Shows
Agile Community NetworkChange That SticksGive Us FeedbackIn this episode, we talk about what it takes to make change stick—especially when “Agile transformation” becomes a label instead of real progress. We cover the common pitfalls, the role of culture and middle management, and why clear goals, real investment, and continuous improvement matter. The takeaway: lasting change comes from resilience, adaptation, and empowered change agents—not a one-time rollout.Join Shawna Cullinan, Jörg Pietruszka, Diana Larsen, Sheila Eckert, Sheila McGrath, April Mills, Hendrik Esser, Ray Arell, and all the callers to the monthly live event as we explore this topic. ...
2026-01-2356 min
Agile Community NetworkStaying Resilient in a Layoff EraGive Us FeedbackIn this episode of the Agile Community Network, we discuss how to stay resilient amid constant layoffs and uncertainty. We look at the emotional and professional challenges workers face today and share practical, Agile-inspired strategies for staying grounded, adaptable, and future-ready. Whether you’re navigating change yourself or supporting others, this conversation offers timely insight into what it takes to thrive.Join Shawna Cullinan, Jörg Pietruszka, Diana Larsen, Sheila Eckert, Sheila McGrath, April Mills, Hendrik Esser, Ray Arell, and all the callers to the monthly live event as we explore this topic...
2025-11-2247 min
Agile Community NetworkAgile BurnoutGive Us FeedbackIn this episode, we explore the growing issue of Agile burnout — when teams lose their spark and the work begins to feel like just another mundane task. We unpack why this happens, how organizations contribute to it, and what leaders can do to bring energy and balance back to their teams. Tune in for real talk about sustainable agility and keeping the heart of Agile alive. Join Shawna Cullinan, Jörg Pietruszka, Diana Larsen, Sheila Eckert, Sheila McGrath, April Mills, Hendrik Esser, Ray Arell, and all the callers to the monthly live event a...
2025-10-2544 min
Agile Community NetworkTools Over PeopleGive Us FeedbackOne of the biggest challenges facing the Agile community today is the way tools are used. Too often, they become a substitute for conversation and collaboration, rather than a support for them, leaving us falling short of the intent behind Agile’s values and principles. In this episode, we discuss this issue and offer strategies to avoid falling into this trap. Join Shawna Cullinan, Jörg Pietruszka, Diana Larsen, Sheila Eckert, Sheila McGrath, April Mills, Hendrik Esser, Ray Arell, and all the callers to the monthly live event as we explore this topic. ...
2025-09-2744 min
Agile Community NetworkRebuilding Communities of PracticeGive Us FeedbackIn this episode, we discuss how to re-engage Agile Communities of Practice during periods of declining participation by clarifying their purpose, fostering psychological safety, rotating facilitators, designing for active involvement, and introducing new, relevant topics to keep the community thriving. Join Shawna Cullinan, Jörg Pietruszka, Diana Larsen, Sheila Eckert, Sheila McGrath, April Mills, Hendrik Esser, Ray Arell, and all the callers to the monthly live event as we explore this topic. For details on the next live event or how to support our show, please visit acnpodcast.org.Support the sho
2025-08-2246 min
Agile Community NetworkDoes your boss understand what you do?Give Us FeedbackIn this episode, we explore ways to move from "my boss doesn't understand what I do" to strategies for resolving the issue. Ways to help your boss recognize, appreciate, and advocate for your work. Join Shawna Cullinan, Jörg Pietruszka, Diana Larsen, Sheila Eckert, Sheila McGrath, April Mills, Hendrik Esser, Ray Arell, and all the callers to the monthly live event as we explore this topic. For details on the next live event or how to support our show, please visit acnpodcast.org.Support the show
2025-07-2545 min
Agile Community NetworkTalking to The C-SuiteGive Us FeedbackAre your agile efforts getting lost in translation? In this episode, we share practical ways for how agilists can talk to the C-suite in a language they understand.Join Shawna Cullinan, Jörg Pietruszka, Diana Larsen, Sheila Eckert, Sheila McGrath, April Mills, Hendrik Esser, Ray Arell, and all the callers to the monthly live event as we explore this topic. For details on the next live event or how to support our show, please visit acnpodcast.org.Support the show
2025-06-2745 min
Agile Community NetworkPolicy or Empowerment?Give Us FeedbackIn this episode, we examine how teams are influenced by the extent to which policy or empowerment affects them and how we can support them. Join Shawna Cullinan, Jörg Pietruszka, Diana Larsen, Sheila Eckert, Sheila McGrath, April Mills, Hendrik Esser, Ray Arell, and all the callers to the monthly live event as we explore this topic. For details on the next live event or how to support our show, please visit acnpodcast.org.Support the show
2025-05-2446 min
Agile Community NetworkDoes Lean help Agile?Give Us FeedbackIn episode 100 of the ACN podcast, we celebrate being the longest continuously running podcast focused on Agile and improving work practices in companies. In this episode, we also examine how Lean and Agile principles and methodologies complement one another. Are they compatible? Should one take precedence over the other? Tune in to find out! Join Shawna Cullinan, Jörg Pietruszka, Diana Larsen, Sheila Eckert, Sheila McGrath, April Mills, Hendrik Esser, Ray Arell, and all the callers to the monthly live event as we explore this topic. For details on the next live event...
2025-04-2747 min
Agile Community NetworkCreating FlowGive Us FeedbackIn episode 99 of the ACN podcast, we explore the concept of “flow” and why it’s more than just a buzzword. We explore how nurturing a state of flow can transform individual performance, team dynamics, and overall company culture. This episode marks our transition from the Agile Coaching Network to the Agile Community Network. Overall, this name change reflects our identity for some time now. We are not just a venue for discussing Agile coaching but a hub for all topics influencing the larger communities striving to create an Agile way of working...
2025-03-3147 min
Agile Community NetworkFixing a Broken CultureGive Us FeedbackIn episode 98 of the ACN podcast, we delve into the broken culture within our team and company and explore ways to address it. We also discuss how to safeguard ourselves while coaching teams that are experiencing this dysfunction.Join Shawna Cullinan, Jörg Pietruszka, Diana Larsen, Sheila Eckert, Sheila McGrath, April Mills, Hendrik Esser, Ray Arell, and all the callers to the monthly live event as we explore this topic. For details on the next live event or how to support our show, please visit acnpodcast.org.Support the show
2025-03-0651 min
Agile Community NetworkAgile in Mergers and AcquisitionsGive Us FeedbackIn episode 97 of the ACN podcast, we explore Agile's role in mergers and acquisitions (M&A), emphasizing the early involvement of Agile leaders to foster collaboration, transparency, and cultural alignment. Drawing from personal experiences, we discuss overcoming M&A challenges like resistance to change and cultural clashes through Agile’s iterative, feedback-driven approach. The episode also touches on PMI’s acquisition of Agile Alliance.Join Shawna Cullinan, Jörg Pietruszka, Diana Larsen, Sheila Eckert, Sheila McGrath, April Mills, Hendrik Esser, Ray Arell, and all the callers to the monthly live event as we explo...
2025-01-2953 min
Agile Community NetworkLooking ahead to 2025 and celebrating 2024Give Us FeedbackIn episode 96 of the Agile Coaching Network, we looked ahead to Agile in 2025, envisioning more flexible, hybrid frameworks, a growing role for AI, and a strong emphasis on collaboration, learning, and celebrating our wins for 2024. Join Shawna Cullinan, Jörg Pietruszka, Diana Larsen, Sheila Eckert, Sheila McGrath, Hendrik Esser, Ray Arell, and all the callers to the monthly live event as we explore this topic. For details on the next live event or how to support our show, please visit acnpodcast.org.Support the show
2024-12-1048 min
Agile Community NetworkAgile in the Age of AIGive Us Feedback In this episode, we explore how AI can help your teams build better products and more fully embrace Agile principles. We also discuss the potential downsides of over-reliance on AI, such as reduced team interaction, inflexibility, and the risk of biased or misguided decisions. Join Shawna Cullinan, Jörg Pietruszka, Diana Larsen, Sheila Eckert, Sheila McGrath, Hendrik Esser, Ray Arell, and all the callers to the monthly live event as we explore this topic. For details on the next live event or how to support our show, please visit acnpodcast.orgSuppo...
2024-10-2550 min
Agile Community NetworkOrganizational ChangeGive Us FeedbackIn this episode, we will delve into various organizational change models, explore common pitfalls to avoid, provide strategies for effectively managing resistance to change, and showcase inspiring success stories from across the industry. Join Shawna Cullinan, Jörg Pietruszka, Diana Larsen, Sheila Eckert, Sheila McGrath, Hendrik Esser, Ray Arell, and all the callers to the monthly live event as we explore this topic. For details on the next live event or how to support our show, please visit acnpodcast.org.Support the show
2024-09-2750 min
Agile Community NetworkThe Aftermath of LayoffsGive Us FeedbackIn this episode, we offer guidance to those affected by layoffs—both individuals now seeking new employment and those remaining who are dealing with the emotional and practical challenges of losing a co-worker. Join Shawna Cullinan, Jörg Pietruszka, Diana Larsen, Sheila Eckert, Sheila McGrath, Hendrik Esser, Ray Arell, and all the callers to the monthly live event as we explore this topic. For details on the next live event or how to support our show, please visit acnpodcast.org.Support the show
2024-08-2450 min
Agile Community NetworkIs Transformation a Flawed Concept?Give Us FeedbackIn this episode, we dive deep into the concept of transformation within our business, questioning whether it is fundamentally flawed. We'll explore the challenges, misconceptions, and potential pitfalls often accompanying transformation initiatives and discuss whether pursuing change might sometimes lead us astray. Join Shawna Cullinan, Jörg Pietruszka, Diana Larsen, Sheila Eckert, Sheila McGrath, Hendrik Esser, Ray Arell, and all the callers to the monthly live event as we explore this topic. For details on the next live event or how to support our show, please visit acnpodcast.org.Support the sh
2024-07-2647 min
Agile Community NetworkSimplicity, the true power of Agile.Give Us Feedback In this podcast episode, we dive deep into one of the most frequently misunderstood principles: simplicity. We explore its true meaning, debunk common misconceptions, and discuss how embracing simplicity can lead to more efficient workflows, better decision-making, and a more precise focus on delivering value. Join Shawna Cullinan, Jörg Pietruszka, Diana Larsen, Sheila Eckert, Sheila McGrath, Hendrik Esser, Ray Arell, and all the callers to the monthly live event as we explore this topic. For details on the next live event or how to support our show, please visit acnpodcast.org.Su...
2024-06-2350 min
Agile Community NetworkValue of Agile CoachesGive Us FeedbackIn this podcast episode, we delve into the various obstacles that Agile coaches encounter when attempting to quantify and demonstrate their impact and value within organizations.Join Shawna Cullinan, Jörg Pietruszka, Diana Larsen, Sheila Eckert, Sheila McGrath, Hendrik Esser, Ray Arell, and all the callers to the monthly live event as we explore this topic. For details on the next live event or how to support our show, please visit acnpodcast.org.Support the show
2024-06-1248 min
Agile Community NetworkAre Companies Backing Away From Agile?Give Us FeedbackIn this episode, we explore interesting trends in the industry, leading us to delve deeper into whether companies are backing away from Agile.Join Shawna Cullinan, Jörg Pietruszka, Diana Larsen, Sheila Eckert, Sheila McGrath, Hendrik Esser, Ray Arell, and all the callers to the monthly live event as we explore this topic. For details on the next live event or how to support our show, please visit acnpodcast.org.Support the show
2024-04-1344 min
Agile Community NetworkResponding to Changing RequirementsGive Us FeedbackIn this episode, we will be addressing the challenges that arise when requirements change unexpectedly or when flexibility is needed in our teams, companies, products, or customers. This may involve tackling problems related to our processes, planning, technical debt, legacy systems, as well as contracts with both internal and external parties.Join Shawna Cullinan, Jörg Pietruszka, Diana Larsen, Sheila Eckert, Sheila McGrath, Hendrik Esser, Ray Arell, and all the callers to the monthly live event as we explore this topic. For details on the next live event or how to support our...
2024-02-2745 min
Agile Community NetworkLeadership Traits for Building Customer-Centric TeamsGive Us FeedbackIn this episode, we will be discussing the essential leadership traits that are required to build a customer-centric organization. We will analyze the characteristics of expert, achiever, and catalyst leaders, emphasizing the effectiveness of inclusive leadership. Additionally, we will explore how people can deal with bad leadership and how they can develop and grow their own leadership style. We welcome you to join us as we delve into this topic.Join Shawna Cullinan, Jörg Pietruszka, Diana Larsen, Sheila Eckert, Sheila McGrath, Hendrik Esser, Ray Arell, and all the callers to the mon...
2024-01-2649 min
Agile Community NetworkIs it really back-to-basics for Agile?Give Us FeedbackIn this episode, we discuss Jon Kern’s, coauthor of the Agile Manfesto, LinkedIn post calling for a return to Agile basics and reimagining it for the future.Join Shawna Cullinan, Jörg Pietruszka, Diana Larsen, Sheila Eckert, Sheila McGrath, Hendrik Esser, Ray Arell, and all the callers to the monthly live event as we explore topics related to Agile. For details on the next live event, please visit acnpodcast.org.(00:00) Introduction(05:25) Back-to-Basics(46:26) Wrap upSupport the show
2023-11-2449 min
Agile Community NetworkInfluence and Ways to Improve itGive Us FeedbackIn this episode, we will discuss the key components of influence and techniques for enhancing it to improve your work as a coach.Join Shawna Cullinan, Jörg Pietruszka, Diana Larsen, Sheila Eckert, Sheila McGrath, Hendrik Esser, Ray Arell, and all the callers to the monthly live event as we explore topics related to Agile. For details on the next live event, please visit acnpodcast.org.(00:00) Introduction(03:30) Influence(50:03) Wrap upSupport the show
2023-10-2452 min
Agile Community NetworkStrategic AgilityGive Us FeedbackIn this episode, we'll explore methods to improve organizational responsiveness by aligning strategic and tactical delivery and creating a system that fosters strategic agility. We'll also delve into the complexities of establishing a stronger and more comprehensive business system, discussing the challenges and effective techniques involved.Join Shawna Cullinan, Jörg Pietruszka, Diana Larsen, Sheila Eckert, Sheila McGrath, Ray Arell, and all the callers to the monthly live event as we explore topics related to Agile. For details on the next live event, please visit acnpodcast.org.(00:00) Introduction(02:05) Join us in P...
2023-09-2246 min
Agile Community NetworkAdvice on Coaching a New Agile TeamGive Us FeedbackIn this episode, we discuss techniques for starting a new coaching engagement with a team and getting them headed in the right direction.Join Shawna Cullinan, Jörg Pietruszka, Diana Larsen, Sheila Eckert, Sheila McGrath, Ray Arell, and all the callers to the monthly live event as we explore topics related to Agile. For details on the next live event, please visit acnpodcast.org.(00:00) Introduction(03:41) Coaching a New Agile Team(46:04) Wrap up. Support the show
2023-08-2548 min
Agile Community NetworkThe Agile Industrial ComplexGive Us FeedbackThis episode explores the often-discussed unhealthy relationship between adopting organizations, consultancies, certificate providers, and framework and tool vendors, commonly called the "Agile Industrial Complex." Is this phenomenon real, and what can be done about it if it is?Join Shawna Cullinan, Jörg Pietruszka, Diana Larsen, Sheila Eckert, Sheila McGrath, Ray Arell, and all the callers to the monthly live event as we explore topics related to Agile. For details on the next live event, please visit acnpodcast.org.(00:00) Introduction(01:46) Agile Industrial Complex(45:48) Wrap up. Support the show
2023-07-2149 min
Agile Community NetworkAgile Risk Mitigation and Tips for a New Team CoachGive Us FeedbackThis episode delves into Agile methodology and its potent role in mitigating risks. We also explore the art of persuading and enlisting others in adopting these approaches for effective risk reduction. Also, in this episode, we discuss some tips when coaching a new team. Join Shawna Cullinan, Jörg Pietruszka, Diana Larsen, Sheila Eckert, Sheila McGrath, Ray Arell, and all the callers to the monthly live event as we explore topics related to Agile. For details on the next live event, please visit acnpodcast.org.(00:00) Introduction(01:26) Agile and Risk...
2023-06-2349 min
Calm Your Daily Stress - Stress Relief for the Busy WomanE125 Creating a Relationship with Time that Works for YOU! with Sheila HawkinsIn this episode, Sheila Hawkins is the Personal Productivity Alchemist and she helps women business owners gain the time and freedom they crave using her unique system based on who they are, how they’re wired and how they work.Sheila share her unique system is based on understanding who you are, how you're wired,how you interact with time and how you work. The conversation revolves around the concept of productivity personas, with four distinct types: the wild child, the sergeant, the easy breezy, and the deep thinker.She explains the four types: The wild child is the creative typ...
2023-06-1024 min
Agile Community NetworkWhat about the people!!!Give Us FeedbackIn this episode, we explore how companies prioritizing processes over nurturing their workforce's skills and executing Agile with an outdated command and control mindset can lead to a culture where individuals feel ignored and underappreciated, despite their invaluable contributions to product development and company success.Join Shawna Cullinan, Jörg Pietruszka, Diana Larsen, Sheila Eckert, Sheila McGrath, Hendrik Esser, Ray Arell, and all the callers to the monthly live event as we explore topics related to Agile. For details on the next live event, please visit acnpodcast.org.(00:00) Introduction(02:25) What a...
2023-05-1948 min
Agile Community NetworkHas Agile Jumped the Shark?Give Us FeedbackIn this episode, we delve into the question of whether Agile has "jumped the shark." We examine the current state of Agile and whether it still provides value to organizations in today's rapidly changing business environment.Join Shawna Cullinan, Jörg Pietruszka, Diana Larsen, Sheila Eckert, Sheila McGrath, Hendrik Esser, Ray Arell, and all the callers to the monthly live event as we explore topics related to Agile. For details on the next live event, please visit acnpodcast.org.(00:00) Introduction(01:25) Why vs. How(47:04) Wrap upSupp...
2023-04-2850 min
Agile Community NetworkBalancing the "how" and "why" in product deliveryGive Us FeedbackIn today's fast-paced world, we often prioritize the "how" of building things - the methods, tools, and resources we use to deliver results. However, in our eagerness to achieve our goals, we sometimes lose sight of the "why" - the deeper purpose and meaning behind our actions. In this episode, we'll delve into the delicate balance between the "how" and "why" and explore how we can avoid overemphasizing the process at the expense of the value we're trying to deliver. So, join us as we discuss practical strategies for staying focused on our goals...
2023-03-2453 min
Agile Community NetworkCommunities of Practice the Benefits and ChallengesGive Us FeedbackIn this episode, we discuss the benefits and challenges of communities of practice. Join Shawna Cullinan, Jörg Pietruszka, Diana Larsen, Sheila Eckert, Sheila McGrath, Hendrik Esser, Ray Arell, and all the callers to the monthly live event as we explore topics related to Agile. For details on the next live event, please visit acnpodcast.org.(00:00) Introduction(02:02) Communities of Practices(49:54) Wrap upThe Agile Coaching Network podcast is licensed under CC BY-NC-ND 4.0, and we rely on the support of our listeners to keep the ACN going. To learn more a...
2023-02-2451 min
Take on TomorrowWill crypto revolutionize the financial system?There’s an old saying: people overestimate the impact of technology in the short term and underestimate it in the long term. Is that what’s happening with crypto? There’s a lot of news about cryptocurrencies, but are we paying too little attention to the long-term impacts of the underlying technology? Joined by Sheila Bair, the former chair of the US Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC), and Vicki Huff Eckert, a retired PwC US partner who served as vice chair for PwC’s US technology, media, and telecommunications sector, we’ll ponder how blockchain, and the cryptocurre...
2022-10-1727 minCalm Your Daily Stress - Stress Relief for the Busy WomanE026 From Burnout to Success with Sheila HeardSheila Heard is the founder of Mediavandals, a creative agency focused on helping established business owners create a more sustainable & scalable company. The goal is to generate recurring revenue with minimal input from the business owner, so they can enjoy more freedom. She got her start providing creative services to the music industry, and by 2018, she came close to packing it all in and walking away. At times, the music industry can be more than demanding.She shares what her experience with burnout was like.She discusses the practices she has p...
2021-03-2616 min