Navigating Uncertainty - Preparing for Success in 2026 with Johanna Rothman and Mark Kilby

In this episode of the Reluctant Agilist, Dave Prior and Lonnie Weaver-Johnson delve into the intricacies of giving and receiving feedback. They explore personal experiences, the importance of empathy, and various models for effective feedback. The conversation emphasizes the need for clarity, intent, and kindness in feedback delivery, while also addressing the challenges of navigating feedback in professional settings. Lonnie shares her insights from years of experience in performance reviews and coaching, highlighting the significance of understanding individual differences in feedback reception. Takeaways - Feedback is a gift, not a weapon. - Understanding the intent behind feedback is crucial. - Empathy plays a significant role in effective feedback. - Clarity in communication helps avoid misunderstandings. - Different people react to feedback in various ways. - Feedback should serve the recipient's growth. - Self-reflection is important after giving feedback. - Models like SBI (Situation, Behavior, Impact) can guide feedback delivery. - Creating a safe space for feedback encourages openness. - Feedback should be a two-way conversation. Chapters 00:00 Podcast Intro 02:31 The Importance of Giving Feedback 05:31 The Importance of Receiving Feedback 08:35 The Art of Giving Feedback 11:29 Navigating Feedback in Professional Settings 14:30 The Role of Choice in Feedback 17:34 Personal Reflections on Feedback 20:27 Feedback and Personal Growth 25:38 The Importance of Feedback and Follow-Up 34:10 Self-Reflection and Self-Feedback 37:11 Feedback Models and Their Effectiveness 45:11 Intent Behind Feedback and Its Impact Contacting Lonnie LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lonnieweaverjohnson/ Web: https://www.lonniewj.com/ Dave’s classes (CSM, CSPO, A-CSPO, PMP, PMI-ACP) https://www.eventbrite.com/cc/dave-prior-classes-4758623 Dave and Stuart’s Book No One Is Coming to Save You: Power-ups to help surf the chaos Amazon: https://tinyurl.com/ydvzx7ux Leanpub: https://leanpub.com/surfthechaos

In this episode of the Reluctant Agilist, host Dave Prior welcomes Mark Kilby and Johanna Rothman to discuss their reflections and plans for the new year. The conversation begins with a candid admission from Dave about feeling lost in setting goals for 2026, prompting Johanna to suggest a shift in focus from preparing for risks to preparing for success. The trio explores the importance of collaboration and the need to let go of what hinders progress, particularly in the context of AI and its implications for project management. They emphasize the necessity of resilience and adaptability in a rapidly changing world, advocating for a more positive outlook on success rather than a fear-based approach to risk management. As the discussion unfolds, they delve into the challenges posed by generative AI, the importance of trust in technology, and the need for personal and organizational resilience. The episode culminates in a reflection on the significance of collaboration and the value of learning from one another, highlighting the importance of community in navigating the complexities of modern work environments. Ultimately, the conversation serves as a reminder to focus on personal growth, inclusivity, and the pursuit of meaningful connections in both professional and personal spheres. Takeaways "Preparing for success allows for managing risk." "We need to focus more on the next place." "Trust is the one thing we need even more of." "You can't do all that with AI." "Don't do it alone. Collaborate with others." Chapters 00:00 New Year Reflections and Inspirations 03:27 Preparing for Success vs. Risk Management 06:18 AI in Project Management: Opportunities and Challenges 09:19 Trust and Technology: A Post-Trust World? 12:22 Betrayal of the Social Contract in Technology 15:22 Planning for Success: Onward and Inclusive 18:17 Finding Joy in Work Post-Pandemic 31:35 AI in Interviewing: A New Frontier 34:06 Rethinking Hiring Practices 35:39 Productivity: Beyond the Workplace 36:53 Learning and Adapting to AI 38:31 The Impact of the Pandemic on Work Relationships 41:54 Navigating Uncertainty in Leadership 43:19 Building Resilience in Teams 46:04 Personal Growth and Double Loop Learning 50:38 The Importance of Physical and Mental Health 54:32 Creating a Supportive Work Environment Contact Info Contacting Johanna Rothman Web: https://www.jrothman.com/ LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/johannarothman Amazon: https://tinyurl.com/vjbd4xmd Contacting Mark Kilby Web: https://www.markkilby.com/ LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/mkilby Amazon: https://tinyurl.com/3sfud7sh Contacting Dave Prior Web: https://linktr.ee/mrsungo LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/mrsungo Amazon: https://tinyurl.com/4672s298

In this conversation, Dave Prior interviews Victor Njoroge about the intersection of AI and product management. Victor shares his background and role at Clarion, emphasizing the importance of optimizing workflows for sales development representatives. They discuss the concept of Sidebar, a platform for brainstorming and sharing ideas among professionals. Victor explains how he built a virtual board of directors using AI to gain diverse perspectives on product management challenges. The conversation highlights the significance of trust in AI tools, the need for continuous learning, and the enduring value of human skills in the age of AI. Takeaways - AI can optimize product management processes. - Building a virtual board of directors enhances decision-making. - Diverse perspectives are crucial for effective product management. - Trust in AI tools is essential for their successful implementation. - Understanding user pain points is key to product management. - AI can help in brainstorming and generating ideas. - Using personas can provide valuable insights in product development. - AI tools can save time and improve efficiency in product management. - Continuous learning about AI tools is necessary for staying competitive. - Human skills remain invaluable despite advancements in AI. Chapters 01:28 Introduction to AI in Product Management 04:15 Victor's Background and Role at Clarion 07:05 The Concept of Sidebar and Networking 09:53 The Genesis of AI in Product Management 12:24 Building a Virtual Board of Directors 15:21 Creating Personas for Product Management 18:10 Using AI to Challenge Bias in Decision Making 21:11 Practical Applications of AI in Product Management 24:49 Exploring Prioritization Techniques 30:39 The Role of AI in Product Management 36:36 Finding and Prioritizing AI Tools 41:47 The Human Element in AI and Product Management Links from the podcast: MITSloan Review Article "How I Built a Personal Board of Directors With GenAI" https://tinyurl.com/m28e8h4k Sidebar: https://www.sidebar.com Contacting Victor LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/victor-njoroge/ Contacting Dave LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mrsungo/ Dave's classes: https://www.eventbrite.com/cc/dave-prior-classes-4758623

Revolutionizing Recruitment with SuperHired featuring Josh Hill In this conversation, Josh Hill discusses the innovative approach of SuperHired in transforming the recruitment process. He emphasizes the flaws of traditional hiring methods, the importance of understanding both candidate and company contexts, and the role of AI in recruitment. Josh advocates for a more human-centered approach to hiring, focusing on the 'job to be done' framework and the need for candidates to advocate for their own needs. He also provides insights on navigating the current job market and offers advice for both candidates and hiring managers. Takeaways - Recruitment should be viewed as a matchmaking process. - Traditional resumes are outdated and do not represent candidates accurately. - Work today is dynamic and requires a different approach to hiring. - AI in recruitment often complicates rather than simplifies the process. - Understanding the context of both candidates and companies is crucial. - Companies need to be transparent about their culture and values. - Candidates should advocate for their needs during the hiring process. - Creativity in presenting oneself can help candidates stand out. - The current recruitment system often leads to a lose-lose situation for both candidates and companies. - I nvesting in the right hiring practices can lead to long-term success for companies. Chapters 00:00 Introduction to SuperHired and Its Mission 05:52 The Flaws of Traditional Recruitment 08:38 The Role of AI in Recruitment 11:09 Understanding Candidate Context 13:51 The ATS Dilemma 16:16 Innovative Approaches to Hiring 19:08 Self-Discovery in Job Seeking 21:45 The Exchange of Value in Hiring 24:13 The Future of Recruitment 27:32 The Cost of Recruitment Mistakes 29:29 Transformational Hiring for Small Businesses 31:38 The Human Element in Business Success 33:54 Due Diligence in Recruitment 37:07 Advice for Job Seekers in a Tough Market 41:28 The Dark Side of Recruiting 44:36 Engaging with Hiring Managers Contacting Josh LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/josh-hill-24b760a6/ SuperHired on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/108121043/ Web: https://www.superhired.ai/ Dave's Links Contacting Dave: https://linktr.ee/mrsungo Upcoming Classes on Katanu https://www.eventbrite.com/cc/dave-prior-classes-4758623 All Upcoming Katanu Classes https://katanu.com/ The Agile Network https://theagilenetwork.com/discover Use Expert Discount Code: DRUNKENPMCMC33 to get 33% OFF all memberships

In this engaging conversation, Dave Prior and Lonnie Weaver-Johnson delve into the complexities of giving and receiving feedback. They explore personal experiences, the emotional challenges associated with feedback, and practical strategies for improving feedback dynamics. Lonnie shares her insights on the importance of mindset, recognizing triggers, and the four Rs of feedback: recognize, receive, react, and respond. The discussion emphasizes the value of self-awareness and the need for constructive communication in both personal and professional settings. Takeaways - Feedback can be life-changing if handled positively. - Many people struggle with receiving positive feedback. - It's crucial to learn how to accept feedback in various settings. - Feedback givers can help receivers by being mindful of their delivery. - The receiver ultimately controls how they handle feedback. - Compartmentalizing feedback can help in processing it effectively. - Recognizing triggers can aid in managing emotional responses to feedback. - Practicing self-talk can help combat negative internal feedback. - It's okay to ask for time to process feedback before responding. - Showing gratitude for feedback, even if it's hard to hear, can be beneficial. Chapters 02:49 Introduction to Feedback Dynamics 05:35 The Importance of Receiving Feedback 8:26 Navigating Negative Feedback 11:40 Personal Stories and Lessons Learned 13:54 Triggers and Reactions to Feedback 16:38 The Four Rs of Feedback 19:42 Responding to Feedback Effectively 22:29 Self-Feedback and Positive Reinforcement Links Lonnie’s Session at 2025 PMI Global Summit Beyond Going Through the Motions: Create Retrospectives That Lead To Change https://pmiglobalsummit.gcs-web.com/program/agenda#sess61853976 Dave and Stuart’s Book No One Is Coming to Save You: Power-ups to help surf the chaos - Amazon: https://tinyurl.com/2765ztum - Leanpub: https://leanpub.com/surfthechaos Dave’s classes (CSM, CSPO, A-CSPO, PMP, PMI-ACP) https://www.eventbrite.com/cc/dave-prior-classes-4758623 Contacting Lonnie LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lonnieweaverjohnson/ Web: https://www.lonniewj.com/

In this conversation, Dave Prior and Hugo Bowne-Anderson discuss the evolving landscape of AI and data science, focusing on the role of AI agents in solving business problems. Hugo shares insights on how to effectively implement AI solutions, the importance of understanding the underlying data, and the need for continuous improvement in AI systems. They also touch on the skills necessary for navigating the AI landscape, the value of collaboration between technical and non-technical teams, and the importance of assessing the value of AI projects. Hugo concludes by offering a course on building AI applications, emphasizing the iterative nature of AI development. Takeaways - Hugo emphasizes the importance of data in AI applications. - AI agents can automate tasks but require human oversight. - Understanding the problem is crucial before implementing AI solutions. - Prompt engineering remains a valuable skill alongside learning about agents. - Consultants should educate clients on practical AI applications. - AI systems should be built incrementally and iteratively. - Value assessment in AI projects should focus on efficiency and cost savings. - Continuous improvement is essential for AI systems to remain effective. - Experimentation with AI tools can lead to innovative solutions. - Collaboration between technical and non-technical teams is vital for successful AI implementation. Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Data and AI Literacy 06:14 Understanding AI Agents vs. LLMs 09:18 The Role of Agents in Business Solutions 12:21 Navigating the Future of AI and Agents 15:24 Consulting and Client Education in AI 18:37 Building Incremental AI Solutions 21:29 The Future of AI Coding and Debugging 24:32 Prototyping with AI: Challenges and Solutions 25:32 Leveraging AI for User Insights and Competitive Analysis 27:29 Understanding Value in AI Development 32:05 The Role of Product Managers in AI Integration 33:00 AI as an Instrument: The Human Element 35:33 Getting Started with AI: Practical Steps for Teams 38:51 Building AI Applications: Course Overview and Insights Links from the Podcast: Stop Building AI Agents - Here’s what you should build instead (Article) https://www.decodingai.com/p/stop-building-ai-agents Anthropic https://www.anthropic.com/engineering/multi-agent-research-system The Colgate Study https://www.pymc-labs.com/blog-posts/AI-based-Customer-Research Hugo’s Course (Starts November 3, 2025) Building AI Applications for Data Scientists and Software Engineers (with a 25% discount) https://maven.com/hugo-stefan/building-ai-apps-ds-and-swe-from-first-principles?promoCode=drunkenpm (You can use the discount code drunkenpm to get 25% off) How To Be A Podcast Guest with Jay Hrcsko https://youtu.be/vkNbgwcolIM Contacting Hugo LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/hugo-bowne-anderson-045939a5/ Substack https://hugobowne.substack.com/ Contacting Dave Linktree: https://linktr.ee/mrsungo Dave’s Classes: https://www.eventbrite.com/cc/dave-prior-classes-4758623

This interview is also available via video form here: https://youtu.be/vkNbgwcolIM If you’ve never been on a podcast before, the whole idea of it can be intimidating. What if you say the wrong thing? Or say “Um… to your point” too many times. EVERYONE will judge you. Your career will be over. It will be the end of days…. Except none of that will happen. But just to put your mind at ease, Jack Hrcsko and I have put together a podcast with tips to help you be an excellent podcast guest. Between the two of us we’ve done thousands of podcast interviews. As hosts, we want to help you shine, and we want to create compelling content that will be valuable to he listeners. Selfishly, we also want help you make our jobs as hosts and editors a little easier. Whether you are about to do your very first interview or you just want to make sure you are set up for success, there are tips in here that will help you level up your podcast guestiness. Jay’s Contact Info: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jhrcsko/ Agile Uprising: https://www.agileuprising.com Agile Uprising Podcast: https://agileuprising.libsyn.com Chapters 00:18 Introduction to Podcasting and Guest Preparation 03:17 Effective Interview Preparation Strategies 06:20 Creating a Comfortable Interview Environment 09:05 Technical Setup for Podcast Interviews 12:11 Speaking Naturally and Avoiding Overthinking 15:16 Navigating the Interview Dynamics 18:10 The Role of Alcohol and Comfort in Interviews 24:32 Crafting Engaging Interviews 27:22 Navigating Guest Comfort and Communication 29:16 Embarrassing Moments in Podcasting 32:07 Worst Interview Experiences 35:49 Memorable Guests and Conversations 38:31 Utilizing Technology for Better Interviews 39:26 Connecting with Jay Hrcsko 40:26 Exploring Management Concepts 43:37 The Future of Work and Podcasting

Dennis Stevens joins drunkenpm for a deep dive into the challenges faced by middle management in organizational change. Dennis argues that Agile and transformation efforts often fail because they treat middle managers as a roadblock, when in fact, these managers are simply victims of a badly designed system. The core idea is that companies shouldn't try to eliminate these roles but must instead design specific organizational "containers" and routines that force middle managers to leverage human nature (like self-interest and competition) to drive innovation. The goal is to shift strategy from a static plan to a dynamic process that lives in the interactions between people, ensuring all the work being done is strategically aligned, measurable, and ultimately successful. Key Takeaways Middle Management is the Constraint: Organizational change, adaptability, and innovation will either happen or stall at the middle management level. Systemic Failure: Middle managers are often marginalized as the "stepchild" and are expected to manage tasks and activities instead of creating the conditions necessary for teams to achieve outcomes. Strategy is Dynamic: Strategy doesn't happen when a leader speaks; it becomes real when people start talking to each other and applying it, which requires designing routines that create safety for delegation. Embrace Human Nature: Successful organizational design must leverage human nature, where competitiveness is the fuel, rather than relying on idealistic notions of "no ego, total alignment". Conditions Over Practices: The success of Agile is due to the environment and conditions created for the teams, not the specific practices (like stand-ups or language). A key function of management is to consciously create those conditions. Constraints Drive Innovation: Setting clear goals and enforcing constraints and consequences within the designed container will drive innovation by forcing teams to be efficient and reinvent, as opposed to operating without pressure. Key Moments 0:02:24 The Core Thesis: Stevens introduces the central argument: "If you're trying to change how an organization runs, middle management is where it will either happen or stall." 0:03:41 The Problem Defined: Stevens uses the "stepchild" analogy to describe the plight of middle managers: having "fake power," lacking strategy, and being blamed for a system that was not designed to support them. 0:08:50 The Root Cause: Stevens identifies the problem: it's not a failure of management but a failure of the organization to deeply understand the conditions necessary for teams to innovate coherently in a complex system. 0:15:26 The Anti-Commune Stance: Stevens argues against the idealistic view of self-organization, stating that to succeed at scale, a system must be built where competitiveness is the fuel, rather than expecting people "to not be people." 0:20:08 The Glue of Strategy: Stevens defines where strategy truly exists: "Strategy becomes real when people start talking to each other." He stresses the need to build routines that create safety for delegation. 0:30:46 Constraints & Innovation: Stevens explains that constraints drive innovation by forcing efficiency, while a lack of constraints leads to inefficiency and a lack of pressure to reinvent. Dennis's Article: Innovation By Design https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/innovation-design-orgwright-qeipe/?trackingId=6eh7kgcyKabru1Cdv4%2BERg%3D%3D Links from the Intro: Productivity Survival: https://www.tickettailor.com/events/markkilby/1905697 No One is Coming to Save You Amazon: https://tinyurl.com/yhdk785j Leanpub: https://leanpub.com/surfthechaos Contacting Dennis LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dennisstevens/ OrgWright: https://www.orgwright.com/ The Agile Network: https://tinyurl.com/2tywk29e Contacting Dave LinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/in/mrsungo/ Linktree: https://linktr.ee/mrsungo The Agile Network: https://tinyurl.com/y3rhnnxp

In this conversation, Dave Prior speaks with Ashley Lucio about her extensive experience in communications, particularly focusing on the differences between internal communications and marketing. They discuss the challenges organizations face in deploying AI technologies and the importance of having communication professionals involved in these processes. Ashley emphasizes the need for effective communication strategies to manage organizational change and the potential pitfalls of neglecting this aspect. The conversation also touches on the evolving role of AI in communications and the necessity for a balanced approach that leverages technology while maintaining human insight. Sign up for my Newsletter http://eepurl.com/iB2jUI Takeaways • Ashley Lucio has a diverse background in communications, marketing, and internal communications. • Internal communications focus on employee engagement and understanding sentiment, distinct from marketing and PR. • Effective communication is crucial during organizational changes, especially with AI deployment. • Leadership plays a significant role in shaping communication strategies within organizations. • Cognitive dissonance can arise when company values do not align with employee experiences. • AI deployment should involve communication professionals to foresee potential issues. • Organizations often rush AI implementations without proper planning or communication. • The role of communications in project management is often undervalued but essential for success. • AI can enhance efficiency in communications but should not replace human insight. • The future of communications will require a balance between technology and human creativity. Chapters 03:11 Introduction and Background 05:40 The Role of Communications in Organizations 09:00 Internal vs External Communications 12:26 The Impact of AI on Organizational Messaging 17:36 The Need for Communication Professionals in Change Management 22:23 The Importance of Holistic Communication Strategies 24:02 The Role of Data in AI Development 24:45 Communication Strategies in AI Implementation 25:50 Damage Control in AI Adoption 26:35 Pilot Programs and Scaling AI Solutions 28:34 The Value of Project Management and Communication 29:44 Metrics of Success in Internal Communications 30:43 The Importance of Intentional Messaging 32:48 AI's Impact on Communication Roles 34:29 The Future of AI in Creative Fields 36:14 Using AI as a Tool, Not a Replacement Contacting Ashley LinkedIn: http://linkedin.com/in/alucio Other Links: The Agile Network - Resilient: Adapt and Thrive (10/7- 10/8): https://tinyurl.com/ynj5wjjm Productivity Survival with Dave Prior and Mark Kilby https://tinyurl.com/3zbdst52 (Use DavesDeep75 for a special discounted price) DC Lean Agile Meetup - No One Is Coming to Save You with Dave Prior (10/8 12 PM Eastern): https://www.meetup.com/dc-lean-agile/events/310850331/

(This podcast was originally recorded as a video episode. If you'd like to see that version: https://youtu.be/YSDNeAdyZiw) In this conversation, Dave Prior and Johnu Marattil discuss the challenges of job applications, particularly the importance of tailoring resumes for each position. Johnu shares his personal journey of creating a tool, WahResume, to automate and enhance the job application process. They delve into the significance of understanding ATS filters, common mistakes applicants make, and strategies for effectively showcasing skills and experiences. The discussion also covers the role of AI in improving resumes and the necessity of preparing for interviews in today's competitive job market. Takeaways • Tailoring your resume for each job application is essential. • Understanding ATS filters can significantly improve your chances of getting noticed. • Automating the resume creation process can save time and effort. • Highlighting skills and achievements is crucial for standing out. • Using keywords from job descriptions in your cover letter can enhance your application. • Applying for multiple roles increases your chances of getting shortlisted. • A simple and lightweight resume format is often more effective. • Practicing interviews can help build confidence and improve performance. • The goal of job applications has shifted to getting interviews rather than just landing jobs. • WahResume is a tool designed to streamline the job application process. Links: WahResume: https://www.wahresume.com/ (In the interview, Johnu shares a promo code that will give you a free month of full access - but you’ll need to listen to the recording to find out what it is.) Johnu on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/johnumarattil/ Chapters 00:20 Introduction to Job Application Challenges 03:19 The Importance of Tailoring Resumes 06:11 Automating the Job Application Process 09:15 Using AI to Enhance Resumes 11:42 Common Mistakes in Job Applications 14:28 Navigating the Job Market Today 17:23 Demonstrating the Resume Tool 20:14 Improving Resume Scores with Keywords 24:59 Navigating Job Descriptions and Resumes 27:13 Tailoring Resumes for Experience 28:55 The Importance of Relevant Skills 30:10 Optimizing Resume Formats for ATS 33:04 Understanding ATS Parsing Challenges 37:52 Simplifying Resume Formats 39:50 Job Application Strategies and Tips 43:48 Leveraging Tools for Job Seekers