Too many teams are stuck in execution mode—taking orders and building features exactly as outlined. But what if your developers, designers, and product owners had the psychological safety, ownership, and space to contribute bold new ideas?

In this episode, Kate and Ryan dive into the often-overlooked topic of ideation within Scrum teams. They explore what it takes to shift from passive delivery to active co-creation, sharing real-world examples of how empowered teams improve both product outcomes and team engagement.

In this episode of the Arclight Agile podcast, hosts Kate Megaw and Ryan Smith join special guest Anu Smalley to explore the strategic leadership domain of the Leadership Growth Wheel.  They discuss how effective leaders align organizational vision and values with daily operations, implement human-centered change management, and develop consistent decision-making frameworks—all while keeping team engagement at the forefront.

Agile teams don't usually plan to return to waterfall ways of working — it happens slowly and subtly. In this episode, Kate Megaw and Ryan Smith unpack the signs that a team is sliding back toward waterfall, why it happens, and most importantly, what leaders and teams can do to course-correct. Learn how to stay true to Agile principles even when organizational pressure, leadership turnover, and old habits start pulling you backward.

In this episode, Kate and Ryan Sith dive into a critical (but often overlooked) topic in product development: losing sight of the user. They share real-world experiences of how teams can unintentionally start designing for internal stakeholders instead of external customers, how “shiny object syndrome” from leadership derails sprints, and why strong product ownership is essential. Together, they explore practical ways to reconnect teams with their users — from leveraging personas to involving real customers in reviews — and why keeping users at the center is vital for truly Agile delivery. A must-listen for anyone in product development, Agile coaching, or leadership roles!

What’s the real difference between accountability and ownership—and why does it matter so much in leadership and teams?  In this episode, Kate and Ryan unpack the often-blurred lines between these two powerful concepts.  From missed healthcare appointments to product backlog chaos, they share real stories, relatable moments, and practical insights on how to build a culture where people step up, follow through, and own the outcomes—not just the tasks.  Whether you're a team member, manager, or executive, this episode will challenge how you think about responsibility, initiative, and impact.

In this episode of the Team KatAnu podcast, hosts Kate and Ryan sit down with Anu Smalley to unpack the concept of self-leadership—a foundational pillar in their Leadership Growth Wheel framework. With personal stories, practical tips, and thoughtful reflection, the trio explores the power of self-awareness, personal vision, and personal mastery. Whether you're just discovering your purpose or realigning after years in the workforce, this conversation offers insight and inspiration for anyone ready to lead from within.

In a world where leadership requirements constantly evolve, having a structured approach to leadership development has never been more crucial. In this podcast Ryan chats with Kate and Anu Smalley (CEO of Capala Consulting), co-founders of Team KatAnu about their Leadership Growth Wheel—a comprehensive framework designed to help leaders at all levels identify their strengths, recognize gaps, and create actionable growth plans for continuous improvement.

In this candid and experience-rich conversation, Kate and Ryan unpack the most common reasons Agile transformations fail.  From lack of purpose and misunderstood roles to cultural resistance and tool obsession, this blog distills their insights into a practical top ten list.  Whether you're beginning your Agile journey or mid-transformation, this podcast is a must listen to!

In this insightful exploration of the "big rocks" concept from Stephen Covey's work, Kate and Ryan discuss how breaking down large goals into manageable chunks applies to both leadership and Scrum teams.  Learn practical strategies for prioritization, sustainable work pace, and achieving meaningful results through strategic goal-setting.

In this episode of the podcast, Kate and Ryan tackle one of the most persistent challenges in modern organizations: teams working in silos. They explore the symptoms of siloed teams, why silos form, and practical strategies for breaking them down to create more collaborative, efficient, and united organizations.