Read the full Show Notes and search through the world’s largest audio library on Scrum directly on the Scrum Master Toolbox Podcast website: http://bit.ly/SMTP_ShowNotes.
Karthiga shares a team story where metrics like Flow Efficiency were implemented to improve understanding of work processes. Despite leadership support and training, the team became overly focused on “making metrics look good,” reflecting Goodhart’s Law. This led to discussions on aligning the purpose of metrics with improving workflows, not chasing numbers.
Self-reflection Question: Are your team’s metrics driving the right behaviors and outcomes?
Karthiga recommends Project to Product: How to Survive and Thrive in the Age of Digital Disruption with the Flow Framework for its introduction to the Flow Framework and its impact on understanding value stream management. This book transformed her approach to metrics, highlighting bottlenecks and improving flow efficiency. She particularly appreciated its simplicity and practical application in bridging business and technical team gaps.
[The Scrum Master Toolbox Podcast Recommends]
Angela thought she was just there to coach a team. But now, she’s caught in the middle of a corporate espionage drama that could make or break the future of digital banking. Can she help the team regain their mojo and outwit their rivals, or will the competition crush their ambitions? As alliances shift and the pressure builds, one thing becomes clear: this isn’t just about the product—it’s about the people.
🚨 Will Angela’s coaching be enough? Find out in Shift: From Product to People—the gripping story of high-stakes innovation and corporate intrigue.
[The Scrum Master Toolbox Podcast Recommends]
About Karthiga Seturaj
Karthiga is a dedicated Agilist with over 15 years of experience in the software industry. She specializes in coaching agile teams, emphasizing respect, inclusion, accountability, and outcomes. Her journey spans from Scrum Master to Manager of Agile Coaches, transforming teams and driving impactful change.
You can link with Karthiga Seturaj on LinkedIn.
Read the full Show Notes and search through the world’s largest audio library on Scrum directly on the Scrum Master Toolbox Podcast website: http://bit.ly/SMTP_ShowNotes.
As a Scrum Master, Karthiga shares a failure story involving unresolved conflicts between a Product Owner and an engineering lead that escalated into organizational changes and team departures. Reflecting on this experience, Karthiga emphasizes the importance of confronting issues early and effectively. Key tips include involving the right people, leveraging feedback from retrospectives, and using data to address conflicts constructively.
Self-reflection Question: How comfortable are you with addressing conflict in your team, and what steps can you take to improve?
[The Scrum Master Toolbox Podcast Recommends]
Angela thought she was just there to coach a team. But now, she’s caught in the middle of a corporate espionage drama that could make or break the future of digital banking. Can she help the team regain their mojo and outwit their rivals, or will the competition crush their ambitions? As alliances shift and the pressure builds, one thing becomes clear: this isn’t just about the product—it’s about the people.
🚨 Will Angela’s coaching be enough? Find out in Shift: From Product to People—the gripping story of high-stakes innovation and corporate intrigue.
[The Scrum Master Toolbox Podcast Recommends]
About Karthiga Seturaj
Karthiga is a dedicated Agilist with over 15 years of experience in the software industry. She specializes in coaching agile teams, emphasizing respect, inclusion, accountability, and outcomes. Her journey spans from Scrum Master to Manager of Agile Coaches, transforming teams and driving impactful change.
You can link with Karthiga Seturaj on LinkedIn.
Sara describes an exemplary Product Owner who blended curiosity, strategic thinking, and empathy. By understanding team concerns and fostering connection, this PO became a trusted collaborator. Whether strategizing or engaging in team bonding, this PO consistently demonstrated entrepreneurial thinking and alignment with team goals.
A contrasting example involves a PO unable to perform beyond task management due to divided focus and limited availability. Sara reflects on systemic issues and offers tips for collaboration, like defining key moments for engagement and modeling desired behaviors to build alignment between PO and team.
[The Scrum Master Toolbox Podcast Recommends]
Angela thought she was just there to coach a team. But now, she’s caught in the middle of a corporate espionage drama that could make or break the future of digital banking. Can she help the team regain their mojo and outwit their rivals, or will the competition crush their ambitions? As alliances shift and the pressure builds, one thing becomes clear: this isn’t just about the product—it’s about the people.
🚨 Will Angela’s coaching be enough? Find out in Shift: From Product to People—the gripping story of high-stakes innovation and corporate intrigue.
[The Scrum Master Toolbox Podcast Recommends]
About Sara Caldwell
Sara is an organizational anthropologist passionate about human-centered change. She helps organizations tackle tough problems, all while keeping things fun and engaging. Sara blends strategic thinking with empathy, turning challenges into opportunities. Agile values guide her—whether helping teams flow, wrangling her rescue pets, or navigating the complexities of everyday life.
You can link with Sara Caldwell on LinkedIn.
Read the full Show Notes and search through the world’s largest audio library on Scrum directly on the Scrum Master Toolbox Podcast website: http://bit.ly/SMTP_ShowNotes.
Success as a Scrum Master, according to Sara, is about fostering self-regulating teams that thrive even in the Scrum Master’s absence. By reducing her “air time” and encouraging self-reflection, she helps teams solve problems independently. Sara highlights strategies like NPS feedback and enabling constraints to continuously evaluate and improve her own impact.
Sara recommends this retrospective for its focus on assessing team health across multiple dimensions. The Squad Health Check fosters meaningful conversations, encourages team-driven improvements, and provides valuable insights for leaders. Its versatility makes it a go-to for improving team dynamics and driving sustainable change. Listen to the episode to learn how Sara uses this retrospective format.
[The Scrum Master Toolbox Podcast Recommends]
Angela thought she was just there to coach a team. But now, she’s caught in the middle of a corporate espionage drama that could make or break the future of digital banking. Can she help the team regain their mojo and outwit their rivals, or will the competition crush their ambitions? As alliances shift and the pressure builds, one thing becomes clear: this isn’t just about the product—it’s about the people.
🚨 Will Angela’s coaching be enough? Find out in Shift: From Product to People—the gripping story of high-stakes innovation and corporate intrigue.
[The Scrum Master Toolbox Podcast Recommends]
About Sara Caldwell
Sara is an organizational anthropologist passionate about human-centered change. She helps organizations tackle tough problems, all while keeping things fun and engaging. Sara blends strategic thinking with empathy, turning challenges into opportunities. Agile values guide her—whether helping teams flow, wrangling her rescue pets, or navigating the complexities of everyday life.
You can link with Sara Caldwell on LinkedIn.
Read the full Show Notes and search through the world’s largest audio library on Scrum directly on the Scrum Master Toolbox Podcast website: http://bit.ly/SMTP_ShowNotes.
Sara shares how her early experience of creating a change vision taught her the importance of co-creation. By involving teams through focus groups and story collection, she fosters ownership and accelerates transformation. Listen to learn actionable tips for facilitating vision-building and empowering teams to take part in change processes.
Self-reflection Question: How can you involve your team in co-creating a vision for your next project?
[The Scrum Master Toolbox Podcast Recommends]
Angela thought she was just there to coach a team. But now, she’s caught in the middle of a corporate espionage drama that could make or break the future of digital banking. Can she help the team regain their mojo and outwit their rivals, or will the competition crush their ambitions? As alliances shift and the pressure builds, one thing becomes clear: this isn’t just about the product—it’s about the people.
🚨 Will Angela’s coaching be enough? Find out in Shift: From Product to People—the gripping story of high-stakes innovation and corporate intrigue.
[The Scrum Master Toolbox Podcast Recommends]
About Sara Caldwell
Sara is an organizational anthropologist passionate about human-centered change. She helps organizations tackle tough problems, all while keeping things fun and engaging. Sara blends strategic thinking with empathy, turning challenges into opportunities. Agile values guide her—whether helping teams flow, wrangling her rescue pets, or navigating the complexities of everyday life.
You can link with Sara Caldwell on LinkedIn.
Read the full Show Notes and search through the world’s largest audio library on Scrum directly on the Scrum Master Toolbox Podcast website: http://bit.ly/SMTP_ShowNotes.
Sara shares her experience with a healthcare project aimed at digitizing care workers’ documentation processes. Despite innovative technical solutions, the team overlooked user empathy, leading to adoption challenges. Engineers who shadowed care workers discovered crucial insights that transformed their approach. Sara reflects on the importance of direct user engagement and how to prevent anti-patterns, like distancing engineers from end-users, in product development.
This transformative book emphasizes the need for organizations to be person-centric and complexity-conscious. Sara shares how Brave New Work inspired her to rethink operating systems for teams. Along with Leadership is Language by David Marquet and Radical Candor by Kim Scott, she discusses actionable lessons to improve leadership and team dynamics. These books provide a blend of theory and practical strategies to create empowered, high-performing teams.
[The Scrum Master Toolbox Podcast Recommends]
Angela thought she was just there to coach a team. But now, she’s caught in the middle of a corporate espionage drama that could make or break the future of digital banking. Can she help the team regain their mojo and outwit their rivals, or will the competition crush their ambitions? As alliances shift and the pressure builds, one thing becomes clear: this isn’t just about the product—it’s about the people.
🚨 Will Angela’s coaching be enough? Find out in Shift: From Product to People—the gripping story of high-stakes innovation and corporate intrigue.
[The Scrum Master Toolbox Podcast Recommends]
About Sara Caldwell
Sara is an organizational anthropologist passionate about human-centered change. She helps organizations tackle tough problems, all while keeping things fun and engaging. Sara blends strategic thinking with empathy, turning challenges into opportunities. Agile values guide her—whether helping teams flow, wrangling her rescue pets, or navigating the complexities of everyday life.
You can link with Sara Caldwell on LinkedIn.
In this special episode, Vasco Duarte announces the first-ever Global Agile Summit 2025, scheduled for May 18-20 in Tallinn, Estonia. After seven years of organizing virtual Agile summits, the team is taking the next big step with an in-person event bringing together practitioners, leaders, and innovators from across the Agile community.
The summit will feature three packed days:
This practitioner-focused event emphasizes real-life success stories and practical implementations of Agile methodologies. Past summits have featured renowned speakers like Marshall Goldsmith and Gojko Adzic.
Super early-bird tickets are available now at 75% off the full price (just 249€), exclusively for past summit attendees and paid subscribers.
Perfect for:
Learn more and secure your spot at GlobalAgileSummit.com
Read the full Show Notes and search through the world’s largest audio library on Scrum directly on the Scrum Master Toolbox Podcast website: http://bit.ly/SMTP_ShowNotes.
Agile transformations often face resistance from leaders and project managers, especially when their roles feel uncertain. In this episode, Sara shares how communication and stakeholder management can mitigate these challenges. Through vulnerability and strategic stakeholder engagement, Sara learned the importance of integrating empathy into the change process, emphasizing that “people aren’t the process.” Tune in to discover tips for leading systemic change effectively.
Self-reflection Question: How can you incorporate empathy and vulnerability into your stakeholder engagement strategies?
[The Scrum Master Toolbox Podcast Recommends]
Angela thought she was just there to coach a team. But now, she’s caught in the middle of a corporate espionage drama that could make or break the future of digital banking. Can she help the team regain their mojo and outwit their rivals, or will the competition crush their ambitions? As alliances shift and the pressure builds, one thing becomes clear: this isn’t just about the product—it’s about the people.
🚨 Will Angela’s coaching be enough? Find out in Shift: From Product to People—the gripping story of high-stakes innovation and corporate intrigue.
[The Scrum Master Toolbox Podcast Recommends]
About Sara Caldwell
Sara is an organizational anthropologist passionate about human-centered change. She helps organizations tackle tough problems, all while keeping things fun and engaging. Sara blends strategic thinking with empathy, turning challenges into opportunities. Agile values guide her—whether helping teams flow, wrangling her rescue pets, or navigating the complexities of everyday life.
You can link with Sara Caldwell on LinkedIn.
In this BONUS episode, Dr. Marshall Goldsmith, the world-renowned leadership coach and bestselling author, shares transformative insights into leadership, coaching, and how AI is reshaping the future of these fields. With over 3 million books sold and recognition as the #1 leadership thinker globally, Marshall takes us on a journey through his career, his new AI project, and practical lessons for leaders at all levels.
Marshall shares the pivotal moments that launched his career in leadership coaching. From collaborating with Paul Hersey on Situational Leadership to developing his revolutionary coaching model, Marshall shares how aligning his methods with results-driven outcomes has shaped his approach.
“I always get paid after the results. This keeps the focus where it belongs—on the client’s success, not mine.”
Winning too much, overcompetitiveness, and making coaching about the leader instead of the team—Marshall uncovers the surprising obstacles that hold even top leaders back. He highlights the importance of working with great people and the discipline to focus on their growth over personal validation. And Marshall shares an insight that is critical for Scrum Masters:
“Leadership isn’t about proving yourself; it’s about helping others succeed.”
Having coached CEOs of companies like Pfizer, Ford, and Walmart, as well as global influencers, Marshall dives into his coaching process. He explains the importance of courage, humility, and discipline and introduces how his new AI bot enhances his coaching framework with over 3 million words of distilled leadership wisdom.
“Great coaching starts with great clients. My process is about helping them achieve their potential, not mine.”
Marshall’s desire to give back led to the creation of MarshallGoldsmith.AI, a free tool designed to democratize access to leadership wisdom. We explore how the bot leverages AI for knowledge-sharing, its inherent biases, and how it’s being used in real coaching scenarios.
“My goal is simple: help as many people as possible by sharing everything I’ve learned.”
Looking forward, Marshall shares his vision for how AI will reshape learning and coaching. He believes AI will accelerate knowledge sharing, making insights immediately accessible and creating new opportunities for thought leaders to amplify their impact.
“The future of coaching lies in immediate access to transformative ideas—AI makes this possible.”
MarshallGoldsmith.AI even has advice for Agile practitioners! When asked about lessons for Scrum Masters, the bot highlighted three key principles: focus on collaboration, prioritize feedback without judgment, and build team resilience.
“Listen, thank people, don’t judge, and focus on actionable steps forward.”
Marshall leaves us with a timeless reflection: “Imagine you’re near the end of your life and can offer one piece of advice to your younger self. What would it be? Live that advice today.”
About Dr. Marshall Goldsmith
Dr. Marshall Goldsmith is a #1 New York Times bestselling author, whose books have sold over 3 million copies worldwide. Ranked as the #1 leadership thinker by Thinkers50 and the #1 executive coach in the world for over a decade, Marshall has coached top leaders, including CEOs of global corporations, world leaders, and visionary thinkers.
In addition to his coaching work, Marshall is pioneering the integration of AI in leadership with MarshallGoldsmith.AI, a free tool to democratize access to his decades of expertise.
You can link with Dr. Marshall Goldsmith on LinkedIn and connect with him on Twitter.
Read the full Show Notes and search through the world’s largest audio library on Scrum directly on the Scrum Master Toolbox Podcast website: http://bit.ly/SMTP_ShowNotes.
Ramya describes a great Product Owner as one who is protective of the team, ensures sprint goals are clearly defined, and consults the team before accepting customer demands. This PO fosters a collaborative environment where the team can thrive and deliver results.
A bad Product Owner neglects the importance of sprint goals, focusing only on tasks and requirements. This creates an unmanageable workload for the team, leading to low productivity and confusion. Ramya highlights the value of using analogies, like fitness goals, to help reluctant POs understand the importance of sprint goals.
[The Scrum Master Toolbox Podcast Recommends]
Angela thought she was just there to coach a team. But now, she’s caught in the middle of a corporate espionage drama that could make or break the future of digital banking. Can she help the team regain their mojo and outwit their rivals, or will the competition crush their ambitions? As alliances shift and the pressure builds, one thing becomes clear: this isn’t just about the product—it’s about the people.
🚨 Will Angela’s coaching be enough? Find out in Shift: From Product to People—the gripping story of high-stakes innovation and corporate intrigue.
[The Scrum Master Toolbox Podcast Recommends]
About Ramya Shastri
Ramya is an Enterprise Agile Coach from India who focuses on organizational growth and agility through human-centric coaching. She co-hosts two podcasts: Agile Coaching Round Table and Career Storyteller (on YouTube).
You can link with Ramya Shastri on LinkedIn.
Read the full Show Notes and search through the world’s largest audio library on Scrum directly on the Scrum Master Toolbox Podcast website: http://bit.ly/SMTP_ShowNotes.
Ramya emphasizes that defining success is a collaborative process between Scrum Masters, teams, and stakeholders. By aligning expectations early and continuously uncovering challenges, Scrum Masters can tailor their focus to deliver impactful results.
Self-reflection Question: How do you define and measure your success as a Scrum Master in collaboration with your team and stakeholders?
Ramya doesn’t rely on specific retrospective formats but prioritizes creating an environment where team members feel comfortable sharing ideas throughout the sprint. She uses icebreakers to warm up the team and fosters an open, blame-free atmosphere that encourages sharing both successes and failures.
[The Scrum Master Toolbox Podcast Recommends]
Angela thought she was just there to coach a team. But now, she’s caught in the middle of a corporate espionage drama that could make or break the future of digital banking. Can she help the team regain their mojo and outwit their rivals, or will the competition crush their ambitions? As alliances shift and the pressure builds, one thing becomes clear: this isn’t just about the product—it’s about the people.
🚨 Will Angela’s coaching be enough? Find out in Shift: From Product to People—the gripping story of high-stakes innovation and corporate intrigue.
[The Scrum Master Toolbox Podcast Recommends]
About Ramya Shastri
Ramya is an Enterprise Agile Coach from India who focuses on organizational growth and agility through human-centric coaching. She co-hosts two podcasts: Agile Coaching Round Table and Career Storyteller (on YouTube).
You can link with Ramya Shastri on LinkedIn.
Read the full Show Notes and search through the world’s largest audio library on Scrum directly on the Scrum Master Toolbox Podcast website: http://bit.ly/SMTP_ShowNotes.
Ramya faced resistance when introducing change in an organization bound by outdated timesheet practices. By implementing capacity sheets, she reframed the discussion around team availability instead of tracking hours, convincing the Delivery Manager and customer of its benefits. This success highlights the power of leading by example and addressing resistance with practical, team-centric solutions.
Self-reflection Question: How can you use simple tools to address resistance and demonstrate the value of change in your team?
[The Scrum Master Toolbox Podcast Recommends]
Angela thought she was just there to coach a team. But now, she’s caught in the middle of a corporate espionage drama that could make or break the future of digital banking. Can she help the team regain their mojo and outwit their rivals, or will the competition crush their ambitions? As alliances shift and the pressure builds, one thing becomes clear: this isn’t just about the product—it’s about the people.
🚨 Will Angela’s coaching be enough? Find out in Shift: From Product to People—the gripping story of high-stakes innovation and corporate intrigue.
[The Scrum Master Toolbox Podcast Recommends]
About Ramya Shastri
Ramya is an Enterprise Agile Coach from India who focuses on organizational growth and agility through human-centric coaching. She co-hosts two podcasts: Agile Coaching Round Table and Career Storyteller (on YouTube).
You can link with Ramya Shastri on LinkedIn.
Read the full Show Notes and search through the world’s largest audio library on Scrum directly on the Scrum Master Toolbox Podcast website: http://bit.ly/SMTP_ShowNotes.
Ramya shares a story about a team trapped in a fear culture where silence prevailed in meetings. With a micromanaging manager doubling as a Scrum Master, the team struggled to collaborate effectively. Ramya used one-on-one sessions, team-building exercises, and video calls to create an environment of trust and openness, eventually helping the team speak up and address challenges.
Self-reflection Question: How can you create a safe environment in your team where individuals feel empowered to voice their concerns and ideas?
Ramya recommends Driving Value with Sprint Goals for its practical insights into maximizing Scrum’s potential. She emphasizes its value in understanding how to prioritize effectively and focus on delivering meaningful outcomes—a lesson essential for any Scrum Master or Product Owner.
[The Scrum Master Toolbox Podcast Recommends]
Angela thought she was just there to coach a team. But now, she’s caught in the middle of a corporate espionage drama that could make or break the future of digital banking. Can she help the team regain their mojo and outwit their rivals, or will the competition crush their ambitions? As alliances shift and the pressure builds, one thing becomes clear: this isn’t just about the product—it’s about the people.
🚨 Will Angela’s coaching be enough? Find out in Shift: From Product to People—the gripping story of high-stakes innovation and corporate intrigue.
[The Scrum Master Toolbox Podcast Recommends]
About Ramya Shastri
Ramya is an Enterprise Agile Coach from India who focuses on organizational growth and agility through human-centric coaching. She co-hosts two podcasts: Agile Coaching Round Table and Career Storyteller (on YouTube).
You can link with Ramya Shastri on LinkedIn.
Read the full Show Notes and search through the world’s largest audio library on Scrum directly on the Scrum Master Toolbox Podcast website: http://bit.ly/SMTP_ShowNotes.
Starting her journey as a Scrum Master, Ramya Shastri quickly discovered that the role is much more complex than just facilitation and coordination. She shares her experiences transitioning from QA to Scrum Master and the lessons she learned about team dynamics, psychological safety, and adapting practices to specific teams. Her story emphasizes that Scrum Masters grow through experience and the iterative process of learning the craft.
Self-reflection Question: How are you exploring and deepening your understanding of team dynamics in your current role?
[The Scrum Master Toolbox Podcast Recommends]
Angela thought she was just there to coach a team. But now, she’s caught in the middle of a corporate espionage drama that could make or break the future of digital banking. Can she help the team regain their mojo and outwit their rivals, or will the competition crush their ambitions? As alliances shift and the pressure builds, one thing becomes clear: this isn’t just about the product—it’s about the people.
🚨 Will Angela’s coaching be enough? Find out in Shift: From Product to People—the gripping story of high-stakes innovation and corporate intrigue.
[The Scrum Master Toolbox Podcast Recommends]
About Ramya Shastri
Ramya is an Enterprise Agile Coach from India who focuses on organizational growth and agility through human-centric coaching. She co-hosts two podcasts: Agile Coaching Round Table and Career Storyteller (on YouTube).
You can link with Ramya Shastri on LinkedIn.
Read the full Show Notes and search through the world’s largest audio library on Scrum directly on the Scrum Master Toolbox Podcast website: http://bit.ly/SMTP_ShowNotes.
A standout Product Owner embodies a blend of deep product knowledge, market insight, and trust in the development team. Aliona highlights how such a PO remains accountable while empowering the team to excel, ensuring they see their value reflected in the product. This dynamic builds passion and commitment within the team.
Self-reflection Question: How do you work with the Product Owner to ensure that your team feels trusted and valued while maintaining accountability?
Aliona shares an experience with a proxy PO lacking real decision-making power. This situation led to confusion, delays, and rework, ultimately ending in the PO’s departure and a demotivated team. This story underscores the necessity for Product Owners to possess both authority and clear accountability to effectively guide the team.
Self-reflection Question: Does your PO have the necessary authority and trust to lead effectively?
[The Scrum Master Toolbox Podcast Recommends]
Angela thought she was just there to coach a team. But now, she’s caught in the middle of a corporate espionage drama that could make or break the future of digital banking. Can she help the team regain their mojo and outwit their rivals, or will the competition crush their ambitions? As alliances shift and the pressure builds, one thing becomes clear: this isn’t just about the product—it’s about the people.
🚨 Will Angela’s coaching be enough? Find out in Shift: From Product to People—the gripping story of high-stakes innovation and corporate intrigue.
[The Scrum Master Toolbox Podcast Recommends]
About Aliona Zapanovici
Aliona is an Agile Coach and Scrum Master with a background in architecture who transitioned to IT to pursue her passion. She values impactful contributions over years of experience. Balancing her roles as a coach, mentor, and mother, she focuses on empowering teams and guiding individuals to achieve their best.
You can link with Aliona Zapanovici on LinkedIn.
Read the full Show Notes and search through the world’s largest audio library on Scrum directly on the Scrum Master Toolbox Podcast website: http://bit.ly/SMTP_ShowNotes.
When it comes to successful approaches for great Scrum Masters and Agile Coaches, Aliona strives for teams to be proactive, care deeply about the product, and value the impact they create. This approach, though sometimes daunting, fosters independence and strong ownership among team members.
Self-reflection Question: What steps can you take to empower your team to be more independent?
Aliona prefers simplicity in retrospective formats to maintain focus. The “Well / Not So Well / Improve / Actions” structure allows teams to zero in on what truly matters without getting lost in complex frameworks. She also supports the use of anonymous boards for candid feedback, while cautioning their use if team trust is low.
About Aliona Zapanovici
Aliona is an Agile Coach and Scrum Master with a background in architecture who transitioned to IT to pursue her passion. She values impactful contributions over years of experience. Balancing her roles as a coach, mentor, and mother, she focuses on empowering teams and guiding individuals to achieve their best.
You can link with Aliona Zapanovici on LinkedIn.
Read the full Show Notes and search through the world’s largest audio library on Scrum directly on the Scrum Master Toolbox Podcast website: http://bit.ly/SMTP_ShowNotes.
Aliona reflects on the essence of change management: change cannot be forced. An experience with a resistant team taught her that involving the team in co-creation fosters acceptance and lasting transformation. By listening first and suggesting incremental adjustments, she found that building trust and making the team part of the solution makes change not just possible, but welcomed.
Self-reflection Question: How do you involve your team in shaping changes that impact them?
[The Scrum Master Toolbox Podcast Recommends]
Angela thought she was just there to coach a team. But now, she’s caught in the middle of a corporate espionage drama that could make or break the future of digital banking. Can she help the team regain their mojo and outwit their rivals, or will the competition crush their ambitions? As alliances shift and the pressure builds, one thing becomes clear: this isn’t just about the product—it’s about the people.
🚨 Will Angela’s coaching be enough? Find out in Shift: From Product to People—the gripping story of high-stakes innovation and corporate intrigue.
[The Scrum Master Toolbox Podcast Recommends]
About Aliona Zapanovici
Aliona is an Agile Coach and Scrum Master with a background in architecture who transitioned to IT to pursue her passion. She values impactful contributions over years of experience. Balancing her roles as a coach, mentor, and mother, she focuses on empowering teams and guiding individuals to achieve their best.
You can link with Aliona Zapanovici on LinkedIn.
Read the full Show Notes and search through the world’s largest audio library on Scrum directly on the Scrum Master Toolbox Podcast website: http://bit.ly/SMTP_ShowNotes.
A recurring issue Aliona observed in teams was the “bus factor,” where key knowledge was held by only a few members. This led to significant bottlenecks when unforeseen absences, such as during COVID or vacations, occurred. The reluctance of specialists to share knowledge, driven by fear of reduced importance, exacerbated the problem and demotivated the team. Aliona emphasizes the importance of knowledge-sharing and personal growth within teams and highlights the use of tools like a skills matrix to promote development and resilience.
Self-reflection Question: How does your team approach knowledge-sharing and redundancy?
The Art of Doing Twice the Work in Half the Time by Jeff Sutherland provided Aliona with the deeper “why” behind the Scrum framework during her early days as a Scrum Master. It shifted her understanding from merely following Scrum practices to grasping their purpose. This book was pivotal in guiding her to explore her own motivations and the true essence of Scrum.
[The Scrum Master Toolbox Podcast Recommends]
Angela thought she was just there to coach a team. But now, she’s caught in the middle of a corporate espionage drama that could make or break the future of digital banking. Can she help the team regain their mojo and outwit their rivals, or will the competition crush their ambitions? As alliances shift and the pressure builds, one thing becomes clear: this isn’t just about the product—it’s about the people.
🚨 Will Angela’s coaching be enough? Find out in Shift: From Product to People—the gripping story of high-stakes innovation and corporate intrigue.
[The Scrum Master Toolbox Podcast Recommends]
About Aliona Zapanovici
Aliona is an Agile Coach and Scrum Master with a background in architecture who transitioned to IT to pursue her passion. She values impactful contributions over years of experience. Balancing her roles as a coach, mentor, and mother, she focuses on empowering teams and guiding individuals to achieve their best.
You can link with Aliona Zapanovici on LinkedIn.
Read the full Show Notes and search through the world’s largest audio library on Scrum directly on the Scrum Master Toolbox Podcast website: http://bit.ly/SMTP_ShowNotes.
Aliona shares her early experience as a Scrum Master, marked by an initial misunderstanding of leadership without authority. Feeling out of place and defensive when faced with team resistance, she soon recognized that true transformation requires observation, curiosity, and gradual change. Her dogmatic approach led to challenges, but she learned valuable lessons: answer team questions, observe their interactions, and seek mentorship. These insights shaped her path from initial failure to becoming an empowering leader.
Self-reflection Question: Have you ever approached a team with assumptions that you later had to change?
[The Scrum Master Toolbox Podcast Recommends]
Angela thought she was just there to coach a team. But now, she’s caught in the middle of a corporate espionage drama that could make or break the future of digital banking. Can she help the team regain their mojo and outwit their rivals, or will the competition crush their ambitions? As alliances shift and the pressure builds, one thing becomes clear: this isn’t just about the product—it’s about the people.
🚨 Will Angela’s coaching be enough? Find out in Shift: From Product to People—the gripping story of high-stakes innovation and corporate intrigue.
[The Scrum Master Toolbox Podcast Recommends]
About Aliona Zapanovici
Aliona is an Agile Coach and Scrum Master with a background in architecture who transitioned to IT to pursue her passion. She values impactful contributions over years of experience. Balancing her roles as a coach, mentor, and mother, she focuses on empowering teams and guiding individuals to achieve their best.
You can link with Aliona Zapanovici on LinkedIn.
In this BONUS episode, we reconnect with Doug Rabow, a previous guest and an expert in Lean-Agile strategic management known for his dedication to fostering empowered teams and enhancing processes through Lean principles. This discussion dives into the foundations of Lean, its evolution from manufacturing, and how software development can benefit from these time-tested methodologies. Join us as we uncover how adopting Lean can transform software practices and culture to align more closely with the true spirit of Agile.
"Lean isn't just a methodology; it's an ongoing journey of learning and problem-solving."
Doug begins by mapping out the origins of Lean and its cornerstone, the Toyota Production System (TPS) (Wikipedia article on TPS). Initially crafted to solve operational challenges in manufacturing, TPS introduced principles aimed at efficiency and continual improvement. Doug underscores that while Agile has gained broader recognition, Lean provides an essential, often overlooked foundation that extends beyond frameworks like Lean Six Sigma or isolated process improvements.
"Lean isn't a set-and-forget solution; it's about cultivating an evolving culture of problem-solving."
"Respect for people and a culture of continuous improvement form the heartbeat of Lean."
Transitioning to software development, Doug highlights the core cultural tenets that empower teams to excel. He points out that scaling these principles—such as fostering a culture where problem-solving is embedded in daily practices—is vital due to the complexities of software as a people-driven process. Referencing Conway's Law, Doug illustrates how the structure of teams directly impacts code and workflow.
"Developing software is as much about building teams as it is about building products. Lean teaches us that these are inseparable."
"Applying Lean is about chasing excellence, not just managing tasks."
Jeffrey Liker’s The Toyota Way introduces 14 principles that Doug relates to software environments, emphasizing the value of discipline and respect for people. He discusses the importance of aligning processes with long-term strategies and ensuring that these processes are designed to foster continuous learning. Doug reiterates that truly understanding and integrating Lean requires more than surface-level adoption.
"Respect for people isn't an add-on in Lean; it's the root of a thriving, innovative team culture."
"Work in progress is not an asset; it’s a liability."
Doug shares insights from Mary and Tom Poppendieck’s (Mary and Tom have been on our podcast here) pioneering work on Lean Software Development, particularly their adaptation of waste types from manufacturing to software. These include partially done work, extra features, relearning, handoffs, and task switching. Doug points out that waste reduction strategies—such as Kanban and pull systems—help teams minimize bottlenecks and optimize flow.
"Software development, like manufacturing, benefits from visualizing value streams and focusing on reducing waste."
"The right process will create the right results—focus on process metrics, not individual metrics."
In Lean, metrics are crucial for assessing and refining processes. Doug advocates for using metrics like cycle time and throughput to provide teams with insights into system efficiency. He explains how focusing on process metrics rather than individual productivity helps sustain a culture that prioritizes team learning and growth.
"When we measure what truly matters—the process—we empower teams to solve problems collectively and improve outcomes."
About Doug Rabow
Doug Rabow is a dedicated practitioner of Lean-Agile strategic management with an emphasis on building empowered teams and optimizing processes through Lean methodologies. His extensive experience in applying Lean principles in software development has made him a trusted voice in the Agile and Lean community.
You can link with https://www.linkedin.com/in/dougrabow.
Read the full Show Notes and search through the world’s largest audio library on Scrum directly on the Scrum Master Toolbox Podcast website: http://bit.ly/SMTP_ShowNotes.
Gosia illustrates the characteristics of an exemplary Product Owner. These individuals build trust with their teams, challenge ideas respectfully, and maintain transparency about their concerns. Great POs actively seek feedback, clearly communicate the customer’s voice, and leverage tools like Jobs To Be Done to align features with the company’s strategy. Inviting customers to share their experiences with the team ensures that development stays user-focused and relevant.
In contrast, Gosia describes a Product Owner who undermined team trust by changing estimation figures without the team’s knowledge. During a meeting focused on affinity estimation for an upcoming release, the PO erased the team’s work and provided altered estimates to the business. This action broke trust and disenfranchised the team, showcasing an anti-pattern where the PO assumes control rather than fostering team ownership. Such behavior can lead to decreased morale and a lack of transparency.
Self-reflection Question: How do you ensure your actions as a Product Owner build trust and foster collaboration within your team?
[The Scrum Master Toolbox Podcast Recommends]
Angela thought she was just there to coach a team. But now, she’s caught in the middle of a corporate espionage drama that could make or break the future of digital banking. Can she help the team regain their mojo and outwit their rivals, or will the competition crush their ambitions? As alliances shift and the pressure builds, one thing becomes clear: this isn’t just about the product—it’s about the people.
🚨 Will Angela’s coaching be enough? Find out in Shift: From Product to People—the gripping story of high-stakes innovation and corporate intrigue.
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About Gosia Smoleńska
Gosia has worked in IT since 2013, starting as a manual tester and moving into QA, project management, and scrum mastery. Her passion lies in sharing agile knowledge and supporting start-ups in building strong, agile cultures. She is experienced in Scrum, Kanban, NEXUS, and Lean, and is a certified Professional Kanban Trainer.
You can link with Gosia Smoleńska on LinkedIn.
Read the full Show Notes and search through the world’s largest audio library on Scrum directly on the Scrum Master Toolbox Podcast website: http://bit.ly/SMTP_ShowNotes.
Success for Gosia as a Scrum Master is defined by her team’s self-sufficiency. True success is evident when the team operates smoothly without her constant presence, handles conflicts independently, and confidently runs their own meetings. When team members shift from bringing complaints to proposing solutions and only seek occasional feedback, it indicates a mature, autonomous group. We also discuss what behaviors to look out for as a Scrum Master, to ensure that the team is proceeding towards self-sufficiency.
Self-reflection Question: How do you measure the level of autonomy within your team and encourage them to become more self-reliant?
Gosia recommends Lean Coffee as a favorite retrospective format due to its simplicity and relaxed structure. This format’s timeboxed, formulaic approach allows discussions to flow naturally without the pressure to cover every topic. It’s particularly effective for fast-paced environments where teams need structured, yet laid-back, sessions to share their thoughts.
[The Scrum Master Toolbox Podcast Recommends]
Angela thought she was just there to coach a team. But now, she’s caught in the middle of a corporate espionage drama that could make or break the future of digital banking. Can she help the team regain their mojo and outwit their rivals, or will the competition crush their ambitions? As alliances shift and the pressure builds, one thing becomes clear: this isn’t just about the product—it’s about the people.
🚨 Will Angela’s coaching be enough? Find out in Shift: From Product to People—the gripping story of high-stakes innovation and corporate intrigue.
[The Scrum Master Toolbox Podcast Recommends]
About Gosia Smoleńska
Gosia started in IT in 2013 as a manual tester, later moving into QA, project management, and becoming a Scrum Master. Passionate about agile practices, she supports start-ups in nurturing agile cultures and holds certifications including Professional Kanban Trainer.
You can link with Gosia Smoleńska on LinkedIn.
Read the full Show Notes and search through the world’s largest audio library on Scrum directly on the Scrum Master Toolbox Podcast website: http://bit.ly/SMTP_ShowNotes.
Gosia shares her experience leading a startup through significant change by introducing a goal framework and implementing OKRs (Objectives and Key Results). Initially resistant, the company transitioned to quarterly reviews and goal-setting processes. Teams were tasked with defining their contributions, leading to greater collaboration and understanding of their roles. Regular retrospectives and actionable feedback refined the approach, while tools like Monte Carlo simulations and WIP limits helped maintain focus. This story emphasizes that driving change requires adaptation and continuous learning.
Self-reflection Question: How do you ensure that goal-setting frameworks support your team’s focus and growth?
[The Scrum Master Toolbox Podcast Recommends]
Angela thought she was just there to coach a team. But now, she’s caught in the middle of a corporate espionage drama that could make or break the future of digital banking. Can she help the team regain their mojo and outwit their rivals, or will the competition crush their ambitions? As alliances shift and the pressure builds, one thing becomes clear: this isn’t just about the product—it’s about the people.
🚨 Will Angela’s coaching be enough? Find out in Shift: From Product to People—the gripping story of high-stakes innovation and corporate intrigue.
[The Scrum Master Toolbox Podcast Recommends]
About Gosia Smoleńska
Gosia has worked in IT since 2013, growing from a manual tester to roles in QA, project management, and scrum mastery. She shares agile knowledge passionately and helps build start-up cultures. Her expertise spans Scrum, Kanban, NEXUS, and Lean.
You can link with Gosia Smoleńska on LinkedIn.
Read the full Show Notes and search through the world’s largest audio library on Scrum directly on the Scrum Master Toolbox Podcast website: http://bit.ly/SMTP_ShowNotes.
Gosia recounts a time when her team, acting as a vendor for a large pharmaceutical client, faced severe alignment issues. With three teams and one Product Owner, goals often diverged, and communication barriers arose. A key challenge emerged when the dev lead, fearing judgment over code quality, began personally reviewing code before client submission. This approach, initially manageable with five members, became overwhelming as the team grew. Despite efforts to coach the dev lead, the fear-driven behavior persisted, revealing the difficult balance of knowing when to push for change versus when to accept limits.
Self-reflection Question: When coaching others, how do you recognize the point at which your influence may no longer be effective?
Gosia highlights The Culture Map as an essential read for understanding and navigating cultural differences within diverse organizations. This book provides insights into contrasting practices, such as giving and receiving feedback or varying perspectives on punctuality. For teams working globally, it’s a valuable resource for fostering effective communication and collaboration.
[The Scrum Master Toolbox Podcast Recommends]
Angela thought she was just there to coach a team. But now, she’s caught in the middle of a corporate espionage drama that could make or break the future of digital banking. Can she help the team regain their mojo and outwit their rivals, or will the competition crush their ambitions? As alliances shift and the pressure builds, one thing becomes clear: this isn’t just about the product—it’s about the people.
🚨 Will Angela’s coaching be enough? Find out in Shift: From Product to People—the gripping story of high-stakes innovation and corporate intrigue.
[The Scrum Master Toolbox Podcast Recommends]
About Gosia Smoleńska
Gosia has worked in IT since 2013, starting as a manual tester and transitioning into roles like QA, project management, and scrum mastery. She focuses on agile knowledge sharing and building cultures in start-ups, with expertise in Scrum, Kanban, NEXUS, and Lean.
You can link with Gosia Smoleńska on LinkedIn.
Read the full Show Notes and search through the world’s largest audio library on Scrum directly on the Scrum Master Toolbox Podcast website: http://bit.ly/SMTP_ShowNotes.
In this episode, Gosia shares a story of a team working across different locations where collaboration and trust were initially absent. Before remote work was popular, a team of seven struggled with communication, experiencing conflicts and tension that hindered their progress. Efforts to foster camaraderie and resolve these issues, including team visits and workshops, fell short. It was only through informal social interactions that they discovered the deep-seated issues that divided them. This experience underscored the critical need for interpersonal connections and understanding cultural differences to build a cohesive team.
Self-reflection Question: How can you encourage open communication in a team that faces persistent interpersonal conflicts?
[The Scrum Master Toolbox Podcast Recommends]
Angela thought she was just there to coach a team. But now, she’s caught in the middle of a corporate espionage drama that could make or break the future of digital banking. Can she help the team regain their mojo and outwit their rivals, or will the competition crush their ambitions? As alliances shift and the pressure builds, one thing becomes clear: this isn’t just about the product—it’s about the people.
🚨 Will Angela’s coaching be enough? Find out in Shift: From Product to People—the gripping story of high-stakes innovation and corporate intrigue.
[The Scrum Master Toolbox Podcast Recommends]
About Gosia Smoleńska
Gosia has worked in IT since 2013, starting as a manual tester and moving through roles in QA, project management, and scrum mastery. She is passionate about sharing agile knowledge and aiding start-ups in building agile cultures. Gosia is experienced in Scrum, Kanban, NEXUS, and Lean and is a certified Professional Kanban Trainer.
You can link with Gosia Smoleńska on LinkedIn.