Peeling away complexity – a visionary look at agility, simplicity, and more.
My name is Neil Walker. Welcome to my blog—a space where I share insights, experiences, and practical advice on transforming organizations through strategic agility, product leadership, and innovative thinking.
I have been writing and speaking about these topics (and more) since 2000. Before Twitter became “X,” I was also very active there and built quite a following across my themed accounts.
With over 30 years of experience in agile, working across diverse industries, I’ve helped teams and leaders navigate the complexities of modern business, adopt agile ways of working, and shift from project to product mindsets.
My passion lies in empowering people and organizations to embrace simplicity, drive real change, and achieve sustainable results.
Latest insights
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Beyond “Agile”: Embracing Dynamic, Evolving, Adaptable, and Disruptive Ways of Working
The idea of moving beyond the “Agile” label resonates deeply, especially as Agile has grown far beyond its original definition. I responded to a post by Management 3.0, but pondered later in the day and quickly wrote this. Enjoy. For…
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Autonomy: The Cornerstone of Agility
So very true, Daniel Pink. When leaders see autonomy as a core part of their strategy—not just a “nice to have”—they unlock higher engagement, better results, and a thriving culture. Over the last three decades, I’ve come to view autonomy…
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Beware the Butterfly Syndrome: A Reality Check on Agile Transformation
Just over a decade ago, I wrote a post Agile Transformation: Not a Caterpillar Turning Into a Butterfly based on the observations of “Agile transformations” being less like caterpillars—destined to transform into beautiful butterflies. I sought to dispel the myth…
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The Future of Business: Sailing Beyond the Horizon with Agility
This is a follow-up article to The Shifting Winds of Business: Why Agility is No Longer Optional, from last month. The America’s Cup has always been a proving ground for innovation. From sleek hull designs to towering wing sails, these…
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Thriving in Turbulent Times: Principles of Agility for Uncertain Worlds
In a world marked by relentless turbulence and uncertainty, organizations must adapt, innovate, and evolve. The pace of change isn’t slowing—if anything, it’s accelerating. To respond effectively, being “agile” is helpful, but it’s not sufficient for true success. We must…
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Navigating the Choppy Waters: Overcoming the Challenges of Agility
This is a follow-up article to The Shifting Winds of Business: Why Agility is No Longer Optional, from last month. The America’s Cup isn’t won on calm seas. The most skilled sailors face treacherous conditions: sudden gusts, rogue waves, equipment…
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Balancing Remote and In-Office Work
Today’s article from The Guardian discusses the ongoing debate about remote work in the UK. It highlights that while many employees prefer working from home, there is increasing pressure from employers to return to the office. This tension is driven…
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