The Agile Within

Discover how the vast, unpredictable ocean can teach us about agility and leadership as I sit down with Stephanie Ockerman, a renowned business agility and leadership coach. Stephanie takes us on her unique journey of blending surfing with agile practices, revealing how the ocean's natural ebb and flow mirrors the complexities of business environments. Her vivid stories illustrate that truly understanding agile principles is akin to riding a wave—it's about being present and engaging with the experience. Join us as we explore how the lessons from the surf can transform our leadership capabilities and help us navigate the ever-changing tides of business. We tackle the ongoing struggle between traditional planning and genuine agility within organizations. Stephanie uses surfing as a metaphor to spotlight the shift from reactive to creative leadership. By emphasizing the importance of presence and openness to learning, we challenge leaders to transcend beyond mere compliance with agile methodologies, urging a more holistic approach to managing uncertainty and complexity. Our conversation invites leaders to embrace a mindset that values sensing change and responding creatively, leaving rigid plans behind. Our discussion wraps up with the introduction of the Agile Leadership Surf Camp, a transformative experience in Costa Rica that combines surfing, yoga, and leadership development. Stephanie shares insights on how this unique blend can cultivate personal growth and enhance one's ability to embrace uncertainty gracefully. This episode promises to inspire, offering a fresh perspective on agility and leadership, rooted in the serene yet challenging environment of the ocean. Don’t miss out on this opportunity to learn how to ride the waves of change with confidence and creativity. Connect with Stephanie on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/stephanieockerman/ Check out Stephanie's website, subscribe to her newsletter, and find out about offerings including the Agile Leadership Surf Camp in Costa Rica: https://www.agilesocks.com/ Read Stephanie's book, "Mastering Professional Scrum": https://www.amazon.com/Mastering-Professional-Scrum-Coaches-Challenges/dp/0134841522 Support the show Follow us on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-agile-within

Ever wondered how to navigate the chaos of a growing startup? Join my conversation with Tom Holt, principal consultant at Otterworks Consulting, as he reveals the secrets to transforming initial success into sustainable growth. Through Tom’s seasoned insights, discover the nuances of managing expanding teams and communication complexities, and learn how to maintain momentum with refined processes. Communication can make or break a burgeoning team, and as lines multiply with growth, chaos often ensues. Our discussion dives into the evolution of communication and authority structures in agile environments, where clear empowerment is key. Embrace the wisdom of gradual process introduction to keep teams informed and efficient, sidestepping bottlenecks along the way. Leaders, it's time to trust your teams and distribute responsibilities to pave the way for seamless decision-making and effective scaling. Creating a psychologically safe space is the bedrock of effective change management. Tom shares strategies for fostering trust through retrospectives, enabling teams to unearth valuable insights and drive continuous improvement. Learn about the power of focused goals over multitasking and why smaller, iterative approaches can lead to quicker value delivery and adaptability. Plus, get tips on meaningful documentation without the bloat, ensuring your processes add value and aren’t just noise. Engage with us for free consultations and start taming that chaos today! Connect with Tom on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tomholtstl/ Discover Tom's company, Otter Works Consulting: https://www.otterworksllc.com/ Contact Tom via Email: Tom@OtterWorksLLC.com When in St. Louis, Missouri visit Forest Park and City Museum: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Forest_Park_(St._Louis) https://citymuseum.org/ Support the show Follow us on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-agile-within

What if mastering the art of Agile could transform your team's dynamics and boost productivity? Join me to uncover the insights of Gary Evans, a seasoned Agile Coach, Scrum Master, and author of "The Effective Scrum Master." Gary shares his journey of over thirty years in Agile methodologies and reveals the inspiration behind his latest book, filling crucial gaps in current Scrum Master literature. Tune in to explore his unique perspective on the evolving role of a Scrum Master and grasp practical guidance on navigating technical challenges and resolving conflicts within teams. Discover the intriguing personas that Gary introduces—the Sherpa, Shepherd, Sheepdog, and Diagnostician—which illuminate the multifaceted role of a Scrum Master. These personas serve as a framework for understanding the journey from novice to expert, driven by experience, experimentation, empathy, and empowerment. Gary underscores the importance of community, humility, and mentorship in the path to becoming an effective Scrum Master. Through personal anecdotes, he illustrates how nurturing leadership and fostering self-reliance can empower Agile teams to thrive. Join the conversation as we dissect the balance of authority and empathy required to protect and nurture Agile teams effectively. Gary candidly shares experiences that echo familial protectiveness, such as defending teams against unreasonable demands while maintaining sustainable work practices. By embracing both the nurturing and protective qualities akin to a shepherd and sheepdog, Scrum Masters can ensure their team's well-being and productivity. Connect with Gary on LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/gary-k-evans-72167 Check out Gary's Book, "The Effective Scrum Master": https://www.amazon.com/dp/098830113X Visit Gary's website and subscribe: https://www.effectivescrummaster.com/ When in Columbia, SC visit Lake Murray and the South Carolina State Museum: https://www.lakemurraycountry.com/ https://scmuseum.org/ Support the show Follow us on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-agile-within

Join me for an enriching conversation with Jimena Saavedra, an Agile coach hailing from the beautiful shores of Montevideo, Uruguay. Jimena shares her journey of transformation within the world of Agile coaching, emphasizing the importance of authenticity and trust in driving meaningful change. As we bond over Uruguay's picturesque beaches, Jimena reveals the daily decisions that shape her role and the necessity of fostering genuine connections within teams. Through her candid insights, she highlights the challenges and sometimes isolating aspects of being an Agile coach, while underscoring the power of embracing discomfort to facilitate real growth. Our discussion opens up further to examine the complexities and hurdles Agile coaches often encounter. From handling team dynamics to the delicate art of balancing professional distance with personal connections, we delve into experiences that test resilience and honesty. We recount a personal story of attempting to gather meeting time data, illustrating the importance of timing and transparency. Through shared anecdotes and mentor advice, we explore the significance of self-awareness and insightful questioning in an Agile coach's toolkit. Listeners are encouraged to stay connected with Agile communities, embrace challenges, and pursue continuous development, all while pushing teams toward accountability and growth, even when it means stepping into uncomfortable territory. Connect with Jimena on LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/in/maria-jimena-saavedra Connect with Jimena by Email: mjsaavedra02@gmail.com Explore Jimema's website and YouTube channel (in Spanish at the moment): www.disruptronix.com https://www.youtube.com/@jimenasaavedra-agilistagenuina Discover Uruguay and Punta del Este, the Miami Beach of South America: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xZC2lyuNAfo https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Punta_del_Este Support the show Follow us on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-agile-within

Discover the transformative power of interculturality with our guest Yamila Solari, co-founder of the software company, Scio, based in Mexico, as she takes us on her incredible journey from Peru to Mexico and the United States. Her experiences paint a vivid picture of how understanding and respecting cultural differences can bridge gaps and enhance collaboration within teams. We promise you'll come away with insights on how language is just one piece of the cultural puzzle, and how historical influences shape the way we work together. Yamila's personal stories illuminate the often-overlooked nuances that can make or break communication and teamwork, even when language barriers aren’t present. Explore the intersection of cultural dynamics and workplace efficiency as we dive into implementing Scrum across American and German work cultures. We navigate the challenges posed by contrasting communication styles and cultural norms, emphasizing the value of intercultural training and open dialogue to craft inclusive environments. Real-life encounters with multicultural teams illustrate the importance of cultural awareness, as we unpack how understanding diverse perspectives can drive creativity and innovation while averting conflict. By tuning in, you'll gain a deeper appreciation for cultural adaptability and learn how to harness diversity as a key driver of personal and professional growth. Connect with Yamila on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/yamila-solari/ When in Morelia, Mexico visit Jardín de las Rosas: https://g.co/kgs/9JzrY3v "The Culture Map" by Erin Meyer: https://erinmeyer.com/books/the-culture-map/ Individual Cultural Profile: https://hbr.org/2014/08/whats-your-cultural-profile Hofstede´s Country Comparison Tool: https://www.theculturefactor.com/country-comparison-tool Support the show Follow us on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-agile-within

Unlock the secrets to building stronger team relationships through the art of one-on-one meetings with our esteemed guest, Avipaul Bhandari, affectionately known as Avi. With two decades of Agile experience across the media and finance sectors, Avi offers a wealth of insights on how personalized interactions can transform team dynamics. Explore the fundamental role of one-on-ones beyond Scrum Masters, extending their value to managers and leaders. Discover how adopting a coaching mindset can enhance communication and establish a more cohesive organizational environment. Join us as we navigate the challenges of addressing those with an overly positive outlook, using empathy to foster meaningful connections. Avi shares practical strategies for creating psychological safety and encouraging continuous learning. From utilizing powerful questions like "And what else?" to embracing the silence that allows for deeper reflection, this episode is packed with actionable insights. This is your chance to reimagine leadership and team interactions for more effective and empathetic outcomes. Connect with Avi on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/avipaulbhandari/ Check out Avi's Music Channel on YouTube: https://youtube.com/@avipaul "The Coaching Habit" by Michael Bungay Stanier: https://a.co/d/0qHjcZ8 "Four Attributes of Empathy" by Dr. Teresa Wiseman: https://www.bamementalhealth.org/post/four-attributes-of-empathy-dr-teresa-wiseman Support the show Follow us on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-agile-within

What if you could transform your understanding of Agile by simply listening to real-life stories? Join me, Mark Metze, as I unravel the rich tapestry of The Agile Within podcast's journey, starting from its genesis and influence under the expert guidance of Greg Miller to my first solo venture with insightful coaching from Allison Pollard. This episode is a reflective narrative on the evolution of a podcast that thrives on community support and the sharing of genuine experiences. With a special spotlight on our most popular episode featuring Kat Buckwalter, I share how these stories not only capture the essence of Agile but also serve as a catalyst for continuous learning. Beyond the technicalities, this episode is also a heartfelt exploration of my passion for connection and relationship-building within the Agile community. My journey as a solo host is driven by the joy of meeting new people and learning from their unique perspectives. I invite you to connect with me on LinkedIn, not as a mere networking task, but as a sincere interaction to enrich our collective Agile journeys. This is more than just a podcast episode—it's a call to build a vibrant, supportive community where we all grow together. Connect with Mark on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/markmetze/ Get your FREE ticket to the Agile Online Summit: https://agileonlinesummit.com/ Support the show Follow us on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-agile-within

Can self-management revolutionize your workplace? In this episode of The Agile Within, we promise to unlock the secrets of self-management with our distinguished guest, Frank Eggink from Arnhem, Netherlands. Frank offers his deep expertise from working with 14 diverse companies, shedding light on how moving from a command-and-control leadership style to self-organizing teams can ignite innovation and agility. From a charming chat about his favorite local spot, Loca, to unraveling the English and Dutch nuances of self-management, Frank reveals the strategies that can transform your team’s dynamics and drive unparalleled success. We also guide you through the intricacies of the Holacracy framework, likening it to an operating system that replaces rigid hierarchies with role-based clarity. With practical advice on maintaining a balance between structure and autonomy, we explore how frameworks like Holacracy can enhance decision-making and leverage individual strengths. Whether you’re part of a startup or a traditional organization, discover actionable tips to foster self-management and grant your teams the autonomy they need to thrive. Don’t miss this compelling episode packed with real-life examples and strategies that can help your organization embrace the future of work. You may notice lower audio quality during several portions of this episode. The transcript on the Buzzsprout episode site might be helpful. https://www.buzzsprout.com/admin/1449787/episodes/15804511 Connect with Frank on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/freggink/ Learn more about Frank's visits to self-organising and bossless organisations: https://frankeggink.substack.com/ Learn more about holacracy: https://www.holacracy.org/ https://www.holacracy.org/how-it-works/ While in Arnhem, Netherlands, grab a bite to eat at Loca: https://restaurant-loca.nl/ Support the show Follow us on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-agile-within

Ever wondered how doing the right thing can transform your leadership style? Join us on "The Agile Within" as we sit down with Nicole Durr, an Agile coach turned strategic business advisor from Cleveland, Ohio, who illuminates the concept of leading with moral authority. From the vibrant melodies of the Cleveland Symphony Orchestra to the iconic Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, Nicole not only highlights the best of Cleveland but also delves into the essence of moral versus positional authority. Learn how to navigate ethical dilemmas by modeling ethical behavior and standing firm in your values, regardless of your position within an organization. Nicole expands on broader societal issues like unfair compensation and profit-driven layoffs, offering strategies to address these challenges. Whether it's educating leaders, building alliances, or taking the "Paul Simon approach" of exiting a misaligned system, this episode is packed with actionable advice for creating a healthier, more equitable work environment. Don't miss this insightful conversation that promises to empower you to uphold ethical standards in your professional journey. Connect with Nicole on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nicolederr/ Visit Nicole's website: https://nicolederr.com/ Check out the following events involving Nicole: Oct 12: Columbus Women in Agile - In-person workshop Oct 28: DC Women in Agile - Virtual presentation Nov. 6-7: Pitt Agile - In-person closing keynote Feb 18: Buffalo Women in Agile - Virtual presentation When in Cleveland, visit Nicole's favorite sites: Severance Music Center The Cleveland Museum of Art Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Playhouse Square Pier W Support the show Follow us on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-agile-within

Unlock the secrets to building a high-performing agile team with evolutionary agilist Jeremy Berriault. Jeremy offers a wealth of knowledge on the fundamentals of creating an agile environment, starting with why it's essential to lay a solid foundation before diving into frameworks. We discuss Jeremy's ten-step approach to agile transformation, emphasizing the importance of understanding the value chain, aligning agile values with organizational goals, and marking the starting point of any transformation. Jeremy’s insights into servant leadership and the application of Simon Sinek's golden circle will revolutionize your approach to agile initiatives. Discover the keys to evolving agile teams, with a special focus on financial institutions. Jeremy shares how breaking down cognitive biases and logical fallacies can lead to significant productivity improvements. Learn about the shift from managing large tasks to executing multiple smaller tasks within sprints and the importance of adaptability in response to changing tax laws and technology. We also explore how fostering a self-organizing, trust-based environment allows leaders to guide without stifling team autonomy, ultimately cultivating a culture of continuous improvement and maturity. Get to the heart of what makes teams tick with insights into personality dynamics and effective team metrics. Jeremy sheds light on the importance of selecting the right metrics, such as throughput and cycle time, to measure team progress objectively. We delve into tools like team health surveys and DISC personality models to tailor communication strategies and enhance team collaboration. Jeremy's real-life examples and practical advice from his book "Beyond the Framework: Cultivating Agile Growth" will equip you with the knowledge to build thriving, agile environments. Don't miss out on these invaluable lessons that will transform your team's dynamics and performance. When in Toronto, explore the beautiful Terra Cotta: https://www.visitcaledon.ca/explore/terra-cotta Simon Sinek's Golden Circle: https://simonsinek.com/golden-circle/ Discover the DiSC profile: https://www.discprofile.com/ Connect with Jeremy on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jeremy-berriault-mba/ Email Jeremy: jberriault@berriaultandassociates.com Check out Berriault and Associates' offerings: https://berriaultandassociates.com/ Support the show Follow us on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-agile-within

Have you ever wondered how transforming your mindset could unlock your true potential? Join me as I chat with Melissa Boggs, a celebrated keynote speaker, leadership coach, and employee experience designer, who shares her exhilarating journey from cautious to audacious. You'll be captivated by Melissa's unique roller skating metaphor, which illustrates how moving from cautious to curious, then courageous, and finally audacious can help us overcome mental and emotional barriers. With personal anecdotes and actionable advice, this episode is packed with insights that will inspire you to chase your biggest ideas fearlessly. Plus, Melissa's humorous advocacy for the Oxford comma, influenced by her husband, adds a delightful touch to our conversation. Together with Melissa, we also delve into the significance of finding supportive spaces that nurture growth, much like the skating rinks and experimental stages of Second City. Hear about a popular rink in Denver and how its community encourages courage and creativity. From realistic risk assessment to maintaining confidence, this episode offers practical strategies for leveraging community support to overcome challenges. Don't miss the chance to transform your cautious steps into audacious strides in both your personal and professional life. Visit Melissa's website to view her offerings: https://melissaboggs.com/ Email Melissa: melissa@melissaboggs.com Connect with Melissa on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/melissa-boggs/ Read about the Oxford Comma: https://www.grammarly.com/blog/what-is-the-oxford-comma-and-why-do-people-care-so-much-about-it/ Support the Show. Follow us on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-agile-within

Experience the transformative power of community on this episode of The Agile Within. Join me and Kellie Tyler, a seasoned Agilist who recently moved to the vibrant city of Nashville, Tennessee. Kellie shares her favorite local spot, Broadway and the historic Acme Feed and Seed, before diving into her incredible journey within the Agile community. Discover how local meetups like Utah Agile, led by Steve Ostermiller and Lee Henson, helped Kellie overcome early challenges, build confidence, and foster trust within her team, proving the immense value of a supportive network in professional growth and Agile practices. Navigating networking events can be daunting, especially for introverts and ambiverts. Kellie and I unpack the unexpected expansion of the Utah Agile community in 2020 and share practical strategies for engaging in such events. From finding like-minded individuals on the periphery to leveraging the inherently welcoming nature of the Agile community, we provide actionable tips that even seasoned practitioners have used to their advantage. Hear personal stories and insights on how Agile luminaries have successfully navigated their paths, offering encouragement and tactics for those who find traditional networking intimidating. The heart of this episode lies in the authenticity of relationships within the Agile community. Kellie reveals the importance of genuine interactions and the balance of giving and taking in community engagements. Learn how maintaining regular contact and sharing experiences can lead to not only professional advancement but also personal enrichment. We conclude with practical advice on building Agile communities through platforms like Meetup and LinkedIn, stressing the importance of bringing your unique perspective to the table. Tune in for an enriching conversation that highlights the indispensable role of community in the Agile realm. Visit Acme Feed and Seed when in Nashville, TN: https://www.acmefeedandseed.com/ Connect with Kellie on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kellie-m-tyler/ Learn more about Agile Utah: https://www.utahagile.org/ Learn more about Agile Nashville: https://www.meetup.com/Agile-Nashville-User-Group/ Support the Show. Follow us on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-agile-within

Ever wondered why your Agile metrics might not be delivering the insights you need? Join us as we sit down with Mark Paul Sabral, an experienced Scrum Master from Sheffield, England, to uncover the hidden pitfalls of over-relying on metrics in Agile practices. Mark’s unique perspective, blending his background in illustration with Agile methodologies, sheds light on the importance of visual thinking and the dangers of letting metrics turn into targets. Struggling to find the right balance with your project metrics? In this episode, we explore how to effectively combine quantitative and qualitative measures to avoid common traps. With a compelling real-life example from an enterprise-level software project, we illustrate the benefits of balancing velocity with well-defined sprint goals and user journey maps. Learn how pre-mortems can help identify potential issues early, fostering a learning environment within your Agile teams and creating a more holistic view of progress. Proper documentation can make or break large-scale initiatives. We delve into the critical role of documentation in project success, emphasizing the need for balance between performance and clear, effective documentation. Hear about the causal relationship between documentation creation and usage, and how to avoid the pitfalls of excessive, low-quality documentation. Finally, discover how automating metrics and simplifying data collection can streamline your processes, ensuring that your documentation efforts genuinely contribute to project goals and team efficiency. Don't miss out on these invaluable insights – connect with us on LinkedIn for further discussions! Connect with Mark on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/markpaulsobral/ Support the Show. Follow us on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-agile-within

What if your team could work smarter, not harder? Discover the secrets behind this transformation with product coach David Pereira as he shares actionable insights from his book, "Untrapping Product Teams." Learn how to prioritize learning over rigid processes and explore David's unique "adding by subtracting" approach to streamline workflows and foster collaboration. You'll also gain tips on how to empower your Agile team, pushing boundaries while avoiding the pitfalls of control. Join us as we dive into adapting plans to ever-changing realities, focusing on specific issues rather than falling into analysis paralysis. Through personal anecdotes, David reveals his iterative process for writing a book, emphasizing the importance of gradual risk-taking and continuous learning. Whether you're a seasoned Agile practitioner or just starting out, this episode provides practical advice and profound insights into the Agile mindset, humility, and adaptability for both personal and professional growth. Plus, don’t miss David’s top picks for enjoying Munich, no matter the season! Connect with David on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/davidavpereira/ Subscribe to David's Newsletter: https://dpereira.substack.com/ Support the Show. Follow us on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-agile-within

What exactly is Collaboration 2.0, and how can it transform the way your team works? Join us on "The Agile Within" as I, Mark Metze, chat with Agile coach and content creator Maria Chec from Barcelona, Spain. We kick things off with Maria sharing her insider tips on must-see sights in Barcelona, like Gaudí's masterpieces, and some invaluable travel advice for navigating this beautiful city. But that's just the beginning; Maria then dives into her groundbreaking initiative, Collaboration 2.0, aimed at evolving Agile practices beyond the traditional Scrum framework. In our conversation, Maria and I explore the evolving role of Agile methodologies and discuss the importance of fostering collaboration within teams. I share my own experiences working across diverse teams and stakeholders to bridge gaps and ensure alignment. We uncover strategies to facilitate open dialogue, tackle cultural differences, and address unspoken issues that often hinder progress. The goal? Creating a safe environment where every team member feels heard and valued, ultimately enhancing team dynamics and driving meaningful project outcomes. To wrap up, we reflect on the broader crisis of Agile identity and Maria’s motivations for initiating Collaboration 2.0. We also look ahead to her participation in the Agile 2024 conference in Dallas. This episode is packed with insights and practical advice for anyone invested in Agile practices. Don’t forget to stay connected with our community on LinkedIn and spread the word among your friends and colleagues. Tune in and get ready to rethink collaboration within your teams! Connect with Maria on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mariachec/ Find out more about Collaboration 2.0: https://buymeacoffee.com/agilestateofmind Support the Show. Follow us on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-agile-within

Ever wondered how psychological safety can transform your Agile team dynamics? Join me, Mark Metze, as I sit down with Mike Bowler, a seasoned Agile coach with an impressive 20-year journey from developer to expert in human behaviors. We uncover the intricacies of psychological safety from behavioral, psychological, and neuroscience perspectives. Learn how maintaining access to your team's prefrontal cortex is key to unlocking optimal performance and how you can create an environment where everyone feels free to express their ideas and excel. Unlock the secrets of the S.A.F.E.T.Y.™ Model—Security, Autonomy, Fairness, Esteem, Trust, and You—and understand their evolutionary significance in workplace dynamics. Mike and I put a spotlight on shared experiences and team-building activities as the cornerstone of building trust, especially in a post-COVID remote work landscape. We'll also dive into practical strategies to foster a sense of safety despite individual biases, with actionable experiments like team lunches designed to enhance trust and collaboration. Imagine using play to resolve team conflicts and boost learning. We explore the power of engaging team members through playful ego states with activities like Lego, which can break habitual patterns and build rapport. You'll hear real-world examples of how these playful approaches have successfully addressed team dysfunctions. We also discuss techniques for building esteem and fairness, emphasizing the importance of recognizing each team member’s contributions. Tune in to discover how these strategies can not only elevate social standing but also combat the pitfalls of perverse incentives, creating a more cohesive and equitable workplace. Learn about the S.A.F.E.T.Y.™ Model: https://brainleadership.com/solution/safetymodel/ Six Thinking Hats Technique: https://www.mindtools.com/ajlpp1e/six-thinking-hats Free Resources Available on Mike's Site: https://gargoylesoftware.com/resources/ Followup on Mike's Guest Appearance: https://gargoylesoftware.com/mike_bowler/followup/ Connect with Mike on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mbowler/ Support the Show. Follow us on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-agile-within

Ever wondered how to transform overloaded agile teams into efficient, autonomous units? Get ready to uncover the secrets of fast workflow in our conversation with Paul Vanderslot from Rotterdam. As a seasoned software architect for an energy network operator, Paul faced the daunting challenge of a bottleneck team buried under a massive backlog. He shares his personal journey and the emotional toll that team dependencies created, revealing the magic formula for fostering empowered, product-minded teams that see developers as creative problem solvers and value creators. Discover the transformative power of domain-driven design as Paul explains how aligning teams with specific business domains can lead to independent architecture and smoother collaboration. With practical examples and insights, Paul illustrates how recognizing domain shifts in language—like transitioning from "candidate" to "employee"—can significantly enhance team autonomy and efficiency. Learn how event-based integration and stable contracts between domains minimize frustrating dependencies and context switching, resulting in happier and more innovative developers. This episode is packed with invaluable strategies to supercharge your agile teams and revolutionize your development process. Connect with Paul on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/paul-van-der-slot-03545b37/ Read "Architecture Modernization" by Nick Tune: https://manning.com/books/architecture-modernization Read "Escaping the Build Trap" by Melissa Perri: https://www.amazon.com/Escaping-Build-Trap-Effective-Management/dp/149197379X Support the Show. Follow us on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-agile-within

Ever wondered how to transform feedback into a powerful tool for personal and professional growth? Join us for an enlightening conversation with Sat Kaur, an Agile coach and Scrum Master, as she shares her unique philosophy of "Share, Care, and Be Rare." Sat brings her wealth of experience to the table, drawing fascinating parallels between choosing the right dish from a menu and navigating personalized feedback. She underscores the importance of self-awareness and alignment when receiving feedback, ensuring it's both valuable and actionable. We delve deep into the complexities of feedback and self-awareness in leadership, discussing how to balance uplifting and challenging feedback to achieve a richer understanding of oneself. Trust and specificity emerge as key elements in making feedback truly constructive. Sat also highlights the unique challenges faced by Scrum Masters in quantifying their contributions and the importance of identifying tangible outcomes to demonstrate value. Our discussion touches on the nuances of giving feedback to those close to us, emphasizing the need for specificity and situational awareness. This episode promises valuable insights for anyone aiming to enhance their growth through mindful feedback practices. Connect with Sat on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/satvinder-kaur-52494042/ Listen to Sat's podcast- We Are Not Lost: https://pod.link/1621708175 When travelling to Texas, visit The Fort Worth Stockyards: https://www.fortworthstockyards.org/ Join the Alliance! 👇 Support the Show. Follow us on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-agile-within

Unlock the secrets to landing your dream Agile role with expert insights from career coach Stephanie Cully! Join us as Stephanie shares her extensive knowledge on navigating the challenging job market and transitioning into Agile positions, even from non-tech backgrounds. Learn practical strategies like freelancing on Upwork and Fiverr, and effective networking at local Chamber of Commerce events to gain the experience and visibility needed to stand out. Discover the art of optimizing your resume and LinkedIn profile to boost your job search success. Hear a compelling story about a client who transformed their lengthy resume into a winning one-page document that led to an interview from a pool of 700 applicants. We emphasize the critical importance of consistency between your resume and LinkedIn profile, and offer tips on how to maximize your resume space by leveraging LinkedIn for detailed information like certifications. Build genuine relationships and stand out in the competitive job market with our thoughtful advice on authentic job search strategies. Stephanie and I explore the frustration of feeling used by acquaintances and how to foster genuine connections through casual conversations and showing interest in others' careers. Learn how to differentiate yourself through unique experiences and showcase your expertise via blogs or LinkedIn posts. We also provide targeted job search tips, including identifying top companies and using LinkedIn filters to find the perfect fit. Tune in for an engaging discussion on agile methodologies, team dynamics, and creating a culture of continuous improvement. Don't miss this episode packed with actionable strategies to enhance your Agile journey! Connect with Stephanie: https://www.linkedin.com/in/stephanie-cully/ https://www.instagram.com/cullyandco_careers/ www.stephaniecully.com Resources from Stephanie: FREE "Discover your Purpose" (Ikigai guide) https://www.cullyandco.com/ikigai FREE "LinkedIn Strategies to Land the Job" (outreach guide) https://www.cullyandco.com/OutreachGuide Get 20% off the "Get Hired" ebook FREE for a very limited time, afterward use code: TheAgileWithin https://www.cullyandco.com/offers/U4vSNWsz Get 20% off career coaching Mntion TheAgileWithin in the "other" section for discount https://calendly.com/d/3pm-jp4-7n4/discovery-call-with-steph Join the Alliance! 👇 Support the Show. Follow us on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-agile-within

Unlock the secrets to leading with purpose and fulfillment as Sarah Gruneisen, a seasoned leadership coach and former software engineer, joins us to break down the ancient Japanese concept of Ikigai. Discover how aligning what you love, what you’re good at, what you can be paid for, and what the world needs can transform your approach to leadership and team dynamics. Learn how these intersections—passion, mission, vocation, and profession—can help you create a more meaningful professional and personal life. We discuss actionable insights on empowering diverse teams, including introverts and those focused on technical tasks, by fostering environments that encourage understanding and creative problem-solving. Engineers at various career stages face unique challenges, from midlife crises to imposter syndrome. Sarah and I tackle these issues head-on, offering strategies to help leaders understand and support their teams' unique motivations and backgrounds. Learn how meaningful conversations and trust-building can unlock true passions, leading to increased productivity and job satisfaction. We delve into overcoming fear and taking risks, with practical tips for managing failure and encouraging team members to pursue authentic goals. If you’re looking to inspire your team and yourself, this episode is packed with the wisdom you need to make a real impact. Connect with Sarah on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sgruneisen/ Check out Sarah's Coaching Offerings: https://www.avagasso.com/ What is Ikigai? https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ikigai Join the Alliance! 👇 Support the Show. Follow us on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-agile-within