Agile Mentors Podcast from Mountain Goat Software

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.

Lance Dacy, a Certified Scrum Trainer and agile coach, joins the conversation to tackle the common complaint of "too many meetings" in Scrum. They discuss reframing Scrum events as productive working sessions rather than tedious meetings. Key insights include the three parts of sprint planning, the emphasis on daily scrums for team synchronization, and the often-overlooked power of retrospectives and backlog refinement. Dacy shares techniques for making meetings valuable and actionable, helping teams boost their efficiency and collaboration.

Mike Cohn, co-founder and CEO of Mountain Goat Software, joins Brian Milner to tackle the pitfalls of sprint retrospectives. They discuss why teams often dread or skip these crucial meetings, drawing parallels to skipping leg day in fitness. Mike shares insights on diagnosing broken retrospectives, highlighting signs like disengagement and repetitiveness. The duo emphasizes the importance of a structured approach for effective retros, advocating for continuous improvement through inspection and adaptation. Get ready to make retros work for your team!

Cort Sharp, Agile community manager and Scrum Master, shares insights gathered from teams struggling with an evolving understanding of Scrum. He and Brian Milner tackle overloaded calendars, emphasizing the need to streamline meetings for better productivity. They discuss misconceptions around velocity, underscoring that it's about size, not speed. Cort clarifies roles in Scrum, explaining the distinctions between product owners and managers. The duo highlights the importance of collaboration and trust-building within teams to enhance performance and psychological safety.

Kert Peterson, an experienced Agile coach who has shaped teams at Amazon and Capital One, discusses product ownership in shared services. He highlights the unique challenges faced in these environments versus traditional product teams. Kert shares practical tools for managing constant stakeholder requests and emphasizes the need for proactive leadership. They explore ranking requests, the importance of understanding internal customers, and applying an experimentation mindset to better align team efforts with strategic goals. This insightful conversation is a must-listen for anyone in internal roles.

Tali Shlafer, a certified interview coach, shares her insights on mastering the interview process. She explains why top performers often falter in interviews despite their qualifications. Tali emphasizes the importance of preparation, authenticity, and storytelling, encouraging candidates to view interviews as skills to develop. She provides strategies for tackling tough questions and reframing weaknesses into growth opportunities. This engaging conversation offers practical advice for anyone looking to enhance their interview game and connect with potential employers.

Barnaby Golden, an experienced Scrum Master and Agile Coach, discusses a critical issue facing Agile teams: the underpowered product owner. He explains how lacking authority can derail decision-making and team momentum. Barnaby highlights the stark differences between empowered and underpowered product owners, emphasizing the need for trust and clear communication from leadership. The conversation also uncovers the complexities of managing multiple product owners and the importance of aligning product development with customer needs to deliver true value.

Scott Dunn, a Certified Enterprise Coach and Scrum Trainer with over 20 years of experience working with major organizations like NASA and eBay, joins Brian to explore securing genuine buy-in for Agile transformations. They discuss redefining buy-in as leaders' support for desired outcomes rather than just knowledge of Agile. Key strategies include aligning with leadership goals, the importance of a shared purpose, and fostering psychological safety for honest communication. Co-creation is emphasized as vital for commitment, alongside the need for leaders to feel ownership of change.

Join Mike Cohn, CEO of Mountain Goat Software and agile thought leader, as he discusses the five essential pillars of successful Agile implementations. He emphasizes the importance of cultivating an Agile mindset, clarifying team roles, and fostering clear goals and visions. With insights on common pitfalls and effective collaboration strategies, Mike highlights why teams must engage in collective learning for true transformation. Tune in for powerful stories and an introduction to a new course designed for holistic team development!