Agile and Project Management - DrunkenPM Radio

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

In this engaging conversation, Johanna Rothman takes over Dave Prior's podcast to discuss the journey of writing their new book with Stu Young. They explore themes of self-responsibility, emotional intelligence, and the importance of visual thinking in navigating complexity. The authors share their personal experiences and insights on collaboration, the writing process, and the necessity of embracing change in both personal and professional lives. They emphasize the significance of authenticity and continuous improvement as key elements in achieving success and fulfillment. Takeaways • The book was inspired by a drunken conversation on a ship. • Self-responsibility is crucial; no one will save you. • Emotional intelligence is a key skill for success. • Personal Kanban helps in organizing tasks effectively. • PDSA (Plan, Do, Study, Adjust) is essential for personal growth. • Visual thinking aids in problem-solving and idea generation. • Careers are not linear; adaptability is vital. • Change is inevitable; embrace it rather than resist. • Collaboration enhances the writing process and creativity. • Authenticity and imperfection are strengths, not weaknesses. Links from the Interview: Johanna Rothman Web: http://www.jrothman.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/johannarothman/ Stuart Young Web: https://www.stuartyoung.uk/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/stuart-young-vis/ Dave Prior Web: https://linktr.ee/mrsungo LinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/in/mrsungo/ Newsletter Sign Up: https://tinyurl.com/3f5aevts No One Is Coming to Save You https://leanpub.com/surfthechaos The Agile Network September Event (24 hours) - Expert's Showcase Begins 9/7 at 8 AM Eastern https://theagilenetwork.com/group/cca3b7ef-4fb3-42a7-8f97-59ab04a7b2e5/profile Lean Coffee with Dave, Anu Smalley, Bob Galen, and Angela Johnson 9/7 at 2 PM Eastern https://theagilenetwork.com/event/6ba65f21-fef8-4f48-8fb5-9b769c1b1b96/ROUND_TABLE Lean DC - Agile Meetup - No One is Coming to Save You 10/8 at 12 PM Eastern https://www.meetup.com/dc-lean-agile/events/310850331/?eventOrigin=group_events_list Chapters 02:28 The Backstory of the Book 08:02 The Book's Premise: No One is Coming to Save You 13:59 Emotional Intelligence and Self-Awareness 17:24 Understanding PDSA vs. PDCA 18:41 The Importance of Self-Reflection 20:06 Getting Your Shit Together: Personal Kanban and PDSA 20:37 Visual Thinking in Agile Coaching 24:35 Navigating Non-Linear Career Paths 26:22 Embracing Change in Careers 32:251 Collaborative Writing and Finishing Projects 37:45 Dealing with Change and Relationships 41:12 The Value of Time and Self-Awareness

Dave Prior transitions control of his podcast to Alex Silva, a fellow Personal Kanban practitioner. They discuss the challenges of time management and productivity, sharing personal experiences and strategies. Dave emphasizes the importance of using personal Kanban as a tool for self-reflection and optimization, rather than just task management. He describes his "productivity recovery plan" using a notebook to maintain focus when his electronic system fails. Alex highlights the benefits of community and continuous learning, noting the impact of face-to-face interactions. Both agree on the value of daily routines, such as reading and exercise, for maintaining balance and productivity. Contacting Alex LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/soualexsilva/ To learn more about Personal Kanban Personal Kanban: https://www.personalkanban.com/pk/blog/ Dave’s Personal Kanban Blog Posts: https://drunkenpm.blogspot.com/2014/10/summary-of-personal-kanban-posts-for.html The Agile Network’s Discover What’s NEXT event 8/20-21 https://theagilenetwork.com/group/ddb2c98a-5768-4763-9b3d-3ae170c384e0/profile

In this conversation, David Marquet shares his transformative leadership journey from commanding the Santa Fe submarine, one of the worst performers in the fleet, to implementing a culture of empowerment and accountability. He discusses the importance of shifting from a language of permission to a language of intent, encouraging leaders to empower their teams to think critically and make decisions. Marquet emphasizes the significance of mindset, distance, and self-coaching in effective decision-making, and how visualizing problems can lead to better solutions. The discussion culminates in practical advice for creating a culture of accountability and fostering a proactive mindset within teams. Takeaways Leadership is about inspiring teams, not just giving orders. The language of permission can stifle innovation and accountability. Empower your team to think critically and make decisions. Mindset and distance are crucial for effective decision-making. Coaching yourself can lead to better outcomes. Visualizing problems helps in understanding and solving them. Creating a culture of accountability is essential for success. Encourage a language of intent over a language of permission. Fresh perspectives can lead to innovative solutions. Transformational leadership requires a shift in mindset and language. LINKS Distancing - How Great Leaders Reframe to Make Better Decisions by L. David Marquet and Michael A. Gillespie https://tinyurl.com/wtadnumb You can check out the interview with David’s co-author, Michael Gillespie, here: https://on.soundcloud.com/zb166tQR3Ce8gp0tHd Contacting L. David Marquet Web: https://davidmarquet.com LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/davidmarquet/ Amazon: https://tinyurl.com/4ezbp4a9 Contacting Michael Gillespie University of South Florida: https://tinyurl.com/yds54cbe LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/michael-gillespie-78661a4/

In this episode, Dave interviews Dr. Michael Gillespie about his book 'Distancing - How Great Leaders Reframe to Make Better Decisions', which explores psychological distancing as a tool for better decision-making. They discuss the importance of stepping outside one's own perspective to gain clarity, the different types of distancing (self, time, and space), and practical applications of these techniques. The conversation also touches on the role of journaling, the significance of construal level theory, and how mindfulness can complement these strategies. Ultimately, the discussion emphasizes the need for individuals to pause and reflect in order to make more informed decisions. Takeaways • Psychological distancing helps individuals see situations more clearly. • Mindfulness is beneficial, but not always sufficient for immediate decision-making. • There are three primary types of distancing: self, time, and space. • Journaling in the third person can enhance self-awareness and clarity. • Construal level theory explains the difference between high-level abstract thinking and low-level concrete thinking. • Taking a pause is crucial in emotionally charged situations. • Practicing distancing techniques can lead to better emotional regulation. • Being a 'fly on the wall' can provide valuable perspective in difficult moments. • It's important to normalize the practice of pausing in group settings. • The ultimate goal is to make better decisions and improve overall well-being. LINKS Distancing - How Great Leaders Reframe to Make Better Decisions by L. David Marquet and Michael A. Gillespie https://tinyurl.com/wtadnumb Contacting Michael Gillespie University of South Florida: https://tinyurl.com/yds54cbe LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/michael-gillespie-78661a4/ Contacting L. David Marquet Web: https://davidmarquet.com LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/davidmarquet/ Amazon: https://tinyurl.com/4ezbp4a9

In this conversation, Henry Poydar joins Dave on the podcast to discuss the innovative platform Steady, which aims to enhance team coordination and communication in the workplace. Henry shares his extensive background in engineering and web development, emphasizing the importance of context and intentions in project management. They explore the challenges of cross-team coordination, especially in the wake of the pandemic, and how Steady seeks to unburden teams from the coordination crisis. The discussion also highlights the concept of 'echoes' as a new way to provide contextual insights and the significance of celebrating individual contributions within teams. Overall, the conversation sheds light on the future of work and the role of technology in fostering collaboration and productivity. Takeaways - The importance of context in team coordination cannot be overstated. - Intentions should be prioritized over commitments in project management. - Writing down intentions serves as a forcing function for clarity. - The pandemic has highlighted the need for better cross-team coordination. - Steady aims to unburden teams from coordination challenges. - The concept of a shared brain can enhance teamwork and communication. - Echoes are a new way to provide contextual insights to team members. - Nudges can help optimize workflows and improve productivity. - Celebrating individual contributions is essential for team morale. Chapters 04:22 Introduction to Steady and Henry's Background 07:25 The Evolution of Engineering and Design in Tech 10:17 The Importance of Context in Team Coordination 13:05 Intentions vs. Commitments in Project Management 16:08 The Role of Writing in Clarifying Intentions 18:55 The Impact of the Pandemic on Team Dynamics 22:07 Cross-Team Coordination Challenges 25:04 The Cost of Poor Coordination in Knowledge Work 27:54 Steady's Approach to Reducing Coordination Burden 30:58 Creating a Shared Brain for Teams 38:26 Contextualizing Team Dynamics 34:04 Empowering Autonomy in Project Management 39:50 Leveraging AI for Enhanced Collaboration 43:27 The Importance of Personal Recognition 46:00 Tailored Insights for Effective Decision Making 50:28 Vision for a Meaningful Work Environment Contacting Henry: - Steady: https://runsteady.com/ - LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/henrypoydar/ Other Links from the Podcast: - Dave and Stuart’s Book: “No One Is Coming to Save You”
www.stuartyoung.uk/copy-of-human-skills-1 - AI Readiness for Professionals Course
tinyurl.com/y79kassb - Dave’s Upcoming Scrum Certification Classes
www.scrumalliance.org/courses-events…=14153&cnty=US