An Hour of Innovation with Vit Lyoshin

In this conversation, Sandy Mamoli discusses high-performing teams and their characteristics. Sandy Mamoli is a former professional athlete and Olympian from Austria, who transitioned to a career in Natural Language Processing, eventually joining Sony Ericsson in technical roles. Relocating to New Zealand in 2007, she co-founded Nomad8 and became a renowned Agile Coach, working with companies worldwide on agile methodologies, high-performance teams, and business agility. A keynote speaker at major global conferences, Sandy is also the co-author of "Creating Great Teams," focusing on high-performing Agile teams and self-selection. Takeaways * Agile teams are defined by a shared goal and purpose, dependency on each other, and a shared history. * A team's mindset, including beliefs such as sensing and responding, collecting feedback, and adapting, is crucial for agility. * Measuring team performance is difficult and context-dependent; comparing teams for inspiration and learning is more effective. * Designing teams should involve self-selection and giving teams time to learn and become high-performing. * Challenges in implementing agile practices can be overcome by focusing on fun, ownership, and continuous learning. * Organizations and leadership should have open conversations with teams, listen to their perspectives, and understand their challenges. Connect with Sandy * Website: https://nomad8.com/ * LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sandymamoli/ * X: https://twitter.com/smamol Connect with Vit * Website: https://vitlyoshin.com/ * LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/vit-lyoshin/ * X: https://twitter.com/vitlyoshin * Other: https://linktr.ee/vitlyoshin Timestamps (00:00) Intro (05:18) Definition of an Agile Team (09:23) Measuring Team Performance vs Individual Performance (11:41) Identifying Poor Performance and Behaviors on Agile Team (15:16) How to Measure an Agile Team Performance (19:53) How to Measure the Individual Performance of a Team Member (21:26) How to Compare Agile Teams (24:02) Steps to Design a New Agile Team (27:13) Prerequisites to Forming a New Agile Team (28:49) Team’s Perspectives on Agility (30:51) Identify and Fix Bad Agile Practices and Behaviors (37:30) Advice for Team (38:14) Advice for Leadership Please subscribe, leave an honest review, and share with people you think will benefit from hearing this information.

In this episode, Paul Boos, an Agile coach at Excella and program director of Agile Coach Camps at Agile Alliance, discusses coach camps and their unique format. He shares his journey of becoming an Agile coach and explains how coach camps differ from traditional events and conferences. Paul works with executives and teams to develop pragmatic approaches to achieve enterprise agility applying Lean, Lean Startup, iterative approaches, and portfolio management techniques. Pauls speaks on many Agile topics at conferences and events. He services on the organizing committee for all of the Agile Coach Camps within the United States. Takeaways * Coach camps are unique events that offer a self-organizing and open space format for participants to explore various topics related to coaching. * The origins of coach camps can be traced back to the idea of creating a space for hallway conversations and leveraging the principles of OpenSpace. * Coach camps provide an opportunity for participants to learn from each other, share experiences, and make connections with like-minded individuals. * The experience at coach camps is conversation-based, with participants proposing topics and engaging in discussions rather than attending presentations. * Hosting coach camps within organizations can be beneficial for addressing organization-specific challenges and fostering collaboration among coaches. * Coach camps provide a collaborative and supportive environment for agile coaches and other professionals to share knowledge and learn from each other. * Participants come from various backgrounds and roles, including scrum masters, consultants, managers, and sociologists. * The camps cover a wide range of topics, from technical skills to humanistic approaches, allowing participants to explore different areas of interest. * Key takeaways include letting go of predefined expectations, making connections with like-minded professionals, and being open to new experiences and perspectives. Connect with Paul Regional Camps: https://agilecoachcamp.org/ Worldwide Camps: https://agilecoachcamp.net/ Website: https://www.excella.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/paulboos/ Connect with Vit Website: https://vitlyoshin.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/vit-lyoshin/ X: https://twitter.com/vitlyoshin Other: https://linktr.ee/vitlyoshin Timestamps (00:00) Intro (08:43) Origins and Evolution of Coach Camps (10:51) Agile Coach Camps Experience (15:27) Learnings During Agile Coach Camps (20:07) Requirements and Specifics to Agile Coach Camps (23:11) Facilitation Techniques for Agile Coach Camps (25:42) Remote Agile Coach Camps (30:17) Attendance of Agile Coach Camps (32:53) Hosting an Agile Coach Camp within an Organization (35:33) Who Come to Agile Coach Camps (41:44) Challenges Coaches Have During Agile Coach Camps (45:09) Scheduling and Locations of Agile Coach Camps (50:17) Advice to People Who Want to Participate For the First Time (53:20) Advice to New Agile Coach Camp Organizers (54:58) Coach Camps Alongside Traditional Conferences (58:37) Other Open Space Type Events Please subscribe, leave an honest review, and share with people you think will benefit from hearing this information. Your support greatly helps and motivates me to produce more episodes like this.

Joana Kandic, Product Manager at cake.com, discusses customer support strategies, metrics, and future trends. Jovana is a seasoned professional with a strong focus on customer support and success. She excels in managing all facets of customer service, from developing strategies to overseeing performance metrics. Currently, she is leading a team of product managers, driving innovation, and leveraging data to achieve business growth. In her previous role, Jovana directed customer support efforts, establishing policies, metrics, and quality assurance programs. Jovana also recruited, trained, and led teams while implementing systems to gather and analyze user feedback. Takeaways Align customer support with business goals and focus on exceptional support Measure metrics such as first reply time, resolution time, and agent performance Utilize AI to analyze feedback and assist support teams Collaborate with other departments and prioritize communication Take care of support agents' well-being and monitor team retention Connect with Jovana Website: www.cake.com LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jovana-kandic/  Connect with Vit Website: https://vitlyoshin.com/  LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/vit-lyoshin/  X: https://twitter.com/vitlyoshin  Other: https://linktr.ee/vitlyoshin  Timestamps (00:00) Intro (04:55) Customer Service Strategy (16:20) Measuring Support Team and Customer Satisfaction (27:45) Collecting Feedback and Analysis (32:27) Trends and AI Tools for Support Team (43:13) Collaboration and Communication Across Departments (47:28) Advice from Jovana Please subscribe, leave an honest review, and share with people you think will benefit from hearing this information. Your support greatly helps and motivates me to produce more episodes like this.

Summary In this conversation, Toby Rao, an agile leader and community builder, discusses building high-performance teams, NLP techniques, emotional intelligence, and psychological safety. As the founder and principal of TORA Solutions, Toby specializes in Strategic Agile Transformation, Change Management, Program Management, and Organizational Development. With over 20 years of experience across various industries including IT, e-commerce, banking, and government, Toby is dedicated to helping organizations achieve their strategic goals through modern agile methodologies, driving business agility, and delivering tangible value. He has worked with renowned organizations such as Deloitte, JP Morgan Chase, CGI, and ICF, as well as several US Federal agencies, offering his expertise in coaching, consulting, training, and mentoring. Toby is committed to giving back to the Agile community, co-founding and leading two Agile meetups in Virginia with over 1300 members. He is also a sought-after speaker at agile conferences and industry events worldwide. Takeaways High-performing teams are built through trust, empowerment, effective communication, and clear roles and responsibilities. Challenges in team dynamics include resistance to change, unclear roles, politics, lack of feedback, and unrealistic expectations. NLP techniques, such as the NLP communication model, sensory equity, reframing, and anchoring, can improve communication and problem-solving. Emotional intelligence helps individuals understand their emotions and behaviors, leading to better team dynamics. Emotional intelligence involves understanding and effectively using your emotions in relationships and communication. Developing emotional intelligence can be done through self-awareness and seeking feedback from others. Creating a safe environment for psychological safety is crucial for team success. Remote work can impact psychological safety, but building personal connections and incorporating team-building activities can help maintain a sense of camaraderie. Connect with Toby Website: https://tobyrao.com/  LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tobyrao/  X: https://twitter.com/tobyrao Connect with Vit Website: https://vitlyoshin.com/  LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/vit-lyoshin/  X: https://twitter.com/vitlyoshin  Other: https://linktr.ee/vitlyoshin  Timestamps (00:00) Intro (05:36) Building High-Performance Teams (08:25) Challenges Teams Face When Transitioning to Agile (13:37) NLP Techniques for Communication and Problem-Solving (24:05) The Role of Emotional Intelligence in the Team Dynamics (26:24) Developing Emotional Intelligence (34:43) Psychological Safety and Developing a Safe Environment for Teams (44:45) Effect on Psychological Safety of Remote Teams Please subscribe, leave an honest review, and share with people you think will benefit from hearing this information. Your support greatly helps and motivates me to produce more episodes like this.

Elena Agaragimova, a talent development expert, discusses staying relevant in the field, the impact of AI on talent development, and the use of AI in acquiring talent. Elena Agaragimova is a talented expert in finding and developing great people. She's worked in universities and big companies, helping them grow. Right now, she's in a tech consulting firm, where she's in charge of finding new talent. But she doesn't just hire people - she helps them grow and do their best work. Elena is also really good at speaking and writing about her work, inspiring people all over the world. She hosts two podcasts where she shares her tips and stories. Her books include Shift and The Rough Guide to Awesome Leadership. Shift provides readers with actionable advice for life-altering changes, while Rough Guide offers new managers a fun yet practical roadmap to success. Outside of work, she helps young people and veterans find their way in the professional world. Elena's mission is to help everyone succeed in their careers. Takeaways To stay relevant in the field, individuals should cultivate curiosity, have the courage to make changes, and build relationships. Organizations can support talent development by being proactive, having a solid strategy, and providing resources for managers to effectively develop their teams. AI can be used in talent acquisition to assess potential based on a candidate's whole profile, rather than relying solely on resumes. Predicting future trends and skills in the tech industry is challenging, but staying adaptable and open to learning is crucial. Soft skills, such as communication, influence, and leadership, are essential in any role and will always be in demand. Staying updated on technological advancements, such as AI and machine learning, is crucial to remain relevant in the job market. There is a disconnect between higher education and the corporate world, with many graduates lacking real-life skills and struggling to communicate their value. Applying online through ATS systems has a low success rate, and networking and building relationships are key to finding opportunities. Personal well-being and habits, including sleep, nutrition, exercise, and social ties, play a significant role in career success. Connect with Elena Website: https://elenaagar.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/elenaagaragimova/ X: https://twitter.com/elenaagaragi YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCX-tUIvseCy5SKgzkZuXv7Q  Connect with Vit Website: https://vitlyoshin.com/  LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/vit-lyoshin/  X: https://twitter.com/vitlyoshin  Other: https://linktr.ee/vitlyoshin  Timestamps (00:00) Intro (05:20) Maintaining Relevance in the Field (09:32) The Role of Organizations in Talent Development (15:54) Using AI in Talent Acquisition (22:23) Trends and Opportunities in Tech Skills (25:10) Today’s Challenges in the Workforce (30:43) How to Learn the Hiring Process (34:26) The Importance of Networking (37:43) Ask for More Responsibilities (40:54) Advice from Elena to Professionals Please subscribe, leave an honest review, and share with people you think will benefit from hearing this information. Your support greatly helps and motivates me to produce more episodes like this.

Learn the tips to land a Product Management job in 2024! In this conversation, Anna Naumova, a product manager and career coach, shares insights and tips on product management and job search in the tech industry. Takeaways * Communication, strategic vision, and leadership skills are crucial for product managers. * Domain expertise is increasingly important for product managers in a competitive job market. * Job seekers should focus on visa status, optimize their resumes for specific job descriptions, and leverage networking and personal branding. * Preparation and practice are key for successful job interviews. Resumes are important and should be tailored to the job description. It is crucial to showcase achievements and have confidence in one's abilities. * Common resume mistakes include not tying the resume to the job description, listing multiple job titles that require different skill sets, and not including important information like location and technical skills. * When managing multiple resumes on LinkedIn, it is important to focus on one specific role and tailor the profile accordingly. It is also possible to use different names or remove certain information to maintain privacy. * The future of work may involve a combination of remote, hybrid, and on-site arrangements. Companies have different policies, but remote work and offshore teams can be cost-effective. * Product managers should acquire skills in technological trends such as AI, ML, VR, and automation. They should also focus on efficiency, lean approaches, and critical thinking. * Job seekers should be patient, prepare extensively, and seek support from psychologists, coaches, or friends. It is important to stay motivated and consider alternative ways to make money if a job search becomes challenging. Connect with Anna Website: https://annanaumova.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/naumovaanna/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@prodcastUS Connect with Vit Website: https://vitlyoshin.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/vit-lyoshin/ X: https://twitter.com/vitlyoshin Other: https://linktr.ee/vitlyoshin Timestamps (00:00) Introduction and Background (03:23) Qualifications and Skills for Product Managers (10:06) Demand for Specific Hard Skills (16:12) Job Search Tips and Strategies (29:08) Other Job Search Techniques (33:50) The Importance of Resumes and Self-Confidence (36:32) Common Resume Mistakes (40:43) Managing Multiple Resumes on LinkedIn (46:31) The Future of Remote, Hybrid, and On-Site Work (51:13) Skills for Product Managers in the Future (57:37) Advice for Job Seekers Please subscribe, leave an honest review, and share with people you think will benefit from hearing this information. Your support greatly helps and motivates me to produce more episodes like this.

Welcome back to the next episode of the Vit Lyoshin Podcast! Please follow, leave a review, and share with people you think will benefit from hearing this information. Your support greatly helps and motivates me to produce more episodes like this. The video version of the Vit Lyoshin Podcast can be found on YouTube. In this episode, Alex Polyakov, founder and CEO of Project Simpl.ai, discusses his career journey and the software his company is building for agile development teams. Alex is a multifaceted professional and has had a diverse career journey. Over the past two decades, he has worn various hats, from Application Developer to Solutions Architect, and Startup Founder. Currently, Alex leads a company called ProjectSimple.ai that aims to revolutionize software development. Their mission is to enhance teamwork and transparency while providing GPS-like guidance for software delivery. Their innovative approach helps address development challenges and mitigate risks, all powered by AI. In addition to his entrepreneurial endeavors, Alex hosts a YouTube channel called “Let’s Talk Agile,” where he delves into software development topics. Takeaways * Agile is a discipline, not just a methodology or framework. * The focus should be on solving real problems and driving change, rather than perfecting the process. * Choosing the right methodology, such as ScrumBan, can improve team collaboration and efficiency. * Transparency and visibility are crucial in software development, but the metrics and tools used should be tailored to different stakeholders. * Building discipline is crucial in teams, and it requires encouraging participation from all members. * AI can be used to improve predictability in project delivery by analyzing data and providing alerts. * AI has the potential to enhance development tools and improve processes, but it is important to focus on efficiency factors. * Metrics and analytics play a significant role in project management, and AI can be used to drive predictability measurements. * Technical entrepreneurs should consider the financial aspect, focus on monetization, and develop sales and marketing skills. * Podcasts can provide genuine and insightful information, helping to educate and inspire the next generation of professionals. * While AI has potential, its impact on the industry is still evolving, and it may not bring significant life-changing advancements in the short term. Connect with Alex Website: https://projectsimple.ai/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/apolyako/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@lets-talk-agile/featured Connect with Vit Website: https://vitlyoshin.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/vit-lyoshin/ X: https://twitter.com/vitlyoshin Other: https://linktr.ee/vitlyoshin Timestamps (00:00) Intro: About Alex Polyakov (04:40) ProjectSimple.ai Software (15:04) Choosing the Right Methodology (18:50) Perfecting the Process vs Solving Problems (24:29) Transparency and Visibility (29:38) Encouraging Participation (33:31) Leveraging AI (40:08) Metrics, Analytics, and AI (43:12) Advice for Technical Entrepreneurs (50:02) The Purpose of the Podcast (55:35) The Impact of AI on the Industry

In this episode, Gary Cohen shares insights on coaching leaders in organizations on agile principles and practices. Gary is a software development leader and an agile coach/consultant. His specialties include software development leadership, agile development and product management, agile mentoring/coaching, business process reengineering, consulting, and mentoring. He is a strong advocate for continuous improvement, emphasizes the importance of feedback across all aspects of the organization, and is passionate about empowering people within the organization. Gary holds several agile credentials, including Certified Scrum Master, Certified Product Owner, ICP-Agile Facilitation, ICP-Agile Coaching, and Path to Agility Practitioner. His multifaceted skills contribute to building effective and adaptive software development teams and processes. Takeaways Understand the business outcomes leaders want to achieve and align agile practices with those goals. Cross-functional teams are powerful and important in achieving the benefits of agile. Learning and adapting are key features of agile, but they may contradict fixed schedules and roadmaps. Develop internal champions to sustain agile practices within organizations. Building relationships and trust is crucial in agile coaching. Giving frontline employees a voice helps build trust and credibility. Agile metrics should be used as a guide and guardrails, not the end goal. Measuring value in non-monetary terms can be challenging but essential. Agile coaching is evolving towards more cross-functional teams and a focus on outcomes. Focus on delivering value and being valuable to others, rather than titles or compensation. Develop emotional intelligence and self-mastery as an agile coach. Courage and transparency are important when coaching leaders. Continuous learning and curiosity are key traits for agile coaches. Join agile coaching communities and events for further learning and practice. Connect with Gary Website: ⁠https://www.practical-agility.com/⁠  LinkedIn: ⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/garyacohen/⁠  Meetup: ⁠https://www.meetup.com/philadelphia-area-agile-coaching-dojo/⁠  Connect with Vit Website: ⁠https://vitlyoshin.com/⁠  LinkedIn: ⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/vit-lyoshin/⁠  X: ⁠https://twitter.com/vitlyoshin⁠  Other: ⁠https://linktr.ee/vitlyoshin⁠  Timestamps (⁠00:00⁠) Intro (⁠05:07⁠) The Importance of Coaching Leadership on Agile Principles and Practices (⁠07:56⁠) Essential Agile Practices for Leaders (⁠13:49⁠) Establishing Trust and Credibility with Leaders (⁠15:50⁠) Understanding and Communicating with Leaders (⁠19:50⁠) Sustaining Progress After the Coach Leaves (⁠25:22⁠) Overcoming Resistance from Leaders (⁠33:35⁠) Using Agile Metrics (⁠40:34⁠) Upcoming Trends in Agile (⁠47:57⁠) Advice to Younger Self (⁠50:11⁠) Final Lesson from Coaching Leaders (⁠54:06⁠) How to Contact Gary Cohen Subscribe to the Vit Lyoshin Podcast, write an honest review, and share with people who you think will benefit from hearing this information.

In this conversation, Vit Lyoshin interviews Julie Bright, an Agile coach, facilitator, and trainer. They discuss various Agile methodologies, facilitation techniques, and Agile coaching. Julie shares her journey of becoming an Agile coach and the importance of self-organization and empowerment in Agile teams. They also explore the concept of team self-selection and its benefits in creating cross-functional and highly motivated teams. This conversation covers various topics related to agile work, leadership, and community. The role of leadership in remote work is discussed, highlighting the need for decision-making and support. The benefits of Open Space meetings are explored, emphasizing the value of self-organization and collaboration. The importance of fun and engagement in agile is emphasized, with a focus on using agile games for learning and team building. The value of connection and support in the agile community is highlighted, along with the importance of staying up-to-date with agile innovations. The role of agile coaches and mentors is discussed, emphasizing their role as catalysts for teams. The conversation concludes with advice for agile coaches and peers, emphasizing the importance of sticking together and recognizing their value. Takeaways * Agile methodologies like Scrum, Kanban, XP, and Lean offer different frameworks and techniques for managing complex projects. * Implementing Agile requires a shift in mindset and a focus on empowering individuals and self-organization. * Team self-selection is a powerful technique that allows individuals to choose the teams they want to work with, leading to higher motivation and better collaboration. * Agile is not a one-size-fits-all approach, and organizations should choose the methodologies and techniques that best suit their specific needs. * Leadership plays a crucial role in remote work, requiring decision-making and support. * Open Space meetings offer self-organization and collaboration opportunities. * Fun and engagement are important in agile work, and agile games can be used for learning and team building. * The agile community provides valuable connections and support for agile practitioners. * Staying up-to-date with agile innovations is essential for agile coaches and peers. * Agile coaches and mentors act as catalysts for teams, providing guidance and support. * Agile coaches and peers should stick together and recognize their value in the agile community. Connect with Julie LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/julie-bri... Connect with Vit Website: https://vitlyoshin.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/vit-lyoshin/ X: https://twitter.com/vitlyoshin Other: https://linktr.ee/vitlyoshin Timestamps (00:00) Intro (07:35) Overview of Agile Methodologies (13:27) Implementing Agile in Organizations (22:00) Self-Organization Technique (35:39) Using Open Space as an Inspect and Adapt Framework (39:18) Using Agile Games for Learning and Team Building (51:33) Staying Up-to-Date with Agile Trends and Innovations (01:00:10) Advice for Agile Coaches and Peers Subscribe to the Vit Lyoshin Podcast, write an honest review, and share with people who you think will benefit from hearing this information. You can also find this podcast on YouTube.

In this podcast episode, Vit Lyoshin interviews Anna Zavarzina, an agile coach and trainer, about various topics related to agile coaching and facilitation. They discuss a day in the life of an agile coach, facilitation techniques, team and leadership development, trends in agile, and the future of agile. They also touch on the application of agile in non-technical fields. Anna shares her insights and experiences from working with different organizations and industries. Takeaways: Agile coaching involves helping teams and organizations adopt agile methodologies and frameworks, such as Scrum and Kanban. Facilitation techniques in agile coaching include creating a safe and inclusive environment, promoting active listening, and addressing conflicts early. Team and leadership development in agile focuses on building trust, establishing open and honest communication, and aligning with organizational goals. Agile is applicable beyond the IT industry, with organizations in manufacturing, healthcare, and other fields adopting agile practices. The future of agile may involve adjustments and adaptations to existing frameworks, but the core principles of agility, such as customer centricity and continuous improvement, will remain important. Connect with Anna: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/anna-zavarzina-spc6-icp-acc-safe-agilist-sfc-csm-9a12741a0/  Connect with Vit: Website: ⁠⁠https://vitlyoshin.com/⁠⁠  LinkedIn: ⁠⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/vit-lyoshin/⁠⁠  X: ⁠⁠https://twitter.com/vitlyoshin⁠⁠  Other: ⁠⁠https://linktr.ee/vitlyoshin⁠⁠  Timestamps: 00:00 Introduction and Background 07:36 A Day in the Life of an Agile Coach 13:35 Facilitation Techniques 18:48 Team and Leadership Development 24:08 Trends in Agile and SAFe Framework 34:30 Agile in Non-Technical Fields 40:41 Future of Agility 50:00 How to Connect with Anna Subscribe to the Vit Lyoshin Podcast, write an honest review, and share with people who you think with benefit from hearing this information. You can also find this podcast on YouTube.