align with modern product practices. He explains that being product-driven or product-led is more than just a power structure within the company, and it involves principles, competencies, and roles beyond product management. Chris highlights the importance of empowering teams to solve problems rather than just building features, and the need for a coherent product strategy. He also shares an example of Trainline, a company that successfully transitioned to a product-centered organization. In this conversation, Chris Jones and Benjamin discuss the importance of leadership buy-in and top-down commitment in driving organizational transformation towards a product-centered approach.
Sponsors
😅 Well, making a podcast aint cheap, so this could be you.
Links
Follow linkedin.com/in/chrisjonessvpg for more information on the product operating model.
Also make sure to check out the Silicon Valley Product Group for more insights and valuable knowledge around Product Management www.svpg.com
More Stellar Work
Check out www.stellarwork.com
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/
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.
Music from #Uppbeat (free for Creators!):
https://uppbeat.io/t/danijel-zambo/stardust
License code: CLKPBWKNRAIUI6KK
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