No Nonsense Agile Leadership

In this episode, we're joined by Daniel Turhurst North, a veteran technical leader and consultant with more than 30 years of experience in software delivery, executive leadership, and organizational change. We dig into what effective technical leadership really is, why performance problems are often system problems, and how incentives and structures drive bad behavior. Daniel gives practical advice on building stronger peer alliances, using feedback to surface issues without drama and staying steady when politics kicks in. Join us for some really practical and insightful advice from Daniel North.

In this episode, we talk to Sander Hoogendoorn about effective technical leadership. Sander explains how rigid processes and micromanagement damage teams and why empowering small autonomous teams is key to success. He reveals how his teams can operate with minimal hierarchy and process by focusing on technical quality through practices like continuous deployment and collaborative coding. Whether you are a new manager or a seasoned CTO, you'll find practical advice and fresh perspectives on building great teams and great software. Follow Sander on https://sanderhoogendoorn.com/ or LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/aahoogendoorn/ Listen to the podcast on your favourite podcast app: | Spotify | Apple Podcasts | Google Podcasts | iHeart Radio | PlayerFM | Amazon Music | Listen Notes | TuneIn | Audible | Podchaser | Deezer | Podcast Addict | Contact Murray on LinkedIn or via email

In this episode, we talk to Brian Feister about vibe coding. He shares his experience developing a new product using AI and highlights the importance of thoroughly reviewing everything the AI suggests because it lacks common sense. We discuss the risk of junior developers producing poor-quality code and the severe damage a company could face if it begins firing developers and replacing them with AI. Brian expresses scepticism about claims of massive productivity gains for AI but suggests that it will have a significant positive impact in many ways that we don't understand yet. Follow Brian on LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/brianfeister Listen to the podcast on your favourite podcast app: | Spotify | Apple Podcasts | Google Podcasts | iHeart Radio | PlayerFM | Amazon Music | Listen Notes | TuneIn | Audible | Podchaser | Deezer | Podcast Addict | Contact Murray on LinkedIn or via email

In this episode, we talk to Nick Consentino about AI assisted coding. We examine how AI tools such as Co-pilot and ChatGPT enhance developer productivity and enable rapid prototyping. Nick discusses the benefits and pitfalls of using Ai, emphasizing the need for strong domain knowledge to avoid generating large amounts of unmanageable code. We discuss why AI tools shouldn't be viewed as replacements for developers, but rather as valuable collaborators that complement human expertise. Nick emphasizes the importance of pragmatic experimentation, continuous learning, and thoughtful oversight to leverage AI in modern software development. Read Nicks weekly newsletter: https://www.devleader.ca/newsletter Follow Nick on YouTube https://www.youtube.com/@devleader Contact Nick for consulting at https://www.linkedin.com/in/nickcosentino/ Listen to the podcast on your favourite podcast app: | Spotify | Apple Podcasts | Google Podcasts | iHeart Radio | PlayerFM | Amazon Music | Listen Notes | TuneIn | Audible | Podchaser | Deezer | Podcast Addict | Contact Murray on LinkedIn or via email

In this episode, we talk to Charles Lambdin about creating meaningful change in organizations. We examine the hidden conflicts that prevent organizations from adopting modern ways of working and uncover how incentives, power and stories influence company dynamics. Charles highlights the importance of understanding organization, politics, and building a coalition to drive real change. Read more from Charles at https://charleslambdin.com/ and https://thelaterallens.substack.com/ Contact Charles for consulting at https://www.linkedin.com/in/charleslambdin/ Listen to the podcast on your favourite podcast app: | Spotify | Apple Podcasts | Google Podcasts | iHeart Radio | PlayerFM | Amazon Music | Listen Notes | TuneIn | Audible | Podchaser | Deezer | Podcast Addict | Contact Murray on LinkedIn or via email

In this episode, we talk to Bryan Finster about Test Driven Development. We discuss what TDD is and why it's essential for high speed, high quality software engineering. Bryan criticizes independent QA teams and we explore how integrated cross-functional teams provide the rapid feedback you need to develop high quality code. And we discuss how to use value stream mapping to show your leaders the need to make a change. Tune in to learn all about TDD and BDD from an expert. Listen to the podcast on your favourite podcast app: | Spotify | Apple Podcasts | Google Podcasts | iHeart Radio | PlayerFM | Amazon Music | Listen Notes | TuneIn | Audible | Podchaser | Deezer | Podcast Addict | Contact Murray on LinkedIn or via email

In this episode, we explore how to escape the outdated factory model of software development. We discuss traditional bureaucratic software development, why it fails, and how Agile was meant to fix it by removing departmental silos and liberating talent, only for managers to turn it back into siloed development in sprints. We discuss a successful Agile transformation at a digital agency and use that example to show that good leadership, structural transformation, and a commitment to learning can drive real, successful change. Tune in if you're ready to break the cycle and change things for the better.

In this episode, we talk to Mikkel Zanini about humanocracy. Mikkel emphasizes the limitations of traditional bureaucratic organizations and explains the concept of humanocracy, which focuses on maximizing human potential rather than efficiency and control. We explore the principles of ownership, meritocracy, internal markets, experimentation, community, openness and balance that underpin humanocracy. And we discuss examples of successful applications at Haier and Roche that show how these principles can foster innovation, engagement, profitability, and growth.

In this episode, we talk to Rich Mironov about increasing your influence with executives. We discuss organisational politics and explain how power, stories and alliances are crucial in shaping company dynamics. Rich describes the disconnect between business and technical teams and the importance of expressing arguments in the language of money. He also provides strategies for product leaders to succeed, stressing the need for demonstrating and selling achievements. Join us to learn how to navigate corporate politics and enhance your influence within executive circles. Listen to the podcast on your favourite podcast app: | Spotify | Apple Podcasts | Google Podcasts | iHeart Radio | PlayerFM | Amazon Music | Listen Notes | TuneIn | Audible | Podchaser | Deezer | Podcast Addict | Contact Murray on LinkedIn or via email

In this episode, John Cutler talks about surviving the current tech environment. We discuss how layoffs and blame destroy trust, create fear and conflict and stop people from providing the feedback that leaders need to make good decisions. We discuss whether our workplaces are a meritocracy or highly charged political environments. And we explore survival strategies such as going with the flow, picking your battles, building alliances and creating narratives. Join us to learn how to navigate corporate politics more effectively. Listen to the podcast on your favourite podcast app: | Spotify | Apple Podcasts | Google Podcasts | iHeart Radio | PlayerFM | Amazon Music | Listen Notes | TuneIn | Audible | Podchaser | Deezer | Podcast Addict | Contact Murray on LinkedIn or via email

In this episode, we announce Shane Gibson's departure and introduce Donna Spencer as our new co-host. Donna describes her experience as a product designer and user experience researcher. Shane reflects on what he's learned about agile, product development, and leadership from over a hundred interviews with international experts. Murray discusses the podcast's commitment to delivering deep, pragmatic, and valuable insights on agile product development and leadership while avoiding shallow, rambling, and self-promotional content. Listen to the podcast on your favourite podcast app: | Spotify | Apple Podcasts | Google Podcasts | iHeart Radio | PlayerFM | Amazon Music | Listen Notes | TuneIn | Audible | Podchaser | Deezer | Podcast Addict | Send cards, flowers or money to Shane on LinkedIn shagility or Murray via email The No Nonsense Agile Podcast was sponsored by: Simply Magical Data

Join Murray Robinson and Shane Gibson as they chat with Joanna Rothman about agile project management. We critique fake corporate agile and discuss the drawbacks of offshoring your development work. We talk about the importance of continuous feedback, continuous delivery and cross-functional teams and we discuss project charters, budgets, scaling, and the need to focus on outcomes rather than deliverables. Listen to the podcast on your favourite podcast app: | Spotify | Apple Podcasts | Google Podcasts | iHeart Radio | PlayerFM | Amazon Music | Listen Notes | TuneIn | Audible | Podchaser | Deezer | Podcast Addict | Connect with Johanna via LinkedIn or over at https://www.jrothman.com Contact Shane on LinkedIn shagility or Murray via email You can read the podcast transcript at: https://agiledata.io/podcast/no-nonsense-agile-podcast/agile-project-management-with-johanna-rothman/ The No Nonsense Agile Podcast is sponsored by: Simply Magical Data

Join Murray Robinson and Shane Gibson as they chat with Jurgen Appelo about the crisis in the agile community. We explore how the agile job market has changed with diminishing roles for agile coaches and scrum masters. And we discuss what people can do now that the agile consulting and training gold rush is over. We talk about the poor quality of agile practices in organizations claiming to have done agile. And the need to improve further, to get the benefits available. And we talk about the evolution and rebranding of agile practices and the impact of AI on the industry. Gain valuable insights into the future of agile, the importance of adapting to change and strategies for sustaining relevance in a shifting market. Listen to the podcast on your favourite podcast app: | Spotify | Apple Podcasts | Google Podcasts | iHeart Radio | PlayerFM | Amazon Music | Listen Notes | TuneIn | Audible | Podchaser | Deezer | Podcast Addict | Connect with Jurgen via LinkedIn or over at https://unfix.work/ Contact Shane on LinkedIn shagility or Murray via email You can read the podcast transcript at: https://agiledata.io/podcast/no-nonsense-agile-podcast/the-crisis-in-agile-with-jurgen-appelo/#read The No Nonsense Agile Podcast is sponsored by: Simply Magical Data

Join Murray Robinson and Shane Gibson as they chat with William Malek about the Haier operating model. Haier, a Chinese appliance giant, transitioned from a failing state-owned enterprise to a highly profitable publicly owned organisation with over 5,700 micro enterprises and $50 billion in revenue. We explain how Haier uses an internal marketplace to allow microenterprises to trade goods and services with each other, based on a value added mechanism and smart contracts. An approach based on the philosophy of RenDanHeYi, where managers release control and support teams to achieve their potential to create valuable solutions within an open environment. William makes a compelling case for the benefits of a decentralized agile organizational model in driving high innovation and performance. Listen to the podcast on your favourite podcast app: | Spotify | Apple Podcasts | Google Podcasts | iHeart Radio | PlayerFM | Amazon Music | Listen Notes | TuneIn | Audible | Podchaser | Deezer | Podcast Addict | Connect with William via LinkedIn or over at http://microteams.net/ or at https://www.desirablefutures.group/ Contact Shane on LinkedIn shagility or Murray via email You can read the podcast transcript at: https://agiledata.io/podcast/no-nonsense-agile-podcast/the-haier-model-with-william-malek/#read The No Nonsense Agile Podcast is sponsored by: Simply Magical Data

Join Murray Robinson and Shane Gibson as they chat with Steve Spear, author of a High Velocity Edge, Wiring the Winning Organization and Decoding the DNA of the Toyota Production System. We discuss how good leaders create a system that makes it easy for people to do quality work when and where it's needed by continually asking, what's the problem and how can I help? Steve explains how to use a developmental leadership approach with collaborative problem solving, workflow visualization and iterative improvement to become a high performing organization with an unbeatable competitive edge. Listen to the podcast on your favourite podcast app: | Spotify | Apple Podcasts | Google Podcasts | iHeart Radio | PlayerFM | Amazon Music | Listen Notes | TuneIn | Audible | Podchaser | Deezer | Podcast Addict | Connect with Steve via LinkedIn or over at https://seetosolve.com/ or at https://mitsloan.mit.edu/faculty/academic-groups/system-dynamics/about-us Contact Shane on LinkedIn shagility or Murray via email You can read the podcast transcript at: https://agiledata.io/podcast/no-nonsense-agile-podcast/high-performance-organisations-with-steve-spear/ The No Nonsense Agile Podcast is sponsored by: Simply Magical Data

Join Murray Robinson and Shane Gibson as they chat with Gene Kim, leader of the Enterprise Technology Leadership Conference and author of the Phoenix and Unicorn Projects. Gene describes how DevOps research shows that excellent socio-technical leadership is critical to team success and failure. He explains how technical leaders can dramatically increase team effectiveness by improving the organisational architecture and wiring to support independence of action, rapid feedback and simplification while maintaining stability and security. Listen to the podcast on your favourite podcast app: | Spotify | Apple Podcasts | Google Podcasts | iHeart Radio | PlayerFM | Amazon Music | Listen Notes | TuneIn | Audible | Podchaser | Deezer | Podcast Addict | Connect with gene via LinkedIn or over at https://itrevolution.com/product/enterprise-technology-leadership-summit-las-vegas-2024/ Contact Murray via email or Shane on LinkedIn shagility. You can read the podcast transcript at: https://agiledata.io/podcast/wiring-the-winning-organisation-with-gene-kim/ The No Nonsense Agile Podcast is sponsored by: Simply Magical Data

Join Murray Robinson and Shane Gibson as they chat with Arnold Stroobach about the Buurtzorg organization, which decentralized its management and administration to small cross-functional self-managed teams that deliver in-home medical care. Buurtzorg is the Netherlands largest provider of home care with 16,000 clinical staff in more than 1500 local self-managing teams supported by only 50 admin people and 45 coaches at the company's headquarters. Buurtzorg's model allows the organization to deliver health care at 40% less than traditional service providers with much better health outcomes and client satisfaction. Arnold explains Buurtzorg's origins methods, and success. Their team structure, responsibilities and roles. And the potential for other organizations to decentralize management to deliver services much more efficiently and effectively at scale. Listen to the podcast on your favourite podcast app: | Spotify | Apple Podcasts | Google Podcasts | iHeart Radio | PlayerFM | Amazon Music | Listen Notes | TuneIn | Audible | Podchaser | Deezer | Podcast Addict | Connect with Chris via LinkedIn or over at https://www.svpg.com Contact Murray via email or Shane on LinkedIn shagility. You can read the podcast transcript at: https://agiledata.io/podcast/no-nonsense-agile-podcast/the-buurtzorg-model-with-arnold-stroobach/ The No Nonsense Agile Podcast is sponsored by: Simply Magical Data

Join Murray Robinson and Shane Gibson as they chat with Chris Jones from the Silicon Valley Product Group about the product operating model, emphasising the importance of cross-functional agile product teams. He shares insights on transitioning to a product model. The value of rapid experimentation, product leadership and common pitfalls. And he discusses successful examples of product transformations at Adobe Cloud and Train Line in Europe. Listen to the podcast on your favourite podcast app: | Spotify | Apple Podcasts | Google Podcasts | iHeart Radio | PlayerFM | Amazon Music | Listen Notes | TuneIn | Audible | Podchaser | Deezer | Podcast Addict | Connect with Chris via LinkedIn or over at https://www.svpg.com Contact Murray via email or Shane on LinkedIn shagility. You can read the podcast transcript at: https://agiledata.io/podcast/transforming-to-the-product-model-with-chris-jones/#read The No Nonsense Agile Podcast is sponsored by: Simply Magical Data

Join Murray Robinson and Shane Gibson as they chat with Woody Zuill about mob programming. Woody explains the concept of mob programming where a cross-functional software development team focuses on completing one feature at a time. Woody describes how mobbing has increased the effectiveness of development teams he's worked with by 10 times while rapidly increasing team learning, capability and skills. Tune in to learn about the practical implementation of mobbing techniques to improve your product development. Listen to the podcast on your favourite podcast app: | Spotify | Apple Podcasts | Google Podcasts | iHeart Radio | PlayerFM | Amazon Music | Listen Notes | TuneIn | Audible | Podchaser | Deezer | Podcast Addict | Connect with Woody via LinkedIn or over at https://woodyzuill.com/ Contact Murray via email or Shane on LinkedIn shagility. You can read the podcast transcript at: https://agiledata.io/podcast/mob-programming-and-software-teaming-with-woody-zuill/#read The No Nonsense Agile Podcast is sponsored by: Simply Magical Data

Join Murray Robinson and Shane Gibson as they chat with Joel Tosi and Dion Stewart about Dojo's. Dojo's are a six week immersive learning experience where teams learn and practice new ways of working on real work with skilled coaches. We discuss the structure and implementation of Dojos, chartering, coaching dynamics, and frequent feedback loops. We emphasize the challenges and anti-patterns that can emerge, such as treating Dojos as bootcamps or lacking stakeholder support. Finally, Joel and Dion offer insights into the future of Dojos and their potential for building capability and driving organization change. Listen to the podcast on your favourite podcast app: | Spotify | Apple Podcasts | Google Podcasts | iHeart Radio | PlayerFM | Amazon Music | Listen Notes | TuneIn | Audible | Podchaser | Deezer | Podcast Addict | Connect with Joel via LinkedIn or Dion via LinkedIn over at https://www.dojoandco.com/ Contact Murray via email or Shane on LinkedIn shagility. You can read the podcast transcript at: https://agiledata.io/podcast/no-nonsense-agile-podcast/the-dojo-with-joel-tosi-and-dion-stewart/#read The No Nonsense Agile Podcast is sponsored by: Simply Magical Data