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

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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:
[email protected]

When in St. Louis, Missouri visit Forest Park and City Museum:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Forest_Park_(St._Louis)
https://citymuseum.org/

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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/

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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:
[email protected]

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

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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

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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

GROW Model in Action:
https://youtu.be/6f3X2PEsV-Q?si=4NMfZed9yjQ_hga_

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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/

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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/

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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

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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/

Get Jeremy's book "Beyond the Framework" on Amazon:
https://www.amazon.com/Beyond-framework-Jeremy-Berriault/dp/1965064620

Connect with Jeremy on LinkedIn:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/jeremy-berriault-mba/

Email Jeremy:
[email protected]

Check out Berriault and Associates' offerings:
https://berriaultandassociates.com/

 

Support the show

Follow us on LinkedIn:
https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-agile-within