The Agile landscape has evolved dramatically in recent years, with demand for traditional roles decreasing while expectations for value delivery increase. How can Agile practitioners adapt and thrive in this changing environment?Jessica Soroky, Senior Director of Program Management and Product Operations at Pendo, shares her fascinating journey transforming a team of Scrum Masters into Program Managers. This strategic shift expanded their focus from the software development lifecycle to the entire product development lifecycle – from initial ideation through customer validation to post-launch activities.What makes this conversation particularly valuable is Jessica's candid assessment of the current state of Agile. While rejecting claims that "Agile is dead," she acknowledges significant market changes where once-plentiful positions have become scarce and increasingly specialized. Her insights on domain knowledge requirements reveal a troubling trend: companies demanding hyper-specific industry experience rather than valuing diverse perspectives that could drive innovation.The most powerful takeaway comes from Jessica's practical experience leading organizational change. By redistributing responsibilities (engineering managers taking over standups, product managers owning sprint planning) while preserving the core facilitation expertise of Agile professionals, her team accomplished something remarkable – they shifted conversations from outputs to outcomes. Rather than celebrating completed sprints, they began focusing on delivering actual customer value.For Agile practitioners wondering about their career trajectory, this episode provides a compelling roadmap. The skills that make great Scrum Masters – facilitation, process improvement, and human-centered problem-solving – create countless opportunities when applied more broadly. Former team members have progressed into product management, operations roles, and chief of staff positions they might never have discovered otherwise.Ready to expand your perspective on what Agile can be? Listen now and discover how broadening your focus might reveal unexpected career opportunities and deliver greater value to your organization.Connect with Jessica on LinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/in/jessicasoroky/Support the showFollow us on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-agile-within

What happens when a traditional salesperson collides with Agile principles? Seth Carpian, Chief Growth Officer at Tricon InfoTech, takes us on his transformative journey from being the sales executive who promised anything to land a deal to becoming a trusted advisor who understands the realities of software development.The turning point came when a delivery colleague essentially told Seth to stop overpromising to customers. Rather than getting defensive, Seth embraced the opportunity to learn, spending years understanding lean product journey mapping and Agile principles. This knowledge transformed his approach to sales, allowing him to have more intelligent conversations with CTOs and CIOs that built genuine trust rather than just securing short-term wins.Seth shares powerful insights from his unique perspective of having worked in both sales and product leadership roles. The conversation tackles the thorny issue of technical debt head-on, with Seth explaining how "bubble gum and popsicle stick" solutions might temporarily satisfy a customer but ultimately breaks in multiple places when touched.For sales professionals looking to adopt an Agile mindset, Seth references Patrick Lencioni's concept of the "ideal team player" who is hungry, humble, and smart. While hunger and emotional intelligence are common in successful salespeople, humility—the willingness to acknowledge what you don't know—is often the missing ingredient that prevents true Agile adoption.Whether you're in sales, product development, or leadership, this episode offers crucial insights into creating healthier relationships between business development and delivery teams, ultimately leading to better outcomes for customers and more sustainable success for organizations.Connect with Seth on LinkedIn:linkedin.com/in/sethcarpienSupport the showFollow us on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-agile-within

As a Scrum Master do you feel trapped in an endless cycle of fixing the same team problems? It just might be time to evolve your approach.In this thought-provoking episode, Parjin Manguri shares her vision for "Scrum Master 2.0" - the evolution from team facilitator to systemic change agent. Drawing from her experiences across multiple organizations, Parjin explains why many team-level challenges are actually symptoms of deeper organizational issues that require a broader perspective to address.We explore the delicate balance between focusing on immediate team needs while influencing system-level change. Parjin shares powerful examples of using data visualization to help leadership see the impact of their decisions, like the case of a team whose throughput skyrocketed when allowed to focus on a single sprint goal without interruption.The conversation dives into practical tools and techniques for expanding your influence, including creating communities of practice with other Scrum Masters, mapping organizational decision points, and employing delegation poker to clarify autonomy levels. We also discuss strategies for facilitating productive conversations between teams and leadership that break down hierarchical barriers and create psychological safety.Whether you're a Scrum Master feeling limited by your current role or a leader wondering how to unlock the full potential of your Agile coaches, this episode offers concrete strategies for addressing root causes rather than endlessly treating symptoms. Listen now to discover how you can become a more effective agent of meaningful organizational change.Connect with Parjin on LinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/in/parjin-manguri-3185a6148/Support the showFollow us on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-agile-within

Have you ever felt like you're constantly over-correcting?Maybe one day you're doing too much for your team, becoming the bottleneck rather than the enabler. The next, you swing too far toward directing rather than guiding. I visualize this struggle as an old-fashioned gold scale—add a little too much weight to either side, and the whole thing crashes to the ground.Through years of inspecting and adapting, I've developed five practical steps that have transformed my approach to leadership and life. These aren't theoretical concepts but battle-tested practices: learning to listen between the lines, asking questions that create safety rather than defensiveness, gathering feedback from multiple angles, embracing the experimental mindset, and maintaining momentum through continuous improvement.The most powerful transformation came when I began using the phrase "I'm asking, not telling" during team discussions. This simple clarification created a ripple effect, changing not just how my team received my questions but how they communicated with each other. Similarly, framing decisions as experiments removed the paralyzing pressure of perfectionism, allowing us all to embrace the mantra "sometimes you win, sometimes you LEARN."Ready to find your own balance? Join me in this episode where vulnerability meets practical wisdom. You can find The Agile Within on your favorite podcast app. Links to listen to this episode will also be added to the comments.Connect with Mark on LinkedIn:linkedin.com/in/markmetzeListen to Tesla's song "Gettin' Better":https://youtu.be/uee-aYUA0u4Support the showFollow us on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-agile-within

Step into a game-changing perspective on career development in the latest episode! Join me as I dive deep into the philosophy of creating your own opportunities through relentless effort and strategic thinking. Just like a basketball team that employs a full-court press to dominate the game, we can apply this relentless approach to our careers to break free from stagnation. Using my own defining career moments, I share how a proactive mindset can reshuffle the landscape of your professional journey. From making the leap from desktop to web development in a rapidly changing industry to passionately stepping into managerial leadership, my experiences reveal valuable insights for anyone feeling trapped in their role. Learn how to motivate yourself to take initiative and embrace change with confidence! Each story is designed to inspire you to dictate the pace of your career rather than letting others control it. Moreover, discover how weaving together personal values and professional strategies can create impactful leadership transformations.Curious about how to apply these ideas in your own career? Tune in for practical advice and inspiring stories that encourage you to think and act differently! Don't wait for life to give you the perfect opportunity – instead, apply the pressure and make it happen. Subscribe now and let’s take control of our career journeys together!Connect with Mark on LinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/in/markmetze/Watch to create a mental image of your own full court press:https://youtu.be/w6FTd7SQq_o?si=9NwP7ok_x93qEMWQSupport the showFollow us on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-agile-within

Vadim Arefiev, a senior Agile coach and founder of the Success Charge Academy, shares his inspiring transition from a full-stack Java developer to a human-centric coach. With insights from a pivotal encounter with Agile legends Gene Gendel and Jeff Sutherland, Vadim discusses the profound fulfillment found in helping others unlock their potential. Through personal stories and experiences, Vadim highlights the importance of resilience and the power of personal narratives in overcoming adversity.Discover the art of building trust and enabling change within teams, as we draw parallels between sports coaching and software development. Vadim explains the "flip it" technique that transformed a resistant team member into a collaborator and the value of servant leadership in recognizing individual strengths and aspirations. This episode also introduces the concept of positive intelligence, offering strategies like square breathing and gratitude routines to reshape thought patterns and foster resilience. Vadim's expertise provides a roadmap for maintaining a positive attitude amidst rapid technological changes, emphasizing the authentic empowerment that comes from choosing a positive perspective.Connect with Vadim on LinkedIn:linkedin.com/in/va3Check out Vadim's Success Charge Academy:http://successcharge.com/Read about Vadim's ministry for the homeless in Brooklyn:https://www.homelessny.org/Support the showFollow us on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-agile-within

Discover the secret sauce behind creating impactful workshops that foster learning and innovation within organizations. Join me as I engage in a lively conversation with the insightful Paula Lipnick, a seasoned product agility lead, whose expertise in orchestrating transformative workshops is nothing short of inspiring. Paula shares her valuable strategies on aligning workshop goals with team objectives, ensuring sessions are not just productive but also engaging and motivational. Learn how to nurture curiosity and professional growth in fast-paced industries like technology and product management, and explore Paula's engaging analogy of setting the table to create a welcoming environment for collaborative learning.Explore the journey of maximizing workshop benefits through intentional planning and continuous improvement. We delve into the intricacies of value stream mapping workshops and uncover how breaking down silos can optimize processes, build empathy, and spark innovation among team members. Paula and I also swap stories about the thrilling world of immersive workshops, akin to hackathons, where creativity meets excitement, and nerves turn into innovation. Whether you're curious about adopting new tools or eager to facilitate hands-on learning experiences, this episode offers a treasure trove of insights for making workshops a cornerstone of your learning organization.Connect with Paula on LinkedIn:linkedin.com/in/paula-lipnick-mba-pmp-psmWhen in Dallas, visit the Dallas World Aquarium:https://dwazoo.com/Support the showFollow us on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-agile-within

Michelle Pauk, a seasoned executive and leadership coach, returns to The Agile Within to share her transformative insights on positivity in the Agile world. Ever wondered how mindset shifts could powerfully change the way Agile professionals contribute to their field? Michelle argues that it’s less about proving your worth and more about making authentic contributions. We navigate the fascinating link between neuroscience and personal well-being, examining how understanding brain chemistry can elevate our professional journeys. By drawing parallels with Agile methodologies, we shed light on how breaking down complex goals into bite-sized tasks, much like practicing daily gratitude, can enhance both contentment and productivity. In a world often caught in the chaos of corporate hustle, we champion a balanced approach that celebrates both triumphs and trials while steering clear of the pitfalls of toxic positivity.The episode takes a heartfelt turn as we discuss resilience through positive choices, illustrating how small, mindful actions can lead to monumental changes in mindset. From the disillusionment of superficial Agile adoptions to the triumph of launching a consulting business after a layoff, personal stories punctuate the narrative, showcasing the tremendous growth that can sprout from setbacks. Join us as we celebrate the power of mindset in turning challenges into opportunities for both personal and professional growth.Connect with Michelle on LinkedIn:linkedin.com/in/michelle-paukDiscover Michelle's offerings on the Streamside Coaching website:https://www.streamsidecoaching.com/Email Michelle:michelle.pauk@gmail.comSupport the showFollow us on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-agile-within

What happens when you blend the marvel of natural wonders with the intricate science of the human mind? Join us as Harkiran Brar, IT project manager and host of "Project Perks with Harkiran," takes us on a journey through the picturesque beauty of Niagara Falls and into the realm of neuroleadership. Discover how the awe-inspiring vistas of our world can ignite creativity and enhance decision-making processes. Harkiran guides us through the fusion of neuroscience and leadership, highlighting how understanding the brain's functionalities can reshape our approach to behavior management and decision-making in agile environments.Ever wondered how to balance empathy and authority in leadership? We navigate the layers of the human brain, from emotional impulses to rational thinking, shedding light on the art of maintaining composure amidst emotional outbursts. Harkiran shares valuable insights on using emotional intelligence and self-regulation to create a psychologically safe environment where team members feel encouraged to express themselves. With strong communication as the backbone, we discuss strategies for leaders to manage emotions and inspire trust within their teams, ensuring a harmonious and productive workplace.Connect with Harkiran on LinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/in/harkiran-brar-pmp-psm-14b21321a/Watch or listen to the "Project Perks with Harkiran" podcast:https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCuHlJdOZTzTye11thLwsEQghttps://open.spotify.com/show/55xrSSe9HNwvJ9uXJ3bwPt?si=364f7c6ec2944153Check out Harkiran's offerings:https://topmate.io/harkiran_brar_pmppsmSupport the showFollow us on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-agile-within

Unlock the secrets to thriving in the AI era with the help of Victoria Morgan-Smith, a respected organizational coach and consultant. She joins me to unravel the transformative power of shared learning in today's dynamic work environments. Discover how innovative platforms like internal conferences and hackathons can create fertile ground for ideas to flourish, moving beyond the limitations of traditional training methods. As organizations strive to keep pace with rapid technological advancements, fostering a culture of experimentation and collaboration becomes imperative.We also explore how to make conferences more inclusive for introverts, ensuring that everyone has a chance to shine. Introverts can often feel sidelined in typical conference settings, but by offering diverse participation options such as quiet spaces and structured formats, their unique perspectives can enrich discussions and outcomes. Whether through prepared talks, panel discussions, or insightful note-taking, the inclusion of all personality types enhances both the conference experience and organizational innovation.Finally, navigate the world of AI-driven organizations by understanding different engineering archetypes. Identifying these mindsets helps in tailoring engagement strategies. Learn the importance of fostering shared learning across diverse teams through regular internal events and open conversations. Victoria shares practical insights from her co-authored guidebook on organizing successful internal tech conferences, offering listeners a roadmap to nurture collaboration and drive growth in the AI space.Connect with Victoria on LinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/in/victoriamorgansmith/Read Victoria's book, "Internal Tech Conferences : Accelerate Multi-team Learning":https://www.amazon.com/Internal-Tech-Conferences-Accelerate-Multi-team-ebook/dp/B08PDS9KMQSupport the showFollow us on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-agile-within