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AI can make writing code faster, but what happens to the work that follows? In episode 116, the ACN community shares experiences with growing demands on testing, security, maintenance, and support, alongside pressure to add features simply because they’re easier to build. The conversation explores smaller increments, human judgment, and governance that actually guides what agents do. There’s promise in faster experimentation, but the overall payoff remains an open question. How can teams use the time AI saves to create something valuable? The episode also includes a remembrance of ACN cohost Sheila McGrath. Join Shawna Cullinan, Jörg Pietruszka, Diana Larsen, Sheila Eckert, Sheila McGrath, April Mills, Hendrik Esser, Ray Arell, and all the callers to the monthly live event as we explore this topic. For details on the next live event or how to support our show, please visit acnpodcast.org. Send us Fan Mail Support the show

Scaling Agile can leave people spending more time coordinating work than doing it. In episode 115, the ACN community examines the exhaustion that builds when new frameworks sit on top of old systems and people become the glue holding everything together. Practitioners share successes and differing views on how much consistency teams need, where local decisions help, and how organizing around products can reduce dependencies. The conversation returns to shared values, respect for people’s time, and changes we can make from wherever we sit. What are we actually trying to scale, and what is it costing the people doing the work? Join Shawna Cullinan, Jörg Pietruszka, Diana Larsen, Sheila Eckert, Sheila McGrath, April Mills, Hendrik Esser, Ray Arell, and all the callers to the monthly live event as we explore this topic. For details on the next live event or how to support our show, please visit acnpodcast.org. Send us Fan Mail Support the show

Are product operating models a fresh direction or Agile under a new name? In Episode 114, the ACN community explores what’s changing, what sounds familiar, and what it means for Agile practitioners. From connecting teams to customer outcomes to speaking a language leaders understand, the conversation looks beyond labels to what makes organizations work better. We also discuss how AI is reshaping collaboration and why human knowledge, judgment, and accountability still matter. Join Shawna Cullinan, Jörg Pietruszka, Diana Larsen, Sheila Eckert, Sheila McGrath, April Mills, Hendrik Esser, Ray Arell, and all the callers to the monthly live event as we explore this topic. For details on the next live event or how to support our show, please visit acnpodcast.org. Send us Fan Mail Support the show

What’s next for Agile coaches when the skills still matter, but the jobs are changing? In Episode 113, the ACN community shares candid career advice for navigating a tougher market, communicating the business problems you solve, and building skills in AI and product delivery. From strengthening your reputation to weighing opportunities with bigger expectations and smaller paychecks, the conversation explores how to find your next step while staying true to your strengths and values.  Join Shawna Cullinan, Jörg Pietruszka,  Diana Larsen,  Sheila Eckert, Sheila McGrath, April Mills,  Hendrik Esser, Ray Arell, and all the callers to the monthly live event as we explore this topic.  For details on the next live event or how to support our show, please visit  acnpodcast.org. Send us Fan Mail Support the show

Episode 112 explores how AI is reshaping the work of managers, project leaders, and Agile practitioners beyond just writing code. The panel and participants at the ACN live event discuss how automating reports and routine tasks can create room for coaching, better decisions, and stronger human connections, while also risking more surveillance and higher workloads. From accountability and team agreements to helping new engineers develop judgment, the conversation asks how we can use AI to improve work without losing the human experience that makes us better at it. Join Shawna Cullinan, Jörg Pietruszka,  Diana Larsen,  Sheila Eckert, Sheila McGrath, April Mills,  Hendrik Esser, Ray Arell, and all the callers to the monthly live event as we explore this topic.  For details on the next live event or how to support our show, please visit  acnpodcast.org. Send us Fan Mail Support the show

Episode 111 takes an honest look at workplace morale in 2026, as layoffs, AI uncertainty, and constant change strain trust and motivation. Ray and the panel explore what helps beyond pizza parties, sharing practical ways to strengthen agency, recognize meaningful contributions, and create space for people to speak up. It’s a conversation about how leaders and teams can rebuild confidence and help people feel their work matters.  Join Shawna Cullinan, Jörg Pietruszka,  Diana Larsen,  Sheila Eckert, Sheila McGrath, April Mills,  Hendrik Esser, Ray Arell, and all the callers to the monthly live event as we explore this topic.  For details on the next live event or how to support our show, please visit  acnpodcast.org. Send us Fan Mail Support the show

Episode 110 is a hopeful, high-energy look at where Agile is actually working today, with real examples from manufacturing, nonprofits, government, and beyond. Ray and the panel cut through the usual negativity to explore how adaptability, collaboration, and a focus on value are still helping teams achieve better results.  Join Shawna Cullinan, Jörg Pietruszka,  Diana Larsen,  Sheila Eckert, Sheila McGrath, April Mills,  Hendrik Esser, Ray Arell, and all the callers to the monthly live event as we explore this topic.  For details on the next live event or how to support our show, please visit  acnpodcast.org. Send us Fan Mail Support the show

In ACN Episode 109, we explored a common question many organizations are asking today: when Agile seems to fail, is Agile really the problem, or is it revealing deeper organizational issues?  In most cases, it is more the organizational dysfunction that Agile is shining a light on.  Join Shawna Cullinan, Jörg Pietruszka,  Diana Larsen,  Sheila Eckert, Sheila McGrath, April Mills,  Hendrik Esser, Ray Arell, and all the callers to the monthly live event as we explore this topic.  For details on the next live event or how to support our show, please visit  acnpodcast.org. Send us Fan Mail Support the show

In this episode, we talk about what it takes to make change stick—especially when “Agile transformation” becomes a label instead of real progress. We cover the common pitfalls, the role of culture and middle management, and why clear goals, real investment, and continuous improvement matter. The takeaway: lasting change comes from resilience, adaptation, and empowered change agents—not a one-time rollout. Join Shawna Cullinan, Jörg Pietruszka,  Diana Larsen,  Sheila Eckert, Sheila McGrath, April Mills,  Hendrik Esser, Ray Arell, and all the callers to the monthly live event as we explore this topic.  For details on the next live event or how to support our show, please visit  acnpodcast.org. Send us Fan Mail Support the show

In this episode of the Agile Community Network, we discuss how to stay resilient amid constant layoffs and uncertainty. We look at the emotional and professional challenges workers face today and share practical, Agile-inspired strategies for staying grounded, adaptable, and future-ready. Whether you’re navigating change yourself or supporting others, this conversation offers timely insight into what it takes to thrive. Join Shawna Cullinan, Jörg Pietruszka,  Diana Larsen,  Sheila Eckert, Sheila McGrath, April Mills,  Hendrik Esser, Ray Arell, and all the callers to the monthly live event as we explore this topic.  For details on the next live event or how to support our show, please visit  acnpodcast.org. Send us Fan Mail Support the show

In this episode, we explore the growing issue of Agile burnout — when teams lose their spark and the work begins to feel like just another mundane task. We unpack why this happens, how organizations contribute to it, and what leaders can do to bring energy and balance back to their teams. Tune in for real talk about sustainable agility and keeping the heart of Agile alive.  Join Shawna Cullinan, Jörg Pietruszka,  Diana Larsen,  Sheila Eckert, Sheila McGrath, April Mills,  Hendrik Esser, Ray Arell, and all the callers to the monthly live event as we explore this topic.  For details on the next live event or how to support our show, please visit  acnpodcast.org. Send us Fan Mail Support the show

One of the biggest challenges facing the Agile community today is the way tools are used. Too often, they become a substitute for conversation and collaboration, rather than a support for them, leaving us falling short of the intent behind Agile’s values and principles.  In this episode, we discuss this issue and offer strategies to avoid falling into this trap.  Join Shawna Cullinan, Jörg Pietruszka,  Diana Larsen,  Sheila Eckert, Sheila McGrath, April Mills,  Hendrik Esser, Ray Arell, and all the callers to the monthly live event as we explore this topic.  For details on the next live event or how to support our show, please visit  acnpodcast.org. Send us Fan Mail Support the show

In this episode, we discuss how to re-engage Agile Communities of Practice during periods of declining participation by clarifying their purpose, fostering psychological safety, rotating facilitators, designing for active involvement, and introducing new, relevant topics to keep the community thriving.  Join Shawna Cullinan, Jörg Pietruszka,  Diana Larsen,  Sheila Eckert, Sheila McGrath, April Mills,  Hendrik Esser, Ray Arell, and all the callers to the monthly live event as we explore this topic.  For details on the next live event or how to support our show, please visit  acnpodcast.org. Send us Fan Mail Support the show

In this episode, we explore ways to move from "my boss doesn't understand what I do" to strategies for resolving the issue. Ways to help your boss recognize, appreciate, and advocate for your work.  Join Shawna Cullinan, Jörg Pietruszka,  Diana Larsen,  Sheila Eckert, Sheila McGrath, April Mills,  Hendrik Esser, Ray Arell, and all the callers to the monthly live event as we explore this topic.  For details on the next live event or how to support our show, please visit  acnpodcast.org. Send us Fan Mail Support the show

Are your agile efforts getting lost in translation? In this episode, we share practical ways for how agilists can talk to the C-suite in a language they understand. Join Shawna Cullinan, Jörg Pietruszka,  Diana Larsen,  Sheila Eckert, Sheila McGrath, April Mills,  Hendrik Esser, Ray Arell, and all the callers to the monthly live event as we explore this topic.  For details on the next live event or how to support our show, please visit  acnpodcast.org. Send us Fan Mail Support the show