High Performance Teams

In this special episode, host Andy Cleff breaks explosive news about the Agile Uprising's hostile takeover of the entire agile establishment. Listen as he reveals how the community-driven coalition has acquired PMI, Agile Alliance, ISO, and Scrum.org in one fell swoop—and why their surprise acquisition of Cologuard might be the most disruptive move of all. Learn about the immediate changes to certification processes, the dramatic condensing of the Scrum Guide, and the coalition's "more than generous offer" to Scaled Agile. This episode will leave you either cheering for the revolution or checking your calendar.. how close to the 91st day of the year are we? The agile world will never be the same... or will it? About the Agile Uprising If you enjoyed this episode, please give us a review, a rating, or leave comments on iTunes, Stitcher or your podcasting platform of choice. It really helps others find us.  Much thanks to the artist  from  who provided us our outro music free-of-charge!  If you like what you heard,     to find more music you might enjoy! If you’d like to join the discussion and share your stories,  please jump into the fray at our  We at the Agile Uprising are committed to being totally free.  However, if you’d like to contribute and help us defray hosting and production costs we do have a .  Who knows, you might even get some surprises in the mail! Sound Effects and Image Credits Ch-Ching.wav by hgernhardt -- https://freesound.org/s/402651/ -- License: Attribution NonCommercial 4.0 Paper Shredder by aunrea -- https://freesound.org/s/495666/ -- License: Creative Commons 0 Aha Agreement by kanyonwyvern -- https://freesound.org/s/713754/ -- License: Creative Commons 0 FX dramatic music.wav by v0idation -- https://freesound.org/s/115139/ -- License: Creative Commons 0 Applause, huge, thunderous by peridactyloptrix -- https://freesound.org/s/196094/ -- License: Creative Commons 0 record scratch.wav by luffy -- https://freesound.org/s/3536/ -- License: Attribution 4.0 Ba-Dum-Tish#1.wav by Timbre -- https://freesound.org/s/84427/ -- License: Attribution NonCommercial 4.0 Ba-da-dum.wav by Simon_Lacelle -- https://freesound.org/s/37215/ -- License: Attribution 4.0 Beep warning by SamsterBirdies -- https://freesound.org/s/467882/ -- License: Creative Commons 0 another magic wand spell tinkle.flac by Timbre -- https://freesound.org/s/221683/ -- License: Attribution NonCommercial 4.0 another magic wand spell tinkle.flac by Timbre -- https://freesound.org/s/221683/ -- License: Attribution NonCommercial 4.0 Generic Interior Walla by brunoboselli -- https://freesound.org/s/757318/ -- License: Creative Commons 0 wah wah sad trombone.wav by kirbydx -- https://freesound.org/s/175409/ -- License: Creative Commons 0 Party Pack, Balloons, Deflate, Moderate, 03-02.wav by InspectorJ -- https://freesound.org/s/484269/ -- License: Attribution 4.0 STORYENDING_02.wav by phantastonia -- https://freesound.org/s/617068/ -- License: Attribution 4.0 15.wav by adcbicycle -- https://freesound.org/s/13824/ -- License: Creative Commons 0 34-muchos papeles moviendose.wav by Tomycatts -- https://freesound.org/s/429340/ -- License: Creative Commons 0 Human laughing - Various.wav by ThisIsMiniMe -- https://freesound.org/s/327396/ -- License: Attribution NonCommercial 4.0 FX wait 1.wav by v0idation -- https://freesound.org/s/115143/ -- License: Creative Commons 0 Opening A Curtain.wav by EmilZendera98 -- https://freesound.org/s/446046/ -- License: Attribution 4.0 TaDa!.aif by jimhancock -- https://freesound.org/s/256128/ -- License: Creative Commons 0 Megaphone via Freepik.com  

Remember when letting people choose their own teams seemed completely radical? (I sure do!) A decade ago, Sandy Mamoli and David Mole pioneered "self-selection" at Trade Me in New Zealand, sparking a movement that would challenge conventional wisdom about team formation. In this reunion episode, we dive deep into their journey from initial experiment to proven practice. Drawing on a decade of experience across industries, cultures, and continents, Sandy and David share how self-selection has evolved to meet modern workplace challenges. What you'll learn: Why trust, ownership, and vision are the three rivers that power successful self-selection How the practice adapted from in-person to remote/hybrid environments What traditional banks and cutting-edge startups have in common when it comes to team formation Where self-selection is headed in an era of AI and fluid team structures Practical steps to start your own self-selection journey Whether you're a seasoned agilist or new to the concept, this episode offers fresh insights into how organizations thrive when people choose their teams. (And yes, we'll answer that burning question: "But what if people make the wrong choice?") Learn More About , a restless group of passionate people with complementary skills and a shared belief in continuous improvement. Related stuff: 2017 Podcast: Dynamic Reteaming Book: Team Topologies About the Agile Uprising If you enjoyed this episode, please give us a review, a rating, or leave comments on iTunes, Stitcher or your podcasting platform of choice. It really helps others find us.  Much thanks to the artist  from  who provided us our outro music free-of-charge!  If you like what you heard,     to find more music you might enjoy! If you’d like to join the discussion and share your stories,  please jump into the fray at our  We at the Agile Uprising are committed to being totally free.  However, if you’d like to contribute and help us defray hosting and production costs we do have a .  Who knows, you might even get some surprises in the mail!  

In this Agile Uprising pod, co-hosts Andy Cleff and Adrew Leff conclude a trilogy with Gene Gendel by examining why organizational design must be the foundation for sustainable agility. Drawing on his experience as a transformation agent, Gene challenges the common approach of starting with mindset change and explains why structural changes must come first. The discussion brings together insights from the previous episodes about HR policies, financial structures, and product orientation to provide leaders with practical guidance for creating an environment where agility can truly flourish. Contact Info LinkedIn: Twitter:  Website:  Meetup Community (main): YouTube Channel: Related shows:  (2023) (2021) (2019) (2021) About the Agile Uprising If you enjoyed this episode, please give us a review, a rating, or leave comments on iTunes, Stitcher or your podcasting platform of choice. It really helps others find us.  Much thanks to the artist  from  who provided us our outro music free-of-charge!  If you like what you heard,     to find more music you might enjoy! If you’d like to join the discussion and share your stories,  please jump into the fray at our  We at the Agile Uprising are committed to being totally free.  However, if you’d like to contribute and help us defray hosting and production costs we do have a .  Who knows, you might even get some surprises in the mail! Related Visuals

One of the hardest decisions we make as professionals is knowing when it's time to leave a job.  This week we sit down to compare notes on how we make our decisions, and what references or heuristics we use to help ensure we're making the right choice.  Enjoy!    

In this episode of the Agile Uprising podcast, host Andy Cleff chats with Simon Holzapfel about how humans organized and learned together before industrial-age practices disrupted our natural patterns.  Through examples from anthropology, biology, and neuroscience, they explore what ancient societies and our own biology can teach us about effective collaboration at scale. The conversation challenges common assumptions about organizational hierarchy and control, suggesting that agile principles aren't new inventions, but rather a rediscovery of how humans naturally work and learn together.  For leaders and change agents, this episode offers practical steps toward creating organizations that work with, rather than against, human nature. Contact Info Related shows: Sociocracy-related Read More: About the Agile Uprising If you enjoyed this episode, please give us a review, a rating, or leave comments on iTunes, Stitcher or your podcasting platform of choice. It really helps others find us.  Much thanks to the artist  from  who provided us our outro music free-of-charge!  If you like what you heard,     to find more music you might enjoy! If you’d like to join the discussion and share your stories,  please jump into the fray at our  We at the Agile Uprising are committed to being totally free.  However, if you’d like to contribute and help us defray hosting and production costs we do have a .  Who knows, you might even get some surprises in the mail!

When you find yourself drowning in change metrics and conflicting feedback from multiple transformation initiatives, how do you make sense of it all? Join Agile Uprising Host Andy Cleff and his guest Patrick Verdonk as they explore why traditional change frameworks alone aren't enough in today's complex organizations.  Patrick, an experienced change facilitator and author of "", shares insights from his research and practical experience on how different change models interact and influence each other. Using Nokia's transformation journey as a backdrop, they discuss how change agents can better recognize and interpret signals that indicate the need for change, avoid common pitfalls, and make sense of complexity. Whether you're an agile coach, transformation leader, or change practitioner, you'll leave with practical approaches for navigating organizational change and understanding the ripple effects of transformation initiatives. Learn how to move beyond single-framework solutions and develop a more nuanced understanding of change in complex environments. Key topics include: Moving beyond traditional change frameworks Understanding how different change models interact Practical approaches to sensemaking in organizations Recognizing and interpreting signals of change Real-world lessons from Nokia's transformation journey Contact Info: Grab the book:  Related shows:  About the Agile Uprising If you enjoyed this episode, please give us a review, a rating, or leave comments on iTunes, Stitcher or your podcasting platform of choice. It really helps others find us.  Much thanks to the artist  from  who provided us our outro music free-of-charge!  If you like what you heard,     to find more music you might enjoy! If you’d like to join the discussion and share your stories,  please jump into the fray at our  We at the Agile Uprising are committed to being totally free.  However, if you’d like to contribute and help us defray hosting and production costs we do have a .  Who knows, you might even get some surprises in the mail!    

In this Agile Uprising pod, Andy Cleff welcomes back Gene Gendel to dive deep into what true product orientation means beyond surface-level changes. Gene unpacks common misconceptions about product-centric organizations and explores the 'productization saga' - where companies relabel components without meaningful structural change. The conversation examines how work breakdown, team structure, and budgeting practices impact genuine product focus, offering practical insights for organizations seeking authentic transformation. Contact Info LinkedIn: Twitter:  Website:  Meetup Community (main): YouTube Channel: Related shows:  (2023) (2021) (2019) (2021) About the Agile Uprising If you enjoyed this episode, please give us a review, a rating, or leave comments on iTunes, Stitcher or your podcasting platform of choice. It really helps others find us.  Much thanks to the artist  from  who provided us our outro music free-of-charge!  If you like what you heard,     to find more music you might enjoy! If you’d like to join the discussion and share your stories,  please jump into the fray at our  We at the Agile Uprising are committed to being totally free.  However, if you’d like to contribute and help us defray hosting and production costs we do have a .  Who knows, you might even get some surprises in the mail! Related Visuals

Join host Andy Cleff and his guest Dr. Steve Martin, author of "" for an honest and often humorous exploration of the journey from management to true leadership.  Drawing on his diverse background - from Disney cast member to Fortune 100 consultant - Steve shares practical insights on how to impact behavior, build trust, and empower teams.  Whether you're a new manager or a seasoned leader, you'll discover why managing isn't just about what you do, but how you shape the environment around you.  Plus, find out what marathon running can teach us about sustainable leadership practices. #Leadership #OrganizationalChange #TeamDynamics #Management #trust #PsychologicalSafety #Empowerment #Accountability Links Contact Info LinkedIn: Website: (docstevemartin.com) Book link: (Print/Kindle) Related shows:  (2024) (2017) (2024) (2024)  

In this Agile Uprising pod, co-hosts Andy Cleff and Jay Hrcsko chat with Gene Gendel about how HR policies and financial structures can either enable or constrain organizational agility. Gene shares insights from decades of experience helping organizations navigate the challenges of traditional performance management and budgeting practices. Drawing from his work as an 'Agile Theater Recovery Specialist,' Gene explores why these organizational structures are critical starting points for meaningful transformation and how leaders can begin turning potential constraints into enablers of change. Contact Info LinkedIn: Twitter:  Website:  Meetup Community (main): YouTube Channel: Related shows  (2023) (2021) (2019) (2021) Additional Info Closing Music: Orcs Loop by  is licensed under a . About the Agile Uprising If you enjoyed this episode, please give us a review, a rating, or leave comments on iTunes, Stitcher or your podcasting platform of choice. It really helps others find us.  If you’d like to join the discussion and share your stories,  please jump into the fray at our  We at the Agile Uprising are committed to being totally free.  However, if you’d like to contribute and help us defray hosting and production costs we do have a .  Who knows, you might even get some surprises in the mail! Related Visuals    

This week Jay goes solo to talk about something that's been on his mind lately...cathedrals.  If you've got an open mind you might get something out of this one.  Enjoy. If you enjoyed this episode, please give us a review, a rating, or leave comments on iTunes, Stitcher or your podcasting platform of choice. It really helps others find us.  Much thanks to the artist  from  who provided us our outro music free-of-charge!  If you like what you heard,     to find more music you might enjoy! If you’d like to join the discussion and share your stories,  please jump into the fray at our  We at the Agile Uprising are committed to being totally free.  However, if you’d like to contribute and help us defray hosting and production costs we do have a .  Who knows, you might even get some surprises in the mail!