Scrum.org Community Podcast

In this episode of the Scrum.org Community Podcast, guest host Lindsay Velecina welcomes Professional Scrum Trainer Simon Reindl to answer listener questions from his recent webinar, “How do the Scrum Accountabilities Work at Scale – Practical Steps for Delivery.”Drawing on years of hands-on experience, Simon breaks down Scaled Scrum and portfolio management, explores how many Scrum Masters you really need, and offers guidance on applying frameworks like Nexus, Scrum at Scale, and even SAFe with intention—not dogma.From structuring teams to improving flow and making value measurable, Simon shares practical insights to help organizations scale Scrum without losing sight of what really matters: delivering value through empowered teams and continuous learning.Key Topics:Scaled Scrum and Portfolio ManagementHow many Scrum Masters? It depends.Value Stream Mapping to uncover flow and bottlenecksUsing metrics that matter (hint: it’s not velocity)The art of being a persistent (and sometimes annoying) Scrum MasterWhether you're scaling up or just getting started, this conversation will help you do it with clarity and purpose.

In this episode of the Scrum.org Community Podcast, guest host Lindsay Velecina is joined by Professional Scrum Trainer Joanna Plaskonka to answer lingering questions from her recent webinar on psychological safety in Scrum Teams. Joanna shares practical insights on measuring psychological safety using Amy Edmondson’s model, handling micromanagement, and fostering safe environments even in challenging cultures. From using behavioral questions and action learning to creating psychologically safe retrospectives, this episode is packed with actionable ideas for Scrum Masters, leaders, and teams seeking high performance through trust and openness! 

Lucas Smith, Director of Agile Program & Services at Toyota Connected, dives into how Toyota applies Agile Product Operating Model principles to portfolio management. He discusses the delicate balance between agility and control, ensuring teams can innovate while remaining aligned with strategic goals. Topics include managing product complexity in connected vehicles, the intricacies of product life cycles, funding strategies, and overcoming challenges of software longevity and technical debt. Tune in to discover Toyota's innovative approaches to enhancing collaboration and efficiency!

Yuval Yeret, a Professional Scrum Trainer and SAFe Fellow, dives into the synergies between the Agile Product Operating Model (APOM) and the Scaled Agile Framework (SAFe). He emphasizes transitioning from a 'feature factory' mindset to a dynamic, experimental 'lab' environment. The discussion covers practical steps for evolving SAFe to better support product-focused organizations and highlights the importance of creativity, trust, and effective governance in agile transformations. Tune in for insights on fostering innovation within agile practices!

In this episode of the Scrum.org Community Podcast, Dave West and PST Andy Brandt explore the state of Agile transformations and the shift toward the Agile Product Operating Model (APOM) as featured in their recently written whitepaper. While Agile has been widely adopted, challenges like misalignment between business strategy and technical execution persist. Andy shares how focusing on products instead of work and starting small with one team can drive meaningful change. They discuss the role of AI in enhancing productivity, the importance of organizational alignment, and how executive commitment can lead to spectacular results. Tune in to learn how to move beyond Agile transformations and embrace a product-first mindset!Referenced whitepaper: Moving Beyond Agile Transformations: Leveraging the Agile Product Operating Model

In this episode of the Scrum.org Community Podcast, Dave West is joined by Professional Scrum Trainer Jay Rahman to explore the evolving landscape of agility in the Middle East. They discuss how rapid digital transformation is driving the need for agility, not just in startups but also in established enterprises. Jay highlights the critical role of leadership in fostering an agile mindset, the importance of strong product thinking, and how organizations can balance speed with adaptability. Tune in to learn why agility is more than just a framework—it’s a strategic necessity for long-term success.

In this episode of the Scrum.org Community Podcast, Dave West chats with Accenture’s Professional Scrum Trainer Dimitris Dimitrelos about how companies and organizations introduce the Agile Product Operating Model (APOM). They explore the shift from project-based to product-based approaches, how APOM integrates business and product development, and the challenges of aligning legacy structures with new ways of working. Dimitris highlights the need for strong C-level sponsorship and cross-functional transformation teams to drive success. Tune in to learn how organizations are navigating this transformation to achieve true business agility.

In this Ask a PST session, Professional Scrum Trainer Mary Iqbal answers questions around the principles of Agile Leadership, offering actionable insights for fostering collaboration, enabling self-managing teams, and driving organizational success in a fast-paced, complex world.

In part two of this portfolio management Q&A, Dave West, Yuval Yeret, and Darrell Fernandes tackle the complexities of funding products vs. teams, especially in nonprofits. They explore shifting from work-based to product-based funding, managing technical debt vs. product roadmap progress, and aligning business and technology goals. The discussion highlights the role of initiative owners, evidence-based management, and finance partnerships in driving effective portfolio decisions. They also explore the concept of working cross-product. Tune in for insights on creating a more sustainable and impact-driven portfolio strategy. 

Yuval Yeret, a Professional Scrum Trainer specializing in Agile product portfolio management, and Darrell Fernandes, an executive advisor and former CIO with deep experience in product thinking, delve into the intricacies of managing Agile portfolios. They discuss the significance of visualizing work, prioritizing investments through cost of delay, and the impact of quarterly business reviews. Key topics include structured funding strategies, adapting to market changes, and the essential role of effective discovery in product management.