Agile Mentors Podcast from Mountain Goat Software
Mountain Goat Software's Agile Mentors Podcast is for agilists of all levels. Whether you’re new to agile and Scrum or have years of experience, listen in to find answers to your questions and new ways to succeed with agile.
Episodes
#187: A Quick Summer Update and a Look at What's Ahead with Brian Milner
The Agile Mentors Podcast is taking a short summer break, but that does not mean the conversation is stopping. In this special update, Brian shares what is ahead for the show and introduces a new podcast exploring one of the biggest questions facing modern teams: what happens when AI becomes part of how work gets done?
Overview
As the Agile Mentors Podcast pauses new episodes for the summer, B
#186: Why Teams Stop Caring About Retrospectives with Cort Sharp
Retrospectives are supposed to help teams improve, but for many teams they slowly become rushed, repetitive, or skipped altogether. In this episode, Brian Milner and Cort Sharp unpack why retrospectives lose their value and what Scrum Masters and leaders can do to make them useful again.
Overview
When a team stops engaging in retrospectives, it is usually a symptom of something deeper. Sometimes
#185: The Real ROI of Agile with Scott Dunn
A lot of organizations say they’ve “gone Agile,” but still struggle with missed deadlines, unclear priorities, and teams that feel busy without delivering better outcomes. In this episode, Scott Dunn joins Brian Milner to unpack why Agile ROI is so often misunderstood and what leaders should actually be measuring instead.
Overview
What does a successful Agile transformation actually look like?
#184: Scrum in High-Stakes Environments with John Holmes
Many leaders assume Agile breaks down in highly regulated environments. John Holmes has spent years proving the opposite inside aerospace, defense, and space programs where the cost of failure is extremely high.
Overview
In this episode, Brian Milner talks with Scrum Inc. Fellow John Holmes about what it actually takes to apply Scrum in complex defense and aerospace organizations. From militar
#183: How AI Is Reshaping Product Ownership with Lance Dacy
AI can help product owners move faster, but faster is not always better. In this episode, Lance Dacy and Brian Milner explore where AI genuinely improves product work and where teams still need strong judgment, clear priorities, and real customer understanding.
Overview
As development teams adopt AI tools at a rapid pace, product owners are under pressure to keep up. Brian and Lance discuss ho
#182: Never Stop Experimenting with Stavros Stavru
In a world changing faster than most teams can keep up with, standing still may be the biggest risk of all. Brian Milner sits down with Stavros Stavru to explore why experimentation is no longer optional and how teams can build a culture that adapts before disruption forces it to.
Overview
Many organizations say they value experimentation, but few create the conditions that make real experimenta
#181: How to Start Agile Without Overengineering It with Cort Sharp
Too many teams try to “do Agile” by adding layers of process before they understand the problem they’re trying to solve. In this episode, Brian Milner and Cort Sharp discuss how to start Agile simply, avoid unnecessary complexity, and build practices that actually fit your team.
Overview
When organizations first adopt Agile, they often make the same mistake: they start with frameworks, terminolo
#180: Why Velocity Is the Wrong Metric for Leadership with Scott Dunn
Velocity can help a team plan, but it creates problems when leaders use it to judge performance. In this episode, Brian Milner and Scott Dunn explain why that shift happens so often and what leaders should pay attention to instead.
Overview
Velocity is one of the most misunderstood metrics in Agile. Used well, it helps a team forecast and make planning decisions. Used poorly, it becomes a produc
#179: Leadership Decisions That Quietly Derail Agile with Mike Cohn
Many agile struggles don’t start with the team. They start with leadership decisions that seem reasonable but create friction, confusion, or misalignment over time. In this episode, Mike Cohn outlines the patterns that most often hold organizations back and what leaders can do differently.
Overview
In this episode, Brian Milner and Mike Cohn examine the leadership decisions that most often derai
#178: How AI Is Actually Changing Software Teams with Hunter Hillegas
AI isn’t just speeding up coding. It’s starting to change how teams work, what they build, and even who needs to be involved. In this episode, Brian and Hunter separate real impact from hype and explore what’s already shifting inside teams.
Overview
AI tools are improving fast, but what does that actually mean for teams doing the work?
In this episode, Brian Milner sits down with Hunter Hillegas
#177: The 5 Habits of High Learning Teams with Lance Dacy
Most teams say they want to improve. Few actually build the habits that make it happen. In this episode, Brian and Lance break down what separates teams that learn from teams that stall—and what leaders do that quietly gets in the way.
Overview
What does it really take to become a learning team?
In this episode, Brian Milner and Lance Dacy walk through five habits that show up in teams that cont
#176: Why Most Product Organizations Struggle with Jason Knight
Many product teams are busy, but not necessarily effective. Brian Milner talks with product consultant Jason Knight about why so many organizations struggle with prioritization, customer insight, and measuring success—and what it takes to build a product organization that actually delivers value.
Overview
What does it really mean to transform a product organization? Brian Milner sits down with p
#175: When AI Makes Agile Teams Worse with Hunter Hillegas
AI can make teams faster. But it can also quietly make them worse. In this episode, Brian Milner and Hunter Hillegas dig into the risks no one wants to talk about—from eroding developer judgment to weakening team communication—and what healthy teams should do about it.
Overview
AI tools are powerful. They can generate code, draft tests, and accelerate delivery in ways that felt impossible just a
#174: Why Estimating Still Matters with Mike Cohn
Estimating can bring out strong reactions, and for good reason. Mike Cohn and Brian Milner unpack why it gets misused, what “estimate responsibly” really means, and how to use planning to make better decisions without turning numbers into weapons.
Overview
In this episode, Brian sits down with Mike Cohn to talk about estimating and planning in a way that teams can actually live with. They explo
#173: Hiring for Agile Roles That Actually Work with Cort Sharp
Hiring for Scrum roles is harder than it looks. Making the wrong call can derail an Agile transformation before it even starts. In this episode, Brian and Cort unpack what to actually look for in Scrum Masters, Product Owners, and Developers—beyond the job title and shiny certifications.
Overview
What makes someone a great Scrum Master? How do you spot the difference between a capable Product O
#172: The Five Pillars of Agile Transformation with Mike Cohn
Most agile transformations start with energy, and then stall out when things get complex. In this episode, Mike Cohn returns with a practical framework to help teams and leaders spot what’s missing, build lasting momentum, and navigate change with more clarity and intention.
Overview
Agile isn’t just a set of practices—it’s a mindset shift, a role shift, and a culture shift. And without the rig
#171: Why Agile Teams Succeed—or Don’t with Colin Fisher
Most teams aren’t broken because of individual incompetence. They’re struggling because the group itself isn’t set up to thrive. In this episode, author and researcher Colin Fisher joins Brian to reframe how we think about team performance, conflict, and psychological safety through the lens of real science, real practice, and a little jazz.
Overview
Group dynamics aren’t fluff. They’re the ope
#170: Leadership Lessons from the Marine Corps with Tanner Wortham
What can Agile leaders learn from the Marines? In this episode, Tanner Wortham joins Brian to share how principles of military leadership—like building authority into the trenches, experimenting under pressure, and prioritizing shared mission over ego—map surprisingly well to modern Agile teams.
Overview
In this conversation, Brian sits down with Marine Corps veteran and Execution Architect Tan
#169: Building Practical AI for Agile Teams with Hunter Hillegas
It’s not just about cool tools. Hunter Hillegas (CTO at Mountain Goat Software) joins Brian to unpack what it’s really like to build with AI—from hallucinations and context management to dev workflows, testing strategies, and where the humans still matter most.
Overview
This episode dives deep into the real work behind bringing AI into agile. Brian and Hunter trace the arc from early experiment
#168: Gratitude, Growth, and the Power to Evolve with Brian Milner
It’s not a full episode this week—but it might be the one your heart needs. Brian Milner shares what he’s truly grateful for this year (spoiler: it’s not a new tool or framework), reflects on the human side of agility, and invites you to join him in a quick pause before the final sprint of 2025.
Overview
In this special solo episode, Brian Milner pauses to reflect on what he's most grateful for
#167: Running Better Remote Meetings with Evan Unger
Consultant and collaboration expert Evan Unger joins Brian to share practical tactics for leading more engaging, effective meetings that actually get results (and don’t drain everyone’s will to live).
Overview
In this episode of the Agile Mentors Podcast, Brian Milner welcomes longtime consultant and facilitation expert Evan Unger to dig into one of the most persistent workplace headaches: remo
#166: AI Isn’t Coming for Your Job, But It Is Joining Your Team with Dr. Michael Housman
AI is already changing how we work—and how we work together. In this episode, Dr. Michael Housman joins Brian Milner to explore how AI is reshaping team collaboration, decision-making, and the very structure of Agile teams.
Overview
We keep talking about AI like it’s something that’s coming. But as Dr. Michael Housman points out, it’s already here—embedded in our tools, shaping how we collabora
#165: Can Your Product Process Keep Up With AI with Cort Sharp
If AI is speeding up how fast we can ship, what’s slowing teams down now? Brian and returning guest Cort Sharp dig into the emerging friction between AI-assisted development and the still-slow art of product decision-making.
Overview
With AI accelerating software delivery, it’s no longer the developers dragging their feet. It’s the backlog that’s backing everything up. In this episode, Brian an
#164: Why Innovation Efforts Fall Flat with Tendayi Viki
Tendayi Viki joins Brian to unpack the difference between doing innovation and delivering value, with practical takeaways for product folks, innovation teams, and anyone who wants to stop spinning their wheels.
Overview
Innovation theater. Experimentation theater. Value that never quite materializes. In this episode, Brian Milner sits down with Tendayi Viki—author, strategist, and partner at St
#163: Should We Go Back to the Office? It Depends. with Lance Dacy
Five years post-COVID, are we any closer to knowing what kind of work environment actually works best? Brian and Lance dig into the real drivers behind return-to-office mandates, remote productivity myths, and why "context beats location" every time.
Overview
The return-to-office debate isn’t over—it’s evolving. In this episode, Brian Milner welcomes back frequent guest and fellow Agile coach L
#162: Focus, Flow, Cold Coffee, and the ADHD Developer with Paige Watson
What happens when your brain loves puzzles… but struggles with where to start? Paige Watson shares how ADHD shapes his work as a developer—and how practices like TDD, mob programming, and discovery trees help him stay focused, move forward, and actually enjoy the ride.
Overview
In this episode of the Agile Mentors Podcast, Brian Milner is joined by Paige Watson, a technical coach, seasoned XP p
#161: Test-Driven Development in the Age of AI with Clare Sudbery
AI might write your code, but can you trust it to do it well? Clare Sudbery says: not without a safety net. In this episode, she explains how test-driven development is evolving in the age of AI, and why developers need to slow down, not speed up.
Overview
In this episode, Brian sits down with Clare Sudbery, experienced developer, TDD advocate, and all-around brilliant explainer, to unpack the
#160: The Real Work of a Scrum Master with Brian Campbell
What separates a solid Scrum Master from a great one? In this episode, Brian Milner sits down with veteran Scrum Master Brian Campbell to talk about the balance between being empathetic, staying grounded, and knowing when it’s time to move on.
Overview
In this episode of the Agile Mentors Podcast, Brian Milner is joined by longtime Agile Mentors Community member and enterprise-level Scrum Maste
#159: Is Scrum Really Too Many Meetings? with Lance Dacy
“Too many meetings” is one of the most common complaints in Scrum teams, but is it really the meetings, or what’s (not) happening in them? In this episode, Brian and Lance Dacy dig into the events of Scrum to uncover what works, what doesn’t, and how to make each one actually add value.
Overview
In this episode of the Agile Mentors Podcast, Brian Milner welcomes Certified Scrum Trainer and Moun
#158: Should You Skip the Sprint Retrospective? with Mike Cohn
Is your team dreading retrospectives, or skipping them altogether? Mike Cohn joins Brian Milner to unpack what’s really going wrong (and how to fix it) so retros don’t just take up time… they actually make your team better.
Overview
In this candid conversation, Brian Milner welcomes back Mountain Goat Software co-founder Mike Cohn to talk about one of the most misunderstood parts of Scrum: the
#157: What Teams Are Struggling With Right Now with Cort Sharp
Scrum isn’t new, but the questions teams are asking about it are evolving. In this episode, Brian and Cort Sharp compare notes on what they're hearing in class, in the community, and behind the scenes.
Overview
In this episode of the Agile Mentors Podcast, Brian Milner welcomes Mountain Goat Software colleague and community manager Cort Sharp for a real-time pulse check on what’s top-of-mind fo
#156: Making Product Ownership Work in Shared Services with Kert Peterson
Shared services teams often wonder: Does product ownership still apply here—or are we the exception to the rule? In this episode, Brian and Kert Peterson explore how Scrum principles hold up when value isn’t always customer-facing and demand never stops.
Overview
In this episode of the Agile Mentors Podcast, Brian welcomes back longtime friend and mentor Kert Peterson for a deep dive into what
#155: Preparing for Interviews the Agile Way with Tali Shlafer
Even the most capable professionals can struggle in interviews. In this episode, Brian and job interview coach Tali Shlafer break down why, and what to do instead.
Overview
In this episode of the Agile Mentors Podcast, Brian welcomes interview coach Tali Shlafer for a practical, clear-eyed conversation about how to approach job interviews as a skill, not a personality trait.
Tali shares why be
#154: The Underpowered PO with Barnaby Golden
Join Brian and Barnaby Golden as they dig into a surprisingly common roadblock in Agile teams, the underpowered product owner, and how it quietly derails decision-making, flow, and team momentum.
Overview
In this episode of the Agile Mentors Podcast, Brian welcomes Agile coach and community contributor Barnaby Golden to explore the risks and ripple effects of placing a product owner in the role
#153: Getting Real Buy-In for Agile Transformation with Scott Dunn
Join Brian and Scott Dunn as they unpack what “buy-in” actually means and what it takes to move from surface-level support to genuine commitment in this episode of the Agile Mentors Podcast.
Overview
In this episode of the Agile Mentors Podcast, Brian is joined once again by Scott Dunn to tackle a listener-chosen topic: how to get real buy-in for Agile initiatives, especially when shifting from
#152: The Five Pillars of Real Agile Improvement with Mike Cohn
Join Brian and Mike Cohn as they unpack the five essential pillars that take Agile from “just the motions” to meaningful, measurable impact. Plus, get a behind-the-scenes look at their revamped course built for real team transformation.
Overview
In this episode of the Agile Mentors Podcast, Brian is joined by longtime collaborator and Agile thought leader Mike Cohn for a deep dive into what rea
Pressing Pause: A Summer Break and What’s Coming Next
We’re taking our own advice and hitting pause to recharge this July. While we’re off the mic, revisit past episodes packed with timeless insights and conversations you may have missed.
Overview
This week, we're pressing pause to model the sustainable pace we teach. Brian shares a quick update about our summer break, what’s ahead in August, and how you can make the most of the podcast archive wh
#151: What AI Is Really Delivering (and What It’s Not) with Evan Leybourn & Christopher Morales
Is AI underdelivering? Or are we asking the wrong questions? This episode breaks down what actually leads to business ROI with AI (and no, it’s not more automation).
Overview
What if AI isn’t the silver bullet—yet—but the bottleneck is human, not technical?
In this episode, Brian Milner chats with Evan Leybourn and Christopher Morales of the Business Agility Institute about their latest resear
#150: What “1 Billion” Scrum Classes Taught Us About Team Culture (and Captain America) with Cort Sharp & Laura Kendrick
Laura Kendrick and Cort Sharp hijack the mic to share what it’s really like behind the scenes at Mountain Goat. From Zoom bloopers to unexpected team bonding, they unpack how a fully remote team built a thriving, human-centered workplace.
Overview
In this special takeover episode, Laura Kendrick and Cort Sharp pull back the curtain on what goes into running hundreds of Scrum and Product Owner c
#149: How Agile Action Drives Strategy with Boris Gloger
What does it really mean to have a bias toward action and how do you build that into your culture without skipping strategy? Boris Gloger joins Brian Milner for a deep dive on experimentation, leadership, and the difference between tactical work and true strategic thinking.
Overview
In this conversation, Brian welcomes longtime Scrum pioneer, consultant, and author Boris Gloger to explore the t
#148: What It Really Takes to Lead Change That Sticks with Sherri Robbins
Can you lead meaningful change without burning people out—or yourself? Sherri Robbins thinks so, and she’s sharing how she’s done it in high-stakes, high-complexity environments (with her sanity intact).
Overview
In this episode, Sherri Robbins joins Scott Dunn to talk about what it actually takes to lead large-scale change across teams, departments, and vendors without losing sight of your val
#147: The Power of Quiet Influence with Casey Sinnema
How do you lead change when you’re not the boss? Casey Sinnema shares what it takes to build trust, influence outcomes, and make Monday feel a little less dreadful.
Overview
What happens when you give a self-proclaimed utility player the freedom to poke holes in broken systems and lead cross-functional change without official authority?
In this episode, Scott chats with Casey Sinema about navi
#146: Agile Leadership That Actually Works with Brendan Wovchko
What does it look like to lead a 300-person software org inside a 1,000-person company—and still stay focused on people first? Brendan Wovchko shares what he's learned about leadership, agility, and building a culture that actually works.
Overview
Brendan Wovchko, CTO at Ramsey Solutions, joins Scott Dunn to talk about what it really takes to lead Agile teams inside a large, fast-moving organiz
#145: How to Lead Without Burning Out (or Burning Bridges) with Ginger Boyll
How do you grow a remote-first team from 30 to over 100 while still being voted a "great place to work"? Ginger Boyll says it’s part Agile mindset, part trust, and part Dungeons & Dragons—and we’re not arguing.
Overview
In this episode of the Agile Mentors Podcast, guest host Scott Dunn sits down with Ginger Boyll, Director of Client Experience at Stable Kernel, for a refreshingly candid co
#144: How Modern Agile Teams Predict the Unpredictable with Lance Dacy
Real Agile forecasting runs on math, not magic. Brian and Lance dive into Monte Carlo methods, DORA metrics, and how AI is shifting the future of project management. All with a human-first approach that builds better teams, not bigger spreadsheets.
Overview
In this episode of the Agile Mentors Podcast, Brian Milner and Lance Dacy unpack why Agile teams need to rethink how they forecast work—and
#143: What Still Makes Teams Work (and Win) with Jim York
What does soccer, soda, and software have in common? According to Jim York—everything. In this episode, he and Brian Milner break down what great teamwork really means, why shared goals matter more than job titles, and how understanding your team’s unique contribution can unlock better flow and results.
Overview
In this episode of the Agile Mentors Podcast, Brian Milner sits down with veteran A
#142: Communication Patterns Keeping Your Team Stuck with Marsha Acker
If your team keeps revisiting the same issues over and over again, Groundhog Day-style, this episode is for you. Leadership coach Marsha Acker shares why it happens, how to recognize hidden conversational patterns, and what to do when you feel stuck.
Overview
In this episode, Brian Milner sits down with executive team coach and author Marsha Acker to unpack one of the most frustrating challenge
#141: Cooking Up a Killer Retrospective with Brian Milner
Tired of “What went well?” and “What didn’t”? Brian Milner is here to help you cook up retrospectives that actually get your team thinking, collaborating, and improving. From creative themes to actionable frameworks, this is your behind-the-scenes guide to better retros.
Overview
Do your retrospectives feel more “check-the-box” than game-changing? Brian Milner shares his full recipe for plannin
#140: The Power of Emotional Delight in Product Design with Dr. Nesrine Changuel
What do Spotify, Google Meet, and your expense report tool have in common? They could all delight your users—if you design for more than just function. In this episode, Dr. Nesrine Changuel breaks down the emotional motivators that transform average products into unforgettable ones.
Overview
What separates a good product from a great one? According to Dr. Nesrine Changuel, it's not just meeting
#139: The Retrospective Reset with Cort Sharp
Retrospectives shouldn’t suck the energy out of your team—or get skipped entirely. In this episode, Brian and Cort share how to fix the most common retro fails and announce two brand-new tools to help you run retros that actually work.
Overview
In this episode of the Agile Mentors Podcast, Brian Milner and Cort Sharp break down why retrospectives are more than just a “Scrum box to check.” They’
#138: The Bad Meeting Hangover with Julie Chickering
Ever left a meeting feeling more drained than before it started? That’s the dreaded meeting hangover. Brian Milner and Julie Chickering dive into why bad meetings have lasting effects—and what facilitators AND participants can do to make them better.
Overview
Bad meetings don’t just waste time, they drain energy, morale, and engagement long after they’re over.
In this episode of the Agile Ment
#137: Stop Wasting Time with Guests Kate Megaw
In this episode, Kate Megaw joins Brian Milner to share simple but powerful techniques that can turn those soul-sucking meetings into dynamic, action-driven conversations. If you're ready to make meetings worth attending, this one’s for you!
Overview
Brian Milner and Kate Megaw uncover the secrets to running highly effective and engaging meetings. They tackle common facilitation pitfalls, the s
#136: The Future of Agile Coaching with Andreas Schliep
What’s next for Agile coaching? Brian Milner and Andreas Schliep dive into the shifting landscape of Agile coaching, the differences between Scrum Masters and Agile Coaches, and how to carve out a sustainable career in a changing industry.
Overview
In this episode of the Agile Mentors Podcast, Brian Milner and Andreas Schliep explore the evolving role of Agile coaching, the challenges coaches f
#135: Leading Without Authority with Pete Behrens
In this episode, Brian Milner and Pete Behrens explore the difference between managing and leading, the critical role of middle management in transformation, and how anyone—at any level—can drive real change in their organization.
Overview
In this episode of the Agile Mentors Podcast, Brian Milner sits down with leadership expert Pete Behrens to unpack what it truly means to be an Agile leader.
#134: How Leaders Can Reduce Burnout and Boost Performance with Marcus Lagré
Is workplace stress just about long hours? Not quite. Brian and Marcus Lagré unpack the real equation behind stress—how pressure, complexity, and security interact—and why your team’s performance depends on getting the balance right.
Overview
In this episode of the Agile Mentors Podcast, Brian Milner sits down with Marcus Lagré, product organization coach and author of The Stress Equation, to b
#133: Trending Agile: Scrum Masters, AI, and the Future of Agile
The Agile Alliance partners with PMI—what does it mean for Agile’s future? Plus, how AI is reshaping Scrum Master roles and why honesty (even when it stings) is the key to career growth. Brian Milner and Cort Sharp tackle these hot topics in a no-holds-barred discussion.
Overview
In this episode of the Agile Mentors Podcast, Brian Milner and Cort Sharp dive into the recent Agile Alliance-PMI pa
#132: Can Nice Guys Finish First? with Scott Dunn
Can being "nice" at work actually hold you back? Join Brian and Scott Dunn as they unravel the myths around workplace "niceness," explore the balance between kindness and assertiveness, and reveal how honest communication can earn you respect—and maybe even that long-overdue promotion.
Overview
In this episode of the Agile Mentors Podcast, Brian and Scott dig deep into the question: Do nice guy
#131: Lessons from Modern Agile with Joshua Kerievsky
Is Agile still relevant in today’s fast-paced world? Brian and Joshua Kerievsky reveal the four game-changing principles of Modern Agile that prioritize safety, empowerment, and continuous value delivery.
Overview
In this episode, Brian Milner sits down with Joshua Kerievsky, a pioneer in the Agile community and the creator of Modern Agile.
They discuss how Agile practices have evolved, the cr
#130: Be the Change: How to Drive Impact Without Authority with April K. Mills
Ready to spark real change in your organization? In this episode, Brian Milner sits down with April K. Mills, founder of Engine for Change, to reveal how anyone can become a powerful change agent—without waiting for permission. Learn how to drive meaningful change, navigate resistance, and reignite Agile practices with strategies that actually work.
Overview
In this inspiring episode of the Agi
#129: 2025: The Year Agile Meets AI and Hyper-Personalization with Lance Dacy
Curious about the future of Agile in 2025? Join Brian and Lance Dacy as they dive into the rise of AI, hyper-personalization, and how teams can balance innovation with customer focus. Plus, discover actionable insights to navigate a rapidly evolving landscape—don’t miss this forward-looking discussion!
Overview
In this episode of the Agile Mentors Podcast, Brian and Lance set their sights on 20
#128: Top Lessons from 2024’s Most Inspiring Episodes with Brian Miner
Missed some episodes this year? Don’t worry—Brian’s got you covered with a highlight reel of 2024’s most memorable moments, featuring game-changing insights from Agile thought leaders and innovators. Tune in to catch up, reflect, and set your sights on a stellar 2025!
Overview
In this special year-end episode of the Agile Mentors Podcast, Brian takes us on a trip down memory lane, sharing highl
#127: Agile Strategies for Job Market Uncertainty with Mark Kilby
How do you navigate a bumpy job market with an agile mindset? Join Brian and leadership coach Mark Kilby as they explore practical strategies for staying prepared, leveraging your network, and taking ownership of your career during uncertain times.
Overview
In this episode of the Agile Mentors podcast, Brian Milner and Mark Kilby explore how to approach the challenges of today’s unpredictable j
#126: Mastering the Scrum Master Role with Gary K. Evans
What does it take to be an effective Scrum Master? In this episode, Brian Milner and Gary K. Evans, author of The Effective Scrum Master, explore the nuanced role of Scrum Masters, the importance of people skills, and the shift from efficiency to effectiveness.
Overview
Join Brian Milner as he chats with Agile coach and author Gary K. Evans about the essential qualities of an effective Scrum Ma
#125: Embracing Gratitude in Challenging Times with Brian Milner
Get ready for a special Thanksgiving episode where Brian Milner shares what he’s most grateful for this year and why a little reflection on gratitude can go a long way. It’s time to embrace the positives and celebrate the connections that keep us growing.
Overview
In this special Thanksgiving episode, Brian Milner takes a heartfelt pause to reflect on gratitude, expressing thanks for his listen
#124: How to Avoid Common Product Team Pitfalls with David Pereira
Curious if your product team is caught in common traps that limit success? Join Brian and David Pereira as they explore how to simplify workflows, make smarter bets with prioritization, and shift from output-driven thinking to delivering real value.
Overview
In this episode of the Agile Mentors Podcast, host Brian Milner chats with David Pereira, author of Untrapping Product Teams. Together, th
#123: Unlocking Team Intelligence with Linda Rising
What makes a team intelligent? Brian and Linda Rising explore the surprising factors that foster group intelligence, from psychological safety to diversity, backed by groundbreaking research from MIT and Google.
Overview
In this episode of the Agile Mentors Podcast, Brian Milner sits down with Agile thought leader Linda Rising to explore the concept of group intelligence. They dive into what ma
#122: Empowering Diversity with Nosa Oyegun & Louria Lindauer
Join us as we explore how Agile in Color is breaking down barriers in the Agile community and empowering people of color through mentorship, support, and leadership. Learn how you can be an ally and foster a more inclusive environment in your own Agile journey.
Overview
In this episode of the Agile Mentors Podcast, Brian Milner is joined by Nosa Oyegun and Luria Lindauer from Agile in Color to
#121: Busting the Biggest Myths About Agile Tools with Steve Spearman
Can Agile tools really teach you Agile practices, or are they just supporting players? Join Brian and Steve Spearman as they unpack the myths surrounding tools like Jira and discover why the process should always come before the tool.
Overview
In this episode of the Agile Mentors Podcast, Brian Milner and Steve Spearman debunk common myths about Agile tools, with a special focus on Jira. They s
#120: Agile in Gaming with Clinton Keith
How does Agile fit into the fast-paced, high-stakes world of game development? Clinton Keith, author of Agile Game Development, spills the secrets from his time working with some of the top studios in the industry and explains why adapting Agile to gaming is both a challenge and a game-changer.
Overview
In this episode of the Agile Mentors Podcast, Brian Milner and Clinton Keith dive into the u
#119: Conferences, Connections, and Community with Chris Murman
In this episode of the Agile Mentors Podcast, Brian Milner chats with Murman about the value of attending Agile conferences, the importance of networking, and the impact of volunteering in the Agile community. They share personal stories, advice on making the most of conference experiences, and insights into how volunteering can open up new opportunities for personal and professional growth.
Ove
#118: The Secrets to Agile Success with Mike Cohn
In this episode of the Agile Mentors Podcast, Brian Milner and Mike Cohn reveal the keys to achieving lasting success with Agile methodologies. From embracing experimentation and fostering a culture of continuous improvement to improving communication with consistent vocabulary, they offer practical, relatable insights for Agile practitioners at all levels.
Overview
Brian and Mike discuss the e
#117: How AI and Automation Are Redefining Success for Developers with Lance Dacy
In this episode, Brian Milner and Lance Dacy dive into the evolving world of software development, exploring how AI and automation are reshaping the landscape. They discuss the essential skills developers need in this new era, from embracing AI as a tool to mastering emotional intelligence and continuous learning.
Overview
Brian and Lance discuss the transformative impact AI and automation are
#116: Turning Weird User Actions into Big Wins with Gojko Adzic
What do lizards have to do with product growth? In this episode, Gojko Adzic reveals how unusual user behaviors can unlock massive opportunities for product innovation. Discover the four steps to mastering "Lizard Optimization" and learn how you can turn strange user actions into game-changing insights.
Overview
In this episode of the Agile Mentors Podcast, host Brian Milner chats with Gojko Ad
#115: Aligning Leadership for Success with Dr. Tess Thompson
Join Brian and Dr. Tess Thompson as they delve into the complexities of scaling Agile, highlighting the challenges of aligning leadership priorities, fostering transparency, and applying system-level thinking for successful organizational transformations.
Overview
In this insightful episode, Dr. Tess Thompson tackles the pressing challenges organizations face when scaling Agile, with a focus on
#114: Is Agile Dead? with Scott Dunn
Is Agile really dead, or are we just doing it wrong? Tune in as Brian and Scott dive deep into the controversies and misconceptions surrounding Agile practices and what it really takes to make Agile work in today’s organizations.
Overview
In this episode, Brian and Agile Mentors Podcast regular, Scott Dunn, tackle the provocative question: "Is Agile Dead?" sparked by recent claims of Agile's hi
#113: Influence Without Authority with Christopher DiBella
Join Brian Milner as he talks with leadership expert Christopher DiBella about mastering the art of influencing without authority. Learn how to lead with respect, empathy, and compassion to inspire your team, even when you don’t hold the official title.
Overview
In this episode of the Agile Mentors Podcast, Brian interviews Christopher DiBella, an expert in leadership and organizational develop
#112: Exploring Collaboration Styles with Jessica Guistolise
Discover how recognizing and accommodating different collaboration styles can transform your Agile team dynamics. Join Brian Milner and Jessica Guistolise as they delve into the key to effective and inclusive collaboration.
Overview
In this episode of the Agile Mentors Podcast, Brian interviews Jessica Guistolise about the diverse collaboration styles that impact team dynamics. They explore the
#111: Adapting to the Future of Work with Heather McGowan
Explore the dynamic future of work with Brian Milner and Heather McGowan as they discuss the essential shifts in mindset and culture needed to thrive in the augmented era.
Overview
In this episode of the Agile Mentors Podcast, Brian Milner interviews Heather McGowan, a renowned future of work strategist, about the rapidly changing landscape of work in the augmented era.
Heather emphasizes the
#110: Overcoming Organizational Dysfunctions with Lucy O’Keefe
Explore the hidden barriers to successful Scrum adoption as Brian Milner and Lucy O'Keefe dive into organizational dysfunctions and cultural impediments in this insightful episode of the Agile Mentors Podcast.
Overview
In this episode of the Agile Mentors Podcast, Brian Milner sits down with Lucy O’Keefe to unpack the organizational dysfunctions highlighted in their talk at the Scrum Gathering.
#109: Leadership and Culture in DevOps with Claire Clark
Join Brian as he chats with DevOps expert Claire Clark about the cultural and mindset shifts needed for successful DevOps adoption, the concept of 'shift left,' and the crucial role of leadership support.
Overview
In this episode of the Agile Mentors Podcast, Brian and Claire Clark, founder of Sienso, winner of the The Great British Business Woman Award, and freelance software development execu
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