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In this episode, we're joined by Nikhil Suresh to explore why AI won't fix a company that lacks the systemic capability to ship software. We dig into corporate automation myths, proof-of-concept dopamine loops, foundational data engineering, the LLM hallucination problem, and why organizational feedback loops matter more than ever. Nikhil shares practical examples of analyzing ambulance records, managing cloud data infrastructure, and attempting to use language models for client communication, while Murray and Donna challenge the hype around AI automating entire corporate workflows and replacing engineering teams. Join us for a grounded and direct discussion about why real product delivery requires structural competence rather than chasing a magical tech bubble. see https://www.linkedin.com/in/nik-suresh/ https://hermit-tech.com/ https://ludic.mataroa.blog/hits/

In this episode, we're joined by Christian Crumlish to explore what it actually looks like to build products with AI in the real world. We dig into AI-assisted product management, coding workflows, multi-agent orchestration, testing, verification, and why human judgment still matters more than ever. Christian shares practical examples of using tools like Claude and Cursor to accelerate learning, prototyping, and software delivery, while Murray and Donna challenge the hype around AI replacing skilled practitioners. Join us for a grounded and thoughtful discussion about AI as a capability amplifier, not a silver bullet.

In this episode, we're joined by Daniel Turhurst North, a veteran technical leader and consultant with more than 30 years of experience in software delivery, executive leadership, and organizational change. We dig into what effective technical leadership really is, why performance problems are often system problems, and how incentives and structures drive bad behavior.  Daniel gives practical advice on building stronger peer alliances, using  feedback to surface issues without drama and staying steady when politics kicks in.  Join us for some really practical and insightful advice from Daniel North.

In this episode, we talk to Sander Hoogendoorn about effective technical leadership. Sander explains how rigid processes and micromanagement damage teams and why empowering small autonomous teams is key to success. He reveals how his teams can operate with minimal hierarchy and process by focusing on technical quality through practices like continuous deployment and collaborative coding. Whether you are a new manager or a seasoned CTO, you'll find practical advice and fresh perspectives on building great teams and great software. Follow Sander on https://sanderhoogendoorn.com/ or LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/aahoogendoorn/ Listen to the podcast on your favourite podcast app: | Spotify | Apple Podcasts | Google Podcasts | iHeart Radio | PlayerFM | Amazon Music | Listen Notes | TuneIn | Audible | Podchaser |  Deezer | Podcast Addict | Contact Murray on LinkedIn or via email

In this episode, we talk to Brian Feister about vibe coding. He shares his experience developing a new product using AI and highlights the importance of thoroughly reviewing everything the AI suggests because it lacks common sense. We discuss the risk of junior developers producing poor-quality code and the severe damage a company could face if it begins firing developers and replacing them with AI. Brian expresses scepticism about claims of massive productivity gains for AI but suggests that it will have a significant positive impact in many ways that we don't understand yet. Follow Brian on LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/brianfeister Listen to the podcast on your favourite podcast app: | Spotify | Apple Podcasts | Google Podcasts | iHeart Radio | PlayerFM | Amazon Music | Listen Notes | TuneIn | Audible | Podchaser |  Deezer | Podcast Addict | Contact Murray on LinkedIn or via email

In this episode, we talk to Nick Consentino about AI assisted coding. We examine how AI tools such as Co-pilot and ChatGPT enhance developer productivity and enable rapid prototyping. Nick discusses the benefits and pitfalls of using Ai, emphasizing the need for strong domain knowledge to avoid generating large amounts of unmanageable code. We discuss why AI tools shouldn't be viewed as replacements for developers, but rather as valuable collaborators that complement human expertise. Nick emphasizes the importance of pragmatic experimentation, continuous learning, and thoughtful oversight to leverage AI in modern software development. Read Nicks weekly newsletter: https://www.devleader.ca/newsletter Follow Nick on YouTube https://www.youtube.com/@devleader Contact Nick for consulting at https://www.linkedin.com/in/nickcosentino/ Listen to the podcast on your favourite podcast app: | Spotify | Apple Podcasts | Google Podcasts | iHeart Radio | PlayerFM | Amazon Music | Listen Notes | TuneIn | Audible | Podchaser |  Deezer | Podcast Addict | Contact Murray on LinkedIn or via email

In this episode, we talk to Charles Lambdin about creating meaningful change in organizations.  We examine the hidden conflicts that prevent organizations from adopting modern ways of working and uncover how incentives, power and stories influence company dynamics. Charles highlights the importance of understanding organization, politics, and building a coalition to drive real change. Read more from Charles at https://charleslambdin.com/ and https://thelaterallens.substack.com/ Contact Charles for consulting at https://www.linkedin.com/in/charleslambdin/ Listen to the podcast on your favourite podcast app: | Spotify | Apple Podcasts | Google Podcasts | iHeart Radio | PlayerFM | Amazon Music | Listen Notes | TuneIn | Audible | Podchaser |  Deezer | Podcast Addict | Contact Murray on LinkedIn or via email

In this episode, we talk to Bryan Finster about Test Driven Development.  We discuss what TDD is and why it's essential for high speed, high quality software engineering. Bryan criticizes independent QA teams and we explore how integrated cross-functional teams provide the rapid feedback you need to develop high quality code.  And we discuss how to use value stream mapping to show your leaders the need to make a change.  Tune in to learn all about TDD and BDD from an expert. Listen to the podcast on your favourite podcast app: | Spotify | Apple Podcasts | Google Podcasts | iHeart Radio | PlayerFM | Amazon Music | Listen Notes | TuneIn | Audible | Podchaser |  Deezer | Podcast Addict | Contact Murray on LinkedIn or via email

In this episode, we explore how to escape the outdated factory model of software development. We discuss traditional bureaucratic software development, why it fails, and how Agile was meant to fix it by removing departmental silos and liberating talent,  only for managers to turn it back into siloed development in sprints.  We discuss a successful Agile transformation at a digital agency and use that example to show that good leadership, structural transformation, and a commitment to learning can drive real, successful change. Tune in if you're ready to break the cycle and change things for the better.

In this episode, we talk to Mikkel Zanini about humanocracy. Mikkel emphasizes the limitations of traditional bureaucratic organizations and explains the concept of humanocracy, which focuses on maximizing human potential rather than efficiency and control. We explore the principles of ownership, meritocracy, internal markets, experimentation, community, openness and balance that underpin humanocracy. And we discuss examples of successful applications at Haier and Roche that show how these principles can foster innovation, engagement, profitability, and growth.

In this episode, we talk to Rich Mironov about increasing your influence with executives. We discuss organisational politics and explain how power, stories and alliances are crucial in shaping company dynamics. Rich describes the disconnect between business and technical teams and the importance of expressing arguments in the language of money. He also provides strategies for product leaders to succeed, stressing the need for demonstrating and selling achievements.  Join us to learn how to navigate corporate politics and enhance your influence within executive circles. Listen to the podcast on your favourite podcast app: | Spotify | Apple Podcasts | Google Podcasts | iHeart Radio | PlayerFM | Amazon Music | Listen Notes | TuneIn | Audible | Podchaser |  Deezer | Podcast Addict | Contact Murray on LinkedIn or via email

In this episode, John Cutler talks about surviving the current tech environment.  We discuss how layoffs and blame destroy trust, create fear and conflict and stop people from providing the feedback that leaders need to make good decisions. We discuss whether our workplaces are a meritocracy or highly charged political environments. And we explore survival strategies such as going with the flow, picking your battles, building alliances and creating narratives. Join us to learn how to navigate corporate politics more effectively. Listen to the podcast on your favourite podcast app: | Spotify | Apple Podcasts | Google Podcasts | iHeart Radio | PlayerFM | Amazon Music | Listen Notes | TuneIn | Audible | Podchaser |  Deezer | Podcast Addict |   Contact Murray on LinkedIn or via email

In this episode, we announce Shane Gibson's departure and introduce Donna Spencer as our new co-host. Donna describes her experience as a product designer and user experience researcher. Shane reflects on what he's learned about agile, product development, and leadership from over a hundred interviews with international experts. Murray discusses the podcast's commitment to delivering deep, pragmatic, and valuable insights on agile product development and leadership while avoiding shallow, rambling, and self-promotional content. Listen to the podcast on your favourite podcast app: | Spotify | Apple Podcasts | Google Podcasts | iHeart Radio | PlayerFM | Amazon Music | Listen Notes | TuneIn | Audible | Podchaser |  Deezer | Podcast Addict |   Send cards, flowers or money to Shane on LinkedIn shagility or Murray via email    The No Nonsense Agile Podcast was sponsored by: Simply Magical Data

Join Murray Robinson and Shane Gibson as they chat with Joanna Rothman about agile project management. We critique fake corporate agile and discuss the drawbacks of offshoring your development work. We talk about the importance of continuous feedback, continuous delivery and cross-functional teams and we discuss project charters, budgets, scaling, and the need to focus on outcomes rather than deliverables. Listen to the podcast on your favourite podcast app: | Spotify | Apple Podcasts | Google Podcasts | iHeart Radio | PlayerFM | Amazon Music | Listen Notes | TuneIn | Audible | Podchaser |  Deezer | Podcast Addict | Connect with Johanna via LinkedIn or over at https://www.jrothman.com    Contact Shane on LinkedIn shagility or Murray via email    You can read the podcast transcript at: https://agiledata.io/podcast/no-nonsense-agile-podcast/agile-project-management-with-johanna-rothman/   The No Nonsense Agile Podcast is sponsored by: Simply Magical Data

Join Murray Robinson and Shane Gibson as they chat with Jurgen Appelo about the crisis in the agile community. We explore how the agile job market has changed with diminishing roles for agile coaches and scrum masters. And we discuss what people can do now that the agile consulting and training gold rush is over. We talk about the poor quality of agile practices in organizations claiming to have done agile. And the need to improve further, to get the benefits available. And we talk about the evolution and rebranding of agile practices and the impact of AI on the industry. Gain valuable insights into the future of agile, the importance of adapting to change and strategies for sustaining relevance in a shifting market.   Listen to the podcast on your favourite podcast app: | Spotify | Apple Podcasts | Google Podcasts | iHeart Radio | PlayerFM | Amazon Music | Listen Notes | TuneIn | Audible | Podchaser |  Deezer | Podcast Addict | Connect with Jurgen via LinkedIn or over at https://unfix.work/    Contact Shane on LinkedIn shagility or Murray via email    You can read the podcast transcript at: https://agiledata.io/podcast/no-nonsense-agile-podcast/the-crisis-in-agile-with-jurgen-appelo/#read     The No Nonsense Agile Podcast is sponsored by: Simply Magical Data