The Problem with Agile Transformations Nobody Talks About: Kiran Mistry

What happens when a former teacher becomes an Agile consultant, discovers AI, and starts building products with his children?In this episode of the Everyday Agile Podcast, I sit down with Kiran Mistry to explore his journey from struggling through university, becoming a computer science teacher, moving into software delivery, and ultimately helping organisations improve how they work.We discuss:✅ How AI tools like ChatGPT and Lovable are changing the way people build products✅ Why data often creates fear inside organisations✅ The challenge of planning in large enterprises✅ The difference between being data-informed and data-driven✅ Common mistakes organisations make when adopting AI✅ Why simplicity beats frameworks in transformation work✅ The lessons teaching gave Kieran that still shape his consulting approach today✅ The five-step approach he uses to drive meaningful changeWhether you're an Agile Coach, Scrum Master, Delivery Manager, Product Leader, or simply interested in AI and organisational change, this conversation is packed with practical insights and honest reflections.▶︎Connect with Kiran:https://www.linkedin.com/in/kiranmistry1992/▶︎Little legend: https://www.little-legend.shop/▶︎Subscribe for More:https://www.youtube.com/@EverydayAgile▶︎Our Newsletter https://substack.com/@betweenthestandups▶︎Conference Tickets https://www.tickettailor.com/events/notanotheragileconference/2178867▶︎Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Kiran01:03 Discovering the Power of AI02:34 Building Products with Lovable and AI03:39 AI, Children, and the Future of Work05:12 How Kieran Found Agile06:13 From University Struggles to Teaching07:42 Life as a Computer Science Teacher08:22 The Student Comment That Changed Everything10:05 Breaking into Tech Through QA Testing10:54 Discovering Facilitation and Retrospectives11:36 Why Agile and Continuous Improvement Matter13:54 Moving into Agile Contracting15:31 Current Challenges: Data and Team Performance17:09 The Complexity of Quarterly Planning18:28 Finding Balance Between Chaos and Control20:14 Data-Informed vs Data-Driven Decisions22:23 Introducing Agile Without Saying Agile25:03 Velocity, Scrum, and Common Misconceptions26:48 AI Adoption: Are We Repeating Agile's Mistakes?30:03 How Organisations Should Approach AI33:45 The Hidden Power of Meeting Transcripts35:01 Kiran's Simple Framework for Change39:59 Daily Habits for Mental Clarity41:49 Slow Quick-Fire Round Begins43:02 Worst Agile Advice Ever43:41 Favourite Leadership Principle44:22 Worst Organisational Behaviour45:16 New Podcasts and Side Projects45:57 The AI Storytelling App Built with His Kids47:05 Final Thoughts and Outro