Agile Uprising Podcast

In a jaw-dropping turn of events, the Agile establishment faces a hostile takeover that has everyone talking. The coalition's audacious acquisition of PMI, Agile Alliance, and Scrum.org raises eyebrows, as does their unexpected grab for a colorectal screening company. Changes to certification processes are on the horizon, and reactions from the Agile community are mixed, combining humor with serious concerns about the future. This announcement has sparked a revolution that could reshape Agile as we know it!

Sandy Mamoli and David Mole, professional matchmakers and co-authors of 'Creating Great Teams,' delve into the revolutionary practice of self-selection in team dynamics. They share insights from a decade of experience, discussing how trust, ownership, and vision drive successful team formations. The duo explores the evolution of self-selection from in-person settings to remote environments and its implications for adapting to AI and fluid structures. Practical steps for implementing self-selection and addressing concerns about team choices also shine through their engaging conversation.

Gene Gendel, an Agile transformation agent and frequent speaker, provides insights into the essential role of organizational design in achieving sustainable agility. He challenges the conventional focus on mindset change, advocating for structural adjustments first. The conversation spans the importance of effective leadership, the pitfalls of traditional HR practices, and innovative metrics for success beyond financials. Gendel also discusses the impact of AI on team dynamics, emphasizing the need for adaptable frameworks in today’s evolving business landscape.

One of the hardest decisions we make as professionals is knowing when it's time to leave a job.  This week we sit down to compare notes on how we make our decisions, and what references or heuristics we use to help ensure we're making the right choice.  Enjoy!

Simon Holzapfel, an innovative educator and coach, discusses the untapped wisdom of ancient collaborative practices that align with our natural instincts. He critiques modern hierarchical management, advocating for decentralized organizational structures that foster connectivity. By exploring concepts from anthropology and neuroscience, he highlights the power of human adaptability and the failings of top-down well-being initiatives. Holzapfel urges leaders to create environments rooted in trust and inclusivity, unlocking the potential for resilience and collaboration in today’s workplaces.

When you find yourself drowning in change metrics and conflicting feedback from multiple transformation initiatives, how do you make sense of it all? Join Agile Uprising Host Andy Cleff and his guest Patrick Verdonk as they explore why traditional change frameworks alone aren't enough in today's complex organizations.  Patrick, an experienced change facilitator and author of "", shares insights from his research and practical experience on how different change models interact and influence each other. Using Nokia's transformation journey as a backdrop, they discuss how change agents can better recognize and interpret signals that indicate the need for change, avoid common pitfalls, and make sense of complexity. Whether you're an agile coach, transformation leader, or change practitioner, you'll leave with practical approaches for navigating organizational change and understanding the ripple effects of transformation initiatives. Learn how to move beyond single-framework solutions and develop a more nuanced understanding of change in complex environments. Key topics include: Moving beyond traditional change frameworks Understanding how different change models interact Practical approaches to sensemaking in organizations Recognizing and interpreting signals of change Real-world lessons from Nokia's transformation journey Contact Info: Grab the book:  Related shows:  About the Agile Uprising If you enjoyed this episode, please give us a review, a rating, or leave comments on iTunes, Stitcher or your podcasting platform of choice. It really helps others find us.  Much thanks to the artist  from  who provided us our outro music free-of-charge!  If you like what you heard,     to find more music you might enjoy! If you’d like to join the discussion and share your stories,  please jump into the fray at our  We at the Agile Uprising are committed to being totally free.  However, if you’d like to contribute and help us defray hosting and production costs we do have a .  Who knows, you might even get some surprises in the mail!

In this engaging discussion, Gene Gendel, a Lean and system thinker, challenges traditional views on product-centric organizations. He reveals the flaws in what he calls 'agile theater,' urging businesses to look beyond superficial changes. The talk explores the importance of authentic customer focus and the need for cross-functional teams. Gene also highlights how genuine product centricity can boost efficiencies and tackle team dependencies, emphasizing that true transformation starts from within and requires meaningful structural changes.

Dr. Steve Martin, author of 'Bad Shit Managers Do and How to Lead Instead,' shares his journey from Disney cast member to Fortune 100 consultant. He discusses the vital shift from management to leadership, emphasizing communication and psychological safety in teams. With humor, he illustrates unique strategies, like using quirky protocols to improve workplace dynamics. Steve also highlights lessons from Disney on teamwork and the significance of building trust within remote teams. His insights offer a pathway to more empowered and effective leadership.

Gene Gendel, an enterprise transformation agent with decades of expertise in organizational agility, joins the discussion to unravel the complexities of HR and finance in fostering agility. He critiques traditional performance management systems and emphasizes the need for modernized HR practices. Gendel also highlights the importance of leadership accountability during organizational change and advocates for a focused, experimental approach to transformation, moving away from outdated business practices towards innovative solutions.

This week Jay goes solo to talk about something that's been on his mind lately...cathedrals.  If you've got an open mind you might get something out of this one.  Enjoy. If you enjoyed this episode, please give us a review, a rating, or leave comments on iTunes, Stitcher or your podcasting platform of choice. It really helps others find us.  Much thanks to the artist  from  who provided us our outro music free-of-charge!  If you like what you heard,     to find more music you might enjoy! If you’d like to join the discussion and share your stories,  please jump into the fray at our  We at the Agile Uprising are committed to being totally free.  However, if you’d like to contribute and help us defray hosting and production costs we do have a .  Who knows, you might even get some surprises in the mail!