Agile Mentors Podcast from Mountain Goat Software

It’s not just about cool tools. Hunter Hillegas (CTO at Mountain Goat Software) joins Brian to unpack what it’s really like to build with AI—from hallucinations and context management to dev workflows, testing strategies, and where the humans still matter most. Overview This episode dives deep into the real work behind bringing AI into agile. Brian and Hunter trace the arc from early experiments to full-scale agents, sharing what it took to build responsibly on large language models (and what still keeps them up at night). They get into the weeds of context handling, trust and verification, dev productivity, and what makes a good AI coach actually helpful. Along the way, they explore how tools are changing—faster than most teams can keep up—and what that means for the future of learning, coding, and collaborating in agile environments. References and resources mentioned in the show: Hunter Hilligas AI Tool Kit Agile Skils Video Library Mike's Better User Stories Webinar #82: The Intersection of AI and Agile with Emilia Breton #151: What AI Is Really Delivering (and What It’s Not) with Evan Leybourn & Christopher Morales #161: Test-Driven Development in the Age of AI with Clare Sudbery #166: AI Isn’t Coming for Your Job, But It Is Joining Your Team with Dr. Michael Housman Subscribe to the Agile Mentors Podcast Want to get involved? This show is designed for you, and we’d love your input. Enjoyed what you heard today? Please leave a rating and a review. It really helps, and we read every single one. Got an Agile subject you’d like us to discuss or a question that needs an answer? Share your thoughts with us at podcast@mountaingoatsoftware.com This episode’s presenters are: Brian Milner is a Certified Scrum Trainer®, Certified Scrum Professional®, Certified ScrumMaster®, and Certified Scrum Product Owner®, and host of the Agile Mentors Podcast training at Mountain Goat Software. He's passionate about making a difference in people's day-to-day work, influenced by his own experience of transitioning to Scrum and seeing improvements in work/life balance, honesty, respect, and the quality of work. Hunter Hillegas is the Chief Technology Officer at Mountain Goat Software. With over 20 years of experience in software development, product ownership, and team leadership, he leads the creation of tools like the AI Toolkit and Team Home to support effective, engaging learning experiences. Hunter lives in Santa Barbara, California, with his wife and their dog Enzo.

Brian Milner takes a heartfelt pause to share what gratitude means to him this year, emphasizing a human-centered approach to agility. He reflects on the evolving roles of leaders in the community and the importance of psychological safety in the workplace. Milner expresses appreciation for his team and behind-the-scenes contributors, highlighting the need for professional evolution and experimentation. To wrap up, he encourages listeners to take a moment to acknowledge three things they are thankful for, fostering a spirit of reflection before the year's end.

Evan Unger, a consultant and collaboration expert with decades of experience, joins to tackle the challenges of remote meetings. He introduces the POPRA framework to streamline meetings, emphasizing purpose and roles. Evan explains the importance of engaging all participants and how simultaneous chat can enhance collaboration. With practical techniques to combat common meeting pitfalls, he shares insights on adapting to diverse personalities and the differences between virtual and face-to-face dynamics. His advice is packed with humor, making remote interactions more engaging.

Dr. Michael Housman, CTO and founder of AI-ccelerator, discusses the transformative power of AI in the workplace. He explains how AI tools are reshaping team collaboration and decision-making, challenging misconceptions about adoption rates. Michael highlights AI's role in enhancing project predictability and effort estimation, and imagines a future where AI is listed as a team member. He emphasizes the importance of ethical considerations and using AI as a collaborative partner rather than expecting quick fixes.

Cort Sharp, Scrum Master and Agile coach, dives into the friction between AI-assisted development and slow product decision-making. He and Brian Milner discuss how AI accelerates coding but creates bottlenecks in product management. They explore the issue of unused features and the 'good enough' value curve, emphasizing the critical role of product owners. The conversation also touches on the balance of sprint lengths, feedback loops, and how AI can enhance team dynamics instead of reducing headcount.

Tendayi Viki, an innovation strategist and author, joins Brian to delve into the pitfalls of innovation theater. They explore how many organizations mistake hype for actual value. Discover why genuine innovation is vital and how to measure its success. Tendayi shares insights on making small, strategic bets versus large leaps and warns against experimentation that lacks purpose. His unique concept, 'Pirates in the Navy,' highlights the importance of collaboration in corporate innovation. Tune in for practical strategies to drive meaningful change!

Lance Dacy, a Certified Scrum Trainer and Agile coach, joins to discuss the evolving return-to-office debate five years post-COVID. They explore the myth of remote productivity and emphasize that context often trumps location in boosting team performance. Dacy highlights the benefits of co-location for complex projects while urging leaders to focus on value delivery over individual output. Mental health impacts and the importance of team norms shape their conversation, leading to practical hybrid solutions and a nuanced understanding of workplace dynamics.

In this discussion, Paige Watson, a technical coach and expert in software craftsmanship, shares his insights on navigating ADHD as a developer. He explores how collaborative practices like Test-Driven Development and mob programming help maintain focus and enjoyment in coding. Paige also highlights the importance of inclusive team dynamics, encouraging workflow changes that benefit everyone. Additionally, he introduces discovery trees as a tool for effective visual planning, reducing overwhelm and enhancing team transparency. This conversation is packed with practical takeaways for developers and teams alike.

Clare Sudbery, an independent technical coach and TDD advocate, dives into the evolving landscape of test-driven development in the age of AI. She emphasizes the risks of blindly trusting AI-generated code, highlighting how TDD serves as a critical safety net. Clare discusses the unreliability of AI outputs and the importance of human oversight in testing practices. With insights on ethical AI usage and the need for developers to slow down, she sheds light on maintaining quality in software development amidst rapid technological changes.

Brian Campbell, a seasoned Senior Scrum Master with over 13 years in enterprise coaching, shares invaluable insights on the nuanced role of Scrum Masters. He discusses the balance between empathy and assertiveness, detailing when to support product owners without overstepping and the importance of staying flexible in diverse team dynamics. Campbell also addresses handling conflicts during high-pressure situations and recognizing when it's time to move on from unproductive environments. His practical advice is a must for anyone navigating the challenges of Scrum.