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This is No-Nonsense Agile Leadership, where we explore better ways to develop digital 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
Jun 10, 2026
Jun 10, 2026
43 min
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/
May 20, 2026
May 20, 2026
42 min
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.
Jan 6, 2026
Jan 6, 2026
1hr 1 min
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.
May 30, 2025
May 30, 2025
32 min
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/
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Apr 29, 2025
Apr 29, 2025
33 min
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
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Apr 11, 2025
Apr 11, 2025
33 min
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/
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Mar 29, 2025
Mar 29, 2025
41 min
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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Mar 17, 2025
Mar 17, 2025
54 min
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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Feb 20, 2025
Feb 20, 2025
57 min
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.
Feb 7, 2025
Feb 7, 2025
1hr 6 min
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.