In the world of Agile leadership, where change is constant and complexity is the norm, lessons from unexpected sources can provide powerful insights. One such lesson comes from the military, where the 7 Ps are a well-known adage: “Proper Prior Planning Prevents Piss Poor Performance.” This straightforward yet profound principle emphasizes the importance of preparation … Read more
While on my honeymoon in New Zealand last month, I captured this breathtaking view of a perfectly conical volcano on the North Island. It reminded me of a valuable life and work lesson: even the most daunting challenges can be conquered one step at a time. Mountains, like problems, can feel insurmountable from a distance. … Read more
In the world of Agile transformation, it’s tempting to think of organizations like caterpillars—destined to transform into beautiful butterflies. But the reality is far more complex. Unlike a caterpillar, an organization doesn’t follow a preordained path to change. Transformation is neither natural nor inevitable; it’s a deliberate and often arduous process. For CxOs seeking to … Read more
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
This is how I approach decision-making in business, sports, and life. 30-years ago, I made a bold decision to drop out of starting a degree and accepted a role with a UK bank. Many people told me I was making a mistake. They said it was crazy, irresponsible, and the wrong move. I doubted myself. … Read more
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