Scrum Master vs Delivery Manager: What’s the Difference?: David Erskine-Shaw

What is agentic AI and why is everyone talking about it?In this episode, delivery and transformation leader James Farley breaks down what agentic AI really means, beyond the hype, and how it’s changing product development, business building, and creative work.▶︎What you’ll learn in this video:What agentic AI actually is (simple explanation)Real-world use cases for AI in business and product developmentWhy AI is unlocking creativity at scaleThe hidden risks of AI in product teamsHow AI can create false expectations with stakeholdersWhy culture matters more than toolsKanban, flow metrics, and improving delivery systemsThe #1 metric most teams ignore (work item age)How to use AI to validate ideas fasterKey takeaway:AI can accelerate thinking, prototyping, and delivery, but it can’t replace human judgment, context, or decision-making.Who this is for:Product managers & product ownersAgile coaches & Scrum MastersTech leaders & foundersAnyone exploring AI in business▶︎Connect with James Farley:https://www.linkedin.com/in/jsfarley/▶︎Subscribe for more conversations on Agile, product, and delivery https://www.youtube.com/@EverydayAgile/podcasts▶︎Our Newsletter https://substack.com/@betweenthestandups▶︎Chapters00:00 Intro00:45 What is Agentic AI? (Simple Explanation)01:30 Why Should People Care About Agentic AI?02:00 The Sibelius Analogy (Why This Matters)03:00 How AI Unlocks Creativity & Capability04:30 Real Business Use Cases (Websites, Content, Lead Gen)06:00 Why Agentic AI Is So Powerful Right Now06:45 The Dark Side: Where AI Goes Wrong07:10 The Problem With AI Prototypes (False Expectations)08:00 Why AI Can Mislead Stakeholders08:40 The Risk of “Paint-by-Numbers” Product Teams09:15 Why Teams Lose Autonomy with AI10:00 The Real Challenge: Culture, Not Tools10:40 James’ Career Journey (Army → Transformation Leader)13:50 Discovering Agile & Scrum16:00 Why Corporate Learning Fails17:30 What Is Kanban & Why It Matters19:00 Using Data to Improve Delivery21:30 Why Teams Ignore Jira (And How to Fix It)23:00 Flow Metrics Explained Simply25:30 The Most Important Metric: Work Item Age27:00 How to Prioritise Work Properly28:30 Flow Debt Explained29:30 How to Learn Faster (Books, Podcasts, Communities)33:00 Why Community Beats Courses35:00 Building an Agile Community (Agile Gloss)36:30 AI Hackathons & Rapid Prototyping37:30 Using AI to Validate Ideas Faster39:00 Courses, Consulting & Real-World Support43:00 The Problem with LinkedIn Today45:00 Final Thoughts on AI, Learning & Delivery▶︎ The Everyday Agile Podcast brings you interviews with Agile, Product, business, and tech folk that will leave you with actionable, relevant advice. ▶︎ About Everyday Agile We might be little, but we’ve got great, big ideas – and lots of them. Transformative ideas that can make a massive difference to your business, your team and how things run. Revolutionary ideas that give our clients the tools they need to nail the basics, create problem-solving products and smash strategy out of the park. Metamorphic ideas that – okay, you get the point.

How do you break into tech delivery without a technical background?In this episode, Dave shares his journey from working in HMRC and sales roles to becoming a highly experienced Agile delivery professional , working across fintech, aviation tech, and large-scale organisations.We cover:How to get into tech without codingThe difference between Scrum Master, Delivery Manager & Project ManagerWhy sales skills are underrated in tech careersThe reality of Agile consulting and contractingHow to build credibility when joining a new teamWhy quick wins matter more than big transformationsThe importance of culture, chemistry, and being yourself at workDave also shares a powerful perspective on Agile:It’s not about “doing Scrum”, it’s about delivering value.If you're trying to move into tech, grow as a delivery leader, or become a better consultant, this episode is packed with real-world insights.▶︎ Connect with Davehttps://www.linkedin.com/in/david-erskine-shaw-835b8311a/▶︎ Subscribe for more conversations on Agile, product, and deliveryhttps://www.youtube.com/@EverydayAgile/podcasts▶︎Our Newsletter https://substack.com/@betweenthestandups▶︎Chapters:0:00 Introduction to Dave 0:21 10+ Years in Tech Delivery Explained0:49 Learning Across Roles (Tester → BA → Delivery)1:23 Why He Chose Delivery Over Technical Roles1:41 Life Before Tech (HMRC, Sales & Early Career)2:24 The Reality of Moving Into the Private Sector2:42 Lessons Learned from Sales (Underrated Skills)3:27 Advice for Young People Starting Careers4:02 Why “Earning Your Stripes” Matters5:13 The Role That Changed Everything (Law Firm)5:42 Moving Into Leadership Through Performance6:01 First Step Into Tech (Testing Role)6:40 Becoming a Scrum Master & Delivery Leader7:30 Why He Leaned Into Delivery Management8:05 “Jack of All Trades” – Strength or Weakness?8:40 Leaving a Role to Grow Your Career9:16 Working in Aviation Tech & Fintech9:51 Why Delivery Manager Is the Best Role10:24 Why He Moved Into Contracting11:09 Making Yourself Redundant as a Scrum Master12:01 Agile Consulting Life Explained12:53 What Good Agile Teams Look Like13:47 Scaling Delivery & Improving Teams14:42 Looking at the Full System (Not Just Scrum)15:24 Why Chemistry Matters in Teams16:04 Culture Shock: Liverpool vs Cambridge17:45 Personal vs Professional Integration18:23 Building Credibility as a Consultant19:07 Starting With Zero Trust (Reality Check)19:46 Quick Wins & Building Momentum20:19 Why Being Yourself Matters at Work21:13 Small Wins vs Big Transformations22:21 Why He Stopped Posting on LinkedIn23:17 The Problem with Agile Dogma24:00 What Agile Is Actually About24:42 Where to Connect with Dave▶︎ The Everyday Agile Podcast brings you interviews with Agile, Product, business, and tech folk that will leave you with actionable, relevant advice. ▶︎ About Everyday Agile We might be little, but we’ve got great, big ideas – and lots of them. Transformative ideas that can make a massive difference to your business, your team and how things run. Revolutionary ideas that give our clients the tools they need to nail the basics, create problem-solving products and smash strategy out of the park. Metamorphic ideas that – okay, you get the point.

Why does most corporate training fail?In this episode, Amy Hoare shares her journey from Agile transformation to building a modern, AI-powered learning business and why traditional approaches to learning simply don’t work anymore.We cover:The rise (and decline) of Agile as a buzzwordThe story behind Agile Avengers, Molt and building a personal brandMoving from internal roles to consultancyWhy most corporate learning is ineffectiveHow AI is transforming training and developmentThe psychology of learning, growth mindset, and behaviour changeWhy adults stop thinking creatively (and how to fix it)Amy also shares insights from her MSc in Organisational Psychology. explaining why challenging the status quo is one of the most underrated skills in modern work.If you're in product, delivery, leadership, or L&D, this conversation will change how you think about learning.▶︎ Connect with Amyhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/amy-hoare/▶︎ Explore Molthttps://www.justmolt.com▶︎Our New Newsletter https://substack.com/@betweenthestandups▶︎ Watch more conversations like this(https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=w5m2sq7VUGc&list=PLI0p7mGeoVkhc0uLTQParKmcgaU5XRkc8▶︎Chapters: 0:00 Introduction to Amy 0:16 What Amy Does (Strategy & Transformation)0:54 Career Evolution into Agile & Transformation1:52 First Exposure to Agile (Financial Services)2:34 From Branch Manager to Agile Coaching3:25 Joining a Large-Scale Agile Transformation3:54 Was Agile Done Right?4:24 The Shift in Agile Roles (Scrum Master Changes)5:01 The Story of Agile Avengers5:35 Building a Community & Creating Content6:22 Why Agile Content Was Missing7:01 Rapid Growth & Momentum on LinkedIn8:26 Why Agile Avengers Slowed Down9:32 Moving Into Consultancy 10:37 Internal vs External Consulting (The Reality)11:22 Bridging Coaching & Consultancy12:07 Work-Life Balance in Consulting13:05 Why “Agile” Is Spoken About Less Today13:54 What Changed After Leaving Agile Avengers14:31 Evolving the Brand Into “Molt”16:29 What “Molt” Means 17:08 The Problem With Traditional Online Learning18:22 Custom AI-Powered Learning Explained19:03 Creating AI Avatars for Training19:47 Building Training in Days (Design Sprint Approach)20:34 Why Custom Learning Works Better21:02 Studying Organisational Psychology (MSc)22:01 Why Learning & Thinking Differently Matters23:11 The Problem With Education Systems24:11 Why We Stop Challenging the Status Quo25:07 Famous Examples of Breaking Norms26:12 Why Some People Keep Growing (And Others Don’t)27:00 The Future of Learning & Changing the World27:45 Where to Find Amy & Molt▶︎ The Everyday Agile Podcast brings you interviews with Agile, Product, business, and tech folk that will leave you with actionable, relevant advice. ▶︎ About Everyday Agile We might be little, but we’ve got great, big ideas – and lots of them. Transformative ideas that can make a massive difference to your business, your team and how things run. Revolutionary ideas that give our clients the tools they need to nail the basics, create problem-solving products and smash strategy out of the park. Metamorphic ideas that – okay, you get the point.

If you're wondering how to break into tech without a traditional background, this conversation is for you.In this episode, Ann-Marie Denton shares her journey from property and construction into tech leadership,proving that you don’t need a computer science degree to succeed in the industry.We dive into:How to get into tech without codingBuilding confidence in a new industryImposter syndrome and self-doubtThe reality of burnout in delivery rolesWhy vulnerability makes you a better leaderWhat “tech fluency” really meansLessons from working in product and delivery teamsAnn-Marie also shares her experience in a women-in-tech documentary and explains why using your voice matters more than ever.Whether you're trying to transition into tech, grow as a leader, or just feel less alone in the challenges, this episode is packed with real, honest insights.▶︎Ann-Marie's LinkedInhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/ann-marie-denton-179688a1/▶︎Our New Newsletter https://substack.com/@betweenthestandups▶︎Chapters0:00 Introduction to Ann-Marie Denton0:42 Taking Time Off & Avoiding Burnout in Tech1:28 Travel, Cruises & Switching Off2:41 How She Got Into Tech (By Accident)3:31 From Property to Product & Scrum4:42 Scrum Master vs Project Manager (Key Differences)5:25 Learning Tech Without a Technical Background6:05 How the Women in Tech Documentary Happened7:30 Losing & Rebuilding Confidence8:04 Getting Selected for the Documentary9:09 Behind the Scenes of Filming9:45 How to Build Confidence in Tech11:06 You Don’t Need to Code to Succeed12:03 Vulnerability, Self-Doubt & Leadership13:30 Why Being Honest on LinkedIn Matters14:08 Burnout, Pressure & Always Being “On”16:14 How to Stay Resilient (Breathwork, Therapy & Time Off)17:06 What is a Sound Bath?18:27 The Future of Tech Leadership18:55 Why Tech Fluency Matters for Leaders19:47 Data Doesn’t Tell the Full Story20:25 Experimentation vs Failure Mindset21:05 Should We Ban the Word “Failure”?23:00 What’s Next in Her Career24:27 Advice for People Getting Into Tech▶︎ The Everyday Agile Podcast brings you interviews with Agile, Product, business, and tech folk that will leave you with actionable, relevant advice. ▶︎ About Everyday Agile We might be little, but we’ve got great, big ideas – and lots of them. Transformative ideas that can make a massive difference to your business, your team and how things run. Revolutionary ideas that give our clients the tools they need to nail the basics, create problem-solving products and smash strategy out of the park. Metamorphic ideas that – okay, you get the point.

In this episode, delivery expert Gracie Davis joins the podcast to discuss leadership, scaling organisations, AI in the workplace, and the surprising benefits of building a personal brand on LinkedIn.With over 15 years of experience across delivery, organisational change, product management, and operations, Gracie shares how modern delivery leaders help companies turn chaos into clarity, especially in fast-growing startups and AI scale-ups.We also explore:• The leadership skill nobody teaches: self-regulation• Why clarity beats processes when scaling teams• How AI is really being used inside businesses today• Why posting on LinkedIn creates career opportunities• How to learn from unexpected places like sport, parenting and coaching• The importance of diversity and reducing bias in AI systemsGracie also explains the inspiration behind her powerful LinkedIn post about the “scaffolding” of supportive people in our careers and why leadership is about creating the conditions for others to thrive.If you work in delivery, product, agile, consulting, or leadership, this conversation is packed with insights you can apply immediately.▶︎Connect with Gracie:https://www.linkedin.com/in/graciedavis/▶︎Our New Newsletter https://substack.com/@betweenthestandupsChapters 0:00 Introduction – Gracie Davis on Delivery Leadership0:20 Career Background: Delivery, Product & Organisational Change1:10 The Story Behind the “Scaffolding” LinkedIn Post2:04 Supportive Women & International Women’s Day Reflection3:13 Diversity, Inclusion & AI Bias Explained4:01 Working at an AI Scale-Up: What Gracie Actually Does7:04 What Delivery Leadership Looks Like Day-to-Day8:47 Turning Chaos Into Clarity in Fast-Growing Companies9:36 Strategy vs Operations in Rapidly Changing Businesses10:18 Strategic Agility: Setting Vision Without Over-Planning11:47 Leadership Lessons From Scaling Organisations13:40 Why Clarity Is the Most Important Leadership Skill15:04 Managing Up vs Managing Down as a Leader16:03 Self-Regulation: The Leadership Skill Nobody Teaches18:31 Best Ways to Learn & Develop Your Career19:05 Learning From Outside Your Industry (Sports, Parenting & More)20:51 Where Gracie Finds Inspiration Beyond the Agile Bubble23:36 The Reality of AI in the Workplace24:14 AI, Jobs & Supporting the Workforce Through Change25:04 Proof of Value: The Smarter Way to Implement AI25:46 Why Posting on LinkedIn Changed Her Career27:01 Building a Personal Brand Without Being Fake28:16 Being Authentic on LinkedIn (Even the Embarrassing Bits)29:16 Does Posting on LinkedIn Actually Create Opportunities?30:40 Why Likes and Followers Don’t Matter as Much as You Think31:44 Where to Connect With Gracie Davis▶︎ The Everyday Agile Podcast brings you interviews with Agile, Product, business, and tech folk that will leave you with actionable, relevant advice. ▶︎ About Everyday Agile We might be little, but we’ve got great, big ideas – and lots of them. Transformative ideas that can make a massive difference to your business, your team and how things run. Revolutionary ideas that give our clients the tools they need to nail the basics, create problem-solving products and smash strategy out of the park. Metamorphic ideas that – okay, you get the point.

Why do so many talented women working in tech still say “I’m not a techie”?In this episode, Beckie Taylor joins the podcast to talk about confidence, leadership, imposter syndrome, and the reality of building a career in tech.Beckie is a speaker, consultant, community builder and founder of Empower Women in Tech, with more than 20 years of experience in talent, leadership and technology communities. She also founded Tech Returners, a company dedicated to helping people return to technology careers.▶︎We discuss:Why women often downplay their expertise in tech.The impact of imposter syndrome and self-sabotage.What male allies can actually do to help.Why networking events can feel intimidating.The story behind Beckie’s Sound Barrier documentary.The mission behind the Empower Women in Tech conference.Why diversity and inclusion conversations are changing.This conversation is about confidence, community, and creating environments where people feel able to speak up and share their voice.▶︎Beckie's Socials https://www.linkedin.com/in/beckie-taylor-92840712/ https://www.instagram.com/the_voice_of_beckie_t_/?igsh=MW1pOHhqd2Iwa3c4aw%3D%3D&utm_source=qr▶︎Documentary Premiere https://www.eventbrite.com/e/1983447237079?aff=oddtdtcreator▶︎More about the doc https://thesoundbarrier.voicesin.tech/▶︎Empower WIT conferencesLondon - https://www.empower-wit.com/london-2026Manchester - https://www.empower-wit.com/manchester-2026https://www.tickettailor.com/events/empower2/2091340▶︎Empower Together community https://www.meetup.com/women-in-technology-north/▶︎The Empower YouTube Channelhttps://www.youtube.com/@UC5pzu9bE-U309Gpgq7DW3OA ▶︎Our New Newsletter https://substack.com/@betweenthestandups▶︎ The Everyday Agile Podcast brings you interviews with Agile, Product, business, and tech folk that will leave you with actionable, relevant advice. ▶︎ About Everyday Agile We might be little, but we’ve got great, big ideas – and lots of them. Transformative ideas that can make a massive difference to your business, your team and how things run. Revolutionary ideas that give our clients the tools they need to nail the basics, create problem-solving products and smash strategy out of the park. Metamorphic ideas that – okay, you get the point.

Welcome to the Everyday Agile Podcast.Orsolya Alapi is this week's guest. As a Delivery Manager, certified Scrum Master (PSM I, PSM II) and Agile Coach (ICP-ACC) with over a decade of experience in Product Delivery across multiple countries, Orsolya specialises in guiding teams to achieve high performance and deliver real value. Her pragmatic, people-first approach ensures that teams feel empowered to take ownership of their work while driving meaningful outcomes. ▶︎Orsolya's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/orsolyaalapi/▶︎Our New Newsletter https://substack.com/@betweenthestandups00:00 Introduction and Welcome00:42 Professional Background and Expertise01:33 Mindset and Communication02:14 Cultural Differences in Communication03:49 Challenges and Adaptability in Agile06:20 Career Journey and Experiences10:38 Roles and Responsibilities in Agile13:16 Core Principles of Agile17:16 Creating a Collaborative Environment19:15 First Month in a New Organization19:52 Understanding System Workflows20:23 Building Trust with Small Wins21:22 Drawing Inspiration from Outside Agile23:22 The Coaching Journey26:23 Recommended Courses and Trainers28:45 Changing Perspectives on Project Management32:00 Future Plans and Workplace Culture36:11 Final Thoughts and Contact Information

Welcome to the Everyday Agile Podcast.Dave Freeman is this week's guest. Dave turns your awesome ideas into awesome software.▶︎Dave's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/davidjfreeman01/▶︎17 Things:https://17things.co.uk/▶︎Our New Newsletter https://substack.com/@betweenthestandups00:00 Welcome Back to Liverpool00:22 Discussing LinkedIn and AI Content02:48 Transitioning from Military to Tech05:10 Starting 17 Things07:22 Challenges and Motivations13:12 Volunteering and Software Solutions26:05 The Value of Motivation26:15 Navigating Business Challenges26:38 The Evolution of Business Models28:03 Leveraging Technology for Efficiency29:49 Balancing Work and Personal Life30:48 The Reality of Entrepreneurship35:21 Employment vs. Entrepreneurship37:45 Industry Insights and Future Outlook44:22 Final Thoughts and Contact InformationThe Everyday Agile Podcast brings you interviews with Agile, Product, business, and tech folk that will leave you with actionable, relevant advice. ▶︎ About Everyday Agile We might be little, but we’ve got great, big ideas – and lots of them. Transformative ideas that can make a massive difference to your business, your team and how things run. Revolutionary ideas that give our clients the tools they need to nail the basics, create problem-solving products and smash strategy out of the park. Metamorphic ideas that – okay, you get the point.

Welcome to the Everyday Agile Podcast.Jess Madhavan is this week's guest. Jess is an Engineering Leader operating multiple small, fast-moving teams building 0–1 products and experimental platforms. She has a background in scaling teams, running cross-functional squads and driving AI-enabled ways of working in high-paced environments. Big on pace, clarity, ownership and creating spaces where people feel bold enough to build properly, not just safely.Jess is a strong advocate for Women in Tech, modern leadership and building things that are useful, not just impressive.▶︎Jess's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jessmadhavan/▶︎Our New Newsletter https://substack.com/@betweenthestandups▶︎Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Welcome00:09 Jess's Professional Background01:44 The Role of AI in Engineering Leadership04:20 The Importance of Social Media and Networking07:14 Transition from Engineer to Engineering Manager09:17 Differences Between Delivery and Engineering Managers10:58 Impact of AI on Engineering Teams20:05 Addressing Concerns About AI in the Workplace22:24 Advice for Tech Leaders on Adopting AI22:56 Understanding Team Bottlenecks24:11 Introducing AI Workflows25:46 Balancing AI Usage27:02 Future of High-Performing Teams29:18 Openness and Communication in Tech31:18 Women in Tech: An Ongoing Conversation38:47 Inspiration and Motivation40:17 Looking Ahead to 202640:48 Connecting and Sharing Ideas42:02 Conclusion and Contact InformationThe Everyday Agile Podcast brings you interviews with Agile, Product, business, and tech folk that will leave you with actionable, relevant advice. ▶︎ About Everyday Agile We might be little, but we’ve got great, big ideas – and lots of them. Transformative ideas that can make a massive difference to your business, your team and how things run. Revolutionary ideas that give our clients the tools they need to nail the basics, create problem-solving products and smash strategy out of the park. Metamorphic ideas that – okay, you get the point.

Welcome to the Everyday Agile Podcast.Nathan Davies is this week's guest. Nathan is Senior Transformation Delivery Leader with a 30‑year track record delivering complex, high‑impact business and digital change across Banking, Asset Management, and regulated environments. Expert at shaping ambiguous initiatives into executable delivery plans, strengthening governance, and driving measurable business outcomes.Proven ability to influence senior sponsors, operate with autonomy, and lead multi‑disciplinary teams through high‑stakes transformation. ▶︎Nathan's LinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/in/nathanjdavies/▶︎Chapters 00:00 - Welcome & AI's Impact on Agile Roles01:24 - Leveraging AI in Agile Delivery & Data Security04:23 - The Role of No-Code Solutions in Agile05:53 - Balancing Agility in Client-Facing & Global Teams10:14 - Recruiting Agile Talent: The Simulator Approach18:54 - Essential Skills for Aspiring Agile Professionals21:53 - Future Vision: Scaling Agile by Making Coaches RedundantThe Everyday Agile Podcast brings you interviews with Agile, Product, business, and tech folk that will leave you with actionable, relevant advice. ▶︎ About Everyday Agile We might be little, but we’ve got great, big ideas – and lots of them. Transformative ideas that can make a massive difference to your business, your team and how things run. Revolutionary ideas that give our clients the tools they need to nail the basics, create problem-solving products and smash strategy out of the park. Metamorphic ideas that – okay, you get the point.