Scrum Master Toolbox Podcast: Agile storytelling from the trenches

Sara Caldwell: Human-Centric and Transformational Leadership for Agile Teams Read the full Show Notes and search through the world’s largest audio library on Scrum directly on the Scrum Master Toolbox Podcast website: http://bit.ly/SMTP_ShowNotes. Sara shares her experience with a healthcare project aimed at digitizing care workers’ documentation processes. Despite innovative technical solutions, the team overlooked user empathy, leading to adoption challenges. Engineers who shadowed care workers discovered crucial insights that transformed their approach. Sara reflects on the importance of direct user engagement and how to prevent anti-patterns, like distancing engineers from end-users, in product development. Featured Book of the Week: Brave New Work by Aaron Dignan This transformative book emphasizes the need for organizations to be person-centric and complexity-conscious. Sara shares how Brave New Work inspired her to rethink operating systems for teams. Along with Leadership is Language by David Marquet and Radical Candor by Kim Scott, she discusses actionable lessons to improve leadership and team dynamics. These books provide a blend of theory and practical strategies to create empowered, high-performing teams. [The Scrum Master Toolbox Podcast Recommends] 🔥In the ruthless world of fintech, success isn’t just about innovation—it’s about coaching!🔥 Angela thought she was just there to coach a team. But now, she’s caught in the middle of a corporate espionage drama that could make or break the future of digital banking. Can she help the team regain their mojo and outwit their rivals, or will the competition crush their ambitions? As alliances shift and the pressure builds, one thing becomes clear: this isn’t just about the product—it’s about the people. 🚨 Will Angela’s coaching be enough? Find out in Shift: From Product to People—the gripping story of high-stakes innovation and corporate intrigue. Buy Now on Amazon [The Scrum Master Toolbox Podcast Recommends] About Sara Caldwell Sara is an organizational anthropologist passionate about human-centered change. She helps organizations tackle tough problems, all while keeping things fun and engaging. Sara blends strategic thinking with empathy, turning challenges into opportunities. Agile values guide her—whether helping teams flow, wrangling her rescue pets, or navigating the complexities of everyday life. You can link with Sara Caldwell on LinkedIn.

In this special episode, Vasco Duarte announces the first-ever Global Agile Summit 2025, scheduled for May 18-20 in Tallinn, Estonia. After seven years of organizing virtual Agile summits, the team is taking the next big step with an in-person event bringing together practitioners, leaders, and innovators from across the Agile community. The summit will feature three packed days: Day 1: Hands-on workshops with thought leaders Days 2-3: Parallel tracks focused on Business, Product, and Development This practitioner-focused event emphasizes real-life success stories and practical implementations of Agile methodologies. Past summits have featured renowned speakers like Marshall Goldsmith and Gojko Adzic. Super early-bird tickets are available now at 75% off the full price (just 249€), exclusively for past summit attendees and paid subscribers. Perfect for: CTOs and CPOs Engineering and Product Leaders Tech Leads and Product Managers Consulting Companies Agile Teams Learn more and secure your spot at GlobalAgileSummit.com

Sara Caldwell: Vulnerability as a Tool for Overcoming Change Resistance in an Agile Transformation Read the full Show Notes and search through the world’s largest audio library on Scrum directly on the Scrum Master Toolbox Podcast website: http://bit.ly/SMTP_ShowNotes. Agile transformations often face resistance from leaders and project managers, especially when their roles feel uncertain. In this episode, Sara shares how communication and stakeholder management can mitigate these challenges. Through vulnerability and strategic stakeholder engagement, Sara learned the importance of integrating empathy into the change process, emphasizing that “people aren’t the process.” Tune in to discover tips for leading systemic change effectively. Self-reflection Question: How can you incorporate empathy and vulnerability into your stakeholder engagement strategies? [The Scrum Master Toolbox Podcast Recommends] 🔥In the ruthless world of fintech, success isn’t just about innovation—it’s about coaching!🔥 Angela thought she was just there to coach a team. But now, she’s caught in the middle of a corporate espionage drama that could make or break the future of digital banking. Can she help the team regain their mojo and outwit their rivals, or will the competition crush their ambitions? As alliances shift and the pressure builds, one thing becomes clear: this isn’t just about the product—it’s about the people. 🚨 Will Angela’s coaching be enough? Find out in Shift: From Product to People—the gripping story of high-stakes innovation and corporate intrigue. Buy Now on Amazon [The Scrum Master Toolbox Podcast Recommends] About Sara Caldwell Sara is an organizational anthropologist passionate about human-centered change. She helps organizations tackle tough problems, all while keeping things fun and engaging. Sara blends strategic thinking with empathy, turning challenges into opportunities. Agile values guide her—whether helping teams flow, wrangling her rescue pets, or navigating the complexities of everyday life. You can link with Sara Caldwell on LinkedIn.

BONUS: Marshall Goldsmith on Leadership, AI, and Coaching for the Future In this BONUS episode, Dr. Marshall Goldsmith, the world-renowned leadership coach and bestselling author, shares transformative insights into leadership, coaching, and how AI is reshaping the future of these fields. With over 3 million books sold and recognition as the #1 leadership thinker globally, Marshall takes us on a journey through his career, his new AI project, and practical lessons for leaders at all levels. From Situational Leadership to Coaching Titans Marshall shares the pivotal moments that launched his career in leadership coaching. From collaborating with Paul Hersey on Situational Leadership to developing his revolutionary coaching model, Marshall shares how aligning his methods with results-driven outcomes has shaped his approach. “I always get paid after the results. This keeps the focus where it belongs—on the client’s success, not mine.” Counterintuitive Lessons in Leadership Winning too much, overcompetitiveness, and making coaching about the leader instead of the team—Marshall uncovers the surprising obstacles that hold even top leaders back. He highlights the importance of working with great people and the discipline to focus on their growth over personal validation. And Marshall shares an insight that is critical for Scrum Masters: “Leadership isn’t about proving yourself; it’s about helping others succeed.” Coaching Global Leaders: The Process Having coached CEOs of companies like Pfizer, Ford, and Walmart, as well as global influencers, Marshall dives into his coaching process. He explains the importance of courage, humility, and discipline and introduces how his new AI bot enhances his coaching framework with over 3 million words of distilled leadership wisdom. “Great coaching starts with great clients. My process is about helping them achieve their potential, not mine.” The Birth of MarshallGoldsmith.AI Marshall’s desire to give back led to the creation of MarshallGoldsmith.AI, a free tool designed to democratize access to leadership wisdom. We explore how the bot leverages AI for knowledge-sharing, its inherent biases, and how it’s being used in real coaching scenarios. “My goal is simple: help as many people as possible by sharing everything I’ve learned.” How AI Will Revolutionize Leadership Looking forward, Marshall shares his vision for how AI will reshape learning and coaching. He believes AI will accelerate knowledge sharing, making insights immediately accessible and creating new opportunities for thought leaders to amplify their impact. “The future of coaching lies in immediate access to transformative ideas—AI makes this possible.” Lessons for Scrum Masters MarshallGoldsmith.AI even has advice for Agile practitioners! When asked about lessons for Scrum Masters, the bot highlighted three key principles: focus on collaboration, prioritize feedback without judgment, and build team resilience. “Listen, thank people, don’t judge, and focus on actionable steps forward.” Parting Words of Advice Marshall leaves us with a timeless reflection: “Imagine you’re near the end of your life and can offer one piece of advice to your younger self. What would it be? Live that advice today.” About Dr. Marshall Goldsmith Dr. Marshall Goldsmith is a #1 New York Times bestselling author, whose books have sold over 3 million copies worldwide. Ranked as the #1 leadership thinker by Thinkers50 and the #1 executive coach in the world for over a decade, Marshall has coached top leaders, including CEOs of global corporations, world leaders, and visionary thinkers. In addition to his coaching work, Marshall is pioneering the integration of AI in leadership with MarshallGoldsmith.AI, a free tool to democratize access to his decades of expertise. You can link with Dr. Marshall Goldsmith on LinkedIn and connect with him on Twitter.

Ramya Shastri: When Sprint Goals Are Missing, The Consequences of a Task-Driven Product Owner Read the full Show Notes and search through the world’s largest audio library on Scrum directly on the Scrum Master Toolbox Podcast website: http://bit.ly/SMTP_ShowNotes. The Great Product Owner: The Goal Oriented PO Ramya describes a great Product Owner as one who is protective of the team, ensures sprint goals are clearly defined, and consults the team before accepting customer demands. This PO fosters a collaborative environment where the team can thrive and deliver results. The Bad Product Owner: When Sprint Goals Are Missing, The Consequences of a Task-Driven Product Owner A bad Product Owner neglects the importance of sprint goals, focusing only on tasks and requirements. This creates an unmanageable workload for the team, leading to low productivity and confusion. Ramya highlights the value of using analogies, like fitness goals, to help reluctant POs understand the importance of sprint goals. [The Scrum Master Toolbox Podcast Recommends] 🔥In the ruthless world of fintech, success isn’t just about innovation—it’s about coaching!🔥 Angela thought she was just there to coach a team. But now, she’s caught in the middle of a corporate espionage drama that could make or break the future of digital banking. Can she help the team regain their mojo and outwit their rivals, or will the competition crush their ambitions? As alliances shift and the pressure builds, one thing becomes clear: this isn’t just about the product—it’s about the people. 🚨 Will Angela’s coaching be enough? Find out in Shift: From Product to People—the gripping story of high-stakes innovation and corporate intrigue. Buy Now on Amazon [The Scrum Master Toolbox Podcast Recommends] About Ramya Shastri Ramya is an Enterprise Agile Coach from India who focuses on organizational growth and agility through human-centric coaching. She co-hosts two podcasts: Agile Coaching Round Table and Career Storyteller (on YouTube). You can link with Ramya Shastri on LinkedIn.

Ramya Shastri: Collaborating On Defining Success For Scrum Masters, The 360 View Read the full Show Notes and search through the world’s largest audio library on Scrum directly on the Scrum Master Toolbox Podcast website: http://bit.ly/SMTP_ShowNotes. Ramya emphasizes that defining success is a collaborative process between Scrum Masters, teams, and stakeholders. By aligning expectations early and continuously uncovering challenges, Scrum Masters can tailor their focus to deliver impactful results. Self-reflection Question: How do you define and measure your success as a Scrum Master in collaboration with your team and stakeholders? Featured Retrospective Format for the Week: Collaborative Icebreaker and Open Discussions Ramya doesn’t rely on specific retrospective formats but prioritizes creating an environment where team members feel comfortable sharing ideas throughout the sprint. She uses icebreakers to warm up the team and fosters an open, blame-free atmosphere that encourages sharing both successes and failures. [The Scrum Master Toolbox Podcast Recommends] 🔥In the ruthless world of fintech, success isn’t just about innovation—it’s about coaching!🔥 Angela thought she was just there to coach a team. But now, she’s caught in the middle of a corporate espionage drama that could make or break the future of digital banking. Can she help the team regain their mojo and outwit their rivals, or will the competition crush their ambitions? As alliances shift and the pressure builds, one thing becomes clear: this isn’t just about the product—it’s about the people. 🚨 Will Angela’s coaching be enough? Find out in Shift: From Product to People—the gripping story of high-stakes innovation and corporate intrigue. Buy Now on Amazon [The Scrum Master Toolbox Podcast Recommends] About Ramya Shastri Ramya is an Enterprise Agile Coach from India who focuses on organizational growth and agility through human-centric coaching. She co-hosts two podcasts: Agile Coaching Round Table and Career Storyteller (on YouTube). You can link with Ramya Shastri on LinkedIn.

Ramya Shastri: From Estimates To Team Availability - The Capacity Sheet Tool For Scrum Masters Read the full Show Notes and search through the world’s largest audio library on Scrum directly on the Scrum Master Toolbox Podcast website: http://bit.ly/SMTP_ShowNotes. Ramya faced resistance when introducing change in an organization bound by outdated timesheet practices. By implementing capacity sheets, she reframed the discussion around team availability instead of tracking hours, convincing the Delivery Manager and customer of its benefits. This success highlights the power of leading by example and addressing resistance with practical, team-centric solutions. Self-reflection Question: How can you use simple tools to address resistance and demonstrate the value of change in your team? [The Scrum Master Toolbox Podcast Recommends] 🔥In the ruthless world of fintech, success isn’t just about innovation—it’s about coaching!🔥 Angela thought she was just there to coach a team. But now, she’s caught in the middle of a corporate espionage drama that could make or break the future of digital banking. Can she help the team regain their mojo and outwit their rivals, or will the competition crush their ambitions? As alliances shift and the pressure builds, one thing becomes clear: this isn’t just about the product—it’s about the people. 🚨 Will Angela’s coaching be enough? Find out in Shift: From Product to People—the gripping story of high-stakes innovation and corporate intrigue. Buy Now on Amazon [The Scrum Master Toolbox Podcast Recommends] About Ramya Shastri Ramya is an Enterprise Agile Coach from India who focuses on organizational growth and agility through human-centric coaching. She co-hosts two podcasts: Agile Coaching Round Table and Career Storyteller (on YouTube). You can link with Ramya Shastri on LinkedIn.

Ramya Shastri: Creating Safety And Overcoming Fear In Agile Teams Read the full Show Notes and search through the world’s largest audio library on Scrum directly on the Scrum Master Toolbox Podcast website: http://bit.ly/SMTP_ShowNotes. Ramya shares a story about a team trapped in a fear culture where silence prevailed in meetings. With a micromanaging manager doubling as a Scrum Master, the team struggled to collaborate effectively. Ramya used one-on-one sessions, team-building exercises, and video calls to create an environment of trust and openness, eventually helping the team speak up and address challenges. Self-reflection Question: How can you create a safe environment in your team where individuals feel empowered to voice their concerns and ideas? Featured Book of the Week: “Driving Value with Sprint Goals” by Maarten Dalmijn Ramya recommends Driving Value with Sprint Goals for its practical insights into maximizing Scrum’s potential. She emphasizes its value in understanding how to prioritize effectively and focus on delivering meaningful outcomes—a lesson essential for any Scrum Master or Product Owner. [The Scrum Master Toolbox Podcast Recommends] 🔥In the ruthless world of fintech, success isn’t just about innovation—it’s about coaching!🔥 Angela thought she was just there to coach a team. But now, she’s caught in the middle of a corporate espionage drama that could make or break the future of digital banking. Can she help the team regain their mojo and outwit their rivals, or will the competition crush their ambitions? As alliances shift and the pressure builds, one thing becomes clear: this isn’t just about the product—it’s about the people. 🚨 Will Angela’s coaching be enough? Find out in Shift: From Product to People—the gripping story of high-stakes innovation and corporate intrigue. Buy Now on Amazon [The Scrum Master Toolbox Podcast Recommends] About Ramya Shastri Ramya is an Enterprise Agile Coach from India who focuses on organizational growth and agility through human-centric coaching. She co-hosts two podcasts: Agile Coaching Round Table and Career Storyteller (on YouTube). You can link with Ramya Shastri on LinkedIn.

Ramya Shastri: Unveiling the Many Layers of the Scrum Master Role Read the full Show Notes and search through the world’s largest audio library on Scrum directly on the Scrum Master Toolbox Podcast website: http://bit.ly/SMTP_ShowNotes. Starting her journey as a Scrum Master, Ramya Shastri quickly discovered that the role is much more complex than just facilitation and coordination. She shares her experiences transitioning from QA to Scrum Master and the lessons she learned about team dynamics, psychological safety, and adapting practices to specific teams. Her story emphasizes that Scrum Masters grow through experience and the iterative process of learning the craft. Self-reflection Question: How are you exploring and deepening your understanding of team dynamics in your current role? [The Scrum Master Toolbox Podcast Recommends] 🔥In the ruthless world of fintech, success isn’t just about innovation—it’s about coaching!🔥 Angela thought she was just there to coach a team. But now, she’s caught in the middle of a corporate espionage drama that could make or break the future of digital banking. Can she help the team regain their mojo and outwit their rivals, or will the competition crush their ambitions? As alliances shift and the pressure builds, one thing becomes clear: this isn’t just about the product—it’s about the people. 🚨 Will Angela’s coaching be enough? Find out in Shift: From Product to People—the gripping story of high-stakes innovation and corporate intrigue. Buy Now on Amazon [The Scrum Master Toolbox Podcast Recommends] About Ramya Shastri Ramya is an Enterprise Agile Coach from India who focuses on organizational growth and agility through human-centric coaching. She co-hosts two podcasts: Agile Coaching Round Table and Career Storyteller (on YouTube). You can link with Ramya Shastri on LinkedIn.

Aliona Zapanovici: Helping Agile Teams Be Passionate About Their Products, A Product Owner Superpower Read the full Show Notes and search through the world’s largest audio library on Scrum directly on the Scrum Master Toolbox Podcast website: http://bit.ly/SMTP_ShowNotes. The Great Product Owner: Helping Agile Teams Be Passionate About Their Products, A PO Superpower A standout Product Owner embodies a blend of deep product knowledge, market insight, and trust in the development team. Aliona highlights how such a PO remains accountable while empowering the team to excel, ensuring they see their value reflected in the product. This dynamic builds passion and commitment within the team. Self-reflection Question: How do you work with the Product Owner to ensure that your team feels trusted and valued while maintaining accountability? The Bad Product Owner: The Challenges of a Proxy PO Aliona shares an experience with a proxy PO lacking real decision-making power. This situation led to confusion, delays, and rework, ultimately ending in the PO’s departure and a demotivated team. This story underscores the necessity for Product Owners to possess both authority and clear accountability to effectively guide the team. Self-reflection Question: Does your PO have the necessary authority and trust to lead effectively? [The Scrum Master Toolbox Podcast Recommends] 🔥In the ruthless world of fintech, success isn’t just about innovation—it’s about coaching!🔥 Angela thought she was just there to coach a team. But now, she’s caught in the middle of a corporate espionage drama that could make or break the future of digital banking. Can she help the team regain their mojo and outwit their rivals, or will the competition crush their ambitions? As alliances shift and the pressure builds, one thing becomes clear: this isn’t just about the product—it’s about the people. 🚨 Will Angela’s coaching be enough? Find out in Shift: From Product to People—the gripping story of high-stakes innovation and corporate intrigue. Buy Now on Amazon [The Scrum Master Toolbox Podcast Recommends] About Aliona Zapanovici  Aliona is an Agile Coach and Scrum Master with a background in architecture who transitioned to IT to pursue her passion. She values impactful contributions over years of experience. Balancing her roles as a coach, mentor, and mother, she focuses on empowering teams and guiding individuals to achieve their best. You can link with Aliona Zapanovici on LinkedIn.