The Agile CEO

In this episode of Season 2 of The Agile CEO, JJ Sutherland sits down with George Champlin-Scharff, Senior Business Agility & Operating Model Consultant at Scrum Inc., to explore how AI, Agile, and Lean intersect to redefine how organizations think, operate, and compete.With over 25 years of experience revolutionizing team productivity through technology and process innovation, George has seen firsthand how agility, automation, and intelligence can unlock scale. From his early days at IBM’s Watson AI organization—where he helped grow a small research team into a global workforce—to his leadership roles in product and customer success at Zenhub, George brings a deeply cross-functional perspective on what it takes to lead through transformation.He and JJ unpack why many companies still struggle to turn AI into results, how Lean thinking removes friction, and why Agile remains the operating system that makes innovation sustainable. Together, they reveal how combining these three disciplines—AI, Agile, and Lean—creates organizations that learn faster, deliver smarter, and adapt at the speed of change.George also shares his daily AI tech stack, offering a behind-the-scenes look at how he integrates automation into his workflow to amplify impact and save time: • Wispr Flow – Voice-first dictation and automation • Granola – Meeting notepad for transcription, summaries, and action items • ChatGPT – Everyday general-purpose AI for search and brainstorming • Pro Claude – Deeper reasoning and human-like writing • Pro Gemini – Google’s large-context model for integrated workflows • NotebookLM – Google’s research assistant for synthesis and insight • ClaudeCode – Rapid AI prototyping and coding • Notion AI – Drafting, summarizing, and organizing directly in documents • MCP Servers – Connects Claude to Google Apps, Drive, and Jira for automated task breakdownsIf you’re a leader navigating digital transformation, organizational inertia, or the pressure to “do something with AI,” this episode offers a practical roadmap for aligning technology, process, and people to unlock lasting advantage.Schedule a free consultation with Scrum Inc. and mention The Agile CEO. Don’t forget to subscribe, watch, and listen on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and more.🖥️ | Learn more: ⁠⁠https://www.scruminc.com/⁠⁠📆 | Schedule Free Consultation: ⁠⁠https://www.scruminc.com/consulting/⁠⁠

In this episode of The Agile CEO, host JJ Sutherland, CEO of Scrum Inc., sits down with Cameron Kunzelman, Professor of Game Studies at Mercer University, to explore what game theory, simulation, and behavioral design can teach us about leading complex organizations. Through the lens of video games and systems thinking, Cameron and JJ unpack how rules, incentives, and feedback loops shape behavior—not just in games, but in every workplace and team.From complex adaptive systems to organizational psychology, Cameron draws on examples from game design and cultural theory to reveal how every system—corporate or creative—reflects the values and assumptions of the people who build it. Together, they discuss how leaders can intentionally design better “rule sets” that drive alignment, creativity, and accountability, while avoiding the traps of over-gamification and rigid bureaucracy.For executives, agilists, and innovators alike, this conversation offers a new way to think about operating models and leadership: as systems in motion. Whether you’re designing incentives for your teams or rethinking your organization’s structure, this episode challenges you to embrace uncertainty, experiment with rules, and build systems that can adapt and thrive in the face of change.Resources and Mentions:Cameron Kunzelman Website: https://ckunzelman.com/Cameron Kunzelman on Blue Sky: https://bsky.app/profile/ckunzelman.bsky.socialThe World is Born From Zero: Understanding Speculation in Video Games: https://www.amazon.com/World-Born-Zero-Understanding-Speculation/dp/3110718324Ranged Touch: https://rangedtouch.com/Game Studies Study Buddies Podcast: https://rangedtouch.com/game-studies-study-buddies/Bruno Latour, French Theorist and Philosopher: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bruno_LatourAramis, or the Love of Technology: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Aramis,_or_the_Love_of_TechnologyWolfram System Modeler: https://www.wolfram.com/system-modeler/Philosophical Chemistry: Genealogy of a Scientific Field: https://www.amazon.com/Philosophical-Chemistry-Genealogy-Scientific-Field/dp/1474286402🖥️ | Learn more: https://www.scruminc.com/📆 | Schedule a Free Consultation: https://www.scruminc.com/consulting/🎧 | Subscribe and listen to The Agile CEO on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and more.

Join General Sir Gwyn Jenkins, First Sea Lord of the Royal Navy and a former Commandant of the Royal Marines, as he discusses transforming traditional naval operations through agility. He reveals the power of Scrum in breaking down bureaucratic walls, enhancing team morale, and fostering multidisciplinary collaboration. Jenkins highlights time as the ultimate risk for leaders and frames agility as a vital warfighting capability. His candid insights offer a roadmap for any leader struggling with inertia and seeking to inspire change.

Matthew Jacobs, Chief Product Owner of Consulting at Scrum Inc., dives into the complexities of operating models and how they often fail in today’s fast-paced world. He emphasizes the need for simplicity and speed in organizational structures. Jacobs suggests aligning leadership with delivery teams to combat systemic blockers and advocates for treating transformations as Agile projects. He warns leaders to stay involved in designing their operating engines, while also balancing centralization and decentralization for optimal learning and innovation.

In a riveting conversation, Daniel P. Driscoll, the youngest Secretary of the Army, shares insights from his ambitious initiative to modernize the military. He discusses the urgency for transformation in response to evolving warfare and technology. Driscoll highlights how Agile principles dismantle outdated structures, advocating for fast, feedback-driven teams. He details challenges in reallocating funds and overcoming entrenched incentives that hinder change. With a focus on agile leadership and immediate actions for soldiers, this discussion offers a fascinating look at reforming a colossal institution.

Reflecting on Agile’s evolving significance, listeners are taken on a journey from crisis journalism to military logistics. The transformation of journalism during the Arab Spring exemplifies the power of collaboration and adaptability. Insights on fostering a culture of continuous improvement resonate deeply, especially the importance of starting small and focusing on outcomes. As leaders face complex challenges, the integration of Agile principles and AI emerges as a timely consideration for driving positive change. Exciting possibilities pave the way for the future ahead.

Dr. David Levine from Ariadne Labs discusses how Agile methodologies are revolutionizing healthcare, particularly through the Home Hospital model. He shares insights on improving collaboration among diverse healthcare organizations, achieving a 20% speed increase in processes. Challenges of implementing these methods in a regulated field are explored, alongside the development of knowledge products to help hospitals replicate success. The conversation emphasizes the transformative power of Agile, offering practical insights for leaders in high-stakes industries.

In this episode, JJ sits down with Darrell Rigby, partner at Bain & Company and author of Doing Agile Right, to explore why Agile is about driving real results, not just adhering to methods. Darrell reveals some of the deadly misperceptions surrounding Agile—where leaders often go wrong by turning it into a bureaucratic process or focusing too much on the framework rather than the outcomes. They dive deep into the common pitfalls organizations face when adopting Agile and how to avoid these traps by keeping the focus on innovation, adaptability, and delivering measurable business results. Darrell explains how Agile, when done right, empowers companies to move faster, break down silos, and foster a culture of continuous improvement. This episode is a must-listen for leaders seeking to get Agile right and avoid the missteps that can derail even the best intentions. If you're ready to lead with purpose and unlock the true potential of Agile, Scrum Inc. can help guide the way.

Welcome to The Agile CEO, hosted by JJ Sutherland, CEO of Scrum Inc. In this episode, JJ is joined by Ganesh Jayaram, Chief Digital and Information Officer at American Airlines and former executive at John Deere, to reveal how bold, calculated risks are the key to driving real business transformation. Featured in the 10th Anniversary edition of Scrum: The Art of Doing Twice the Work in Half the Time, Ganesh shares the inside story of leading Agile transformations that took both organizations to new heights—modernizing legacy systems, improving efficiency, and delivering tangible results. They dive deep into why now is the time to embrace risk, leverage Agile at scale, and propel your organization ahead of the competition. Ganesh unveils key metrics like "time to understanding, decision, and execution" that empower leaders to make faster, smarter decisions and pivot effectively in high-stakes environments. This episode is a must-listen for any leader looking to ignite innovation, build resilience, and take their organization to the next level. If you're ready to make bold moves and transform your business, Scrum Inc. can help you take that first step.

Welcome to The Agile CEO, hosted by JJ Sutherland, CEO of Scrum Inc. In this episode, JJ sits down with Brad Freitag, CEO of Claris, an Apple company, to discuss what it truly means to 'Lead with Conviction.'Featured in the 10th anniversary edition of Scrum: The Art of Doing Twice the Work in Half the Time, Brad shares Claris' transformational journey from a traditional waterfall organization to embracing Agile and Scrum@Scale to accelerate innovation and growth. Together, they delve into the challenges of scaling Agile in a global company, building a culture of transparency, and empowering teams to turn resistance into momentum.Tune in to discover Brad’s leadership insights on creating an ecosystem that supports rapid feedback and continuous learning, and learn how conviction can guide your organization through transformational change.