Agile and Project Management - DrunkenPM Radio

(This podcast was originally recorded as a video episode. If you'd like to see that version: https://youtu.be/YSDNeAdyZiw) In this conversation, Dave Prior and Johnu Marattil discuss the challenges of job applications, particularly the importance of tailoring resumes for each position. Johnu shares his personal journey of creating a tool, WahResume, to automate and enhance the job application process. They delve into the significance of understanding ATS filters, common mistakes applicants make, and strategies for effectively showcasing skills and experiences. The discussion also covers the role of AI in improving resumes and the necessity of preparing for interviews in today's competitive job market. Takeaways • Tailoring your resume for each job application is essential. • Understanding ATS filters can significantly improve your chances of getting noticed. • Automating the resume creation process can save time and effort. • Highlighting skills and achievements is crucial for standing out. • Using keywords from job descriptions in your cover letter can enhance your application. • Applying for multiple roles increases your chances of getting shortlisted. • A simple and lightweight resume format is often more effective. • Practicing interviews can help build confidence and improve performance. • The goal of job applications has shifted to getting interviews rather than just landing jobs. • WahResume is a tool designed to streamline the job application process. Links: WahResume: https://www.wahresume.com/ (In the interview, Johnu shares a promo code that will give you a free month of full access - but you’ll need to listen to the recording to find out what it is.) Johnu on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/johnumarattil/ Chapters 00:20 Introduction to Job Application Challenges 03:19 The Importance of Tailoring Resumes 06:11 Automating the Job Application Process 09:15 Using AI to Enhance Resumes 11:42 Common Mistakes in Job Applications 14:28 Navigating the Job Market Today 17:23 Demonstrating the Resume Tool 20:14 Improving Resume Scores with Keywords 24:59 Navigating Job Descriptions and Resumes 27:13 Tailoring Resumes for Experience 28:55 The Importance of Relevant Skills 30:10 Optimizing Resume Formats for ATS 33:04 Understanding ATS Parsing Challenges 37:52 Simplifying Resume Formats 39:50 Job Application Strategies and Tips 43:48 Leveraging Tools for Job Seekers

In this engaging conversation, Johanna Rothman takes over Dave Prior's podcast to discuss the journey of writing their new book with Stu Young. They explore themes of self-responsibility, emotional intelligence, and the importance of visual thinking in navigating complexity. The authors share their personal experiences and insights on collaboration, the writing process, and the necessity of embracing change in both personal and professional lives. They emphasize the significance of authenticity and continuous improvement as key elements in achieving success and fulfillment. Takeaways • The book was inspired by a drunken conversation on a ship. • Self-responsibility is crucial; no one will save you. • Emotional intelligence is a key skill for success. • Personal Kanban helps in organizing tasks effectively. • PDSA (Plan, Do, Study, Adjust) is essential for personal growth. • Visual thinking aids in problem-solving and idea generation. • Careers are not linear; adaptability is vital. • Change is inevitable; embrace it rather than resist. • Collaboration enhances the writing process and creativity. • Authenticity and imperfection are strengths, not weaknesses. Links from the Interview: Johanna Rothman Web: http://www.jrothman.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/johannarothman/ Stuart Young Web: https://www.stuartyoung.uk/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/stuart-young-vis/ Dave Prior Web: https://linktr.ee/mrsungo LinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/in/mrsungo/ Newsletter Sign Up: https://tinyurl.com/3f5aevts No One Is Coming to Save You https://leanpub.com/surfthechaos The Agile Network September Event (24 hours) - Expert's Showcase Begins 9/7 at 8 AM Eastern https://theagilenetwork.com/group/cca3b7ef-4fb3-42a7-8f97-59ab04a7b2e5/profile Lean Coffee with Dave, Anu Smalley, Bob Galen, and Angela Johnson 9/7 at 2 PM Eastern https://theagilenetwork.com/event/6ba65f21-fef8-4f48-8fb5-9b769c1b1b96/ROUND_TABLE Lean DC - Agile Meetup - No One is Coming to Save You 10/8 at 12 PM Eastern https://www.meetup.com/dc-lean-agile/events/310850331/?eventOrigin=group_events_list Chapters 02:28 The Backstory of the Book 08:02 The Book's Premise: No One is Coming to Save You 13:59 Emotional Intelligence and Self-Awareness 17:24 Understanding PDSA vs. PDCA 18:41 The Importance of Self-Reflection 20:06 Getting Your Shit Together: Personal Kanban and PDSA 20:37 Visual Thinking in Agile Coaching 24:35 Navigating Non-Linear Career Paths 26:22 Embracing Change in Careers 32:251 Collaborative Writing and Finishing Projects 37:45 Dealing with Change and Relationships 41:12 The Value of Time and Self-Awareness

Dave Prior transitions control of his podcast to Alex Silva, a fellow Personal Kanban practitioner. They discuss the challenges of time management and productivity, sharing personal experiences and strategies. Dave emphasizes the importance of using personal Kanban as a tool for self-reflection and optimization, rather than just task management. He describes his "productivity recovery plan" using a notebook to maintain focus when his electronic system fails. Alex highlights the benefits of community and continuous learning, noting the impact of face-to-face interactions. Both agree on the value of daily routines, such as reading and exercise, for maintaining balance and productivity. Contacting Alex LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/soualexsilva/ To learn more about Personal Kanban Personal Kanban: https://www.personalkanban.com/pk/blog/ Dave’s Personal Kanban Blog Posts: https://drunkenpm.blogspot.com/2014/10/summary-of-personal-kanban-posts-for.html The Agile Network’s Discover What’s NEXT event 8/20-21 https://theagilenetwork.com/group/ddb2c98a-5768-4763-9b3d-3ae170c384e0/profile

In this conversation, David Marquet shares his transformative leadership journey from commanding the Santa Fe submarine, one of the worst performers in the fleet, to implementing a culture of empowerment and accountability. He discusses the importance of shifting from a language of permission to a language of intent, encouraging leaders to empower their teams to think critically and make decisions. Marquet emphasizes the significance of mindset, distance, and self-coaching in effective decision-making, and how visualizing problems can lead to better solutions. The discussion culminates in practical advice for creating a culture of accountability and fostering a proactive mindset within teams. Takeaways Leadership is about inspiring teams, not just giving orders. The language of permission can stifle innovation and accountability. Empower your team to think critically and make decisions. Mindset and distance are crucial for effective decision-making. Coaching yourself can lead to better outcomes. Visualizing problems helps in understanding and solving them. Creating a culture of accountability is essential for success. Encourage a language of intent over a language of permission. Fresh perspectives can lead to innovative solutions. Transformational leadership requires a shift in mindset and language. LINKS Distancing - How Great Leaders Reframe to Make Better Decisions by L. David Marquet and Michael A. Gillespie https://tinyurl.com/wtadnumb You can check out the interview with David’s co-author, Michael Gillespie, here: https://on.soundcloud.com/zb166tQR3Ce8gp0tHd Contacting L. David Marquet Web: https://davidmarquet.com LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/davidmarquet/ Amazon: https://tinyurl.com/4ezbp4a9 Contacting Michael Gillespie University of South Florida: https://tinyurl.com/yds54cbe LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/michael-gillespie-78661a4/

In this episode, Dave interviews Dr. Michael Gillespie about his book 'Distancing - How Great Leaders Reframe to Make Better Decisions', which explores psychological distancing as a tool for better decision-making. They discuss the importance of stepping outside one's own perspective to gain clarity, the different types of distancing (self, time, and space), and practical applications of these techniques. The conversation also touches on the role of journaling, the significance of construal level theory, and how mindfulness can complement these strategies. Ultimately, the discussion emphasizes the need for individuals to pause and reflect in order to make more informed decisions. Takeaways • Psychological distancing helps individuals see situations more clearly. • Mindfulness is beneficial, but not always sufficient for immediate decision-making. • There are three primary types of distancing: self, time, and space. • Journaling in the third person can enhance self-awareness and clarity. • Construal level theory explains the difference between high-level abstract thinking and low-level concrete thinking. • Taking a pause is crucial in emotionally charged situations. • Practicing distancing techniques can lead to better emotional regulation. • Being a 'fly on the wall' can provide valuable perspective in difficult moments. • It's important to normalize the practice of pausing in group settings. • The ultimate goal is to make better decisions and improve overall well-being. LINKS Distancing - How Great Leaders Reframe to Make Better Decisions by L. David Marquet and Michael A. Gillespie https://tinyurl.com/wtadnumb Contacting Michael Gillespie University of South Florida: https://tinyurl.com/yds54cbe LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/michael-gillespie-78661a4/ Contacting L. David Marquet Web: https://davidmarquet.com LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/davidmarquet/ Amazon: https://tinyurl.com/4ezbp4a9

In this conversation, Henry Poydar joins Dave on the podcast to discuss the innovative platform Steady, which aims to enhance team coordination and communication in the workplace. Henry shares his extensive background in engineering and web development, emphasizing the importance of context and intentions in project management. They explore the challenges of cross-team coordination, especially in the wake of the pandemic, and how Steady seeks to unburden teams from the coordination crisis. The discussion also highlights the concept of 'echoes' as a new way to provide contextual insights and the significance of celebrating individual contributions within teams. Overall, the conversation sheds light on the future of work and the role of technology in fostering collaboration and productivity. Takeaways - The importance of context in team coordination cannot be overstated. - Intentions should be prioritized over commitments in project management. - Writing down intentions serves as a forcing function for clarity. - The pandemic has highlighted the need for better cross-team coordination. - Steady aims to unburden teams from coordination challenges. - The concept of a shared brain can enhance teamwork and communication. - Echoes are a new way to provide contextual insights to team members. - Nudges can help optimize workflows and improve productivity. - Celebrating individual contributions is essential for team morale. Chapters 04:22 Introduction to Steady and Henry's Background 07:25 The Evolution of Engineering and Design in Tech 10:17 The Importance of Context in Team Coordination 13:05 Intentions vs. Commitments in Project Management 16:08 The Role of Writing in Clarifying Intentions 18:55 The Impact of the Pandemic on Team Dynamics 22:07 Cross-Team Coordination Challenges 25:04 The Cost of Poor Coordination in Knowledge Work 27:54 Steady's Approach to Reducing Coordination Burden 30:58 Creating a Shared Brain for Teams 38:26 Contextualizing Team Dynamics 34:04 Empowering Autonomy in Project Management 39:50 Leveraging AI for Enhanced Collaboration 43:27 The Importance of Personal Recognition 46:00 Tailored Insights for Effective Decision Making 50:28 Vision for a Meaningful Work Environment Contacting Henry: - Steady: https://runsteady.com/ - LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/henrypoydar/ Other Links from the Podcast: - Dave and Stuart’s Book: “No One Is Coming to Save You”
www.stuartyoung.uk/copy-of-human-skills-1 - AI Readiness for Professionals Course
tinyurl.com/y79kassb - Dave’s Upcoming Scrum Certification Classes
www.scrumalliance.org/courses-events…=14153&cnty=US

Join Dave Prior as he sits down with Ross Beurmann, author of "From Theater to Flow: Rebuilding the System Behind Agility." In this episode, they delve into the challenges of agile transformations, the concept of "Agile Theater," and the importance of focusing on the middle management to drive meaningful change. Ross shares insights from his book and discusses the need for organizations to rethink their approach to agility. Key Topics: The pitfalls of "Agile Theater" and how to avoid them The role of middle management in successful transformations Ross's unique approach to integrating governance and agility Real-world examples and lessons learned from Ross's consulting experience Links: Ross's Book on Amazon https://tinyurl.com/37neasdm Ross's Website https://rossbeurmann.com Connect with Ross on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rossbeurmann/ Links from the intro: The Agile Network https://theagilenetwork.com/ Agile 2025 https://agilealliance.org/agile2025/ Dave and Stuarts Talk at Agile 2025: Career Power-Ups: Surviving Through Uncertainty and Change https://tinyurl.com/2s4zhzts Dave and Stuart’s Book: “No One Is Coming to Save You” https://leanpub.com/surfthechaos

Building Resiliance with Agile2025 Keynote Speaker Tricia Broderick Dave Prior interviews Tricia Broderick for the Agile 2025 pre-conference, focusing on her keynote on building resilience. Tricia discusses the challenges of the current job market, including high unemployment and overworked employees. She emphasizes the importance of resilience and community support. Tricia also highlights the upcoming AI Readiness for Professionals course, starting August 6, which aims to help professionals stay competitive in an AI-driven world. The conversation touches on the emotional toll of supporting others and the need for empathy and practical support. Tricia looks forward to the Agile 2025 conference, particularly the opportunity to honor past community members. Key Takeaways - Resilience is essential in our current world of work due to a challenging job market and overwhelming workloads. - Empathetic people struggle with the emotional toll of trying to support numerous friends and colleagues who are out of work or struggling. - Community and in-person connections, like at the Agile conference, provide a vital source of restoration and support. - Building personal resilience can be achieved by focusing on what you can control, such as limiting news consumption and performing small acts of kindness. - Tricia will use her keynote to honor four mentors who are no longer with us but had a significant generational impact on her career. To register for Agile 2025 https://agilealliance.org/agile2025/pricing/ Tricia's Links Details on Tricia's Keynote at Agile 2025 https://tinyurl.com/nuwyk629 Lead Without Blame by Tricia Broderick and Diana Larsen https://tinyurl.com/bddcxhhd Tricia's Website https://igniteii.com/ Tricia on LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/tricia-broderick Links from the Intro The Agile Network - Live from Agile2025 Lineup https://tinyurl.com/bdf4n92m Dave and Stuart's Talk at Agile 2025: Career Power-Ups: Surviving Through Uncertainty and Change tinyurl.com/2s4zhzts Dave and Stuart’s Book: “No One Is Coming to Save You” www.stuartyoung.uk/copy-of-human-skills-1 AI Readiness for Professionals Course tinyurl.com/y79kassb Dave’s Upcoming Scrum Certification Classes www.scrumalliance.org/courses-events…=14153&cnty=US

In this conversation, Dave Prior and Reece Schmidt discuss the upcoming Agile 2025 conference, focusing on its structure, keynotes, and unique features like the Hackathon for Good. They emphasize the importance of preparation for attendees, including tips for maximizing the conference experience, networking, and engaging with speakers. The conversation also addresses resources for introverts and those who may feel overwhelmed, ensuring a supportive environment for all participants. Takeaways • Agile 2025 is a condensed three-day event with a focus on keynotes and hands-on learning. • The Hackathon for Good will allow participants to work on real-world problems for a nonprofit. • Attendees should prepare by reading the program and identifying key speakers and topics of interest. • Networking is crucial; attendees should engage with speakers and other participants. • Book signings will provide opportunities for attendees to connect with authors directly. • Self-care is important; attendees should prioritize sleep, hydration, and breaks. • Introverts can find quiet spaces and should not hesitate to take breaks when needed. • The conference will feature a variety of new voices and perspectives in the Agile community. • Participants should have backup session choices in case their first choice is full. • Visual cues will be provided to help attendees navigate social interactions. Links: Agile 2025: https://agilealliance.org/agile2025/ Interview with Jurgen Appelo on The Agile Network https://theagilenetwork.com/content/8f025d5e-e8d5-454b-97a3-18e47619b397 Contacting Reese: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/reeseschmit/ Agile 2025 https://agilealliance.org/agile2025/ Dave and Stuart's Talk at Agile 2025: Career Power-Ups: Surviving Through Uncertainty and Change https://tinyurl.com/2s4zhzts Dave and Stuart’s Book: “No One Is Coming to Save You” https://www.stuartyoung.uk/copy-of-human-skills-1 AI Readiness for Professionals Course https://tinyurl.com/y79kassb Dave’s Upcoming Scrum Certification Classes https://www.scrumalliance.org/courses-events/search?tr=14153&cnty=US Chapters 00:18 Introduction to Agile 2025 01:56 Conference Structure and Keynotes 04:13 Hackathon for Good 07:55 Hands-On Learning Opportunities 10:38 Book Signing and Author Engagement 12:54 Preparation Tips for Attendees 17:26 Survival Tips During the Conference 21:48 Resources for Introverts 25:56 Closing Thoughts and Contact Information

An interview with Agile Alliance Conference Chair Chris Murman on what’s happening at Agile 2025 and why you want to be there. During the conversation, we discuss ways this year's event is different from the previous ones, focusing on the importance of addressing real problems within the Agile community, the challenges faced by professionals in the field, and the evolving role of AI in Agile practices. We talk about the need for collaboration, innovation, and a proactive approach to shaping the future of Agile methodologies. Bottom line - come to Agile 2025 to create, not just consume Links from the interview To learn more about Agile 2025 and register: https://agilealliance.org/agile2025/ To contact Chris: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/chrismurman/ Email: chrisdmurman@gmail.com Links from the intro: Mile High Agile 2025 https://www.agiledenver.org/mile-high-agile-2025/ Agile Coach Camp Worldwide https://agilealliance.org/event/agile-coach-camp-worldwide-2025/ Reimagining Agile Event https://agilealliance.org/event/reimagining-agility/ To watch the interview with Jurgen Appelo: https://theagilenetwork.com/content/8f025d5e-e8d5-454b-97a3-18e47619b397 To learn more about the session Stuart and Dave are leading at Agile 2025: https://events.agilealliance.org/agile2025/session/2841530/career-power-ups-surviving-through-uncertainty-and-change To learn when Stuart and Dave's book No One Is Coming to Save You is available: https://www.stuartyoung.uk/copy-of-human-skills-1