🎙️ In this episode of the Take5IRL podcast, hosts @Pat and @Mike dig into common fallacies around work processes that often get in the way of effective delivery. Their discussion leads to a deeper look at flow metrics—what they are, why they matter, and how they help organizations move value sustainably through teams.
They break down how each of them defines “flow,” what it means for a system to deliver value in a predictable way, and why actively managing flow is one of the original intentions behind Scrum. Key metrics like work in process, cycle time, lead time, and throughput take center stage as tools for understanding and forecasting delivery.
Stay tuned to Take5IRL as they continue exploring how flow metrics can drive better outcomes for your teams and organization.
#Take5IRL #AgilityIRL #FlowMetrics #AgileDelivery #Scrum #CycleTime #LeadTime #Throughput #WorkInProcess #AgileTransformation #AgileLeadership #PredictableDelivery #BusinessAgility #AgileCoaching
🎙️In this episode of the take5IRL podcast, hosts @Pat and @Mike dive into what it truly means to be an Advanced SAFe Practice Consultant (ASPC)—one of the highest distinctions in the SAFe community.
Pat, one of the original 30 trainers worldwide to earn this certification, shares his perspective on how the ASPC designation represents years of hands-on experience, deep practical knowledge, and a proven ability to lead large-scale Agile transformations. Today, there are just over 100 ASPCs among thousands of SPCs around the globe.
Together, Pat and Mike explore how this certification goes beyond theory, focusing on the organizational change aspect of Agile implementation, helping leaders understand transformation impact, ROI, and measurable business outcomes. It’s a conversation about experience, leadership, and the evolution of agility at scale.
#Take5IRL #AgilityIRL #ASPC #SAFeFramework #ScaledAgile #AgileLeadership #AgileTransformation #LeanAgile #EnterpriseAgility #AgileConsulting #BusinessAgility #SPC #SAFeTraining
In this episode of Take5IRL, hosts @Pat and @Mike unpack insights from the recent SAFe Agile Summit. Pat shares his key takeaways from the event, including updates to the SAFe “Big Picture” and a growing emphasis on customizing SAFe to fit an organization’s unique needs. This shift aligns perfectly with Pat’s core belief: “Agile is not a straitjacket—it’s a framework.”
The conversation covers how agile practitioners can now contribute directly to the framework, the latest tools available to enhance implementation, and the changes Pat is most excited about moving forward. If you’re curious about how SAFe is evolving—or how it can be adapted to meet your organization where it is—this episode is for you.
To learn more about how SAFe can support your business goals, reach out to us at info@agilityirl.com.
#Take5IRL #AgilityIRL #SAFeSummit #ScaledAgile #SAFeFramework #AgileTransformation #LeanAgile #CustomAgile #AgileCoaching #EnterpriseAgility #SAFeForBusiness #AgileLeadership #AgileNotStraightjacket #AgileTools #BusinessAgility
🎙️ In this episode of Take5IRL, hosts @Jeff and @Mike introduce agilityIRL’s newest course offering: the Certified Agile Regulatory Specialist (CARS) for Teams.
This one-day course is a streamlined, developer-focused version of the original CARS training we’ve offered to product leadership teams. It's designed to equip development teams with the knowledge they need to build better products, stay aligned with FDA regulations, and work more effectively in Agile environments.
Whether you're onboarding new hires or retraining your team, this course offers a practical, engaging way to embed regulatory understanding into your Agile workflows.
🎧 Tune in to learn how we’re making regulatory agility more accessible—one team at a time. Email info@agilityirl.com to learn more about this opportunity.
#Take5IRL #AgilityIRL #CARSforTeams #RegulatoryAgile #AgileTraining #MedicalDeviceAgile #FDACompliance #AgileDevelopment #AgileCoaching #ScrumInRegulatedIndustries #LeanAgile #TeamTraining
🎙️ In this episode of the Take5IRL podcast, hosts @Jeff and @Pat continue their deep dive into Agile in the medical device industry—this time exploring a new engagement with Client C.
After conducting an initial assessment, the team uncovered a familiar challenge: a long tail of QMS (Quality Management System) processes that were slowing down delivery and decision-making. Much like Clients A and B from previous episodes, Client C received similar recommendations focused on improving testing efficiency and streamlining approval workflows.
Tune in to hear how agilityIRL worked with this client to move from insight to action—including how their new Agile tool will be both audited and implemented within a regulated environment.
This episode is a must-listen for anyone navigating agility inside a quality-heavy or compliance-driven context.
#Take5IRL #AgilityIRL #MedicalDeviceAgile #QMS #AgileTransformation #AgileInHealthcare #ScrumInMedTech #ProjectManagement #AgileCoaching #ComplianceAgile
In this episode of the Take5IRL podcast, hosts @Jeff and @Mike share their experiences working with two different medical device companies—each navigating agile transformation in its own way. They reflect on the key differences between the two clients, including how they approached sprint durations, testing cycles, and approval processes. The conversation highlights what made each engagement successful and explores the lessons learned along the way.
As they compare these real-world examples, Jeff and Mike also discuss how agile practices must adapt to the unique demands of the medical device industry, where regulation, compliance, and risk management are central. This episode offers valuable insight for anyone working to implement agile in highly regulated environments.
#Take5IRL #agilityIRL #AgileInHealthcare #MedicalDeviceIndustry #AgileCoaching #AgileTransformation #RegulatedAgile #ScrumInMedTech #AgileCompliance
🎙️ In this episode of the Take5IRL podcast, host @Mike sits down with @Gijs Valbracht, Agile coach and former global leader at ING Bank.
This episode dives into the organizational shifts that followed ING’s successful Agile pilot. Gijs shares how leadership addressed challenges across the enterprise—reshaping teams, flattening hierarchies, and creating a culture ready for continuous improvement.
Learn how ING evolved into a shorter-team organization with faster decision-making, and why Gijs believes your way of working deserves the same attention as the product you deliver.
📣 Don’t miss Gijs’ advice for any company navigating an Agile transformation—practical, grounded, and deeply experienced.
#Take5IRL #AgilityIRL #AgileTransformation #INGBank #Scrum #OrganizationalDesign #AgileLeadership #CultureChange #LeanThinking #AgileAdvice #EnterpriseAgility
🎙️ In Part 2 of this Take5IRL series, host @Mike continues the conversation with @Gijs Valbracht—Agile coach and former global leader at ING Bank—to explore the real-world challenges behind ING’s transformation.
This episode dives into the practical barriers that emerged as the organization moved toward Agile, and how team and leadership buy-in became the catalyst for real progress. Gijs shares how strong leadership, paired with a clear vision, helped ING test Scrum through a focused pilot—proving its viability before scaling.
It’s a candid look at what it takes to move from theory to traction when change isn’t easy.
📌 Stay tuned for Part 3, where we unpack the organizational shifts ING made to sustain long-term agility.
#Take5IRL #AgilityIRL #AgileLeadership #EnterpriseAgility #ScrumPilot #OrganizationalChange #LeanAgile #INGBank #AgileTransformation
🚀 What does it take to lead a true Agile transformation in a global enterprise?
🎙️ In this episode of Take5IRL, host @Mike sits down with @Gijs Valbracht, Agile coach and former global leader at ING Bank, to explore how ING embraced Lean principles to deliver one of the world’s top-rated banking apps—ahead of schedule.
Gijs shares how transformation success was rooted in team buy-in, energized leadership, and a clear sense of purpose. From building excitement across the org to adapting Scrum in a highly regulated space, this conversation is full of lessons for anyone navigating change at scale.
✨ How do you radiate excitement across a transformation? Start with people. Stay Agile.
#AgileTransformation #LeanThinking #Scrum #DigitalBanking #Leadership #AgilityIRL #Take5IRL #EnterpriseAgility #AgileLeadership #INGBank
🎙️ New Episode: The AI Advantage for Scrum Masters
In this episode of our AI Lightning Talks series, host @Mike sits down with @Ben Floyd—Certified Scrum Trainer turned AI expert—to unpack how AI can elevate your role as a Scrum Master and beyond.
Learn what AI actually means, how to strategically apply it in your role, and why this course is the foundation for integrating AI into your work for the rest of your career. From creative retrospective tools to A/B testing techniques, Ben shares practical tips you can start using right away.
Interested in bringing this training to your organization?
📩 Reach out to info@agilityirl.com to schedule a private course tailored to your team.
🎧 Tune in to sharpen your competitive edge today!
#AILightningTalks #ScrumMasterTools #AgileInnovation #AIInAgile #ABTestingWithAI #ScrumAndAI #AITraining #FutureOfWork #AgileLeadership #CoachingWithAI #AgilityIRL #BenFloyd #AIEnablement #TechDrivenTeams
In this episode of our AI Lightning Talks series, host @Mike sits down with @Ben Floyd—Certified Scrum Trainer turned AI expert—to explore how AI is becoming an invaluable ally for Scrum Masters.
From boosting creativity in retrospectives to generating fresh coaching strategies, Ben shares practical ways AI can enhance team dynamics and self-coaching techniques.
Whether you're a seasoned agile leader or just getting started, this episode offers actionable insights to sharpen your competitive edge.
🚀 Tune in now and level up your Scrum game with the power of AI!
#AILightningTalks #AgileLeadership #ScrumMasterTips #AIForScrum #CreativeRetrospectives #TeamCoaching #ArtificialIntelligence #AgileCoaching #FutureOfAgile #TryFastLearnFast #agilityIRL #BenFloyd #ScrumInnovation
🎙️ In this episode of our AI Lightning Talks series, host @Mike sits down with @Ben Floyd—Certified Scrum Trainer turned AI expert—to explore what every Product Owner needs to know about working with artificial intelligence.
Ben dives into how Product Owners can use AI not just as a buzzword, but as a practical, powerful tool to drive efficiency and clarity in their work. From refining your backlog to optimizing workflows inside your management systems, AI can be your silent partner in delivering better outcomes—if you know how to use it right.
He also shares guidance on protecting data while integrating AI tools, offering smart ways to stay compliant and secure without slowing down innovation. Whether you're refining your product vision, prioritizing features, or just trying to get more done in less time, this episode is packed with insights you can use immediately.
If you're a Product Owner navigating today’s fast-paced digital landscape, don’t miss this conversation. It’s real talk about real tools—for real impact.
#AI #ProductOwner #AgileLeadership #AIInProductManagement #AIForPOs #ProductBacklog #AITraining #AgilityIRL #AIProductivity #Take5IRL #AIandAgile #LightningTalks #ResponsibleAI #ScrumAndAI
🎙️ In this episode of our AI Lightning Talks series on the Take5IRL podcast, host @Mike chats with @Ben Floyd—Certified Scrum Trainer and AI innovator—about the growing impact of artificial intelligence on developers.
With nearly 40% of developers now being told they need AI skills to stay relevant in their roles, Ben dives into how AI is reshaping development work. He breaks down the tasks AI is starting to take over and shares key skills developers should focus on to stay competitive, creative, and in demand.
If you’re in tech, code, or curious about how to future-proof your developer career, this episode is for you.
#AI #SoftwareDevelopment #AIForDevelopers #TechCareers #AIInTech #CareerUpskilling #Take5IRL #AIPodcast #AITraining #AgilityIRL #AIInnovation #AIJobs #FutureOfWork
🎙️In this episode of our AI Lightning Talks series of the Take5IRL podcast, host @Mike chats with @Ben Floyd—Certified Scrum Trainer and AI innovator—about how artificial intelligence is transforming agile practices.
Ben shares how AI is helping teams build MVPs faster than ever, shrinking development cycles from two weeks to just one—or even 24 hours. The result? A game-changing opportunity to “try fast, learn fast.”
He also dives into real-world examples of how major brands are using AI to supercharge their systems and streamline processes.
🚀 Tune in to discover how AI is accelerating innovation across industries!
#AILightningTalks #ArtificialIntelligence #AgileTransformation #BuildMeasureLearn #MVPDevelopment #ScrumAndAI #TechInnovation #FutureOfWork #TryFastLearnFast #AgileWithAI #AIinBusiness #BenFloyd #agilityIRL
🎙️ In this episode of our AI Lightning Talks series, host @Mike sits down with @Ben Floyd—Certified Scrum Trainer turned AI expert—to tackle a pressing topic: How can professionals learn and use AI tools when company policies are still unclear?
Ben breaks down how to safely explore AI without risking company data, shares smart ways to build your AI skills even when your organization hasn’t set clear rules, and explains how to ethically use AI tools in a professional setting. This episode delivers practical insights to help you stay ahead—without crossing any lines.
Subscribe for more expert conversations in our Foundations of AI series, brought to you by agilityIRL. And drop your thoughts in the comments—we want to hear how your workplace is navigating AI!
#AI #ArtificialIntelligence #WorkplaceAI #AIPolicy #AITraining #CareerUpskilling #ScrumTrainer #AgilityIRL #AIForEveryone #LearningAI #ResponsibleAI #LightningTalks
🎙️ In this episode of the Take5IRL podcast, our hosts @Mike and @Pat explore agilityIRL’s new partnership with Medical Alley, the nation’s leading network at the intersection of healthcare and innovation.
Together, they break down what this collaboration means for agilityIRL clients, how it amplifies the impact of our work, and why Medical Alley is such a powerful ecosystem for transformation. Mike also shares insights from the Medical Alley Summit, offering a first-hand look at the trends, challenges, and opportunities shaping today’s business and regulatory landscape.
Listen in as they talk through what the new normal of regulation means and how agilityIRL is helping organizations thrive in a rapidly changing world—rooted in experience, not off-the-shelf solutions.
#AgileLeadership #MedicalAlley #HealthcareInnovation #BusinessAgility #RegulatoryStrategy #AgilityIRL #Take5IRL #AgileTransformation
🎙️ In this kickoff episode of our new AI series, host @Mike sits down with @Ben Floyd—Certified Scrum Trainer turned AI expert—to explore how innovators are navigating the world of artificial intelligence.
Ben shares his 3 unique tips to working with AI tools. Whether you're new to AI or looking to sharpen your prompt engineering game, Ben’s insights offer a powerful way to unlock better outcomes and avoid one-size-fits-all thinking. Don’t miss the start of this insightful series as we bridge the gap between Agile and AI.
#AIinAgile #PromptEngineering #AgileMindset #ScrumTrainer #AItools #Take5IRL #agilityIRL #ArtificialIntelligence #TechTips
🎙️ How Agile Transformed a Hardware Company’s Competitive Edge
In this episode of the Take5IRL podcast, our host Jeff Lee is joined by Peter Borsella, co-founder of Big Orange Square, and a leading expert in Agile for hardware. Together, they uncover the fascinating story of a company struggling to keep up in a competitive market.
Faced with declining international market share and long development cycles, the company struggled to stay competitive. Their long development cycles created products that didn’t align with client needs. That’s when Peter and his team stepped in to apply Agile principles, tailored for hardware, to transform their approach.
Tune in to hear how Peter and his co-founder, Hubert Smits, conducted a deep dive into Agile practices and discovered key strategies to help the company reduce time-to-market and deliver what clients truly wanted. This is a must-listen for anyone exploring Agile’s potential in hardware environments!
Hashtags: #Agile #HardwareDevelopment #AgileTransformation #Innovation #CompetitiveEdge #Take5IRL #agilityIRL
🎙️ In this episode of the Take5IRL podcast, our host @Jeff is joined by @Peter Borsella, co-founder of Big Orange Square with Hubert Smits and a leading expert in Agile for hardware. Together, they dive into the unique challenges of applying Agile in hardware development—a world where traditional software practices don’t always translate smoothly.
Peter shares insights on how many organizations are advised to adopt Agile in hardware just as they would in software, but the reality is far more complex. Discover how his approach keeps core Agile principles intact while adapting them to the industrial setting, making Agile work for hardware teams.
Listen in as they discuss why simply “throwing it over the fence” isn’t enough. Peter emphasizes the importance of involving all teams in the process, enabling everyone to contribute meaningfully, without needing every member on a cross-functional team. This episode is a must-listen for anyone looking to make Agile work in hardware environments.
#Agile #HardwareDevelopment #IndustrialAgile #CrossFunctionalTeams #AgileHardware #Innovation #Take5IRL #agilityIRL
Complex product development requires an adaptive approach. In our latest podcast, join our hosts @Jeff and @Pat as they dive into the tools and practices that can help you improve your product delivery, even when firmware and hardware changes are involved—enabling you to navigate the unknowns with confidence. Don’t miss this insightful discussion on how to drive innovation in a field where adaptability is key. Listen now!
#AgileDevelopment #Firmware #Hardware #Innovation #AgilePractices #ProductDevelopment #RiskManagement #TechTrends #Engineering #ProductDesign #AgileTransformation #FeedbackLoops #TechInnovation
