Agile for Humans with Ryan Ripley and Todd Miller

Authors Patricia Kong and Kurt Bidner discuss their new book on Evidence-Based Management (EBM), focusing on its application in various organizational levels. They share insights on EBM, its unique aspects, and aim to clarify misconceptions, emphasizing its importance in the business world. The authors invite readers to explore the book, leave reviews, and engage in discussions about EBM.

Topics covered include the shift in management style toward leadership in Scrum, the importance of setting strategic goals aligned with company objectives, redefining productivity to focus on outcomes, and valuing team members over resources.

Esther Derby, renowned figure in the agile community and author, shares her journey to Scrum mastery. The podcast explores iterative processes, reflective practices, the evolving role of Scrum Master, enhancing retrospectives, and change management. Esther emphasizes the importance of reflection, continuous improvement, and driving change without authority.

Souleymane Thiongane, a prominent figure in the Scrum community, shares his journey to Scrum mastery. Topics include his introduction to Scrum, overcoming challenges with the framework, personal reflections on the journey, essential skills for aspiring Scrum Masters, and insights from Gunter's Scrum Pocket Book.

Experienced Scrum Master Jowen Mei shares his journey from developer to Scrum Master, emphasizing autonomy, team collaboration, and purpose. He discusses his evolution from a directive to a coaching style, highlighting the importance of team ownership. Mei offers advice for aspiring Scrum Masters, focusing on curiosity, humility, and continuous improvement. He recommends a book on the responsibility process for deeper insights into team dynamics and leadership.

Pawel Mysliwiec, a professional Scrum trainer, shares his journey to Scrum mastery. He discusses his initial encounter with Scrum, a transformative project experience, and the evolution of the Scrum Master role. Pawel offers advice for aspiring Scrum Masters, emphasizing patience and resilience.

The podcast discusses how conflict in teams can be constructive under pressure, emphasizing the difference between healthy and unhealthy conflict. Scrum values like commitment play a vital role in managing conflicts towards problem-solving. Team members need to intervene and refocus discussions to avoid personal fights and maintain productivity.

Magdalena Firlit, an experienced project manager turned Scrum advocate, shares her journey of embracing Scrum methodologies for addressing project challenges and responding to market changes. She discusses the evolution of the Scrum Master role, emphasizing the need for organizational agility and product outcomes. Firlit advises aspiring Scrum Masters to focus on understanding complexity, market changes, and technology advancements, beyond just team effectiveness and tool usage.

David Sabine, an experienced Scrum practitioner, shares his journey from first exposure to Scrum in 2007 to evolving as a Scrum Master. He discusses the complexity of the role, emphasizing the need for experience and authority. David offers advice for aspiring Scrum Masters, focusing on team agreements, 'Definition of Done,' and building relationships beyond work.

In this episode, hosts Todd Miller and Ryan Ripley discuss the myth that the Scrum Master is responsible for the personal growth of developers. They debunk this misconception, highlighting the importance of individual accountability for personal growth. The podcast emphasizes developers' ownership of their personal growth and skill enhancement, advocating for proactive steps to enhance skills.