Embark on a transformative journey with Dave Westgarth, a former psychology graduate who charted an unexpected course into the heart of Agile methodologies. Our latest episode takes you through Dave's compelling shift from academia to the front lines of the tech industry, where he learned to harness his adaptability and thirst for continuous learning as a catalyst for success. From navigating his first post-university job hurdles to evolving into a seasoned project manager, Dave's story is a beacon for anyone seeking to reinvent their career path in technology. His insights into the value of transferable skills and the strategic decision to transition from hands-on development to overseeing projects are not just inspiring—they're actionable strategies for growth in our fast-paced digital world.We also dissect the nuts and bolts of how Agile certifications—like CAPM, PSM-1, and PSK—can be more than resume embellishments; they're pivotal for influencing project outcomes and team dynamics. Dave brings to light the power of Kanban in enhancing project flow and improving communication with stakeholders, showcasing a practical approach to applying new skills. Plus, he stresses the importance of foundational cloud certifications in bridging the gap between technical prowess and business strategy, a balance crucial for meaningful dialogues with senior management. Connect with us and Dave on LinkedIn to continue the conversation on Agile practices and to become part of a community that's reshaping the tech landscape one Agile step at a time.Connect with Dave on LinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/in/dave-westgarth/Join the Alliance and support the show! 👇Support the showFollow us on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-agile-within

Unlock the full potential of your team with wisdom from Agile luminary Petula Guimaraes as we dissect the world of Agile frameworks on The Agile Within. Prepare to traverse the cultural and professional landscapes that shape the Agile methodologies. Venture beyond the generic applications of Scrum and SAFe and learn why these frameworks may not be the silver bullet for organizational transformation that many seek. Petula argues for a more nuanced and domain-specific approach, using Extreme Programming as an example of how specificity can lead to success in software development.Are your Agile transitions hitting roadblocks? This episode peels back the layers of complexity when shifting to Agile practices, likening the process to coaching a basketball team where learning and adaptation take precedence over rigid rule-following. We discuss the critical balance between innovation and preserving effective execution, unraveling the importance of collaboration and adaptability. Find out how to steer your organization through the stormy waters of change without losing sight of your core mission: fostering growth and delivering value to your customers.Finally, we take you into the art of Agile conversations. Petula and I explore the intricate dance of coaching, negotiation, and the ethical responsibilities that come with guiding teams toward agility. Tune in to discover how to navigate the delicate practice of saying 'no' with diplomacy, and how to cut through organizational 'noise' to achieve clarity and alignment. This episode is a treasure trove for those aspiring to lead their teams with efficiency, integrity, and a touch of Agile grace.Visit Mount Royal in Montreal, Canada:https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mount_RoyalExplore Petula's offerings:https://allthingsagile.co/Check out Petula's blog:https://allthingsagile.co/blog/Subscribe to Petula's YouTube channel:https://www.youtube.com/@AllThingsAgileConnect with Petula:https://www.linkedin.com/in/petulaguimaraes/Join The Agile Within Alliance using the link below 👇Support the showFollow us on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-agile-within

Unlock the secrets to Agile transformation with master certified coach Cherie Silas from Tandem Coaching Academy, as we delve deep into the heart of organizational change in this enlightening conversation. Prepare to have your perspective shifted as we discuss how to discern a company's true intentions behind the pursuit of Agile, and why understanding the difference between Agile training and true transformation is critical. As we navigate the intricacies of change, Cherie imparts her wisdom on the importance of comprehensive assessment and aligning a company's readiness for the inevitable disruptions that come with transformation.Experience firsthand the art of overcoming resistance in an organization, and learn how to cultivate a culture that not only embraces change but thrives in it. Together with Cherie, we explore strategies for gaining crucial management buy-in and leveraging the influence of change-ready individuals to generate a positive ripple effect. Discover how to move teams from skepticism to celebration of their Agile journey, and the pivotal role that strategic communication plays in reshaping project management practices. If you're ready to be part of the transformation that's reshaping the business world, this episode is your roadmap to success.Connect with Cherie on LinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/in/cheriesilas/Discover Cheris' offerings at Tandem Coaching:https://tandemcoach.co/Email Cherie:mailto:info@tandemcoach.coVisit Medieval Times when in Dallas:https://www.medievaltimes.com/dallas/what-to-expectJoin the Alliance using the link below! 👇Support the showFollow us on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-agile-within

Unlock the secrets to becoming an exceptional Scrum Master with Kat Buckwalter, whose expertise spans neuropsychiatric research to business analysis. This episode isn't just about clarifying what a Scrum Master does; it's about catapulting them from underrated facilitators to the MVPs of the Agile world. Kat and I, Mark Metze, dissect the multifaceted skill set—from CEO-level strategic thinking to the infectious energy of a cheerleader—that Scrum Masters must harness to advocate for their worth in the complex corporate playing field.Venture beyond the backlog and sprints as we dissect the delicate alchemy of product savvy and business acumen crucial for any Scrum Master. Drawing wisdom from Ram Charan and Daniel Kahneman, we navigate the intersections of customer retention, market analysis, and team dynamics. Our conversation is a treasure trove of strategies for enhancing communication, resolving conflict, and steering teams toward success, armed with tools like the SCARF model and the Savvy Method from "Conversation Transformation." These insights are not just theoretical—we're talking real-life, actionable tactics that you can apply instantly.The climax of our journey with Kat traverses the art of winning over the C-suite, where every second counts, and every dashboard tells a story. Learn to craft compelling narratives through data visualization and how to be concise yet impactful in your dialogue with executives. As a Scrum Master, you're not just the Agile aficionado; you're the coach, the data wizard, the process mapper. And as we wrap up, remember that this deep dive into the Agile ethos is just the beginning. Join us on LinkedIn, share the wealth of knowledge from our conversation, and stay tuned as we continue to unravel the Agile enigma, one episode at a time.Connect with Kat on LinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/in/katbuckwalter/When in Philadelphia, visit The Victor Cafe for great food and music: https://victorcafe.com/ DORA metrics: https://www.atlassian.com/devops/frameworks/dora-metricsAccelerate: The Science of Lean Software and DevOps: Building and Scaling High Performing Technology Organizations:https://www.amazon.com/Accelerate-Software-Performing-Technology-Organizations/dp/1942788339What the CEO wants you to know:  https://ram-charan.com/books/what-the-ceo-wants-you-to-know/Thinking Fast and Slow: https://www.goodreads.com/en/book/show/11468377Your Brain at Work: https://www.amazon.com/Your-Brain-Work-Strategies-Distraction/dp/0061771295SAVI at Work (Found in the book "Conversation Transformation"):https://www.conversationtransformation.com/about-the-authors/savi/Harvard Business Review podcasts: https://hbr.org/podcastsThe Real Reason People Won’t Change Article: https://hbr.org/2001/11/the-real-reason-people-wont-changeJoin the Alliance using the link below:Support the showFollow us on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-agile-within

Unlock the secrets of powerful team synergy as we sit down with Angela Agresto, a facilitation maestro from the picturesque city of Duluth. Angela lets us in on the transformative influence of expert facilitation, a craft that stretches far beyond the confines of a simple meeting. It's the cornerstone of every successful team, creating a space where each individual feels valued, heard, and confident enough to inject their unique perspectives into the collaborative mix. Experience the stories that paint a picture of how diverse voices, when woven together by skilled facilitation, can lead to breakthrough ideas and bolster the psychological safety needed for innovation to thrive.In a realm where introverts may tread softly, Angela sheds light on empowering the quieter forces within our teams. Discover how the right encouragement and tailored coaching can nudge these silent thought leaders towards significant contributions and sometimes, career-defining moments. As we venture further, we dissect the delicate art of conflict management through the lens of facilitation—learning how to differentiate between the sparks of healthy debate and the fires of destructive disputes. Join us for an episode brimming with practical wisdom, as we explore strategies to navigate the choppy waters of team disagreements and emerge with a strengthened vessel, ready to sail towards success.Connect with Angie on LinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/in/angelaagresto/Check out Training from the Back of the Room and  all of Angie's training offerings:https://angelaagresto.com/Join the Alliance by clicking the link below...Support the showFollow us on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-agile-within

Uncover the transformative power of Agile roles and how they can revolutionize your team's dynamics with the guidance of Jessica Bahr, a seasoned Scrum Master from Austin, Texas. Jessica joins us on The Agile Within to reveal the hidden strengths of Scrum Masters, their pivotal role in enabling team success, and the fulfillment derived from serving rather than shining in the spotlight. We promise an eye-opening discussion about the servant leadership that sets Agile apart from traditional project management, providing actionable strategies for Scrum Masters to showcase their value while keeping the team front and center.During this episode, we navigate the complexities of advocating for Agile roles across different levels of an organization and the art of balancing one's workload with effective communication strategies. Learn as Jessica imparts her wisdom on coaching teams through the Agile adaptation process, fostering trust, and deftly managing conflict. Her insights on the importance of support systems, respecting a team's expertise, and positioning oneself as a trusted advisor are invaluable for anyone looking to thrive in the Agile environment. Tune in for a candid exploration of these intricate challenges and the roadmap to becoming an integral part of your team's success story.Connect with Jessica:https://www.linkedin.com/in/jessicagbahrView Jessica's Services:https://mentorcruise.com/mentor/jessicabahr/Link to "Scrum Master : It is a Full Time Job" article by Chris Li: https://www.sparkplugagility.com/blog/scrum-master-it-s-a-full-time-jobClick the link below to join the Alliance!Support the showFollow us on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-agile-within

Embark on a transformative exploration of Agile leadership transitions with the esteemed Daria Bagina, where we unravel the pivotal role of technical understanding for effective Agile leadership. The picturesque charm of Toronto sets the backdrop for our insightful conversation, highlighting the necessity for leaders to be 'technical enough.' As we wade through the nuances of Agile roles, you'll discover that grasping the technicalities isn't just for developers—it's the cornerstone of bridging the gap between the nitty-gritty of code and the grand vision of business strategy.Ever found yourself tongue-tied when trying to articulate a technical issue to your team? This episode is a gold mine for enhancing your communication skills within Agile frameworks. My personal journey with Azure DevOps exemplifies the value of being inquisitive and well-informed rather than settling for surface-level understanding. We dissect the finesse required in posing questions that catalyze growth and learning, steering clear of lazy inquiries that lead nowhere. Daria and I share insights on the delicate dance of asking the right questions, empowering you to spark conversations that illuminate rather than obscure.Witness the metamorphosis of a non-technical product owner, whose dedication to technical mastery reshaped team dynamics and garnered deep-rooted respect from developers. This narrative is not just inspiring; it's a testament to the possibilities that unfold when Agile leaders invest in their technical growth. Moreover, Daria extends an invitation to enrich your Agile education through Scrum Mastered, featuring a trove of training classes and practical guides. Whether you’re an Agile aficionado or on the cusp of a leadership transition, this episode equips you with actionable insights to steer through the Agile waters with newfound confidence and clarity.Connect with Daria on LinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/in/dariabagina/Explore Daria's Offerings:scrummastered.com (Company)youtube.com/c/scrummastered (Blog)shop.scrummastered.com (Portfolio)Join The Agile Within Alliance!Support the showFollow us on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-agile-within

Join forces with Mark Metze and Andrew Mitchell as we traverse the landscape where traditional project management merges with the dynamism of Agile. With Andrew's 30 years of experience at the helm, learn how the blend of these two worlds enhances the Scrum Master's toolkit, adapting to an ever-shifting economic terrain post-pandemic. It's an exploration of growth, flexibility, and the value-driven approach that today's Agile practitioners must embody.Embark on a deep dive into the art of forecasting in Scrum, breaking down the science of setting delivery dates without breaking your team. This episode isn't just about numbers; it's a masterclass in communicating with stakeholders and cushioning teams from the brunt of unrealistic expectations. Andrew and I peel back the layers on how data like velocity and throughput shape forecasts, and how presenting timelines as ranges can smooth out the bumps in the journey of project completion. Aligning team efforts with company objectives through OKRs, we discuss the dance between rigid deadlines for compliance and the agility needed for innovation.As we sail towards the sunset of this episode, we leave you with the compelling tale of how empowering leadership can transform an offshore team's assertiveness, processes, and autonomy. It's a testament to the dual role of Scrum Masters as both shield and compass for their teams. We wrap up by inviting you to keep the Agile flame burning by joining our LinkedIn community. Share this knowledge-rich voyage with your colleagues who seek to steer their Agile practices towards uncharted territories of efficiency and resilience. Until our paths cross again, remember to iterate, adapt, and stay Agile.Connect with Andrew on LinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/in/andrewmitchellpmp/Join the Agile Beers Novia Scotia Meetup:https://www.meetup.com/scrum-beers-halifax/Listen to our past episodes with Fred Deichler:https://theagilewithin.buzzsprout.com/1449787/13791132https://theagilewithin.buzzsprout.com/1449787/13904290Discover Peggy's Cove in Nova Scotia:https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Peggy%27s_Cove,_Nova_ScotiaJoin the Alliance and support the show:Support the showFollow us on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-agile-within

Agile Coach Chris Williams from Badass Agile discusses handling rejection, connecting with the Agile community, creating opportunities, and navigating professional relationships. Learn how to craft proposals that resonate, receive feedback, and stay authentic in content creation. Discover the importance of perseverance and personal referrals in career growth.

Navigate the twists and turns of Agile project management with us, Mark Metze, as we host the masterminds Tom Cagley and Jeremy Willets. Their expertise is distilled into a riveting conversation that promises to arm you with the strategies to turn the chaos of work intake into the rhythm of predictable delivery. Their insights are drawn from the pages of their book, "Mastering Work Intake: From Chaos to Predictable Delivery," and they unveil how unmanaged work entry points are the Achilles' heel of otherwise solid transformations. Discover why the human inclination to overcommit is a path to burnout and how setting clear boundaries can save your team from the dreaded 'death march' of workloads.Transform your workflow clarity as Tom and Jeremy guide us through the maze of prioritization and sequencing. With their practical advice, learn how visualizing work not only demystifies the process but also paves the way for meaningful enhancements, regardless of department silos. They illuminate how to employ transparent prioritization techniques, like cost of delay, and to sequence work in a way that fosters stability and prevents the common pitfall of haphazard task management. The art of maintaining a productive cadence of work, free from the shadows of office politics, can be your reality by applying their shared wisdom.Wrapping up our thought-provoking session, we confront the headaches that emerge when modernizing legacy systems. Listen as Tom and Jeremy dissect the perils of excessive work in progress and its impact on development teams' well-being. They underscore the importance of leadership's role in setting feasible goals and managing customer expectations during times of transition. Their conversation is a lighthouse guiding through the fog of work intake challenges, offering a beacon of strategies to keep your project's course true. Don't miss this chance to steer your Agile projects toward calmer waters with the guidance of two of the field’s most insightful navigators.Connect with Tom on LinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/in/tcagley/Connect with Jeremy on LinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/in/jeremywillets/Read Tom and Jeremy's book "Mastering Work Intake: From Chaos to Predictable Delivery":https://www.amazon.ca/Mastering-Work-Intake-Predictable-Delivery/dp/1604272007 (Amazon)https://jrosspub.com/catalog/business-default-category/project-program-management/mastering-work-intake/ (J. Ross Publishing)Join Tom and Jeremy's 5-week Cohort Course:https://maven.com/jeremy-willets/masteringworkintakeListen to the Software Process and Measurement Cast with Tom and Jeremy: www.spamcast.net If you visit the Southeastern US, eat at Piccadilly and don't let your eyes become larger than your stomach!https://www.piccadilly.com/locationsJoin the Alliance and support the show!Support the showFollow us on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-agile-within