Shows
PM TherapyIs Agile Becoming Obsolete? with Nigel ThurlowAgile has been the buzzword in project management for over two decades, promising faster delivery, happier teams, and better outcomes. But has it really delivered on these promises? Is Agile becoming obsolete, or is the conversation more nuanced than that? In this episode of PM Therapy, Mukhtar Kadiri sits down with Nigel Thurlow, the first-ever Chief of Agile at Toyota Connected, to unpack the state of Agile today.Nigel, who helped create Scrum the Toyota Way™, has trained over 9,000 people globally and worked with major organizations like Vodafone, GE, Microsoft, 3M, and more. He shares his candid thoughts on Ag...
2025-10-221h 27
Connecting the DotsFLOW: How to Measure Value with Nigel ThurlowNigel Thurlow previously served as the first-ever Chief of Agile at Toyota, where he created the World Agility Forum award-winning “Scrum the Toyota Way” and co-created The Flow System™, a holistic FLOW-based approach to delivering customer-first value built on a foundation of The Toyota Production System.Throughout his career, Thurlow has gained an enviable recognition as a leading expert in Lean and Agile methods, tools, techniques, and approaches. He specializes in developing effective organizational designs and operating models for organizations to embrace both Lean and Agile concepts. By leveraging knowledge from various sources, Thurlow helps optimize organizations to ena...
2025-09-0437 minConnecting the DotsFLOW: How to Flow & Deliver Value with Nigel ThurlowNigel Thurlow previously served as the first-ever Chief of Agile at Toyota, where he created the World Agility Forum award-winning “Scrum the Toyota Way” and co-created The Flow System™, a holistic FLOW-based approach to delivering customer-first value built on a foundation of The Toyota Production System.Throughout his career, Thurlow has gained an enviable recognition as a leading expert in Lean and Agile methods, tools, techniques, and approaches. He specializes in developing effective organizational designs and operating models for organizations to embrace both Lean and Agile concepts. By leveraging knowledge from various sources, Thurlow helps optimize organizations to ena...
2025-08-2835 minConnecting the DotsFLOW: What is Value in Healthcare? with Nigel ThurlowNigel Thurlow previously served as the first-ever Chief of Agile at Toyota, where he created the World Agility Forum award-winning “Scrum the Toyota Way” and co-created The Flow System™, a holistic FLOW-based approach to delivering customer-first value built on a foundation of The Toyota Production System.Throughout his career, Thurlow has gained an enviable recognition as a leading expert in Lean and Agile methods, tools, techniques, and approaches. He specializes in developing effective organizational designs and operating models for organizations to embrace both Lean and Agile concepts. By leveraging knowledge from various sources, Thurlow helps optimize organizations to ena...
2025-08-2137 min
Curiosulus ChroniclesUnlocking Distributed Leadership with Nigel ThurlowSend us a textIn this episode, we sit down with Nigel Thurlow, co-creator of The Flow System and former Chief of Agile at Toyota, to explore the game-changing concept of Distributed Leadership.We dive deep into:✅ What Distributed Leadership really means✅ Why traditional leadership models are failing in today’s complex world✅ How psychological safety and shared decision-making fuel innovation✅ Real-world insights from Toyota and beyond✅ The role of leadership in The Flow System’s Triple Helix: Complexity Thinking, Team Science, and Distributed LeadershipWhether you’re a leader, coach...
2025-04-011h 02
Relationships at Work - a trust-driven leadership podcastIncentivizing Leadership: Are We Rewarding the Wrong Behaviors? w/ Nigel ThurlowIn this thought-provoking episode of Relationships at Work, host Russel Lolacher sits down with Nigel Thurlow, co-creator of The Flow System and former Chief of Agile at Toyota, to break down the hidden dangers of how we incentivize leadership.We discuss: ✔️ How financial incentives can backfire and create toxic leadership ✔️ The difference between responsibility and accountability in leadership ✔️ Why many employees don’t want leadership roles—and how to change that ✔️ The real question leaders should ask: If you stopped paying people, would they still follow you...
2025-03-1143 min
Strategy and Leadership PodcastThe DNA of Organizational Success: Lean Insights from the Flow ConsortiumThe Strategy and Leadership podcast, host Anthony Taylor welcomes Nigel Thurlow, CEO of the Flow Consortium, to delve into the nuances of lean thinking and continuous improvement. Nigel shares his extensive experience from Toyota and beyond, offering insights into how Lean principles can apply to various organizational contexts, emphasizing the significance of behavior alongside methodology and tools. This episode is packed with thought-provoking discussions on cultural transformation, the role of human factors, and how organizations can effectively harness their workforce to achieve long-term success.
Nigel explores the concept of viewing organizations as complex adaptive systems and discusses...
2024-12-1725 min
Mind Your LeadershipAgile Leadership and the Flow System with Nigel Thurlow
Welcome to another insightful episode of the Mind Your Leadership podcast! This week, we are honored to host Nigel Thurlow, Toyota's first Chief of Agile and co-creator of the Flow System. With years of experience in Agile and Lean methodologies, Nigel shares invaluable insights into how organizations can move beyond profit-driven models to create human-centered workplaces. Our conversation explores the role of leadership in fostering agility, collaboration, and self-management, as well as the paradigm shift needed to balance people, planet, and profit.
The Paradigm Shift: People, Planet, and Profit
Nigel Thurlow emphasizes that true agility is not about rigid...
2024-12-0939 min
CEO Podcasts: CEO Chat Podcast + I AM CEO Podcast Powered by Blue16 Media & CBNation.coIAM2231 - CEO Discusses the Importance of A Culture-Driven Approach to Organizational DesignNigel Thurlow is an expert in organizational design, author, and renowned speaker who serves as a consultant to industry and business agility.
He is the CEO of The Flow Consortium, an interdependent group of companies working together in organizational design, organizational development, and organizational change management.
Nigel is also the former chief of Agile at Toyota and also serves as a member of the Forbes Coaches Council, writing and advising on business and leadership topics, and was listed by Forbes as the top ten author.
Nigel discusses the importance of creating useful and actionable visual controls rather than just decorative ones...
2024-09-2116 min
Finding Peak w/ Ryan HanleyThat Leadership Mindset That Drove Toyota's Excellence | Nigel ThurlowBecame a Master of the Close: https://masteroftheclose.com
Unlock the powerful leadership mindset that transformed Toyota into the most efficient and effective car manufacturer in the world.
Become a Master of the Close: https://www.masteroftheclose.com/waitlist
Connect with Nigel Thurlow
Flow System: https://www.getflowtrained.com/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nigelthurlow/
In this enlightening conversation with Nigel Thurlow, Toyota's pioneering Chief Agile Officer, we uncover how "Scrum for Toyota Way" and Nigel's book, "The Flow System," can be applied across various industries.
Learn the a...
2024-09-0958 min
Everyday MBAUsing Lean and Agile for Improvement and InnovationNigel Thurlow discusses how to use Lean, Agile, and Flow methodologies to improve organizational performance, process improvement and innovation. Nigel was Toyota's first Chief of Agile and is the co-creator of The Flow System. Listen for three action items you can use today. Host, Kevin Craine Do you want to be a guest? https://Everyday-MBA.com/guest
2024-08-2428 min
Breakfast Leadership ShowUnleashing Flow: Transforming Organizations with Nigel Thurlow, Lean and Agile ExpertNigel is the CEO of The Flow Consortium and one of the most sought-after speakers and experts in Lean, Agile, and Flow methods.
He was Toyota's first Chief of Agile, where he co-created The Flow System and the award-winning Scrum, the Toyota Way approach.
Nigel has trained 8,500+ people in Scrum, Agile, Lean, Flow, and Complexity approaches. His coaching portfolio includes GE, Bose, 3M, Microsoft, Vodafone, Lumen, Cox Automotive, and MIT. He is a Forbes Invite-only Coaches Council member and will be listed in the Who’s Who's America later this year.
Nigel has co...
2024-08-2225 min
Lead to SucceedStrengthening Business Bonds with Nigel Thurlow: Lead to Succeed 148
Episode Summary:The true measure of a successful leader lies not just in achieving organizational goals, but in the ability to build and develop their people. Investing in the growth and well-being of team members fosters a culture of trust, innovation, and collaboration. That’s what Lead to Succeed guest Nigel Thurlow will be focusing on in this episode.Nigel is the CEO of The Flow Consortium and one of the most sought-after speakers and experts in Lean, Agile, and Flow methods. He was Toyota's first Chief of Agile, where he co-created The Flow System and...
2024-08-1439 min
The Brazilian BA GuestWhy do agile transformations fail in making organizations nimble?Embark on a journey with me to explore the transformative world of nimble organizations. Each episode in this enlightening series features a distinguished expert sharing invaluable insights on creating more adaptive and responsive organizations.
The Brazilian BA Guest this time is Nigel Thurlow.
Nigel Thurlow on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nigelthurlow/
Nigel Thurlow website: https://nigelthurlow.com/
Book: The Flow System Playbook: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0CKDCKCQQ
Much more about nimble: https://thebrazilianba.com/tag/nimble/
2024-03-081h 06
Balcony TalksS2E15 Lean, Nimble & fake Agile | Guest talk with Nigel ThurlowLet’s talk about lean, fostering a nimble culture, what is « fake Agile », their « bullshit » jobs and how to navigate organizational change. With a Forbes member guest Nigel Thurlow, ex-Chief Agile at Toyota and current CEO of Flow Consortium. Bio and reading suggestion: https://nigelthurlow.com
2023-12-0759 min
No Way OutThe Triple Helix of Flow: The Flow System Playbook with John Turner, PhD and Nigel Thurlow | Ep 51Send us a textEver wondered how to bridge the gap between theory and practice when dealing with complex problems in your organization? Are you searching for practical and evidence based solutions that address human factors, human performance, and mental health? As we discuss the upcoming Flow System Playbook, set to release in November, we take you on a deep dive into the evidence-based approach of the Flow System. We highlight the importance of comprehending how to apply the methods and techniques to your unique context. The conversation takes a fascinating turn as we, Ponch, Pr...
2023-10-241h 03
No Way OutSonja Blignaut & Nigel Thurlow: Human Factors in the Age of AI (World Agility Forum 2023)Send us a textPrepare to have your mind expanded as we journey through the intricate relationship of complexity and AI in the ever-evolving world of business. Join our esteemed guests, Nigel Thurlow and Sonja Blignaut, as we confront the inescapable realities of uncertainty and ambiguity that loom in our world. We delve into the rise of what Thurlow labels as "bullshit jobs," and the importance of understanding our environment, relationships, and human factors in this era of AI. This discussion is not just enlightening; it's a stepping stone in unraveling the enigma that is complexity.
2023-09-2833 min
No Way OutTeam Science: Building High-Performance Teams with Eduardo Salas, PhD | Ep 42Send us a textIs there a way to turn a team of experts into an expert team? What can business leaders learn from Coach Prime (Coach Deion Sanders, head football coach at the University of Colorado, Boulder)? Uncover the true magic of Team Science and its profound impact on organizational outcomes in our fascinating conversation with Teams That Work co-author, Eduardo Salas, PhD. Will you fall into the common myths that hinder efficient collaboration, or rise above with the evidence-based guidance from our distinguished guest? Discover how the art of...
2023-09-0746 min
La hora de Agile611El fracaso de Agile a escala: un problema humanoDesde que llevo en el mundo de la agilidad, creo que he oido más historias sobre el fracaso de Agile que sobre el éxito.En el vertiginoso panorama empresarial actual, las metodologías ágiles como Scrum y SAFe (Scaled Agile Framework) han ganado una inmensa popularidad.Sin embargo, a pesar de su promesa de mayor productividad y eficiencia, las organizaciones están experimentando desafíos importantes al intentar implementar estos marcos a escala.Link del blog: https://www.agile611.com/el-fracaso-de-agile-a-escala-un-problema-humano/?v=04c19fa1e772 Link de Nig...
2023-09-011h 01
The Thinking LeaderEpisode 76: Best of the GuestsIn this episode of The Thinking Leader, we replay some of the most powerful moments from our recent guests.
Bryce and Marcus always have fascinating conversations with their guests, so this episode features a smorgasbord of information, and highlights some of the most valuable pieces of advice they have received for being a great leader.
In this episode:
The Power of being Brutally Honest from Richard James
Is Ego Needed to be a Good Leader? From Christie Garcia
How We Can Adapt to a World with AI from Oliver Yonchev
Wh...
2023-07-1743 min
The Thinking LeaderEpisode 58: TPS and the Value of Continuous Improvement with Nigel ThurlowIn this episode of The Thinking Leader, Bryce Hoffman and Marcus Dimbleby talk to Nigel Thurlow, Toyota’s first ever Chief of Agile, and co-creator of The Flow System.
They discuss Nigel’s time at Toyota and why the Toyota Production System is critical to the company’s success. Nigel talks about the value of striving for continuous improvement in all aspects of a business, and how waste elimination is a catalyst for this improvement.
They also discuss the value of Scrum, and why everyone in the business needs to understand the compa...
2023-03-131h 10
The Lean Solutions PodcastThrowback with Nigel ThurlowToday is a replay of a conversation I had with Nigel Thurlow, a leading expert on Lean and Agile approaches. Nigel advises companies on successful transformation strategies and how to achieve effective and lasting change. As the chief agile at Toyota connected, he established the Toyota agile Academy and is also the co-author of The Flow System.
In this episode, Nigel and I talk about Agile, how it relates to Lean and the flow from scientific thinking to Agile into the flow system.
What You’ll Learn This Episode:
Nigel’s background in Lean and A...
2022-09-0652 min
MCC LeaderShapeEnergy follows information (Nigel Thurlow)JELENTKEZZ TE IS AZ MCC VEZETŐKÉPZŐ AKADÉMIÁJÁRA!https://youtu.be/7yY7Eq1_Nu4-------------------------------------------Show notes & links: https://mcc.hu/leadershape-17-------------------------------------We live in a Volatile, Uncertain, Complex and Ambiguous (VUCA) world. All organisations plan for a certain outcome, but they need to be flexible to change their plan, change their direction when they realise their outcome is unattainable or that they have learnt things on the journey which makes a different outcome more favourable. How do you know what you need to know before you need to know i...
2022-04-1141 min
The Lean Solutions PodcastAgile and Lean with Nigel ThurlowToday on the podcast, I’m talking with Nigel Thurlow, a leading expert on Lean and Agile approaches. Nigel advises companies on successful transformation strategies and how to achieve effective and lasting change. As the chief agile at Toyota connected, he established the Toyota agile Academy and is also the co-author of The Flow System.
In this episode, Nigel and I talk about Agile, how it relates to Lean and the flow from scientific thinking to Agile into the flow system.
What You’ll Learn This Episode:
Nigel’s background in Lean and Agile
The cha...
2022-02-0150 min
The Being Human Podcast with Richard Atherton#168 Embracing Flow - with Nigel Thurlow> Sign Up For Our Newsletter: http://www.firsthuman.com/being-human-newsletter/
This week on Being Human, I speak with Nigel Thurlow, ex-Chief of Agile at Toyota and co-author of The Flow System.
Tired of the framework merchants and the over-commercialisation of the Agile movement, Nigel could see that a new approach was needed. A philosophy that went beyond Lean and Agile to embrace complexity thinking, team science and the critical question of leadership.
He believes, first and foremost, in education as the driver of change. Present people with the science and trust them to apply it in their...
2021-06-181h 34
Sunday Book ReviewDecember 6, 2020, the Mind Opening Business Books editionIn today’s edition of Sunday Book Review:
Doing Agile Right: Transformation Without Chaos by Darrell Rigby, Sarah Elk and Steve Perez
Working Backwards: Insights, Stories, and Secrets from Inside Amazon by Colin Briar and Bill Carr
Tesla: How Elon Musk and Company Made Electric Cars Cool, and Remade the Automotive and Energy Industries by Charles Morris
The Flow System: The Evolution of Agile and Lean Thinking in an Age of Complexity by John Turner, Nigel Thurlow and Brian Rivera
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2020-12-0604 min
Untapped GoldminesThe Flow System UntappedIn this episode, I connect with the three brilliant co-creators of The Flow System. Together they share how The Flow System can help organizations dealing with complexity. We explore everything from intent & servant based leadership to teaching teams the real skills required for teamwork not task-work. The distinction between the two is significant and it changes how we communicate, sense make, give feedback, make decisions and take action at every single level of an organization.
The Flow System creators include:
Brian "Ponch" Rivera CEO of AGLX (also a TEDx Speaker, former F-14 instructor and demonstration team...
2020-07-041h 19
Agile.FM068 - Nigel ThurlowJoe Krebs speaks with Nigel Thurlow about Agile and Lean at Toyota Connected. Nigel is the Chief of Agile at Toyota Connected, an innovative start-up within the Toyota Family. Nigel shares how Toyota Connected uses Agile and Lean Practices to their advantage and as an accelerator for innovation and response time. He provides insights on the structure and culture of the organization and what it means for them use agile and lean in parallel or in combination.
Nigel provides insights into how the Toyota Way, PDCA Cycle as well Lean Manufacturing influences the way on how they do things. But m...
2018-08-2937 min