The Agile Within

Join me for an enriching conversation with Jimena Saavedra, an Agile coach hailing from the beautiful shores of Montevideo, Uruguay. Jimena shares her journey of transformation within the world of Agile coaching, emphasizing the importance of authenticity and trust in driving meaningful change. As we bond over Uruguay's picturesque beaches, Jimena reveals the daily decisions that shape her role and the necessity of fostering genuine connections within teams. Through her candid insights, she highlights the challenges and sometimes isolating aspects of being an Agile coach, while underscoring the power of embracing discomfort to facilitate real growth.Our discussion opens up further to examine the complexities and hurdles Agile coaches often encounter. From handling team dynamics to the delicate art of balancing professional distance with personal connections, we delve into experiences that test resilience and honesty. We recount a personal story of attempting to gather meeting time data, illustrating the importance of timing and transparency. Through shared anecdotes and mentor advice, we explore the significance of self-awareness and insightful questioning in an Agile coach's toolkit. Listeners are encouraged to stay connected with Agile communities, embrace challenges, and pursue continuous development, all while pushing teams toward accountability and growth, even when it means stepping into uncomfortable territory.Connect with Jimena on LinkedIn:https://linkedin.com/in/maria-jimena-saavedraConnect with Jimena by Email:mjsaavedra02@gmail.comExplore Jimema's website and YouTube channel (in Spanish at the moment):www.disruptronix.comhttps://www.youtube.com/@jimenasaavedra-agilistagenuinaDiscover Uruguay and Punta del Este, the Miami Beach of South America:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xZC2lyuNAfohttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Punta_del_EsteSupport the showFollow us on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-agile-within

Discover the transformative power of interculturality with our guest Yamila Solari, co-founder of the software company, Scio, based in Mexico, as she takes us on her incredible journey from Peru to Mexico and the United States. Her experiences paint a vivid picture of how understanding and respecting cultural differences can bridge gaps and enhance collaboration within teams. We promise you'll come away with insights on how language is just one piece of the cultural puzzle, and how historical influences shape the way we work together. Yamila's personal stories illuminate the often-overlooked nuances that can make or break communication and teamwork, even when language barriers aren’t present.Explore the intersection of cultural dynamics and workplace efficiency as we dive into implementing Scrum across American and German work cultures. We navigate the challenges posed by contrasting communication styles and cultural norms, emphasizing the value of intercultural training and open dialogue to craft inclusive environments. Real-life encounters with multicultural teams illustrate the importance of cultural awareness, as we unpack how understanding diverse perspectives can drive creativity and innovation while averting conflict. By tuning in, you'll gain a deeper appreciation for cultural adaptability and learn how to harness diversity as a key driver of personal and professional growth.Connect with Yamila on LinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/in/yamila-solari/When in Morelia, Mexico visit Jardín de las Rosas:https://g.co/kgs/9JzrY3v"The Culture Map" by Erin Meyer:https://erinmeyer.com/books/the-culture-map/Individual Cultural Profile:https://hbr.org/2014/08/whats-your-cultural-profileHofstede´s Country Comparison Tool: https://www.theculturefactor.com/country-comparison-toolSupport the showFollow us on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-agile-within

Unlock the secrets to building stronger team relationships through the art of one-on-one meetings with our esteemed guest, Avipaul Bhandari, affectionately known as Avi. With two decades of Agile experience across the media and finance sectors, Avi offers a wealth of insights on how personalized interactions can transform team dynamics. Explore the fundamental role of one-on-ones beyond Scrum Masters, extending their value to managers and leaders. Discover how adopting a coaching mindset can enhance communication and establish a more cohesive organizational environment.Join us as we navigate the challenges of addressing those with an overly positive outlook, using empathy to foster meaningful connections. Avi shares practical strategies for creating psychological safety and encouraging continuous learning. From utilizing powerful questions like "And what else?" to embracing the silence that allows for deeper reflection, this episode is packed with actionable insights. This is your chance to reimagine leadership and team interactions for more effective and empathetic outcomes.Connect with Avi on LinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/in/avipaulbhandari/Check out Avi's Music Channel on YouTube:https://youtube.com/@avipaul"The Coaching Habit" by Michael Bungay Stanier:https://a.co/d/0qHjcZ8"Four Attributes of Empathy" by Dr. Teresa Wiseman:https://www.bamementalhealth.org/post/four-attributes-of-empathy-dr-teresa-wisemanGROW Model in Action:https://youtu.be/6f3X2PEsV-Q?si=4NMfZed9yjQ_hga_Support the showFollow us on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-agile-within

What if you could transform your understanding of Agile by simply listening to real-life stories? Join me, Mark Metze, as I unravel the rich tapestry of The Agile Within podcast's journey, starting from its genesis and influence under the expert guidance of Greg Miller to my first solo venture with insightful coaching from Allison Pollard. This episode is a reflective narrative on the evolution of a podcast that thrives on community support and the sharing of genuine experiences. With a special spotlight on our most popular episode featuring Kat Buckwalter, I share how these stories not only capture the essence of Agile but also serve as a catalyst for continuous learning.Beyond the technicalities, this episode is also a heartfelt exploration of my passion for connection and relationship-building within the Agile community. My journey as a solo host is driven by the joy of meeting new people and learning from their unique perspectives. I invite you to connect with me on LinkedIn, not as a mere networking task, but as a sincere interaction to enrich our collective Agile journeys. This is more than just a podcast episode—it's a call to build a vibrant, supportive community where we all grow together.Connect with Mark on LinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/in/markmetze/Get your FREE ticket to the Agile Online Summit:https://agileonlinesummit.com/Support the showFollow us on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-agile-within

Can self-management revolutionize your workplace? In this episode of The Agile Within, we promise to unlock the secrets of self-management with our distinguished guest, Frank Eggink from Arnhem, Netherlands. Frank offers his deep expertise from working with 14 diverse companies, shedding light on how moving from a command-and-control leadership style to self-organizing teams can ignite innovation and agility. From a charming chat about his favorite local spot, Loca, to unraveling the English and Dutch nuances of self-management, Frank reveals the strategies that can transform your team’s dynamics and drive unparalleled success.We also guide you through the intricacies of the Holacracy framework, likening it to an operating system that replaces rigid hierarchies with role-based clarity. With practical advice on maintaining a balance between structure and autonomy, we explore how frameworks like Holacracy can enhance decision-making and leverage individual strengths. Whether you’re part of a startup or a traditional organization, discover actionable tips to foster self-management and grant your teams the autonomy they need to thrive. Don’t miss this compelling episode packed with real-life examples and strategies that can help your organization embrace the future of work.You may notice lower audio quality during several portions of this episode. The transcript on the Buzzsprout episode site might be helpful.https://www.buzzsprout.com/admin/1449787/episodes/15804511 Connect with Frank on LinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/in/freggink/Learn more about Frank's visits to self-organising and bossless organisations:https://frankeggink.substack.com/Learn more about holacracy:https://www.holacracy.org/https://www.holacracy.org/how-it-works/While in Arnhem, Netherlands, grab a bite to eat at Loca:https://restaurant-loca.nl/Support the showFollow us on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-agile-within

Ever wondered how doing the right thing can transform your leadership style? Join us on "The Agile Within" as we sit down with Nicole Durr, an Agile coach turned strategic business advisor from Cleveland, Ohio, who illuminates the concept of leading with moral authority. From the vibrant melodies of the Cleveland Symphony Orchestra to the iconic Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, Nicole not only highlights the best of Cleveland but also delves into the essence of moral versus positional authority. Learn how to navigate ethical dilemmas by modeling ethical behavior and standing firm in your values, regardless of your position within an organization.Nicole expands on broader societal issues like unfair compensation and profit-driven layoffs, offering strategies to address these challenges. Whether it's educating leaders, building alliances, or taking the "Paul Simon approach" of exiting a misaligned system, this episode is packed with actionable advice for creating a healthier, more equitable work environment. Don't miss this insightful conversation that promises to empower you to uphold ethical standards in your professional journey.Connect with Nicole on LinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/in/nicolederr/Visit Nicole's website:https://nicolederr.com/Check out the following events involving Nicole:Oct 12: Columbus Women in Agile - In-person workshopOct 28: DC Women in Agile - Virtual presentationNov. 6-7: Pitt Agile - In-person closing keynoteFeb 18: Buffalo Women in Agile - Virtual presentationWhen in Cleveland, visit Nicole's favorite sites:Severance Music CenterThe Cleveland Museum of ArtRock and Roll Hall of FamePlayhouse SquarePier WSupport the showFollow us on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-agile-within

Unlock the secrets to building a high-performing agile team with evolutionary agilist Jeremy Berriault. Jeremy offers a wealth of knowledge on the fundamentals of creating an agile environment, starting with why it's essential to lay a solid foundation before diving into frameworks. We discuss Jeremy's ten-step approach to agile transformation, emphasizing the importance of understanding the value chain, aligning agile values with organizational goals, and marking the starting point of any transformation. Jeremy’s insights into servant leadership and the application of Simon Sinek's golden circle will revolutionize your approach to agile initiatives.Discover the keys to evolving agile teams, with a special focus on financial institutions. Jeremy shares how breaking down cognitive biases and logical fallacies can lead to significant productivity improvements. Learn about the shift from managing large tasks to executing multiple smaller tasks within sprints and the importance of adaptability in response to changing tax laws and technology. We also explore how fostering a self-organizing, trust-based environment allows leaders to guide without stifling team autonomy, ultimately cultivating a culture of continuous improvement and maturity.Get to the heart of what makes teams tick with insights into personality dynamics and effective team metrics. Jeremy sheds light on the importance of selecting the right metrics, such as throughput and cycle time, to measure team progress objectively. We delve into tools like team health surveys and DISC personality models to tailor communication strategies and enhance team collaboration. Jeremy's real-life examples and practical advice from his book "Beyond the Framework: Cultivating Agile Growth" will equip you with the knowledge to build thriving, agile environments. Don't miss out on these invaluable lessons that will transform your team's dynamics and performance.When in Toronto, explore the beautiful Terra Cotta:https://www.visitcaledon.ca/explore/terra-cottaSimon Sinek's Golden Circle:https://simonsinek.com/golden-circle/Discover the DiSC profile:https://www.discprofile.com/Get Jeremy's book "Beyond the Framework" on Amazon:https://www.amazon.com/Beyond-framework-Jeremy-Berriault/dp/1965064620Connect with Jeremy on LinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/in/jeremy-berriault-mba/Email Jeremy:jberriault@berriaultandassociates.comCheck out Berriault and Associates' offerings:https://berriaultandassociates.com/ Support the showFollow us on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-agile-within

Have you ever wondered how transforming your mindset could unlock your true potential? Join me as I chat with Melissa Boggs, a celebrated keynote speaker, leadership coach, and employee experience designer, who shares her exhilarating journey from cautious to audacious. You'll be captivated by Melissa's unique roller skating metaphor, which illustrates how moving from cautious to curious, then courageous, and finally audacious can help us overcome mental and emotional barriers. With personal anecdotes and actionable advice, this episode is packed with insights that will inspire you to chase your biggest ideas fearlessly. Plus, Melissa's humorous advocacy for the Oxford comma, influenced by her husband, adds a delightful touch to our conversation.Together with Melissa, we also delve into the significance of finding supportive spaces that nurture growth, much like the skating rinks and experimental stages of Second City. Hear about a popular rink in Denver and how its community encourages courage and creativity. From realistic risk assessment to maintaining confidence, this episode offers practical strategies for leveraging community support to overcome challenges. Don't miss the chance to transform your cautious steps into audacious strides in both your personal and professional life.Visit Melissa's website to view her offerings:https://melissaboggs.com/Email Melissa:melissa@melissaboggs.comConnect with Melissa on LinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/in/melissa-boggs/Read about the Oxford Comma:https://www.grammarly.com/blog/what-is-the-oxford-comma-and-why-do-people-care-so-much-about-it/Support the showFollow us on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-agile-within

Experience the transformative power of community on this episode of The Agile Within. Join me and Kellie Tyler, a seasoned Agilist who recently moved to the vibrant city of Nashville, Tennessee. Kellie shares her favorite local spot, Broadway and the historic Acme Feed and Seed, before diving into her incredible journey within the Agile community. Discover how local meetups like Utah Agile, led by Steve Ostermiller and Lee Henson, helped Kellie overcome early challenges, build confidence, and foster trust within her team, proving the immense value of a supportive network in professional growth and Agile practices.Navigating networking events can be daunting, especially for introverts and ambiverts. Kellie and I unpack the unexpected expansion of the Utah Agile community in 2020 and share practical strategies for engaging in such events. From finding like-minded individuals on the periphery to leveraging the inherently welcoming nature of the Agile community, we provide actionable tips that even seasoned practitioners have used to their advantage. Hear personal stories and insights on how Agile luminaries have successfully navigated their paths, offering encouragement and tactics for those who find traditional networking intimidating.The heart of this episode lies in the authenticity of relationships within the Agile community. Kellie reveals the importance of genuine interactions and the balance of giving and taking in community engagements. Learn how maintaining regular contact and sharing experiences can lead to not only professional advancement but also personal enrichment. We conclude with practical advice on building Agile communities through platforms like Meetup and LinkedIn, stressing the importance of bringing your unique perspective to the table. Tune in for an enriching conversation that highlights the indispensable role of community in the Agile realm.Visit Acme Feed and Seed when in Nashville, TN:https://www.acmefeedandseed.com/Connect with Kellie on LinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/in/kellie-m-tyler/Learn more about Agile Utah:https://www.utahagile.org/Learn more about Agile Nashville:https://www.meetup.com/Agile-Nashville-User-Group/Support the showFollow us on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-agile-within

Ever wondered why your Agile metrics might not be delivering the insights you need? Join us as we sit down with Mark Paul Sabral, an experienced Scrum Master from Sheffield, England, to uncover the hidden pitfalls of over-relying on metrics in Agile practices. Mark’s unique perspective, blending his background in illustration with Agile methodologies, sheds light on the importance of visual thinking and the dangers of letting metrics turn into targets. Struggling to find the right balance with your project metrics? In this episode, we explore how to effectively combine quantitative and qualitative measures to avoid common traps. With a compelling real-life example from an enterprise-level software project, we illustrate the benefits of balancing velocity with well-defined sprint goals and user journey maps. Learn how pre-mortems can help identify potential issues early, fostering a learning environment within your Agile teams and creating a more holistic view of progress.Proper documentation can make or break large-scale initiatives. We delve into the critical role of documentation in project success, emphasizing the need for balance between performance and clear, effective documentation. Hear about the causal relationship between documentation creation and usage, and how to avoid the pitfalls of excessive, low-quality documentation. Finally, discover how automating metrics and simplifying data collection can streamline your processes, ensuring that your documentation efforts genuinely contribute to project goals and team efficiency. Don't miss out on these invaluable insights – connect with us on LinkedIn for further discussions!Connect with Mark on LinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/in/markpaulsobral/Support the showFollow us on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-agile-within