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This is No-Nonsense Leadership, where we explore better ways to develop software products and services. Join world-class experts for honest insights and practical advice to help you lead digital teams, products, and organisations clearly and confidently. Subscribe now to learn the best ideas in the field.
Episodes

2 hours ago
2 hours ago
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/
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Monday Mar 17, 2025
#0118 - Test Driven Development with Bryan Finster
Monday Mar 17, 2025
Monday Mar 17, 2025
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.
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Thursday Feb 20, 2025
#0117 - Break out of the software factory
Thursday Feb 20, 2025
Thursday Feb 20, 2025
In this episode, we explore how to escape the outdated factory model of software development.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.

Friday Feb 07, 2025
#0116 - Humanocracy with Michele Zanini
Friday Feb 07, 2025
Friday Feb 07, 2025
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.

Friday Dec 20, 2024
#0115 - Executive influence with Rich Mironov
Friday Dec 20, 2024
Friday Dec 20, 2024
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.
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Monday Dec 09, 2024
#0114 - Surviving organisational politics with John Cutler
Monday Dec 09, 2024
Monday Dec 09, 2024
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.
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Friday Nov 29, 2024
#0113 - Donna replaces Shane as co-host
Friday Nov 29, 2024
Friday Nov 29, 2024
Listen to the podcast on your favourite podcast app:
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Send cards, flowers or money to Shane on LinkedIn shagility or Murray via email
The No Nonsense Agile Podcast was sponsored by:

Friday Nov 22, 2024
#0112 - Agile Project Management with Johanna Rothman
Friday Nov 22, 2024
Friday Nov 22, 2024
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:
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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:
The No Nonsense Agile Podcast is sponsored by:

Friday Sep 27, 2024
#0111 - The crisis in agile with Jurgen Appelo
Friday Sep 27, 2024
Friday Sep 27, 2024
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:
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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:

Thursday Sep 12, 2024
#0110 - The Haier model with William Malek
Thursday Sep 12, 2024
Thursday Sep 12, 2024
Join Murray Robinson and Shane Gibson as they chat with William Malek about the Haier operating model. Haier, a Chinese appliance giant, transitioned from a failing state-owned enterprise to a highly profitable publicly owned organisation with over 5,700 micro enterprises and $50 billion in revenue.
We explain how Haier uses an internal marketplace to allow microenterprises to trade goods and services with each other, based on a value added mechanism and smart contracts. An approach based on the philosophy of RenDanHeYi, where managers release control and support teams to achieve their potential to create valuable solutions within an open environment.
William makes a compelling case for the benefits of a decentralized agile organizational model in driving high innovation and performance.
Listen to the podcast on your favourite podcast app:
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Connect with William via LinkedIn or over at http://microteams.net/ or at https://www.desirablefutures.group/
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-haier-model-with-william-malek/#read
The No Nonsense Agile Podcast is sponsored by:
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.