take5IRL Podcast

🎙️ On this episode of the Take5IRL Podcast, all three co-hosts—@Mike, @Jeff, and @Pat—tackle a big one: Agile Failure.Why does it happen… and more importantly, how do you fix it?The conversation gets real fast. Most Agile transformations don’t fail at the team level—they fail at the executive and system level. When organizations try to layer Agile on top of project-based thinking and legacy structures, things break.Mike, Jeff, and Pat dig into what actually needs to shift—from mindset to operating models—and why success requires more than just adopting ceremonies or frameworks.If your organization is struggling to make Agile stick, this episode calls out the hard truths and gives you practical things to consider before your transformation stalls out.What have you seen cause Agile to fail? Drop your thoughts below.

🎙️ On this episode of the Take5IRL Podcast, @Mike and @Jeff dive into a real-world case from the medical device space where a traditionally hardware-focused organization began shifting toward software-driven product development.With teams coming from different backgrounds, they needed a new way to frame work, align mindsets, and actually function as a cohesive unit. Mike and Jeff share how they guided leadership through that transformation, helping bridge the gap between traditional approaches and modern Agile practices.One of the biggest challenges? The team wasn’t getting to done every sprint. Through hands-on coaching, they worked with the team to clearly define what “done” meant in their context, and adapt their processes to fit both their team and the realities of the regulated medical device industry.Tune in to hear how this team moved through the “emotional storms” of change and how consistently getting to done every sprint became a turning point in their success.

🎙️ On this episode of the Take5IRL Podcast, all three co-hosts—@Mike, @Jeff, and @Pat—continue the series S*** We Hate About Agile: Velocity!Pat brings this one to the table as they come full circle in the series. He shares how he started his career loving velocity… but after years of real-world experience, his perspective has completely changed. And yes—he’s got a few things to get off his chest.Mike and Jeff jump in with their own experiences, and the conversation quickly shifts from why velocity causes problems to how to avoid falling into the same traps. If you’ve ever felt like velocity created more confusion than clarity, this one’s for you. And stick around—Pat shares what he recommends instead of opening the can of worms that is velocity.Drop your thoughts below—has velocity helped your team, or hurt it?

🎙️ On this episode of the Take5IRL Podcast, all three co-hosts—@Mike, @Jeff, and @Pat continuing the series of S*** We Hate About Agile: Story Point Edition!Mike opens with a hot take: while he appreciates the theory behind story points, the real-world application often falls apart. In his words… SUCKS! He even floats the idea of replacing them entirely with hours. Jeff pushes the conversation deeper, pointing out that when teams obsess over the number, they miss the real purpose of story points—relative sizing.Pat rounds out the discussion by highlighting the difference between coaches who rigidly follow the book and those who customize approaches to fit the organization or team in front of them. The episode wraps with Mike offering a practical, usable approach to relative sizing that teams can actually apply.We stepped up on the soapbox for this one. Now it’s your turn—drop your war stories of story points gone wrong in the comments. And tell us: what other Agile concepts need a little validation (or a little venting)?#Take5IRL #AgilityIRL #StoryPoints #AgileCoaching #Scrum #AgileTransformation #RelativeSizing #AgileLeadership #BusinessAgility #LeanAgile #AgileCommunity

🎙️ On the first episode of Take5IRL Podcast, all three of our co-hosts, @Mike, @Jeff, and @Pat start a new series, S*** We Hate About Agile. Jeff Lee kicks things off by calling out one of his biggest frustrations—those all-too-familiar “Agile is dead” posts flooding LinkedIn.Sparked by the latest wave of hot takes, Jeff challenges the narrative that bad practices equal a broken framework. Is Agile really the problem—or is it how it’s being applied?Our hosts bring a grounded perspective from the integration and development side, reflecting on how far Agile has actually come inside organizations. Together, they unpack what the Agile Manifesto truly says (and doesn’t say), and what it looks like to actually live Agile today—beyond the buzzwords.If you’ve seen the “Agile is dead” posts pop up on your feed, you’re not alone. Drop a comment below and tell us—are you seeing them too?

🎙️ In this episode of the Take5IRL podcast, hosts @Pat and @Mike wrap up their series on flow metrics with a deep dive into Little’s Law—a foundational concept for understanding how work really flows through a system.Little’s Law—Work in Progress = Throughput × Cycle Time—shows why delivery slows down even when your team is working non-stop. It’s a law, not just a guideline, and it applies whether you’re actively managing flow or not. Pat and Mike break down what this means in the real world and how it impacts your ability to deliver value consistently.They also walk through a relatable, real-world example to bring the concept to life—and share practical, actionable steps for applying Little’s Law to smooth out your team’s flow and improve delivery.

🎙️ In this episode of the Take5IRL podcast, hosts @Pat and @Mike dig into another critical flow metric: wait time—often overlooked, but deeply impactful.Wait time is waste time. Whether it's handoffs, approvals, or stalled work, every pause in your process delays value delivery. And since wait time is part of cycle time, the longer it stretches, the more your delivery slows—and the more frustration builds within your team.Pat and Mike unpack why managing wait time matters, how it quietly drives up inefficiency, and most importantly, how to reduce it. Tune in for actionable strategies to help your team work smoother, faster, and with less frustration.

🎙️ In this episode of the Take5IRL podcast, hosts @Pat and @Mike explore another essential flow metric: throughput—the number of work items completed over a given period of time.They break down how throughput differs from velocity, emphasizing that throughput is an empirical, outcome-based measure, while velocity often reflects planned effort. You’ll also hear why keeping work items small is key to increasing flow—and how this metric can offer a clearer picture of team performance.Plus, @Pat shares his top piece of advice for anyone looking to master throughput and drive sustainable delivery.

🎙️ In this episode of the Take5IRL podcast, hosts @Pat and @Mike explore another key flow metric: cycle time.Cycle time measures the duration from one point in your workflow to another—making it one of the most honest and revealing Agile metrics for productivity. While it needs consistency to be reliable, it also reflects the unique rhythm of each team.They discuss why baselining your current cycle time is a powerful starting point. As your Agile transformation unfolds, tracking cycle time lets you clearly see the impact of your changes and begin to predict delivery with confidence.

🎙️ In this episode of the Take5IRL podcast, hosts @Pat and @Mike dive into one of the most critical—and misunderstood—flow metrics in Agile: Work in Process (WIP).WIP can be a powerful indicator of a team’s progress, but it’s also one of the toughest metrics to define and manage. Without clarity around what constitutes “work,” when it starts, and when it ends, teams risk hiding delays and compounding inefficiencies.Pat and Mike break down why limiting WIP is essential for creating sustainable flow, uncovering blockers, and driving real progress. Plus, they share practical strategies your organization can use to better define, manage, and measure work in flight.

🎙️ In this episode of the Take5IRL podcast, hosts @Pat and @Mike dig into common fallacies around work processes that often get in the way of effective delivery. Their discussion leads to a deeper look at flow metrics—what they are, why they matter, and how they help organizations move value sustainably through teams.They break down how each of them defines “flow,” what it means for a system to deliver value in a predictable way, and why actively managing flow is one of the original intentions behind Scrum. Key metrics like work in process, cycle time, lead time, and throughput take center stage as tools for understanding and forecasting delivery.Stay tuned to Take5IRL as they continue exploring how flow metrics can drive better outcomes for your teams and organization.#Take5IRL #AgilityIRL #FlowMetrics #AgileDelivery #Scrum #CycleTime #LeadTime #Throughput #WorkInProcess #AgileTransformation #AgileLeadership #PredictableDelivery #BusinessAgility #AgileCoaching

🎙️In this episode of the take5IRL podcast, hosts @Pat and @Mike dive into what it truly means to be an Advanced SAFe Practice Consultant (ASPC)—one of the highest distinctions in the SAFe community.Pat, one of the original 30 trainers worldwide to earn this certification, shares his perspective on how the ASPC designation represents years of hands-on experience, deep practical knowledge, and a proven ability to lead large-scale Agile transformations. Today, there are just over 100 ASPCs among thousands of SPCs around the globe.Together, Pat and Mike explore how this certification goes beyond theory, focusing on the organizational change aspect of Agile implementation, helping leaders understand transformation impact, ROI, and measurable business outcomes. It’s a conversation about experience, leadership, and the evolution of agility at scale.#Take5IRL #AgilityIRL #ASPC #SAFeFramework #ScaledAgile #AgileLeadership #AgileTransformation #LeanAgile #EnterpriseAgility #AgileConsulting #BusinessAgility #SPC #SAFeTraining

In this episode of Take5IRL, hosts @Pat and @Mike unpack insights from the recent SAFe Agile Summit. Pat shares his key takeaways from the event, including updates to the SAFe “Big Picture” and a growing emphasis on customizing SAFe to fit an organization’s unique needs. This shift aligns perfectly with Pat’s core belief: “Agile is not a straitjacket—it’s a framework.”The conversation covers how agile practitioners can now contribute directly to the framework, the latest tools available to enhance implementation, and the changes Pat is most excited about moving forward. If you’re curious about how SAFe is evolving—or how it can be adapted to meet your organization where it is—this episode is for you.To learn more about how SAFe can support your business goals, reach out to us at [email protected].#Take5IRL #AgilityIRL #SAFeSummit #ScaledAgile #SAFeFramework #AgileTransformation #LeanAgile #CustomAgile #AgileCoaching #EnterpriseAgility #SAFeForBusiness #AgileLeadership #AgileNotStraightjacket #AgileTools #BusinessAgility

🎙️ In this episode of Take5IRL, hosts @Jeff and @Mike introduce agilityIRL’s newest course offering: the Certified Agile Regulatory Specialist (CARS) for Teams.This one-day course is a streamlined, developer-focused version of the original CARS training we’ve offered to product leadership teams. It's designed to equip development teams with the knowledge they need to build better products, stay aligned with FDA regulations, and work more effectively in Agile environments.Whether you're onboarding new hires or retraining your team, this course offers a practical, engaging way to embed regulatory understanding into your Agile workflows.🎧 Tune in to learn how we’re making regulatory agility more accessible—one team at a time. Email [email protected] to learn more about this opportunity.#Take5IRL #AgilityIRL #CARSforTeams #RegulatoryAgile #AgileTraining #MedicalDeviceAgile #FDACompliance #AgileDevelopment #AgileCoaching #ScrumInRegulatedIndustries #LeanAgile #TeamTraining

🎙️ In this episode of the Take5IRL podcast, hosts @Jeff and @Pat continue their deep dive into Agile in the medical device industry—this time exploring a new engagement with Client C.After conducting an initial assessment, the team uncovered a familiar challenge: a long tail of QMS (Quality Management System) processes that were slowing down delivery and decision-making. Much like Clients A and B from previous episodes, Client C received similar recommendations focused on improving testing efficiency and streamlining approval workflows.Tune in to hear how agilityIRL worked with this client to move from insight to action—including how their new Agile tool will be both audited and implemented within a regulated environment.This episode is a must-listen for anyone navigating agility inside a quality-heavy or compliance-driven context.#Take5IRL #AgilityIRL #MedicalDeviceAgile #QMS #AgileTransformation #AgileInHealthcare #ScrumInMedTech #ProjectManagement #AgileCoaching #ComplianceAgile

In this episode of the Take5IRL podcast, hosts @Jeff and @Mike share their experiences working with two different medical device companies—each navigating agile transformation in its own way. They reflect on the key differences between the two clients, including how they approached sprint durations, testing cycles, and approval processes. The conversation highlights what made each engagement successful and explores the lessons learned along the way.As they compare these real-world examples, Jeff and Mike also discuss how agile practices must adapt to the unique demands of the medical device industry, where regulation, compliance, and risk management are central. This episode offers valuable insight for anyone working to implement agile in highly regulated environments.#Take5IRL #agilityIRL #AgileInHealthcare #MedicalDeviceIndustry #AgileCoaching #AgileTransformation #RegulatedAgile #ScrumInMedTech #AgileCompliance

🎙️ In this episode of the Take5IRL podcast, host @Mike sits down with @Gijs Valbracht, Agile coach and former global leader at ING Bank.This episode dives into the organizational shifts that followed ING’s successful Agile pilot. Gijs shares how leadership addressed challenges across the enterprise—reshaping teams, flattening hierarchies, and creating a culture ready for continuous improvement.Learn how ING evolved into a shorter-team organization with faster decision-making, and why Gijs believes your way of working deserves the same attention as the product you deliver.📣 Don’t miss Gijs’ advice for any company navigating an Agile transformation—practical, grounded, and deeply experienced.#Take5IRL #AgilityIRL #AgileTransformation #INGBank #Scrum #OrganizationalDesign #AgileLeadership #CultureChange #LeanThinking #AgileAdvice #EnterpriseAgility

🎙️ In Part 2 of this Take5IRL series, host @Mike continues the conversation with @Gijs Valbracht—Agile coach and former global leader at ING Bank—to explore the real-world challenges behind ING’s transformation.This episode dives into the practical barriers that emerged as the organization moved toward Agile, and how team and leadership buy-in became the catalyst for real progress. Gijs shares how strong leadership, paired with a clear vision, helped ING test Scrum through a focused pilot—proving its viability before scaling.It’s a candid look at what it takes to move from theory to traction when change isn’t easy.📌 Stay tuned for Part 3, where we unpack the organizational shifts ING made to sustain long-term agility.#Take5IRL #AgilityIRL #AgileLeadership #EnterpriseAgility #ScrumPilot #OrganizationalChange #LeanAgile #INGBank #AgileTransformation

🚀 What does it take to lead a true Agile transformation in a global enterprise?🎙️ In this episode of Take5IRL, host @Mike sits down with @Gijs Valbracht, Agile coach and former global leader at ING Bank, to explore how ING embraced Lean principles to deliver one of the world’s top-rated banking apps—ahead of schedule.Gijs shares how transformation success was rooted in team buy-in, energized leadership, and a clear sense of purpose. From building excitement across the org to adapting Scrum in a highly regulated space, this conversation is full of lessons for anyone navigating change at scale.✨ How do you radiate excitement across a transformation? Start with people. Stay Agile.#AgileTransformation #LeanThinking #Scrum #DigitalBanking #Leadership #AgilityIRL #Take5IRL #EnterpriseAgility #AgileLeadership #INGBank

🎙️ New Episode: The AI Advantage for Scrum MastersIn this episode of our AI Lightning Talks series, host @Mike sits down with @Ben Floyd—Certified Scrum Trainer turned AI expert—to unpack how AI can elevate your role as a Scrum Master and beyond.Learn what AI actually means, how to strategically apply it in your role, and why this course is the foundation for integrating AI into your work for the rest of your career. From creative retrospective tools to A/B testing techniques, Ben shares practical tips you can start using right away.Interested in bringing this training to your organization?📩 Reach out to [email protected] to schedule a private course tailored to your team.🎧 Tune in to sharpen your competitive edge today!#AILightningTalks #ScrumMasterTools #AgileInnovation #AIInAgile #ABTestingWithAI #ScrumAndAI #AITraining #FutureOfWork #AgileLeadership #CoachingWithAI #AgilityIRL #BenFloyd #AIEnablement #TechDrivenTeams

In this episode of our AI Lightning Talks series, host @Mike sits down with @Ben Floyd—Certified Scrum Trainer turned AI expert—to explore how AI is becoming an invaluable ally for Scrum Masters.From boosting creativity in retrospectives to generating fresh coaching strategies, Ben shares practical ways AI can enhance team dynamics and self-coaching techniques.Whether you're a seasoned agile leader or just getting started, this episode offers actionable insights to sharpen your competitive edge.🚀 Tune in now and level up your Scrum game with the power of AI!#AILightningTalks #AgileLeadership #ScrumMasterTips #AIForScrum #CreativeRetrospectives #TeamCoaching #ArtificialIntelligence #AgileCoaching #FutureOfAgile #TryFastLearnFast #agilityIRL #BenFloyd #ScrumInnovation

🎙️ In this episode of our AI Lightning Talks series, host @Mike sits down with @Ben Floyd—Certified Scrum Trainer turned AI expert—to explore what every Product Owner needs to know about working with artificial intelligence.Ben dives into how Product Owners can use AI not just as a buzzword, but as a practical, powerful tool to drive efficiency and clarity in their work. From refining your backlog to optimizing workflows inside your management systems, AI can be your silent partner in delivering better outcomes—if you know how to use it right.He also shares guidance on protecting data while integrating AI tools, offering smart ways to stay compliant and secure without slowing down innovation. Whether you're refining your product vision, prioritizing features, or just trying to get more done in less time, this episode is packed with insights you can use immediately.If you're a Product Owner navigating today’s fast-paced digital landscape, don’t miss this conversation. It’s real talk about real tools—for real impact.#AI #ProductOwner #AgileLeadership #AIInProductManagement #AIForPOs #ProductBacklog #AITraining #AgilityIRL #AIProductivity #Take5IRL #AIandAgile #LightningTalks #ResponsibleAI #ScrumAndAI

🎙️ In this episode of our AI Lightning Talks series on the Take5IRL podcast, host @Mike chats with @Ben Floyd—Certified Scrum Trainer and AI innovator—about the growing impact of artificial intelligence on developers.With nearly 40% of developers now being told they need AI skills to stay relevant in their roles, Ben dives into how AI is reshaping development work. He breaks down the tasks AI is starting to take over and shares key skills developers should focus on to stay competitive, creative, and in demand.If you’re in tech, code, or curious about how to future-proof your developer career, this episode is for you.#AI #SoftwareDevelopment #AIForDevelopers #TechCareers #AIInTech #CareerUpskilling #Take5IRL #AIPodcast #AITraining #AgilityIRL #AIInnovation #AIJobs #FutureOfWork

🎙️In this episode of our AI Lightning Talks series of the Take5IRL podcast, host @Mike chats with @Ben Floyd—Certified Scrum Trainer and AI innovator—about how artificial intelligence is transforming agile practices.Ben shares how AI is helping teams build MVPs faster than ever, shrinking development cycles from two weeks to just one—or even 24 hours. The result? A game-changing opportunity to “try fast, learn fast.”He also dives into real-world examples of how major brands are using AI to supercharge their systems and streamline processes.🚀 Tune in to discover how AI is accelerating innovation across industries!#AILightningTalks #ArtificialIntelligence #AgileTransformation #BuildMeasureLearn #MVPDevelopment #ScrumAndAI #TechInnovation #FutureOfWork #TryFastLearnFast #AgileWithAI #AIinBusiness #BenFloyd #agilityIRL

🎙️ In this episode of our AI Lightning Talks series, host @Mike sits down with @Ben Floyd—Certified Scrum Trainer turned AI expert—to tackle a pressing topic: How can professionals learn and use AI tools when company policies are still unclear?Ben breaks down how to safely explore AI without risking company data, shares smart ways to build your AI skills even when your organization hasn’t set clear rules, and explains how to ethically use AI tools in a professional setting. This episode delivers practical insights to help you stay ahead—without crossing any lines.Subscribe for more expert conversations in our Foundations of AI series, brought to you by agilityIRL. And drop your thoughts in the comments—we want to hear how your workplace is navigating AI!#AI #ArtificialIntelligence #WorkplaceAI #AIPolicy #AITraining #CareerUpskilling #ScrumTrainer #AgilityIRL #AIForEveryone #LearningAI #ResponsibleAI #LightningTalks

🎙️ In this episode of the Take5IRL podcast, our hosts @Mike and @Pat explore agilityIRL’s new partnership with Medical Alley, the nation’s leading network at the intersection of healthcare and innovation.Together, they break down what this collaboration means for agilityIRL clients, how it amplifies the impact of our work, and why Medical Alley is such a powerful ecosystem for transformation. Mike also shares insights from the Medical Alley Summit, offering a first-hand look at the trends, challenges, and opportunities shaping today’s business and regulatory landscape.Listen in as they talk through what the new normal of regulation means and how agilityIRL is helping organizations thrive in a rapidly changing world—rooted in experience, not off-the-shelf solutions.#AgileLeadership #MedicalAlley #HealthcareInnovation #BusinessAgility #RegulatoryStrategy #AgilityIRL #Take5IRL #AgileTransformation

🎙️ In this kickoff episode of our new AI series, host @Mike sits down with @Ben Floyd—Certified Scrum Trainer turned AI expert—to explore how innovators are navigating the world of artificial intelligence.Ben shares his 3 unique tips to working with AI tools. Whether you're new to AI or looking to sharpen your prompt engineering game, Ben’s insights offer a powerful way to unlock better outcomes and avoid one-size-fits-all thinking. Don’t miss the start of this insightful series as we bridge the gap between Agile and AI.#AIinAgile #PromptEngineering #AgileMindset #ScrumTrainer #AItools #Take5IRL #agilityIRL #ArtificialIntelligence #TechTips

🎙️ How Agile Transformed a Hardware Company’s Competitive Edge In this episode of the Take5IRL podcast, our host Jeff Lee is joined by Peter Borsella, co-founder of Big Orange Square, and a leading expert in Agile for hardware. Together, they uncover the fascinating story of a company struggling to keep up in a competitive market. Faced with declining international market share and long development cycles, the company struggled to stay competitive. Their long development cycles created products that didn’t align with client needs. That’s when Peter and his team stepped in to apply Agile principles, tailored for hardware, to transform their approach. Tune in to hear how Peter and his co-founder, Hubert Smits, conducted a deep dive into Agile practices and discovered key strategies to help the company reduce time-to-market and deliver what clients truly wanted. This is a must-listen for anyone exploring Agile’s potential in hardware environments! Hashtags: #Agile #HardwareDevelopment #AgileTransformation #Innovation #CompetitiveEdge #Take5IRL #agilityIRL

🎙️ In this episode of the Take5IRL podcast, our host @Jeff is joined by @Peter Borsella, co-founder of Big Orange Square with Hubert Smits and a leading expert in Agile for hardware. Together, they dive into the unique challenges of applying Agile in hardware development—a world where traditional software practices don’t always translate smoothly. Peter shares insights on how many organizations are advised to adopt Agile in hardware just as they would in software, but the reality is far more complex. Discover how his approach keeps core Agile principles intact while adapting them to the industrial setting, making Agile work for hardware teams. Listen in as they discuss why simply “throwing it over the fence” isn’t enough. Peter emphasizes the importance of involving all teams in the process, enabling everyone to contribute meaningfully, without needing every member on a cross-functional team. This episode is a must-listen for anyone looking to make Agile work in hardware environments. #Agile #HardwareDevelopment #IndustrialAgile #CrossFunctionalTeams #AgileHardware #Innovation #Take5IRL #agilityIRL

Complex product development requires an adaptive approach. In our latest podcast, join our hosts @Jeff and @Pat as they dive into the tools and practices that can help you improve your product delivery, even when firmware and hardware changes are involved—enabling you to navigate the unknowns with confidence. Don’t miss this insightful discussion on how to drive innovation in a field where adaptability is key. Listen now! #AgileDevelopment #Firmware #Hardware #Innovation #AgilePractices #ProductDevelopment #RiskManagement #TechTrends #Engineering #ProductDesign #AgileTransformation #FeedbackLoops #TechInnovation

🎙️ This week on the Take5IRL podcast, we dive into a transformative case study with CAPITAL Services, a leading credit card servicer. Once reliant on traditional waterfall methodologies, they sought a faster way to innovate and maintain a competitive edge. By adopting Scrum, they set out to deliver the best work and get real-time feedback on their progress. Join our host @Jeff and representatives from CAPITAL Services as they explore how system-level assessments and in-depth conversations with teams revealed a key insight: for Agile to succeed, the entire organization needed to embrace it. Tune in to hear how Capital Services is making Agile work across the board and driving innovation faster than ever before. #Agile #Scrum #Innovation #CreditCardServices #AgileTransformation #Take5IRL #OrganizationalAgility #agilityIRL

🎙️ This week on the Take5IRL podcast, our host @Jeff is joined by special guest Kelly Weyrauch to explore a critical question: Why should the Quality and Regulatory departments care about Agile, isn’t that just for the development teams? If you rely on high-quality products, Agile matters to you. Kelly and Jeff dive into how Agile not only streamlines development, but it also enhances product quality by integrating quality checks at every step. They discuss the benefits of involving quality experts early in the process to streamline final approvals, making compliance faster and smoother. Plus, learn how the FDA’s involvement in TIR45 is shaping the future of Agile in regulated industries. Don’t miss out on Kelly’s expert insights—catch our last episode for more on TIR45! 🔗https://spotifyanchor-web.app.link/e/UVb7o0hM1Mb #Agile #MedicalDevices #QualityControl #RegulatoryCompliance #AgileTransformation #FDA #TIR45 #Take5IRL #agilityIRL

🎙️ This week on the Take5IRL podcast, our host @Jeff is joined by special guest Kelly Weyrauch for a deep dive into the latest updates to TIR45. Tune in as Kelly tackles hot topics like what truly requires a signature, how Agile practices can enhance regulatory compliance, and how to integrate Agile into regulatory requirements. Plus, learn how defining "done" at every increment can prevent last-minute surprises. This is a must-listen for anyone navigating Agile in the regulated med device space! #Agile #MedicalDevices #TIR45 #RegulatoryCompliance #AgileTransformation #Compliance #Take5IRL #agilityIRL

🎙️ In part 2 of this powerful medical device case study, our hosts @Pat and @Jeff continue the journey from where we left off in episode 62. https://youtu.be/HKp04B341dU After hands-on Agile training, we moved into coaching the team as they executed their first sprints. Tune in to hear about the cultural shift that took place—a big change for the company that allowed them to see improvement in real-time and track progress like never before. Curious about the results? Listen in to see the tangible improvements and what they were able to accomplish as they embraced Agile in a regulated environment. #Agile #MedicalDevices #AgileCoaching #SprintSuccess #CulturalShift #CaseStudy #AgileTransformation #Take5IRL #agilityIRL

🎙️ In this compelling episode of the take5IRL podcast, co-hosts @Pat and @Jeff take you behind the scenes of a transformative case study. We dive into the challenges faced by a struggling product group in the medical device industry—burdened by excessive work in process, significant cost and team cuts, and drawn-out compliance testing cycles. Faced with the urgent need for change, they turned to Agile, but how do you implement Agile in a regulated environment? Tune in to hear how our team at agilityIRL brought fast-paced, hands-on Agile training to this team, guiding them through a steep learning curve to achieve remarkable results. This is part one of their journey—stay tuned for the next episode where we explore the process and the key lessons learned. #Agile #MedicalDevices #CaseStudy #Innovation #RegulatedEnvironment #AgileTransformation #Compliance #Take5IRL #agilityIRL

🎙️ Ready to dive deeper into Agile for medical device systems? In this episode of the take5IRL podcast, @Jeff is joined once again by Agile Med Device Expert Kelly Weyrauch for an insightful continuation of their conversation on implementing Agile in the medical device industry. They break down what the FDA truly expects from your systems and reveal how adopting an Agile approach can give your company a competitive edge. Don't miss out on these game-changing insights! #Agile #MedicalDevices #FDA #Innovation #AgileTransformation #MedTech #Take5IRL #agilityIRL

🚀 Ready to navigate the complexities of Agile in regulated environments? Join @Jeff and our special guest, Kelly Weyrauch—the go-to expert for Agile in the medical device world—as they dive deep into the challenges and breakthrough strategies for integrating Agile in regulated industries. In this eye-opening episode, we tackle the critical need to document your current processes and ensure every task is truly “done.” Kelly drops a truth bomb: “If you don’t like the rules, remember—they’re the ones you created.” Are you thinking about actual regulations, or your own internal processes? Tune in to discover how you can master the balance between compliance and agility, transforming your processes into models of efficiency and effectiveness. Don’t miss out! #Agile #MedicalDevices #Compliance #Efficiency

In this episode, Pat and Jeff continue our conversation about organizational assessments.  The most important part of an assessment is the tailored solutions that are determined after the assessment is complete. Tune in to this week's episode to learn more!

In this episode, @Pat and @Jeff will delve into the value of assessing your product delivery flow. Understanding the unique challenges that your organization faces, as well as the outcomes you are looking to achieve, will help you chart a course to business value. This will ensure that changes you make are both effective and sustainable.

In this episode, @Pat and @Jeff share why starting with an assessment is the best strategy for your agile journey. No matter where you are in your agile journey, knowing the state of your organization with clarity will lead to data-driven recommendations. Most importantly, your organization will be able to measure growth. Learn how you can get started today.

🎙 Exciting News! Tune in to our latest podcast episode where Pat and Jeff delve into the world of SAFe. Learn the truth about SAFe planning, debunk myths, and put your knowledge to the test. Can you get a perfect score of 4 for 4? Don't miss out - listen now! 🚀 #SAFe #Podcast #Planning #MythBusting

🎙️ Excited to level up your scaling game? Tune in to our podcast, where Pat and Jeff share how to blend practices from various scaling frameworks for maximum success. Don't limit yourself - run experiments and explore new possibilities! 🚀

Are you fed up with productivity clichés that don't deliver? Discover a simple, effective strategy: reduce Work-in-Progress (WIP) and focus on finishing rather than starting. Dive into this approach on the latest episode of the take5IRL podcast, featuring insights from @Pat, @Mike, and @Jeff on how doing less can achieve more—essential for anyone wanting to cut through the noise and enhance their work life. Don't miss this game-changing discussion!

Are you faced with budget constraints? Do you have a high-performing team that believes it's outgrown the need for a dedicated Scrum Master? Don't worry; you don’t have to compromise your team's success or bid farewell to the Scrum. Even without a dedicated Scrum Master, you can adopt plenty of strategies to maintain, or even enhance, your team's performance. Curious about how to navigate this challenge? Let's dive into the insights shared by @mike, @jeff, and @pat on how to keep your team thriving under these circumstances. Join the conversation and discover innovative ways to sustain your team's momentum and commitment to delivering excellent products, regardless of your setup!

In recent episodes, we discussed the importance of tracking metrics to measure the effectiveness of your work.  Sounds great, right?  But what metrics are important to measure?  Hint: If your list of metrics starts and ends with Story Points you might be missing something. In this episode @Mike and @Jeff share some of their favorite metrics to measure.

In our recent episodes, we’ve discussed aligning value and creating a visual map of your stakeholders. Now what? In this episode, Mike and Jeff discuss getting stakeholders actively involved, from product definition to delivery. They are probably less involved than you think. Hear how to ensure you have the right people involved, at the right time, and doing the right things.

Are your meetings effective? Are the right people there? Do they all know why they are there? Are you confident that you have alignment across the organization on your product’s direction? If you answered “no” to any of those questions, you might benefit from a stakeholder mapping exercise. In this week’s episode, Jeff and Pat talk through two simple tools to group your stakeholders, allowing you to answer “YES!” to all the questions above.

In our recent episodes, we emphasized the need to focus on business outcomes in successful Agile organizations. Once business outcomes are prioritized, good Agile coaches focus on the agile practices that support those business outcomes. In this episode, we share some concrete examples of how to do it. To better understand how to map the right Agile practices with your prioritized business outcomes, send us a note: [email protected]

In our last episode, we delved into Agile Failure Modes. In this episode, Pat and Mike share their expertise on how to avoid these modes by aligning your organization with the most important business outcomes. 

When an organization shifts from traditional practices to an Agile way of working, it faces numerous challenges. However, only a handful of common issues are responsible for the outright failure of Agile transformations. In this episode, Mike and Pat will examine these prevalent failure modes and introduce a framework designed to prevent them.