Why Agile Is Failing—and What’s Replacing It

Episode 713 of the Microsoft Innovation Podcast podcast, hosted by Mark Smith [nz365guy], titled "Why Agile Is Failing—and What’s Replacing It" was published on July 29, 2025 and runs 40 minutes.

July 29, 2025 ·40m · Microsoft Innovation Podcast

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Summary

Get featured on the show by leaving us a Voice Mail: https://bit.ly/MIPVM 🎙️ FULL SHOW NOTES https://www.microsoftinnovationpodcast.com/713 What happens when agile breaks down and AI steps in? In this episode, the hosts explore how traditional delivery models are being replaced by high-impact lab cycles, where elite engineering teams solve complex problems in just two weeks. From modernizing legacy systems to navigating the rise of autonomous developers, this conversation dives deep...

Episode Description

Get featured on the show by leaving us a Voice Mail: https://bit.ly/MIPVM

🎙️ FULL SHOW NOTES
https://www.microsoftinnovationpodcast.com/713

What happens when agile breaks down and AI steps in? In this episode, the hosts explore how traditional delivery models are being replaced by high-impact lab cycles, where elite engineering teams solve complex problems in just two weeks. From modernizing legacy systems to navigating the rise of autonomous developers, this conversation dives deep into the evolving tech landscape—and how AI is reshaping productivity, pricing models, and the future of work.

🔑 KEY TAKEAWAYS
- Lab Cycles vs. Agile: Agile is losing effectiveness in enterprise environments. Lab cycles offer a faster, outcome-driven alternative with production-ready results in two weeks.
- AI in App Modernization: AI is now capable of refactoring legacy codebases, even without full documentation—opening doors to modernizing systems like COBOL.
- M365 Copilot in Action: Real-world use cases show how Copilot dramatically reduces proposal creation time while improving accuracy and collaboration.
- The Rise of Autonomous Developers: Top-tier engineers are expected to own the full product lifecycle—from ideation to pricing—driven by soft skills and strategic thinking.
- AI’s Impact on Pricing Models: Professional services are rethinking pricing as AI slashes delivery time, creating new revenue opportunities and client value.

🧰 RESOURCES MENTIONED:
👉 Microsoft Power Platform – https://powerplatform.microsoft.com
👉 M365 Copilot – https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/microsoft-365/copilot
👉 Microsoft Graph – https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/graph/overview
👉 AI for Good Conference – https://aiforgood.itu.int

Microsoft 365 Copilot Adoption is a Microsoft Press book for leaders and consultants. It shows how to identify high-value use cases, set guardrails, enable champions, and measure impact, so Copilot sticks. Practical frameworks, checklists, and metrics you can use this month. Get the book: https://bit.ly/CopilotAdoption

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Thanks for listening 🚀 - Mark Smith