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What does it take to build your own process framework?  Are there common pieces to a framework, the must haves that make it all click?  Even if you could build one, do you know why you’re doing it, and if you should? In this episode, Jim, Sander, and Rich explore the nature of frameworks, innovation, and effective collaboration in organizations. They discuss how frameworks serve as scaffolding, the role of informal conversations in fostering change, the importance of adaptable, purpose-driven processes, and the pitfalls of rigid standardization.  Along the way, they find many core concepts for when you’re considering how to approach your work and the people you’re doing it with. Some core concepts we identified were: Solved ProblemsCollaborationThe Level of Work ManagementSee the Whole SystemRules of OwnershipValidate ResultsMake Definitions Clear and SpecificConsistency, Not StandardizationAllow Process ChangesMeasurement Against Goals Chapters: 00:00 Introduction 06:29 Importing frameworks and scaffolding 10:18 Focusing on solving problems, not parts 13:27 AI and the importance of collaboration and subject matter experts 17:21 Understanding the whole system 20:46 Frameworks as constraints, not strict processes 24:24 Balancing process and human behavior 28:32 The cafeteria approach to frameworks 36:35 Standardization versus consistency in complex work 39:43 The role of incentives in behavior change 44:20 Creative problem solving 45:32 Principles of effective frameworks 49:26 Starting simple and evolving your framework 52:11 Conclusion: frameworks as living, adaptable systems Books mentioned: A technique for producing ideas - https://a.co/d/0a5fJ0VA The Anatomy of a Product - https://productfields.com/product/the-anatomy-of-a-product Connect with Product Fields: 📢 Follow the podcast for more inspiring stories 💬 Join the conversation on LinkedIn - https://linkedin.com/company/mastering-agility  📩 Contact us for trades or sponsorships 👉 If you enjoyed this episode, leave a review and share it with someone who needs to hear it! Check out our sponsors: https://www.xebia.com https://www.wiserbees.com https://www.jointinsights.com https://www.productfields.com

Jimmy DiResta has spent decades building things other people only imagine. Furniture. TV shows. A life that doesn't sit still. In this episode, we get past the shop tour and into what actually shaped him. We talk New York, the city that built his eye for craft and his tolerance for hustle. We talk Hollywood, and what it's like to make things for an industry built on illusion. We talk about how he approaches a problem, any problem, whether it's a broken hinge or a broken plan. And we get into the parts of his life that don't show up in a highlight reel: his hobbies, friends, family, and picking up pottery as a beginner all over again. This one isn't about tools. It's about how a maker keeps making, decade after decade, without losing the parts of himself that got him here. Most people stop learning new crafts once they've mastered one. Jimmy hasn't. This conversation is a case study in staying a beginner on purpose. What we get into Growing up in and around New York, and how the city and early years shaped his work ethicHollywood: building for the screen, and what the industry taught him about craftHis approach to problem-solving, on set and in the shopStarting pottery as a total beginner, and what it's like to be bad at something new again 00:00 Introduction to Jimmy DiResta 02:34 The Art of Making and Teaching 04:52 Crafts and Changing Times 07:40 Timeless Design Elements 10:32 Manufacturing History and Local Craftsmanship 13:21 Reflections on High School and Early Influences 19:14 From High School to Making Toys 22:04 From Art School to Graphic Design 23:03 Early Experiences in Advertising 23:28 Learning the Craft from Family 24:27 Transitioning to Toy Design 25:47 The Evolution of Problem Solving 28:01 Understanding the Nature of Props and Products 29:59 The Balance of Temporary and Permanent Creations 31:46 The Pressure of Client Work 33:46 Confidence in Problem Solving 37:00 The Joy of Troubleshooting 38:48 Memorable Moments with Howard Stern 41:20 Maker Style F-Marry-Kill 43:31 Collaboration in the Maker Community 46:16 Exploring Pottery as a New Medium 47:22 Embracing Mistakes in Craftsmanship 51:05 The Zen of Pottery and Creative Space 53:23 Gifts from You, Gifts to Me 54:17 The Value of Content as a Legacy 58:16 Interacting with Fans and Community Influence 01:07:24 Parting Thoughts on Positivity and Gratitude Connect with Product Fields: 📢 Follow the podcast for more inspiring stories 💬 Join the conversation on LinkedIn - https://linkedin.com/company/mastering-agility  📩 Contact us for trades or sponsorships 👉 If you enjoyed this episode, leave a review and share it with someone who needs to hear it! Connect with our guest: Jimmy DiResta https://www.youtube.com/user/jimmydiresta/ https://www.instagram.com/jimmydiresta/ https://www.instagram.com/makingfunshow/ https://www.joinmakersmob.com/diresta/ https://jimmydiresta.com/ https://imakeny.com/ https://direstaedc.com/ Check out our sponsors: https://www.xebia.com https://www.wiserbees.com https://www.jointinsights.com https://www.productfields.com

SummaryIn this episode, Rich Visotcky and Jim Sammons explore the nuances of decision-making, the importance of understanding opportunity costs, and how to effectively manage product development and organizational priorities through early learning, strategic experimentation, and the economics of product development. They discuss strategies for quantifying costs, the impact of delays, and practical approaches to focus and efficiency. Jim and Rich wrap things up with how to make smarter decisions with limited resources, the value of testing assumptions, and the impact of human behavior on business success. TakeawaysThe cost of delay can significantly erode value if not managed properly.Prioritization should be based on economic impact and opportunity cost.Simplicity and focusing on what matters most can improve organizational agility.Understanding team costs and resource allocation helps in better planning.Early validation and quick learning are crucial to avoid sunk cost fallacies. Early learning and iteration can significantly reduce risk and improve outcomes.Understanding human behavior helps in designing better products and services.Buying time through strategic decisions can lead to better resource allocation. Asking the right questions reveals hidden opportunities and customer needs.Simple frameworks and mental models can make complex decisions more manageable.

In this engaging conversation, Jim Sammons interviews David Picciuto, a content creator and artist with a background in tech. They explore topics like audience building, product creation, the impact of social media, and the future of content in the age of AI, offering valuable insights for creators and entrepreneurs. David's Site - https://makesomething.com/ David's YouTube Channel - https://www.youtube.com/@MakeSomething David's art exhibition link - https://www.facebook.com/events/824417793474488/824417800141154/?active_tab=about&rdid=LhU2vlGENfrG7IEA Giant Cassette Tape - https://youtu.be/jExRIl7WBPs?si=NNiHBl_RiLA-c89D

In this conversation, Jim Sammons and Rich Visotcky discuss various aspects of team dynamics, particularly focusing on Scrum Masters and the importance of engagement and interest in work. We explore the expectations placed on Scrum Masters, the significance of caring about the work being done, and how to navigate conflicts within teams around their work, tool choice, communication patterns, and more. Key highlights include: Interest in work drives better performance and outcomes.Navigating conflict requires understanding the context.Caring about the work leads to better results.Frustrations in work often stem from organizational decisions.Shifting mindsets from tool dependency to problem-solving is crucial.Different teams require different types of support and skills. Chapters 00:00 Intro  00:16 Should Scrum Masters Be Interested?  01:23 Do Process People Need to Grasp The Backlog?  04:48 Do Care and Interest Go Hand in Hand?  08:14 Marker 4  08:14 Did the Creators of Agility Expect People to Care?  10:56 Do You Need to Know How the Sausage is Made?  13:41 The Legend of "Json the Troublemaker"  18:25 It's Not Them, It's You  21:39 The Way of Working  26:30 What Gets You Riled Up?  29:49 It Makes Sense, and it Makes Me Angry  34:52 The "User" Will See You Now  37:03 What Riles Rich Up?  42:35 Part of the Solution?  46:29 On the Next Episode...  Connect with Product Fields: 📢 Follow the podcast for more inspiring stories 💬 Join the conversation on LinkedIn - https://linkedin.com/company/mastering-agility  📩 Contact us for trades or sponsorships 👉 If you enjoyed this episode, leave a review and share it with someone who needs to hear it! Connect with our hosts: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jamessammons/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/richvisotcky/ Check out our sponsors: https://www.xebia.com https://www.wiserbees.com https://www.jointinsights.com https://www.productfields.com

Gil Broza joins our hosts, Jim Sammons and Rich Visotcky, for the first episode of the Product Fields podcast in 2026!  In this conversation, we discuss the evolving landscape of agility and product management in the age of AI. Together, we explore how AI has transformed product delivery, the importance of accountability, and the need for leaders to adapt their strategies to ensure effective team dynamics. Too often, we have seen companies go full-on into AI without any strategy or understanding of the consequences. Through our discussion, we dive into the balance between leveraging AI for efficiency while maintaining critical thinking and human oversight, and the need for a thoughtful approach to integrating AI into work processes. 00:00:00 Intro 00:02:04 Agility Beyond Tech: Adapting Principles for Non-Tech Teams  00:03:44 The Relevance of the Agile Manifesto, Values, and Principles  00:08:44 AI's Impact on Product Delivery and Management  00:12:15 Going Back to Principles in the Age of AI  00:16:52 Accountability in the Age of AI  00:28:03 The AI Industrial Revolution: Trust and Human Connection  00:33:58 The Atrophy of Skills in the Age of AI  00:35:07 The Impact of AI on Communication and Authenticity  00:45:38 The Dangers of Over-Reliance on AI  00:47:27 Fundamentals in the Age of AI  00:50:45 The Danger of Agency and AI  00:53:01 The Future of Work and AI Integration  00:57:46 Quantity vs. Impact  01:01:20 Closing  Connect with Product Fields: 📢 Follow the podcast for more inspiring stories 💬 Join the conversation on LinkedIn - https://linkedin.com/company/mastering-agility 📩 Contact us for trades or sponsorships 👉 If you enjoyed this episode, leave a review and share it with someone who needs to hear it! Connect with our guests: Gil Broza: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gilbroza Subscribe to Gil’s newsletter: https://3pvantage.com/subscribe-newsletter/ Attend Gil’s course, “Leading AI-Enabled Product Teams”: https://3pvantage.com/leapt/ Check out our sponsors: https://www.xebia.com https://www.wiserbees.com https://www.jointinsights.com https://www.productfields.com

Join hosts Rich Visotcky and Jim Sammons as they delve deep into the agile mindset and its significance in team dynamics from a research-backed perspective. Joining them in this episode are Dr. Karen Eilers and Christiaan Verwijs who are leading studies exploring the agile mindset from the individual and team level.  Through their research and the help of Columinity, they describe how to factors like motivation, morale, collaborative exchange, value focus, and management support improve team effectiveness. Together, we discuss the development of reliable measurement scales, the importance of data in understanding team effectiveness in order to take action, and the challenges of selection bias and trust in survey data. We also dip our toes into the pools of dynamic reteaming and its effects on team cohesion and team outcomes. Whether you’re a manager looking to help your teams hit their stride, a team member trying to understand how to improve yourself to improve those around you, or a research and data junkie curious about people and teams, this episode has you covered! Want to learn more about your team and the research? Participate (and get immediate actionable feedback!): https://questionnaire.columinity.com/setup/model/agilemindset Preliminary findings: https://blog.columinity.com/how-a-team-level-agile-mindset-shapes-team-effectiveness/ Scientific paper on Agile Mindset: https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0040162522001822 Contact Columinity: https://columinity.com/research Connect with our guests: Karen Eilers: linkedin.com/in/dr-karen-eilers/ Christiaan Verwijs: linkedin.com/in/christiaanverwijs/ Connect with Mastering Agility: 📢 Follow the podcast for more inspiring stories 💬 Join the conversation on LinkedIn - linkedin.com/company/mastering-agility 📩 Contact us for trades or sponsorships 👉 If you enjoyed this episode, leave a review and share it with someone who needs to hear it! Check out our sponsors: www.xebia.com www.wiserbees.com www.jointinsights.com www.productfields.com Find more at www.masteringagility.org

In this episode, Jim and Rich delve into the complexities of Agile methodologies with Sam Falco and Dan Neumann, discussing the balance between consistency and flexibility, the challenges of planning in complex environments, and the importance of discipline in Agile practices. Together, they explore various frameworks for navigating complexity, the significance of measuring effectiveness, and the necessity of making small bets in uncertain conditions. The need for organizations to adapt their approaches based on the context and to embrace feedback as a means of continuous improvement is critical for continued success. 00:00 Intro 04:08 Understanding Complexity in Agile  09:02 The Challenge of Planning in Complex Environments  13:49 Navigating Regulations and Constraints  15:57 Frameworks for Managing Complexity  21:46 Managing Risk and Boundaries in Complexity  26:07 Efficiency vs. Effectiveness  30:20 The Complexity of Decision Making  37:15 Consistency vs Flexibility  44:05 Discovering the Time to Change  47:53 Building and Falling Into Habits  51:58 Finding the Balance of Consistency and Flexibility  53:40 Iterating Towards a Solution  54:37 Complexity Needs Good Process  55:25 Using Cadence for Evolution and Consistency  57:01 It Takes Discipline to Deliver Connect with Mastering Agility: 📢 Follow the podcast for more inspiring stories 💬 Join the conversation on LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/company/mastering-agility 📩 Contact us for trades or sponsorships 👉 If you enjoyed this episode, leave a review and share it with someone who needs to hear it! Connect with our guests: linkedin.com/in/sam-falco/ linkedin.com/in/meetdanneumann/ Check out our sponsors: www.xebia.com www.wiserbees.com www.jointinsights.com www.productfields.com Find more at www.masteringagility.org Hosted on Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

In this episode, Ryan Brook brings his homework with him as he joins hosts Jim Sammons and Rich Visotcky for a vibrant Q&A session to answer questions from our viewers. Ryan flips the script, taking over emcee duties to extract key ideas and insights from Rich and Jim as they cover a range of topics from team autonomy and navigating roles to measuring outcomes and outputs to understand the impacts of agility. Join us for a lively session answering your questions! Have a question you want answered in a future episode? Comment on this episode, or reach out to us. 00:00:00 Opening 00:00:29 Introductions 00:02:54 Question Setup 00:04:16 Navigating New Roles in an Organization 00:13:07 Coaching Leadership on Agility and Fixed Projects 00:20:09 Managing Dependencies in Agile and Waterfall 00:28:38 Metrics for Agile Progress 00:36:00 Creating a Culture of Experimentation 00:47:23 Measuring Outcomes vs Output 00:52:40 The Gantt Chart Debate 00:58:16 Tools for User Story Mapping 01:05:21 Balancing Team Autonomy with Organizational Goals 01:13:01 Change Management in UI/UX Handoffs 01:19:38 Managing Parallel Sprints 01:29:13 Closing Connect with Mastering Agility 📢 Follow the podcast for more inspiring stories 💬 Join the conversation on LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/company/mastering-agility 📩 Contact us for trades or sponsorships 👉 If you enjoyed this episode, leave a review and share it with someone who needs to hear it! Check out our sponsors: www.xebia.com www.wiserbees.com www.jointinsights.com www.masteringagility.org Hosted on Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

“Generosity as a strategy — I’ve never seen it not pay back eventually.” In this lively conversation, Jim and Sander welcome Jose Casal — agile coach, trainer, and long-time conference organizer — to reflect on the people, purpose, and future of agile gatherings. As part of the Scan Agile 2025 organizing team, Jose shares why he continues to invest months of volunteer effort into building events that foster connection and inspiration. From his global journey (Spain → UK → Finland) to his professional philosophy of “generosity as a strategy,” Jose unpacks the challenges and rewards of running community-driven conferences in a shifting industry landscape. The trio dive into the realities of sponsorship, the impact of AI on agile investment, and why human connection remains the ultimate ROI. Check out our sponsor: www.xebia.com www.wiserbees.com www.masteringagility.org Hosted on Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

“Agile is not just for software — it’s for solving problems anywhere there’s complexity:" At Scan Agile 2025, Jim and Sander dive into a thought-provoking conversation with Michal Epstein about the transformative power of agility beyond traditional tech environments. Discover how agile principles can be applied in diverse fields like biotech and construction, and learn about the importance of stakeholder collaboration and value-driven approaches. Key takeaways include understanding that agile is a mindset transcending industries, the crucial role of stakeholder engagement, the benefits for non-tech teams, the importance of communication and transparency, and insights into value-based pricing. Connect with Michal: (14) Michal Epstein | LinkedIn Check out our sponsor: www.xebia.com www.wiserbees.com www.masteringagility.org Hosted on Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

“In both poker and business, humans are the biggest variable—and the biggest opportunity." In this episode of Mastering Agility, Jim welcomes long-time friend and seasoned agile coach Stacy Oliver for a fascinating conversation that blends the worlds of poker, game theory, and agility. Drawing from decades of experience at the card table and in the corporate world, Stacy shares how concepts like expected value (EV), Game Theory Optimal (GTO) play, and the Independent Chip Model (ICM) can help leaders make better bets on their projects, teams, and portfolios. Stacy and Jim explore how decision quality, not just outcomes, determines success, and how understanding your constraints, risks, and probabilities can help you maximize return on investment in any game you’re playing. Connect with Stacy: (13) Stacy Oliver | LinkedIn Check out our sponsor: www.xebia.com www.wiserbees.com www.masteringagility.org Hosted on Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

“I dream of a world where we don’t have managers — just autonomous, inspired teams.” In this insightful episode of Mastering Agility, hosts Sander and Jim sit down with Laura Heikkurinen, Lead Transformation Coach at OP Financial Group, live at the Scan Agile 2025 conference. Together, they dive into the nuances of modern leadership, the tension between management and empowerment, and how organizations can create psychologically safe environments where everyone is empowered to lead — regardless of job title. Laura shares powerful reflections from her experience leading enterprise transformation, explains why language matters when redefining leadership, and offers candid takes on navigating toxic leadership legacies, neurodivergent inclusion, and the delicate balance between pushing a change forward or letting it go. Connect with Laura: (18) Laura Heikkurinen | LinkedIn Check out our sponsor: www.xebia.com www.wiserbees.com www.masteringagility.org Hosted on Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

“You can build software with Excel. You can finish an Ironman on a cheap bike. But will it be enjoyable? That’s another question.” In this inspiring and energetic episode, Sander and Jim sit down with Dana—Scrum Master, team lead, and passionate triathlete—just ahead of her session at the Online Scrum Master Summit. Together, they unpack: Dana’s journey into agile and what drew her to the Scrum Master Summit. How her dual passions—agile coaching and triathlon—intersect in powerful and unexpected ways. The surprising overlap between triathlon training and software delivery: focus, iteration, adaptation, and complexity. The value and limitations of tools—whether it’s JIRA or a $6,000 triathlon bike—and why mindset still trumps everything. The importance of coaching: in sports and in software. Do you really need to know how to code to be an effective coach? Connect with Dana: (31) Dana Mykytiuk | LinkedIn Check out our sponsor: www.xebia.com www.wiserbees.com www.masteringagility.org Hosted on Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

"Origin stories create die-hard fans. Once your story and your product are inseparable, you win." In this powerful episode of Mastering Agility, Jim and Sander sit down with storytelling strategist Osita Ifezue to explore how strategic storytelling can reshape the way agile teams operate, connect with customers, and innovate beyond the status quo. Recorded at ScanAgile 2025, Osita shares how organizations like LEGO, Apple, Nike, and IKEA use storytelling to drive customer loyalty, enhance internal alignment, and navigate change. Connect with Osita: (31) Osita Ifezue | LinkedIn Check out Think About It! With Osita Ifezue Podcast: https://open.spotify.com/show/2idqtZvGCMswcqIPvQMDCa?si=oQhfzXDkRFCYRDtW16PkUg Check out our sponsor: www.xebia.com www.wiserbees.com www.masteringagility.org Hosted on Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.