“Architecture should be leading the delivery, not just the parts … And when I say delivery, I don’t mean the tech delivery. I mean the overall business product delivery.” This episode explores the evolution of digital transformation and the role of architecture in enabling product-centric thinking and Agile delivery. Adam talks to Ravi Purushothaman, Director, Head of Enterprise Agility, and Logan Daigle, Director of Business Transformation, both with NTT Data. The three dive into topics including the importance of architects leading the delivery process, the challenges of transforming legacy “brownfield” environments versus building new “greenfield” solutions, and the need for a holistic, product-oriented approach. Ravi and Logan also share how they think leaders can best support product-centric thinking in any organization undergoing a digital transformation. Like what you hear? Connect with Ravi and Logan on LinkedIn. Explore SAFe courses here.

Whether you’re a Release Train Engineer (RTE), a member of the Lean-Agile Center of Excellence (LACE), a Scrum Master, or another type of coach, artificial intelligence (AI) can enhance your skills. Roni Dolev Tamani, Lead Lean-Agile Coach with AgileSparks and SPCT candidate, explains how. Like what you hear? Connect with Roni on LinkedIn. Explore SAFe courses here.

When an organization is building a product for its customers, why does predictability rise to the top as most important? Javier Morillo, SPCT candidate and Agile coach at Estratecno explains. Like what you hear? Connect with Javier on LinkedIn. Explore SAFe courses here.

“The language people are using now is ‘we’re on this continuous journey of improvement’ and the ability to adapt the Framework has always been there. … Rather than make it something that you have to discover for yourself, we want to make it part of the fabric of the Framework.” In this episode, Adam talks to Andrew Sales, Chief Methodologist at Scaled Agile, about making SAFe more accessible, understandable, and adaptable for organizations. The two discuss the why behind reimagining SAFe, the focus on clearly explaining the purpose and rationale behind the practices, the intentional design of the new Big Picture and reworked articles, and the future evolution of the Framework. Like what you hear? Connect with Andrew on LinkedIn. Check out the new Big Picture. Explore SAFe courses here.

If an Agile Release Train (ART) is a team of Agile teams, how do you make sure your teams are collaborating effectively? In this episode, Mohamed Zouaghi, Lean-Agile coach and transformation architect, shares his tips. Like what you hear? Connect with Mohamed on LinkedIn. Explore SAFe courses here.

“Why do we do PI Planning? It’s so expensive.” When a leader or manager asks that question, how do you respond? Alex Menzinsky, an SPC, RTE, and Agile Coach in Spain shares his very convincing answer in today’s episode. Like what you hear? Connect with Alex on LinkedIn. Explore SAFe courses here.

“The value of the enterprise strategy room is to bring forward the information that the enterprise leaders need to do their jobs, enable others to be successful, and support the things that most need support at that moment.” Tune in as Adam talks to Rebecca Davis, Methodologist for the Framework Team, and Saahil Panikar, SPCT and CIO at Atlas Revolutions, about the concept of an enterprise strategy room—a tool designed to help leaders reconnect portfolio performance data to the overall enterprise strategy. The discussion dives into what benefits the enterprise strategy room aims to achieve and why it’s the right forum to make informed decisions to drive the business forward, the growing need to focus less on transformation and more on achieving the benefits of having transformed, and pitfalls to avoid. Like what you hear? Connect with Rebecca and Saahil on LinkedIn. Read the Enabling Strategic Alignment with an Enterprise Strategy Room article. Explore SAFe courses here.

In this episode, Stefano Giovannini Agile Transformation Director at Capgemini Invent, shares a story from the field about a recent PI Planning event that he and his team supported for a financial services company. He shares what they learned and what they’ll do differently in the future to improve. Like what you hear? Connect with Stefano on LinkedIn. Explore SAFe courses here.

What does an ant have to do with SAFe and becoming a more effective organization? Ludvig Åhlin, Lean-Agile Coach at Swedbank and iSPCT candidate explains in today’s epsiode. Like what you hear? Connect with Ludvig on LinkedIn. Explore SAFe courses here.

“In all the SAFe transformations I’ve been involved in, there have been struggles for managers. I often meet people who suddenly have their staff moving into teams and ARTs, and those people get a lot of guidance, training, and support from coaches. And they’re well-equipped to take on that mindset shift. But for managers ... they are left to somehow figure it out themselves.” In this episode, Adam talks to Mikael Broomé, Lean-Agile coach and SPCT candidate at Think Flow in Sweden, and Dr. Steve Mayner, VP Framework, Methodologist, and SAFe Fellow at Scaled Agile, Inc., about new guidance that offers managers much-needed support throughout this transition. The trio discusses topics including the challenges managers face, why investing in training and development for managers is crucial, and why organizations should create parallel career paths for managers. Like what you hear? Connect with Mikael and Steve on LinkedIn. Read the new guidance article, The Role of People Managers in SAFe. Explore SAFe courses here.

Sometimes, how you frame something can make all the difference. In this episode, Mylène Boutet, Manager of the Lean-Agile Center of Excellence (LACE) at Amadeus in France, shares how she helped the HR department have a bigger impact on the company’s Agile transformation. Like what you hear? Connect with Mylène on LinkedIn. Explore SAFe courses here.

As your organization progresses through an Agile transformation, how do you make SAFe—and ultimately business agility—stick? In this episode, Baptise Galea, manager of the Lean-Agile Center of Excellence (LACE) for FedEx in Europe, shares three key tips around people, communication, and culture. Like what you hear? Connect with Baptiste on LinkedIn. Explore SAFe courses here.

“I had a bet with some folks during an engagement a couple of years ago … that if I ever say ‘SAFe says’ then I have to do 10 burpees. That’s the rule because it’s not about dogma. It’s about how can we facilitate conversations and find different ways to explore things.” In this episode, Adam talks to Tim Jackson, SPCT and Agile coach, who actually learned about Agile and product management from being in a band. The two discuss topics including why it’s important to be pragmatic when implementing frameworks like SAFe, the value of effective discovery to understand the real problems and goals before jumping into a solution, and the distinction between consulting and coaching and how to be aware of your own limitations. Like what you hear? Connect with Tim on LinkedIn. Explore SAFe courses here.

Looking for another tool to add to your coaching toolkit? In this episode, Tim Jackson, SPCT, Agile coach, and trainer, explains the OSCAR coaching model and how to use it to guide a conversation and help people take meaningful action on something that is important to them. Like what you hear? Connect with Tim on LinkedIn. Explore SAFe courses here.

What’s the difference between transaction costs and holding costs? Is working in smaller batch sizes always best? SPC Aishwarya Radhakrishnan with Deloitte explains and shares clarifying examples. Like what you hear? Connect with Aishwarya on LinkedIn. Explore SAFe courses here.

“How do we get you from a culture of getting things done to a culture of process innovation at the core? We can compute what the opportunity value of a change would be and how speeding up your processes and increasing your throughput … actually relates to real-world value and real-world returns.” In this episode, Adam talks to Millie Paniccia, Brian Paniccia, and Devan Corona with TecVeris about the company’s AI-powered value stream mapping platform, nVeris. The group talks about why Millie’s and Brian’s personal experiences led them to start TecVeris and how that founding mission motivated the organization to make value stream management more collaborative, interactive, and accessible to more organizations and industries. The discussion also dives into how nVeris uses AI to help organizations quickly and collaboratively map out value streams and quantify the business impact of improving their processes. “For a lot of people, when they see their value stream mapped out end to end, that’s the first time they’ve ever seen it in their lives. Seeing future states and what could become with a little process innovation is another aha moment. We keep those in mind at every step of the process.” Like what you hear? Connect with Millie, Brian, and Devan on LinkedIn. Sign up for a special extended nVeris trial offer here. Explore SAFe courses here.

It’s not uncommon for Agile teams to encounter challenges as they try to improve efficiency in their product delivery flow. In this episode, Mahesh Varadharajan, SPCT and SAFe practice lead at KnowledgeHut explains why this happens and offers some insights and tips on how to overcome those challenges. Like what you hear? Connect with Mahesh on LinkedIn. Explore SAFe courses here.

How do you talk to a senior leader about why agility is good for your organization? In this episode, SAFe® Strategic Advisor and SPCT Michele Lanzinger shares some key suggestions. Hint: it has a lot to do with language. Like what you hear? Connect with Michele on LinkedIn. Explore SAFe courses here.

“I think there is magic in SAFe, and it’s called Inspect and Adapt because it’s such an important moment for an [Agile Release] train at a company to inspect the product delivered.” In this episode, Adam talks to Gerben Kollaard, Release Train Engineer (RTE) at the Dutch Tax Authority. The two discuss Gerben’s experience switching from the commercial insurance industry to a government context where Inspect and Adapt (I&A) workshops were not being done regularly or effectively. Gerben highlights the challenges of defining and identifying customers at a government organization and how that impacts the Agile mindset and practices. He also shares some of his favorite facilitation techniques for problem-solving workshops, including the 50-percent solution mindset. Like what you hear? Connect with Gerben on LinkedIn where you’ll also find his I&A blog series. Explore SAFe courses here.

A lot of changes happen when companies organize and reorganize around value, which can feel overwhelming. In this episode, SAFe® Fellow and SPCT Eric Willeke from Shaping Agility shares his tips for what to focus on and when, as well as four key things to do to achieve flow throughout your portfolio. Like what you hear? Connect with Eric on LinkedIn. Explore SAFe courses here.

Working in smaller batches increases flow. But splitting a sticky note into smaller pieces doesn’t guarantee that those doing the work will achieve business goals. In today’s episode, Strategic Advisor and SPCT Rune Christensen explains why and how enabling team members on solid old and new technical practices can be a big advantage. Like what you hear? Connect with Rune on LinkedIn. Explore SAFe courses here.

What can we learn from someone who has spent a large part of his career taking software things and bringing them to the hardware world? A lot it turns out. In this episode of Business Agility Now, Adam talks to SAFe® Fellow and Methodologist Harry Koehnneman. The two discuss topics including the significant challenges the hardware industry faces and why hardware organizations have been slower to adopt Agile ways of working compared to software organizations. Harry also shares how growing recognition of the integration of hardware and software in complex systems has sparked him and his team to bring guidance and best practices for applying SAFe to hardware. Like what you hear? Connect with Harry on LinkedIn. Explore SAFe courses here.

Organizations worldwide are creating environmental, social, and governance (ESG) initiatives to demonstrate their commitment to social issues and meet sustainability goals. In today’s episode, Odile Moreau, SPCT and strategic and ESG advisor at Scaled Agile, shares how you can use SAFe to achieve those goals. Like what you hear? Connect with Odile on LinkedIn. Explore SAFe courses here.

If you’re a Release Train Engineer (RTE) leading one or many ARTs, it can be challenging to coordinate everything that needs to happen during important events. In this episode, Mahesh Varadharajan shares his tips for leading large groups successfully. Like what you hear? Connect with Mahesh on LinkedIn. Explore SAFe courses here.

“Be bold … it takes courage to do things differently.” In this episode, Adam talks to Alena Keck and Silke Eggert from Vodafone about their journey toward digital transformation and Lean Portfolio Management. Hear about the challenges, opportunities, and the cultural shift needed to implement participatory budgeting. The group also discusses why it’s important to have a culture that allows for experimentation and fun, the value of attending conferences and events as a team, and why it’s critical that leaders take risks and lead by example. Like what you hear? Connect with Alena and Silke on LinkedIn. Explore SAFe courses here.

Middle managers often feel lost, including within a SAFe organization. In this episode, Konrad Swistelnicki shares three points to summarize how middle managers can support teams, people, and the organization on a daily basis. Like what you hear? Connect with Konrad on LinkedIn. Explore SAFe courses here.

How is moving a couch the perfect metaphor for joint problem-solving and joint cognition? Gene Kim explains in this episode. Like what you hear? Connect with Gene on LinkedIn. Explore SAFe courses here.

"We chase job titles, and then we chase salary, and we chase status, but we don't chase our version of happiness and success." In this episode, Adam talks to Adele Leah, a personal branding expert and career coach, about personal and professional growth. The two discuss why a personal brand is valuable, why evolving your career requires continuous growth, and the importance of finding happiness in work. The conversation touches on having clarity about your skills, strengths, and values, and the need to show your human side. Adele also offers advice and insights on how to start building your own personal brand. Like what you hear? Connect with Adele on LinkedIn. Explore SAFe courses here.

If you’re an indirect leader, for example, a Release Train Engineer (RTE) or business owner, how can you ensure your intent is accurately communicated to the people doing the work? In this episode, Carl Starendal, SAFe® Fellow, shares proven science from Sweden about giving orders from an indirect leadership position. Hint: it involves the how, the what, and the why. Like what you hear? Connect with Carl on LinkedIn. Explore SAFe courses here.

In this episode, Ali Hajou, an SPCT and self-proclaimed Agile nerd, shares his take on the many elements contributing to the challenges and evolving landscape for organizations producing physical products. Like what you hear? Connect with Ali on LinkedIn. Explore SAFe courses here.

Leadership involvement can make or break any Agile transformation. In this episode, Alena Keck, head of the Lean-Agile Center of Excellence (LACE) at Vodafone shares four detailed tips to help you keep leaders informed and keep the transformation headed in the right direction. Like what you hear? Connect with Alena on LinkedIn. Explore SAFe courses here.

How can you help an existing Agile Release Train (ART) be successful and ensure that any new ARTs you launch can do the same? Heidi Hatch, Agile coach and iSPCT candidate shares her tips. Hint: leadership plays a big part. Like what you hear? Connect with Heidi on LinkedIn. Explore SAFe courses here.c 

“I got to teach a group of high school kids some Agile basics. The kids went through a couple of iterations to design a classroom. Then they had to give feedback. And it was funny how some of them were afraid to say anything. So I told them, don’t hold back, this is Agile, you let it loose because feedback is good.” In this episode, Adam talks to Karen Lewison, a senior events manager who is part of the team that designs and executes the SAFe® Summits. Based on her background in marketing and event planning, Karen offers a different perspective on SAFe and Agile. She and Adam dive into topics including why SAFe and Agile aren’t as intimidating as they seem, why experimenting and continuous improvement are so important, and how positive thinking, kindness, and compassion contribute to a successful work environment. Like what you hear? Connect with Karen on LinkedIn. Explore SAFe courses here.

From the Lean-Agile Center of Excellence (LACE) to Agile teams, collaboration is key to success. In this episode, Eshan Chawla, SPCT candidate, explains where else you can find that theme in SAFe and why it’s critical to solving complex problems. Like what you hear? Connect with Eshan on LinkedIn. Explore SAFe courses here.

RTEs are very busy people, particularly when it comes to keeping tabs on commitments, such as PI objectves, features, and the work that teams committed to during PI Planning. Good news! SPCT candidate and former RTE Diego Groiso with Cprime has two amazing tips to help RTEs like you track all the stuff to work smarter. Like what you hear? Connect with Diego on LinkedIn. Explore SAFe courses here.

“If you aren’t clear on what your values are and the way that you think about answering questions or making decisions, that doesn’t empower people.” In this episode, Adam talks to Andrew Hall, co-founder of No Story Lost, a company that turns people’s life stories into personalized coffee-table books. The two discuss Andrew’s professional history as business-consultant-turned-entrepeneur to make the world a better place, the difference between academic lessons versus actual lessons learned when launching a startup, and the power of flow, empowerment, and decentralized decision-making. Like what you hear? Connect with Andrew on LinkedIn. Explore SAFe courses here. Check out the books mentioned in the podcast: Anything You Want by Derek Sivers and Turn the Ship by David Marquet.

More often than not, team members estimate story points based on time—something we’re advised to avoid. Jeff Wilson, iSPCT candidate with RTX explains why and shares a key tip to help teams correctly and realistically estimate their story points. Like what you hear? Connect with Jeff on LinkedIn. Explore SAFe courses here. Read the Framework article on Stories here.

Agile estimation is a balancing act and it’s important to understand the larger purpose behind it. Amogh Joshi with Advance Agility, a Scaled Agile Gold Partner, shares his tips to achieve that balance. Like what you hear? Connect with Amogh on LinkedIn. Explore SAFe courses here.

How well does your ART structure its features for the next PI? Harry Narang, a coach and consultant with Skillbook Academy, offers tips to craft great features and shares real-world examples. Like what you hear? Connect with Harry on LinkedIn. Explore SAFe courses here.

When making decisions in product development, how do you decide whether to take them or delegate them? And what does delegating mean in context? In this episode, Stefan Becker, SPCT candidate and Agile coach with KEGON AG, shares his approach and a unique tool to help you move the needle from centralized decision-making to fully delegated. Like what you hear? Connect with Stefan on LinkedIn. Explore SAFe courses here.

“What are the right ways that we can change that organizational wiring so that people can actually do work easily and well? That's really the goal and if you can make that happen, that is the key to high performance.” In this episode, Adam talks to Gene Kim, author of The Phoenix Project and The Unicorn Project, researcher, DevOps enthusiast, and founder of IT Revolution. The two discuss topics including the concept of the danger zone and the winning zone in organizations, the challenges and consequences of poor leadership on individuals and the broader organization, and the importance of codifying and sharing knowledge to drive positive change. Gene also shares his journey in the world of technology, what motivates him, and his advice for the SAFe community. Like what you hear? Connect with Gene on LinkedIn. Explore SAFe courses here.

A key reason to organize around value is to get products to customers faster than your competitors. But the principle is also valuable when it comes to culture. In this episode, Amogh Joshi with Advance Agility, a Scaled Agile Gold Partner, shares a scenario that resonates with both benefits. Like what you hear? Connect with Amogh on LinkedIn. Explore SAFe courses here.

What is one of the most important things an organization should do before launching an Agile Release Train? In this episode, Michael Krug, Agile coach and SPCT candidate, explains why assessments are invaluable to determine whether an organization is on the right track with its SAFe implementation. Like what you hear? Connect with Michael on LinkedIn. Explore SAFe courses here.

“When you open yourself up to people and to experiences, the most amazing things can happen.” In this episode, Adam talks to Michelle Jimenez about a unique career journey that ultimately led her to product management. The two discuss the importance of keeping an open mind, why it’s OK not to have all the answers, and the value of taking on new challenges. Michelle also shares her advice for those interested in becoming a product manager. Like what you hear? Connect with Michelle on LinkedIn. Explore SAFe courses here.

“Don’t come to the table with problems if you don’t have ideas for solutions.” In this episode, Michelle Jimenez, product manager at Scaled Agile, shares her tips for starting positive dialogue and creating a collaborative mindset in tense situations. Like what you hear? Connect with Michelle on LinkedIn. Explore SAFe courses here.

In this episode, Benjamin Scheffold, senior manager of Agile transformation at Deloitte shares his top tips for success in the three key phases of a participatory budgeting event. He also explains why preparation, adaptation, communication, and repetition are critical for everyone involved. Like what you hear? Connect with Benjamin on LinkedIn. Explore SAFe courses here.

“I was deeply skeptical [about hybrid training] as an idea. This goes against all I’ve learned …This is going to be a challenge for me, but I said, “Challenge accepted.” Let’s figure out what we need to do.” In this episode, Adam is joined by Carl Starendal and Ola Gedenryd to talk about hybrid training sessions that combine both in-person and online participants. They discuss the challenges and benefits of hybrid training, offering suggestions for the ideal technical setup and providing recommendations for those looking to facilitate their own hybrid training, emphasizing the importance of creating a sense of togetherness and ensuring equal engagement for all participants. Like what you hear? Connect with Carl and Ola on LinkedIn. Explore SAFe courses here.

Identifying value streams is a cornerstone element of the SAFe® Implementation Roadmap for good reasons. In this episode, SPC and SPCT candidate Stephan Khal explains the why behind that strategy and how combining that activity with value stream mapping can produce powerful outcomes for the business. Like what you hear? Connect with Stephan on LinkedIn. Explore SAFe courses here.