Mastering Agility
Sander Dur, Jim Sammons, and Rich Visotcky
Why is it that products are so hard to develop and deliver?
How can we truly deliver value with so many different variables that can affect the outcome?
We are Sander Dur and Jim Sammons, professional consultants and trainers who support organizations in their pursuit of creating valuable products. Passionate about helping the community and practitioners apply the theory many authors and thought leaders bring to the industry, we started this podcast to make these concepts more accessible.
This podcast will change your career and organization. You’ll be entertained while learning about the industry’s leaders and other practitioners, and you’ll feel familiar with the situations discussed as we invite guests over and discuss tools, concepts, models, metrics, leadership, frameworks, and many more elements that help you deliver amazing products.
Both of us understand the many struggles, challenges, antipatterns, and dysfunctions many of us face in our daily working lives. We are here to provide actionable advice and strategies for you to create continuous improvement. You will find things that actually work for many organizations, as we and our guests have tried and tested them.
You will find a goldmine of actionable information from many fields, including the space industry, Formula 1, psychology, and Silicon Valley’s top entrepreneurs. We break down these complex topics into easily digestible insights that you can start applying in your careers right away. The best part is that you can even join our live recordings to ask your most burning questions and get them answered based on your needs!
We dive deep into the world of business agility, product discovery, delivery, validation, product management, and product frameworks like Scrum, Kanban, LeSS, and many more. We’ll explore the benefits of decentralized decision-making, autonomous empowered teams, leadership, and much more. We empower you with the information you need to become the leaders your organization deserve.
Hosted on Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.
How can we truly deliver value with so many different variables that can affect the outcome?
We are Sander Dur and Jim Sammons, professional consultants and trainers who support organizations in their pursuit of creating valuable products. Passionate about helping the community and practitioners apply the theory many authors and thought leaders bring to the industry, we started this podcast to make these concepts more accessible.
This podcast will change your career and organization. You’ll be entertained while learning about the industry’s leaders and other practitioners, and you’ll feel familiar with the situations discussed as we invite guests over and discuss tools, concepts, models, metrics, leadership, frameworks, and many more elements that help you deliver amazing products.
Both of us understand the many struggles, challenges, antipatterns, and dysfunctions many of us face in our daily working lives. We are here to provide actionable advice and strategies for you to create continuous improvement. You will find things that actually work for many organizations, as we and our guests have tried and tested them.
You will find a goldmine of actionable information from many fields, including the space industry, Formula 1, psychology, and Silicon Valley’s top entrepreneurs. We break down these complex topics into easily digestible insights that you can start applying in your careers right away. The best part is that you can even join our live recordings to ask your most burning questions and get them answered based on your needs!
We dive deep into the world of business agility, product discovery, delivery, validation, product management, and product frameworks like Scrum, Kanban, LeSS, and many more. We’ll explore the benefits of decentralized decision-making, autonomous empowered teams, leadership, and much more. We empower you with the information you need to become the leaders your organization deserve.
Hosted on Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.
Episodes
Mentioned books
Dec 7, 2025 • 53min
#146 Can Mindset be Quantified? - With Dr. Karen Eilers and Christiaan Verwijs
Join hosts Rich Visotcky and Jim Sammons as they delve deep into the agile mindset and its significance in team dynamics from a research-backed perspective. Joining them in this episode are Dr. Karen Eilers and Christiaan Verwijs who are leading studies exploring the agile mindset from the individual and team level. Through their research and the help of Columinity, they describe how to factors like motivation, morale, collaborative exchange, value focus, and management support improve team effectiveness. Together, we discuss the development of reliable measurement scales, the importance of data in understanding team effectiveness in order to take action, and the challenges of selection bias and trust in survey data. We also dip our toes into the pools of dynamic reteaming and its effects on team cohesion and team outcomes.Whether you’re a manager looking to help your teams hit their stride, a team member trying to understand how to improve yourself to improve those around you, or a research and data junkie curious about people and teams, this episode has you covered!Want to learn more about your team and the research?Participate (and get immediate actionable feedback!): https://questionnaire.columinity.com/setup/model/agilemindsetPreliminary findings: https://blog.columinity.com/how-a-team-level-agile-mindset-shapes-team-effectiveness/Scientific paper on Agile Mindset: https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0040162522001822Contact Columinity: https://columinity.com/researchConnect with our guests:Karen Eilers: linkedin.com/in/dr-karen-eilers/Christiaan Verwijs: linkedin.com/in/christiaanverwijs/Connect with Mastering Agility:📢 Follow the podcast for more inspiring stories💬 Join the conversation on LinkedIn - linkedin.com/company/mastering-agility📩 Contact us for trades or sponsorships👉 If you enjoyed this episode, leave a review and share it with someone who needs to hear it!Check out our sponsors:www.xebia.comwww.wiserbees.comwww.jointinsights.comwww.productfields.comFind more at www.masteringagility.orgHosted on Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.
Dec 2, 2025 • 60min
#145 Consistency, Creativity, Compliance, and the Five X's with Sam Falco and Dan Neumann
In this episode, Jim and Rich delve into the complexities of Agile methodologies with Sam Falco and Dan Neumann, discussing the balance between consistency and flexibility, the challenges of planning in complex environments, and the importance of discipline in Agile practices. Together, they explore various frameworks for navigating complexity, the significance of measuring effectiveness, and the necessity of making small bets in uncertain conditions. The need for organizations to adapt their approaches based on the context and to embrace feedback as a means of continuous improvement is critical for continued success.00:00 Intro04:08 Understanding Complexity in Agile 09:02 The Challenge of Planning in Complex Environments 13:49 Navigating Regulations and Constraints 15:57 Frameworks for Managing Complexity 21:46 Managing Risk and Boundaries in Complexity 26:07 Efficiency vs. Effectiveness 30:20 The Complexity of Decision Making 37:15 Consistency vs Flexibility 44:05 Discovering the Time to Change 47:53 Building and Falling Into Habits 51:58 Finding the Balance of Consistency and Flexibility 53:40 Iterating Towards a Solution 54:37 Complexity Needs Good Process 55:25 Using Cadence for Evolution and Consistency 57:01 It Takes Discipline to DeliverConnect with Mastering Agility:📢 Follow the podcast for more inspiring stories💬 Join the conversation on LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/company/mastering-agility📩 Contact us for trades or sponsorships👉 If you enjoyed this episode, leave a review and share it with someone who needs to hear it!Connect with our guests:linkedin.com/in/sam-falco/linkedin.com/in/meetdanneumann/Check out our sponsors:www.xebia.comwww.wiserbees.comwww.jointinsights.comwww.productfields.comFind more at www.masteringagility.orgHosted on Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.
Nov 12, 2025 • 1h 31min
#144 Listener Q&A: Answering Your Submissions
In this episode, Ryan Brook brings his homework with him as he joins hosts Jim Sammons and Rich Visotcky for a vibrant Q&A session to answer questions from our viewers. Ryan flips the script, taking over emcee duties to extract key ideas and insights from Rich and Jim as they cover a range of topics from team autonomy and navigating roles to measuring outcomes and outputs to understand the impacts of agility.Join us for a lively session answering your questions! Have a question you want answered in a future episode? Comment on this episode, or reach out to us.00:00:00 Opening00:00:29 Introductions 00:02:54 Question Setup 00:04:16 Navigating New Roles in an Organization 00:13:07 Coaching Leadership on Agility and Fixed Projects 00:20:09 Managing Dependencies in Agile and Waterfall 00:28:38 Metrics for Agile Progress 00:36:00 Creating a Culture of Experimentation 00:47:23 Measuring Outcomes vs Output 00:52:40 The Gantt Chart Debate 00:58:16 Tools for User Story Mapping 01:05:21 Balancing Team Autonomy with Organizational Goals 01:13:01 Change Management in UI/UX Handoffs 01:19:38 Managing Parallel Sprints 01:29:13 Closing Connect with Mastering Agility📢 Follow the podcast for more inspiring stories💬 Join the conversation on LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/company/mastering-agility📩 Contact us for trades or sponsorships👉 If you enjoyed this episode, leave a review and share it with someone who needs to hear it!Check out our sponsors:www.xebia.comwww.wiserbees.comwww.jointinsights.comwww.masteringagility.orgHosted on Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.
Sep 10, 2025 • 33min
#143 Generosity, Community, and the Changing Agile Landscape with Jose Casal
“Generosity as a strategy — I’ve never seen it not pay back eventually.”In this lively conversation, Jim and Sander welcome Jose Casal — agile coach, trainer, and long-time conference organizer — to reflect on the people, purpose, and future of agile gatherings. As part of the Scan Agile 2025 organizing team, Jose shares why he continues to invest months of volunteer effort into building events that foster connection and inspiration.From his global journey (Spain → UK → Finland) to his professional philosophy of “generosity as a strategy,” Jose unpacks the challenges and rewards of running community-driven conferences in a shifting industry landscape. The trio dive into the realities of sponsorship, the impact of AI on agile investment, and why human connection remains the ultimate ROI.Check out our sponsor:www.xebia.comwww.wiserbees.comwww.masteringagility.orgHosted on Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.
19 snips
Aug 27, 2025 • 52min
#141 Embracing Agility Beyond Tech: Insights with Michal Epstein
Michal Epstein, a prominent speaker at Scan Agile 2025, is an expert in applying Agile principles beyond tech, particularly in biotech and construction. He shares insights on how Agile is a mindset that transcends industries, emphasizing the importance of stakeholder collaboration and value-driven approaches. Topics include overcoming common misconceptions in Agile practices, the critical role of effective communication, and how to assess risks through engagement. Michal also discusses the significance of delegation in leadership and fostering a culture that nurtures agility.
Aug 20, 2025 • 59min
#140 Poker, Projects, and Probability: Lessons from the Poker Table with Stacy Oliver
“In both poker and business, humans are the biggest variable—and the biggest opportunity."In this episode of Mastering Agility, Jim welcomes long-time friend and seasoned agile coach Stacy Oliver for a fascinating conversation that blends the worlds of poker, game theory, and agility. Drawing from decades of experience at the card table and in the corporate world, Stacy shares how concepts like expected value (EV), Game Theory Optimal (GTO) play, and the Independent Chip Model (ICM) can help leaders make better bets on their projects, teams, and portfolios.Stacy and Jim explore how decision quality, not just outcomes, determines success, and how understanding your constraints, risks, and probabilities can help you maximize return on investment in any game you’re playing.Connect with Stacy: (13) Stacy Oliver | LinkedInCheck out our sponsor:www.xebia.comwww.wiserbees.comwww.masteringagility.orgHosted on Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.
Aug 12, 2025 • 28min
#139 The Leader in All of Us: Changing Narratives, Changing Organizations with Laura Heikkurinen
“I dream of a world where we don’t have managers — just autonomous, inspired teams.”In this insightful episode of Mastering Agility, hosts Sander and Jim sit down with Laura Heikkurinen, Lead Transformation Coach at OP Financial Group, live at the Scan Agile 2025 conference. Together, they dive into the nuances of modern leadership, the tension between management and empowerment, and how organizations can create psychologically safe environments where everyone is empowered to lead — regardless of job title.Laura shares powerful reflections from her experience leading enterprise transformation, explains why language matters when redefining leadership, and offers candid takes on navigating toxic leadership legacies, neurodivergent inclusion, and the delicate balance between pushing a change forward or letting it go.Connect with Laura: (18) Laura Heikkurinen | LinkedInCheck out our sponsor:www.xebia.comwww.wiserbees.comwww.masteringagility.orgHosted on Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.
Aug 7, 2025 • 33min
#138 More Watts, Less Waste: Efficiency Lessons from Triathlon and Scrum with Dana Mykytiuk
“You can build software with Excel. You can finish an Ironman on a cheap bike. But will it be enjoyable? That’s another question.”In this inspiring and energetic episode, Sander and Jim sit down with Dana—Scrum Master, team lead, and passionate triathlete—just ahead of her session at the Online Scrum Master Summit. Together, they unpack:Dana’s journey into agile and what drew her to the Scrum Master Summit.How her dual passions—agile coaching and triathlon—intersect in powerful and unexpected ways.The surprising overlap between triathlon training and software delivery: focus, iteration, adaptation, and complexity.The value and limitations of tools—whether it’s JIRA or a $6,000 triathlon bike—and why mindset still trumps everything.The importance of coaching: in sports and in software. Do you really need to know how to code to be an effective coach?Connect with Dana: (31) Dana Mykytiuk | LinkedInCheck out our sponsor:www.xebia.comwww.wiserbees.comwww.masteringagility.orgHosted on Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.
16 snips
Jul 24, 2025 • 39min
#137 Strategic Storytelling: Shaping Agile Culture Through Narrative with Osita Ifezue
Osita Ifezue, a storytelling strategist, shares insights on how narrative can transform agile teams and foster customer loyalty. He emphasizes the power of personal stories over mere data, using brands like Apple and LEGO to illustrate emotional engagement. Osita discusses the concept of 'origin stories' to strengthen customer bonds and the innovative role of storytelling in navigating change. He also highlights the importance of integrating customer feedback into storytelling, advocating for vulnerability as a means to enhance communication and relationships.
16 snips
Jul 1, 2025 • 44min
#136 Hope Is Not a Strategy: Leading Culture Change That Works with Anna Lavrova
In this engaging discussion, organizational coach Anna Lavrova, based in Antwerp, dives into the complex world of organizational culture. She highlights how a misalignment between individual roles and the workplace culture can lead to discomfort. Lavrova also sheds light on the importance of understanding cultural differences in feedback and communication. The conversation touches on the evolution of organizational dynamics post-pandemic and the shift from hope-based strategies to actionable plans for cultural change.
