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The Agile Within

Latest episodes

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Mar 5, 2024 • 33min

Here's Why "Agile" Isn't Working For You with Jon Fazzaro

Unlock the true potential of Agile with Jon Fazzaro, a veteran full-stack software coach, who joins me to dissect the reasons behind its faltering effectiveness in today's corporate world. Together, we challenge the rigidity that Agile methodologies have acquired over time, urging a return to its experimental roots. By listening to our exchange, you'll gain insights into revitalizing the adaptable, learning-centric spirit of Agile, and understand why agility in software development is less about following a plan and more about evolving through continuous learning and adaptation.Through the lens of personal experiences and discussions on modern work systems, we tackle the tough questions around the value of knowledge work and the counterproductive nature of traditional success metrics. Hear how embracing a culture of small, iterative progress and learning from failures, rather than banking on large, uncertain gambles, can pave the way for more meaningful achievements in the realm of software development. This conversation is a clarion call to foster environments that value psychological safety, where making and learning from mistakes is not only accepted but celebrated, setting the stage for genuine innovation.Connect with Jon on LinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/in/jonfazzaro/Connect with Jon at Industrial Logic:https://www.industriallogic.com/people/fazzaro/Join the Alliance using the link below!Support the showFollow us on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-agile-within
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Feb 27, 2024 • 41min

Agile Adoptions and Agile Leadership with Lucy O'Keefe

Unlock the secrets to a groundbreaking Agile transformation as Agile connoisseur Lucy O'Keefe and I, Mark Metze, dissect the vital role of leadership in creating a culture where Agile principles thrive. This episode promises to demystify the often-misunderstood Agile journey, guiding you through the alignment of your organization's culture with the core values of Agile. Together, we address the common pitfalls of superficial Agile adoption, highlighting the necessity of a genuine mindset shift. With Lucy's expertise, we navigate the complexities of assessing your company's readiness for Agile, prioritizing the Agile Manifesto principles, and the collective commitment required to shift from merely 'doing Agile' to 'becoming Agile.'Feel the weight of leadership responsibility as we dive into the crucial buy-in needed to spearhead an Agile transformation. Lucy and I discuss how a deep understanding and embrace of Agile's spirit is more significant than merely following the rules. Uncover the wisdom of addressing cultural dimensions before deciding on methodologies like Scrum or Kanban, and learn how leadership's push for Agile must be more than just skin deep. The intricate dance between leadership guidance and organizational change unfolds as we share stories on why Agile should be embedded as a cultural shift, not just a collection of practices to be followed.Step into the realm of leadership influence and its impact on nurturing psychological safety within the Agile transformation. Listen closely as Lucy and I unravel the importance of leadership in cementing a safe environment for teams to innovate and grow—where leaders communicate support and foster empowerment. As we dissect the challenges that come with promoting individuals lacking leadership capabilities, you'll appreciate the fine line between control and guidance that leaders must navigate. Join us for a journey filled with practical insights and engaging stories that will resonate with and inspire both leaders and teams ready to embrace the transformative power of Agile.Connect with Lucy on LinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/in/lokeefe/Check Out Lucy's Offerings Through Dart Frog Consulting:https://dartfrogconsulting.com/Support the showFollow us on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-agile-within
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Feb 20, 2024 • 39min

The Art of Collaboration in Digital and Physical Spaces with Ondrej Popanek

Uncover the secrets to seamless collaboration in mixed realms of digital and physical workspaces with Agile guru Ondrej Popanek, all the way from Stockholm. In our fascinating talk, we'll navigate through the adaptations of Agile techniques to the pulsating world of fashion design at H&M and reveal how tools like Miro play a crucial role in uniting teams scattered across the globe. Ondrej brings a wealth of knowledge on tailoring daily scrums and Agile methodologies to suit the diverse array of creative minds he coaches, emphasizing the necessity of flexibility and innovation in maintaining effective collaboration and communication among multi-time zone teams.As we traverse the complex landscape of large organizations, we'll dissect the challenges that come with a labyrinth of meetings and how initiatives like 'Tuesday free meetings' at H&M are rejuvenating productivity. I'll also spill the beans on the delicate dance between too many digital tools and user preferences, where the art of balancing documentation with dynamic collaboration comes into play. The chapter on tool restrictions versus user choices will leave you considering the security stakes of software and the resistance that can occur when shifting from old-school methods to digital efficiency. Join us for this episode, where practical strategies and personal anecdotes converge to refine your collaborative playbook, no matter the size of your sandbox.Follow Ondrej on LinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/in/andre-ondrej-papanek/Check out Ondrej's offerings:https://www.itmanagement.consulting/Check out Ondrej's templates in Miroverse:https://miro.com/miroverse/profile/ondrej-papanek/Support the showFollow us on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-agile-within
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Feb 13, 2024 • 23min

Hustle and Heat of Professional Coaching in Agile with Susannah Chambers

Unlock the transformative power of Agile coaching as I sit across from Susannah Chambers, an Agile Coach Lead with a flair for guiding professionals through the intricate dance of development and growth. Her wisdom cuts through the fog, dismantling the myths that often cloud the understanding of professional coaching. Get ready to shift your perspective on the role coaching can play in both your career trajectory and personal evolution. Susannah, with her in-depth and vast expertise, illustrates the unique ways that professional coaching diverges from therapy or mentoring, and stresses the importance of maintaining an environment of ethical standards and psychological safety.Our conversation with Susannah ventures into the adaptable world of coaching models like the GROW framework, demonstrating the necessity of tailoring these strategies to the individual's journey. Like easing children into sports by modifying the rules to foster enjoyment before competition, professional coaching too starts with creating a 'container' for growth—a space where safety and structure allow for clients to explore and expand. Susannah encourages a playful, experimental approach to coaching, crafting an experience as unique as the individuals involved. Tune in for an episode that promises to challenge your assumptions about coaching and inspire a fresh, agile approach to personal and professional development.Connect with Susannah on LinkedIn!https://www.linkedin.com/in/susannah-c-27a01518/Support the showFollow us on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-agile-within
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Feb 6, 2024 • 48min

Five Signs Your Product Owner is Failing the Team with Ralph Jocham

Discover the hidden landmines in the role of a product owner with the wisdom of Ralph Jokum, all the way from the picturesque city of Bern, Switzerland. Imagine transforming potential pitfalls into stepping stones toward success as we unravel the top five warning signs that a product owner may be veering off course. Ralph, with his expertise as a Professional Scrum Trainer, joins me, Mark Metze, to highlight the significance of learning and validation, and the dangers of assuming you have all the answers. Together, we dissect the complex balancing act of effective stakeholder management and the necessity of delivering product increments that truly resonate with customer needs.The journey through the Agile Within takes a turn into the realm of Minimum Viable Products, where we bust the myths surrounding MVPs. We demystify its role not as a substandard product, but as a powerful hypothesis validation tool. Ralph and I navigate the intricacies of stakeholder engagement, laying out a blueprint for product owners to align their vision with each stakeholder category's unique interests and expectations. We champion the Agile philosophy where tangible working products speak louder than any project metrics, and we share the secrets to harnessing short feedback loops for unparalleled business agility.Wrapping up an episode brimming with actionable insights, we cast the spotlight on crafting sprint goals that ignite developer motivation and lead to transformative sprint reviews. The art of negotiation within sprint planning is a dance we all must learn, and Ralph and I discuss the vital collaboration between developers and product owners to overcome the inevitable challenges in creating impactful technology. Say goodbye to PowerPoint presentations in sprint reviews and hello to outcome-driven goals. Be sure to tune in for this masterclass on fostering a collaborative environment that puts a human touch at the forefront of technological advancement.Connect with Ralph!LinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/in/ralphjochamEmail:ralph.jocham@effectiveagile.comRalph's Company- Effective Agile:effectiveagile.comSchedule a Scrum.org course with Ralph:https://www.scrum.org/classes?uid=110The Professional Product Owner book:https://www.amazon.com/Professional-Product-Owner-Leveraging-Competitive-ebook/dp/B07D5ZPJBYSupport the showFollow us on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-agile-within
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Jan 30, 2024 • 46min

People tell me I'm doing Agile wrong. Am I? with Allison Pollard

As the sun peeks over the horizon and the aroma of freshly brewed coffee fills the air, I sit with Agile expert Allison Pollard to unravel the tapestry of Agile methodologies. Our conversation kicks off with the comfort of morning routines and the buzz of coffee shops, but soon we're navigating the tumultuous waters of Agile implementation. Allison shares an enlightening encounter with a mentor that reshaped her view on Agile processes, prompting us to dissect the nuances of feedback and its power to transform team dynamics. This episode is a treasure trove for anyone looking to deepen their understanding of Agile's fluidity and its deeply subjective nature.Navigating the symbiotic relationship between Agile coaches and Scrum Masters, we dissect the intricacies of coaching agreements and the art of providing feedback that nurtures growth. The emotional resonance of an Agile coach's guidance can propel a Scrum Master to new heights, and we explore the delicate balance required to cultivate an environment conducive to success. Through candid anecdotes and shared experiences, we shed light on the various coaching stances—each a unique tool, adaptable to the context and needs of the team.In our final exploration, we delve into the 'three C's'—clarity, connection, and curiosity—that serve as the backbone of exceptional leadership and coaching. Allison recounts her journey coaching a Scrum Master transitioning to an Agile coach, emphasizing the significance of fostering these elements in every interaction. We then pivot to the consulting sphere, where we discuss how aligning these principles can spearhead strategic growth and adept change management. For those enchanted by the Agile philosophy or enmeshed in its practice, this episode promises to enrich your perspective and arm you with stories and insights from the front lines.Connect with Allison!LinkedInhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/allisonpollardSign up for the Helping Improve Classhttps://helpingimprove.com/managing-amazing-people-training/Women in Agile Mentorship Programhttps://womeninagile.org/mentorshipSupport the showFollow us on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-agile-within
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Dec 5, 2023 • 39min

Unleashing The Power of Neuro-Linguistic Programming in Communication with Neelu Kaur

Are you ready to be your own cheerleader? This electrifying podcast episode is sure to empower you as we host leadership guru and author, Neelu Kaur. Drawing from her own experiences, Neelu navigates us through the highs and lows of self-advocacy, particularly emphasizing the sometimes difficult journey of Asian and South Asian women in the workplace. With her insightful book, "Be Your Own Cheerleader" as our guide, we deep-dive into the importance of standing up for oneself, challenging cultural norms, and rising past personal struggles.Ever wondered how Neuro-Linguistic Programming (NLP) can enhance your communication skills? Neelu unveils the magic of NLP and its potential in improving self-advocacy. She invites us to shift our focus from problem-centric to outcome-oriented questions, revealing how this change in perspective can bridge cultural communication gaps. Through a relatable workplace example, we illustrate how this powerful tool can be harnessed to better communicate our needs and aspirations.In the latter half of our conversation, we explore the multifaceted world of corporate diversity. We underline the dire need of leaders to amplify the often unheard voices and foster an inclusive work culture. We share an inspiring tale of a sales leader that demonstrates how diversity can lead to extraordinary outcomes. As we draw to a close, we emphasize the importance of meeting people where they are, respecting personal identities, and understanding different communication styles. Brace yourself for an enlightening discourse on self-advocacy, the power of effective communication, and the undeniable value of diversity and inclusivity. Don't miss out on this transformative episode!Support the showFollow us on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-agile-within
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Nov 28, 2023 • 42min

The Agility of Remote Work: A Fresh Take with Shane Spraggs

Ready for a fresh perspective on remote work? We welcome Shane Spraggs, CEO of Virtira and seasoned expert in managing remote teams, to shed light on this rapidly evolving landscape. Shane shares his wisdom from a 15-year journey leading a completely remote company, unpacking the nuances of working remotely in an Agile environment.Join us as we traverse Shane's unique hiring approach that bridges rural Canadians with enterprise firms in the United States. Understand how this strategy uncovers untapped talent, and discover the significance of setting boundaries and maintaining open lines of communication in a remote setting. Explore how Shane's company has navigated the pandemic, adapting their remote practices to the shifting landscape.But we're not stopping there! We dive headfirst into the challenges of remote work and the solutions Shane and his team have devised over the years. We'll break down the Agile manifesto's lack of remote considerations and discuss the crucial rules of remote work. You won't want to miss our take on remote scrum management, communication strategies, and the role of virtual face-to-face interactions. Buckle up for an enlightening journey into the world of remote work!Support the showFollow us on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-agile-within
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Nov 21, 2023 • 46min

Demystifying AI: Impact on Jobs, Industries and Personal Interactions with Sophia Matveeva

Conquer the world of artificial intelligence (AI) with Sophia Matveeva, founder and CEO of Tech for Non-Techies, as she demystifies AI, its impact on jobs, and its potential. Our conversation is a fascinating exploration of the future, not through the apocalyptic lens of job loss but as a study of the revolutionizing effects of technologies like Chat, gpt.We tread the exhilarating path of content creation with AI, discussing our own experiences in generating titles, descriptions, and blog posts. Hear how Sophia navigates the slower-than-expected adoption of AI in traditional banking, and the unique opportunities it presents for entrepreneurs. Hold on to your seats as we also unpack the impact of AI on retail and luxury markets – a discussion where a rational approach might not always be the best.Finally, we delve into the heart of the matter: the impact of AI on human interaction. With companies like Stitchfix integrating AI in their processes, we imagine a future where human touch and creativity become a luxury in certain services. Tune in to comprehend the true value of AI in our lives, the future it's shaping, and the importance of the human touch in an increasingly automated world.Support the showFollow us on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-agile-within
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Nov 14, 2023 • 51min

Revealing the Agile Coaching Growth Wheel Part 2 with Fred Deichler

Are you ready to turbocharge your Agile journey? Join us as we sit down with Agile maestro, Fred Deichler, who unveils the secrets of the Agile Coaching Growth Wheel. This powerful self-improvement tool is for those of you who’ve mastered the Scrum Guide and are hungry for that next level. We don't just stop there. We also discuss the intriguing Shu Ha Ri journey and how having a mentor can amplify the benefits of the Agile Coaching Growth Wheel.Dive deeper into the Agile mindset with Fred as he sheds light on his experiences and revelations. Fred emphasizes that Agile isn't just about following a process – it's about living its values and mindset. We tackle leading with a mindset over process, and debate if offering advanced certified scrum master certification to Agile novices might be a step too far. As we unpack the Agile Coaching Growth Wheel, you'll gain a deeper understanding of its various competencies and how they apply to real-world scenarios. You don't want to miss this episode brimming with wisdom and practical advice to accelerate your Agile journey.https://agilecoachinggrowthwheel.org/Support the showFollow us on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-agile-within

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