Shows
Product AgilityStop Trying To Fixing Teams. Start Coaching for MeaningSend us a textIn this solo episode, host Ben Maynard explores a shift in thinking that many coaches and leaders need to make: moving away from trying to fix teams and instead focusing on coaching for meaning. If you're involved in organisational change—whether as a product leader, agile coach, or transformation lead—this episode offers practical insight into why team-level improvements often fall short.Using the story of Jack Phillips, the Titanic's senior radio operator, Ben reflects on what it means to act with purpose during moments of change. He draws a pa...2025-05-0119 min
Product AgilityAgile Coaching is Dead!Send us a textIn this no-holds-barred solo episode, host Ben Maynard delivers a searing obituary for agile coaching — or at least, the version of it we’ve come to know. If you’re a senior leader investing in agile or a coach trying to stay relevant, this episode is for you.Ben doesn’t just diagnose the decline of agile coaching — he traces its evolution, exposes the industry dynamics that killed it, and calls on both leaders and coaches to fundamentally rethink their approach. From certificate-driven consultancy models to the obsession with frameworks...2025-04-2421 min
Product AgilityStop Worshipping the Roadmap: Start Building Real RelationshipsSend us a textIn this episode of the Product Agility Podcast, host Ben Maynard challenges one of the most pervasive and damaging habits in product organisations: treating roadmaps like contracts.Ben explores why our obsession with polished timelines and rigid plans can undermine trust, limit learning, and stall product progress — and offers a radical reframe: what if your roadmap isn’t a document, but a relationship?Drawing on insights from David Pereira and his own coaching experience, Ben walks through a mindset shift that can transform how product teams engage with stakeholders and...2025-04-1710 min
Product AgilityScaling Without Chaos: Creating Product-Tech HarmonySend us a textIn this episode of the Product Agility Podcast, host Ben Maynard tackles one of the most misunderstood and overlooked challenges in scaling product organisations: the persistent misalignment between product and technology teams.Ben explores how chaos at scale is often a design flaw, not a team flaw — a consequence of mismatched incentives, unclear operating models, and siloed roadmaps that leave engineering and product pulling in opposite directions.Through personal experience, practical insight, and a healthy dose of provocation, Ben lays out what it really takes to achieve harmony between CP...2025-04-0715 min
Product AgilityHelping People Grow Beyond Their Job TitlesSend us a textIn this episode of the Product Agility Podcast, host Ben Maynard shares a practical approach to helping people grow beyond their job titles—an approach that improves collaboration, accelerates delivery, and supports meaningful development without adding unnecessary bureaucracy. At the centre of the conversation is the concept of a “Market of Skills.”Originally introduced by Lisa Adkins in Coaching Agile Teams, the Market of Skills encourages individuals to share the skills they have and the ones they want to develop, making capability visible and growth more intentional. While rooted in Agile, this m...2025-03-2820 min
Product AgilityHow to Predict Success Before It’s Too Late – The Power of Leading MetricsSend us a textIn this episode of the Product Agility Podcast, host Ben Maynard explores the role of leading and lagging metrics in product strategy, OKRs, and business impact. Many teams rely on lagging metrics to measure success, but when the results are in, it’s often too late to make meaningful changes. Leading metrics provide an opportunity to adjust course earlier, yet they are frequently misunderstood or overlooked.This episode examines the difference between leading and lagging metrics, why both are essential and how they can be effectively integrated into OKRs to ensure th...2025-03-2022 min
Product AgilityBeyond User Stories: How Jobs to Be Done Unlocks Real Customer Value (with Jim Kalbach)Send us a textIn this week’s episode of the Product Agility Podcast, Ben is joined by Jim Kalbach, an expert in design, innovation, and the Jobs to Be Done (JTBD) framework. Together, they tackle one of the biggest blind spots in product development—our over-reliance on user stories and how shifting our focus to customer jobs can unlock real value.This episode also marks the start of Season 3, and we’re excited to continue bringing you insightful conversations that bridge the gap between agility and product! Are We Asking the Wrong Q...2025-03-1347 min
Product AgilityStop Worshipping Canvases & Start Thinking for YourselfSend us a textIn this week’s Product Agility Podcast, host Ben Maynard takes the mic solo once again, tackling an issue that has taken over the world of Agile and Product Management: our over-reliance on templates and canvases.From Vision Canvases to Lean Product Discovery Templates, we’ve been sold the dream that structured frameworks make our lives easier. But do they? Or are they actually making us lazy thinkers, stifling creativity, and holding us back from true innovation?The Trap of the One-Size-Fits-All MindsetCanvases and templates prom...2025-02-2719 min
Product AgilityThe Biggest Mistake In Marrying Product and AgileSend us a text🔗 Master Lean Product Discovery – Sheev Workshops: https://sheev.co.uk/training/leanux/In this week’s Product Agility Podcast, host Ben Maynard takes the mic solo once again to tackle one of the biggest and most persistent failures in product and agile transformations: the misunderstanding of how learning drives adaptability.For years, agile practitioners and product leaders have been trapped by a delivery-first mindset. They race to meet deadlines without truly validating their ideas. The result? Teams deliver at speed but fail to learn fast, leading to wasted effort, frustra...2025-02-2014 min
Product AgilityDevelopers Should NEVER Talk to Customers or Users…Send us a textIn this week’s Product Agility Podcast, host Ben Maynard takes the mic solo to tackle one of the most controversial (and misunderstood) statements in product development: "Developers should NEVER talk to customers or users…"😲But wait—should they? Or is this just another myth holding product teams back?Ben dives into the real reasons why some organisations resist letting developers engage with customers, why this mindset stifles innovation, and how shifting towards an outcome-driven approach leads to better products, happier teams, and more business impact.With years of...2025-02-1321 min
Product AgilityWinning with Feedback: Building Products People Love (with Ivett Ördög)Send us a textIn this first episode of 2025, the Product Agility Podcast is back with a bang! Ben Maynard welcomes Ivett Ördög, a seasoned engineer, product leader, and creator of the innovative Lean Poker workshop, to explore the transformative power of feedback in building products that people truly love. With over three decades of coding experience and a unique blend of leadership roles, Ivett brings practical insights and strategies to inspire both engineers and product managers to move faster, learn smarter, and collaborate better.If you’ve ever struggled with aligning your team’s effo...2025-01-0945 min
Product AgilityChristmas Message 2024Send us a textIn this special Christmas episode of the Product Agility Podcast, host Ben Maynard reflects on the past year and shares a message of gratitude and optimism.From challenges to triumphs, this year has been one of growth, connection, and inspiring conversations with amazing guests from across the agile and product communities. Ben also shares his hopes for the future, some candid behind-the-scenes insights, and his Christmas wish for more feedback and interaction from listeners like you.If you’ve ever wondered what drives the Product Agility Podcast, this warm an...2024-12-1205 min
Product AgilityWhy You're Presentations Aren't Creating Stakeholder Buy-In and How to Fix It (with Abdo Wahba)Send us a textIn this episode of the Product Agility Podcast, Ben Maynard welcomes Abdo Wahba, presentation coach and product expert, to explore why so many presentations fail to create stakeholder buy-in—and more importantly, how to fix them. Drawing from over 1,300 hours of coaching experience, Abdo shares practical techniques to improve your communication skills and effectively influence stakeholders.If you’ve ever struggled with delivering impactful presentations that resonate with senior leaders or align your team, this episode is packed with actionable insights to help you succeed.Key Takeaways:Star...2024-12-0546 min
Product AgilityBeyond Features: Creating Value-Driven Roadmaps (With Phil Hornby)Send us a textPhil Hornby is a passionate product leadership coach. Helping product leaders to think clearly, make strong decisions, and take powerful action that drives high-impact outcomes.In this episode Ben Maynard sits down with Phil, here is what the spoke about:Key Takeaways:Roadmaps as Communication Tools: Roadmaps should be seen as communication and alignment artifacts, not rigid plans. They help teams and stakeholders get on the same page about the direction of travel and the problems to be solved.Content Maturity in Roadmaps:2024-07-2552 min
Product AgilityAI is Revolutionising Creativity (With Ola Handford)Send us a textIn this episode, Ben Maynard sits down with Ola Handford, a visionary in the tech industry, to discuss the revolutionary impact of AI on creativity. With an extensive background in product development and a passion for innovation, Ola shares how AI is transforming the way we think about creativity in product management. This conversation dives into the ways AI can augment human creativity, streamline workflows, and open new avenues for innovation, making it an indispensable tool for modern product teams.Ola on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/ola-handford-0b43...2024-07-1139 min
Product AgilityCreating Value and Reducing Risk with Strategic Work Slicing (With Anton Skornyakov)Send us a textIn this episode, Ben Maynard sits down with Anton Skornyakov, a distinguished Agile coach and author of "The Art of Slicing Work." Anton's extensive background in mathematics, physics, and successful startups provides a unique perspective on product development and organisational change. In this conversation, Anton delves into the crucial concept of work slicing, explaining how to create value and reduce risk by strategically breaking down tasks. He emphasises the importance of behaviour change, the hidden complexities in product development, and how to navigate unpredictability with effective slicing techniques.Anton on LinkedIn...2024-07-0445 min
Product AgilityMaster Your Product Skills at Productized 2024 in Lisbon (With Andre Marquet)Send us a textIn this episode, Ben Maynard sits down with Andre Marquet, the visionary CEO and organiser behind the Productized Conference. As we introduce our second partnership with Productized, Andre shares the exciting journey of how the conference has evolved from a small 300-person gathering in Lisbon to a highly anticipated annual event attracting over 500 attendees.Andre on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/marquet/Productized - https://www.productized.co/Discover the unique elements that make Productized feel more like a festival than a traditional conference, from its...2024-06-2626 min
Product AgilityFrom Spotify to Google: Mastering Delight for Success (With Nesrine Changuel, PhD ex Google, Spotify & Skype)Send us a textIn this episode, Ben Maynard sits down with Nesrine Changuel, PhD, a distinguished product management professional with a rich history at leading tech companies, including Google, Spotify, and Skype. Nesrine is passionate about building innovative products that solve users' problems. Known for her self-management skills, excellent team and relationship-building abilities, and strong communication, Nesrine enjoys collaborating with others to create impactful products. She shares her incredible journey from a research engineer to becoming a product coach and delves into the importance of delight in product management. The conversation explores how delight can create...2024-06-2051 min
Product AgilityBlurry to Brilliant: Simplify Your Product Vision & Organisation For Radical Results (With Ben Maynard)- Lean Agile London 24 TalkInTenSend us a textOur first conference of the season is the fantastic Lean Agile London 2024!As we round off our TalkInTen series, we have a special treat: our insightful host, Ben Maynard, steps into the spotlight for the first time as both the interviewee and the focus of his own episode. In this episode, Ben delves into the essential role of having a clear product vision and how to navigate organizational complexities to achieve it.Ben on LinkedIn - https://bit.ly/3x0fmybHere is the synopsis of Ben's...2024-06-0725 min
Product AgilityImpact Over Effort Product & Project Strategies for Success (With James Louttit)Send us a textJames Louttit, a leading expert in Project Management and author of "Leading Impactful Teams," brings over twenty years of experience to our latest podcast episode. His extensive background in leading diverse project teams to success across various industries has established him as a pivotal figure in the field. In this episode, James shares actionable insights and proven strategies from his book, offering listeners practical tools to enhance project effectiveness and innovation. Known for his ability to simplify complex concepts, James's guidance is invaluable for anyone looking to improve their project management skills and...2024-05-1646 min
Product AgilityHow To Be An Empowered Product Coach (With Nick Jemetta)Send us a textNick Jemetta, an innovative product coach and dynamic speaker, joins us for a powerful conversation on how prioritising well-being can transform product teams. Nick's distinctive approach has helped countless companies embrace empowered cultures, improving productivity, innovative growth, and vibrant team engagement.Nick on LinkedIn: https://bit.ly/3Qwj1ucIn this episode, host Ben Maynard explores Nick's strategies for combining product coaching and mental health advocacy to create people-first managers and wellbeing-led cultures. From inspiring practical leadership to fostering rapid iterative product discovery, this episode is packed with insights.2024-05-0947 min
Product AgilityUntrapping Product Teams World Exclusive (With David Pereira)Send us a textDavid Pereira, a renowned product leader with a rich history of transforming markets and driving substantial revenue growth, joins us for an enlightening discussion on his latest triumph in product management. David's journey, marked by scaling a marketplace from €5M to €45M in yearly revenue and revitalising the secondhand car market in Brazil, has positioned him as a visionary in sustainable business strategies and innovative leadership.David on LinkedIn: https://bit.ly/44nx4aQIn this episode, host Ben Maynard dives into David's new book, "Untrapping Product Team...2024-05-0252 min
Product AgilityOvercoming Toxic Leadership = Team Success (With Simon & Amanda Cookson)Send us a textSimon and Amanda Cookson are the innovative co-founders of Northern Value Creators. With over two decades of leadership experience in the digital sector, Amanda continues to blend her extensive expertise with a fervent dedication to human-centred leadership. She is renowned for her role in mentoring nascent leaders and tackling imposter syndrome, especially among women in technology. Simon leverages his profound background in team leadership and cultural transformation to debunk the common myths surrounding technical experts and leadership. His strategy focuses on unlocking the leadership potential within technical teams, fostering empathy and efficacy over...2024-04-2539 min
Product AgilityThe Science of Thriving Teams - Chemicals for Better Conversations (With Simon and Amanda Cookson)Send us a textSimon and Amanda Cookson are the visionary co-founders of Northern Value Creators. Drawing on over two decades of leadership in the digital sector, Amanda merges her extensive expertise with a passion for fostering human-centred leadership. She specialises in mentoring emerging leaders and combating imposter syndrome, particularly among women in tech. Simon, with his rich history in team leadership and culture transformation, confronts the prevalent myths that technical experts lack leadership qualities. His approach is rooted in nurturing the leadership potential within technical teams, promoting empathy and effective outcomes over traditional hierarchical methods.2024-04-1840 min
Product AgilityUnlocking Team Synergy - Transformation Through Breathwork (With Remi Ribas Policastro)Send us a textRemi Ribas Policastro merges his vast experience in B2B tech growth with a profound understanding of well-being and emotional regulation, offering a fresh perspective on managing stress in high-stakes environments. With a diverse background ranging from enhancing prospection to mastering customer success, Remi's approach to business is both holistic and detail-oriented. His expertise in navigating the intricacies of sales, channel management, and customer satisfaction, supported by a solid foundation in key performance indicators, positions him as a guiding force for companies looking to thrive. In his return for a second episode, Remi...2024-04-1123 min
The Ben Maynard ProgramEP. 40 Live Riffs with Tom Keifer and LA Guns, Plus Ben Maynard's Streaming EscapadesSend us a textEver found yourself belly-laughing at the misadventures of live streaming, while simultaneously getting swept away by the sheer electricity of a rock concert? That's exactly what went down at the Saban Theater as the Tom Keifer Band and LA Guns took the stage, and I, Ben Maynard, am here to regale you with every thrilling chord and comical mishap. The energy was palpable, the music was pounding, and my Facebook Live antics provided some unintended humor— because who doesn't love a bit of a tech flub?Strap in for a ride th...2024-04-0939 min
Product AgilityFrom Panic to Productivity: Stress Management for Better Products & Better Teams (With Remi Ribas Policastro)Send us a textRemi Ribas Policastro merges his vast experience in B2B tech growth with a profound understanding of well-being and emotional regulation, offering a fresh perspective on managing stress in high-stakes environments. With a diverse background ranging from enhancing prospection to mastering customer success, Remi's approach to business is both holistic and detail-oriented. His expertise in navigating the intricacies of sales, channel management, and customer satisfaction, supported by a solid foundation in key performance indicators, positions him as a guiding force for companies looking to thrive.Remi on LinkedIn - https://www...2024-04-0436 minThe Ben Maynard ProgramFriday Night Frolics: Ben Maynard's Easter Antics, Peep Challenges, and Heartfelt Rock TributesSend us a textIt's Ben Maynard here, cracking open a lively Friday night with a blend of Easter shenanigans and live entertainment designed to keep your spirits high and your laughter rolling. Picture this: every phone ring means I'm taking a shot of Malort, and let's just say, my listeners didn't hold back. Get ready for a mouth-stuffing spectacle as I go head-to-head with a battalion of marshmallow Peeps in our first annual Peep Pack challenge—can I conquer my own record? That's not all; we've got music trivia teed up, waiting for you to call in...2024-03-3059 min
Product AgilityWhy People Prefer Miro - The Psychology of Tool Adoption (With Liz Immer)Send us a textLiz Immer makes a return for a second episode, further exploring the synergies between product design and behavioural science. Celebrated for her inspirational leadership and capability to nurture growth in others, Liz's approach, characterised by genuine, direct feedback, consistently pushes boundaries beyond the ordinary. Her commitment to exploring deeper insights and challenging norms has solidified her position as a pioneer in crafting environments where both users and colleagues thrive.Liz on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/lizimmer/In this episode, Ben and Liz discuss the...2024-03-2838 minThe Ben Maynard ProgramFriday Night Flashback: Embracing '80s Vibes with Ben Maynard and Spaz, Trivia Thrills, and Malort MayhemSend us a textHey party people, it's Ben Maynard here, and you're in for one heck of a Friday night extravaganza! Our latest episode is bursting at the seams with '80s nostalgia, from toe-tapping trivia to a drinking game that'll have you reaching for your neon leg warmers. I’m enduring the infamous Malort, all for your amusement, and together with my wingman Spaz, we're bringing the fun with no singing required. Trust me, there's no better way to kick off your weekend than with our quirky banter and a trip down memory lane.2024-03-021h 16
Product AgilitySustainability, Ethics and AI The New Frontier in Product Development (With Dom Heinrich)Send us a textDom Heinrich is a leader in design, AI, and sustainability, with two decades of experience leading global teams. He has excelled in delivering AI-powered products and services, emphasizing sustainability. Notably, Dom invented products aiding mobility for Parkinson's patients and contributed to GPT-1 development with Microsoft and Coca-Cola, showcasing his impact in AI. As a PRATT University faculty member, he lectures on AI in Digital Design and Design Business, blending deep problem-solving with elegant solutions. His work with industry giants underscores a commitment to technological innovation and a sustainable, inclusive future.Dom...2024-02-2936 minThe Ben Maynard ProgramFriday Night Live Frenzy: Unscripted Tales with Ben Maynard and the Spirited Symphony of Malort MischiefSend us a textRush-hour traffic, cold pizza, and a Spock shot glass filled to the brim with Malort—my Friday evening was off to an unconventional start. Join me, Ben Maynard, as we shake off the cobwebs from our brief hiatus and dive headfirst into a night of unscripted revelry and reflection. This episode is like that one friend who brings the unexpected to every party—you never know what you'll get, but you can bet it'll be memorable.From my brother Jim's bourbon experimentations to a surprise visit that turned our studio into an i...2024-02-251h 12The Ben Maynard ProgramHops and Tales: A Spirited Journey Through the IPA Landscape with Ben Maynard and Fellow Beer ConnoisseursSend us a textEmbark on a hop-infused journey with me, Ben Maynard, and beer aficionados Chris, Mark, Darren, and Katherine as we crack open the world of IPAs and share our flavor-infused insights. From the hazy East Coast varieties to the pristine West Coast styles, this episode is a testament to the beloved brews we've come to cherish. We kick things off with the elusive Julius from Treehouse Brewing, navigating through a cascade of citrusy profiles and diving into the art of hop addition, all while savoring the unique tales that accompany each glass....2024-02-181h 31
Product AgilityFuture Proofing Product Managers (With Magali Pelissier)Send us a textMagali Pelissier, a seasoned Senior Product Executive at Cisco with a stellar record of improving the bottom line of 10+ products, joins Ben Maynard in this week's episode. 🚀 Magali, the host of the "Product Perspectives Podcast" and a former elite athlete, brings her unique perspective to the discussion.Magali on LinkedIn - [https://bit.ly/48LwuoR]With a background in aeronautical engineering and economics, Magali brings a unique perspective to the realm of product management. As a senior customer-focused Product Executive, she specializes in data-related technology solutions, emphasizing product-market fit and fos...2024-02-0134 min