Navigating the “Layer Cake” of Agility, Lean, Systems Thinking, and Product Management

In the film Layer Cake, we see how the lives of the rich, the criminal, and the criminally rich are intricately woven together, each layer impacting the others in ways that often defy logic and expectation. This metaphor of intersecting worlds is surprisingly relevant to today’s complex landscape of agility, lean practices, systems thinking, and … Read more

Turning Around a Microsoft Practice: An Agile Transformation Story

A decade ago, I embarked on a challenging journey to lead the Microsoft practice at Unilog, a French-headquartered European-wide technology consultancy, in the UK. The practice was facing numerous hurdles, including unprofitability, a lack of sustainable pipeline, low team morale, non-existent development, etc. compounded with a strained relationship with Microsoft UK. It did not look … Read more

Co-Creating the Product Vision: A Collaborative Approach

While a strong product vision is essential, it’s equally important to involve key stakeholders in its creation. Co-creating the vision fosters buy-in, alignment, and a shared sense of ownership. Benefits of Co-Creation: How to Co-Create a Product Vision: Remember, a co-created product vision is more likely to be successful because it reflects the needs and … Read more

What Is Value?

“Value” can be understood differently depending on the context. There isn’t one type of value that organizations and individuals might focus on. There are many. However, despite the different types of value, they all share some common elements. Core principles that underpin various types of value: By understanding these common elements, organizations and individuals can … Read more

Discovering the “Best Way”: Agile and the Art of Boiling an Egg

In the world of Agile, we’re often reminded that there is always a best way of doing everything, even if it be to boil an egg. This profound thought, attributed to Ralph Waldo Emerson (from his quote “There is always a best way of doing everything, if it be to boil an egg. Manners are … Read more

Peeling Away Complexity – A Visionary Look at Agility and Simplicity

In a world where “more” often feels like the answer, it’s powerful to pause and ask if “less” might actually move us forward faster. Complexity creeps into our products, processes, and even decision-making frameworks. Yet, time and again, the most impactful outcomes are rooted in simplicity. Agility shines in simplicity. It’s easy to add layers … Read more