drunkenpm

Sway 2.0 with Marina Alex - How Agile Coaches Can Thrive in a Changing Market

2026-04-02T00:19:00.003-04:00

In this insightful interview, Marina Alex shares her journey from a successful sales executive to an agile coach, discussing the challenges faced during the pandemic, the importance of adapting to market changes, and strategies for agile professionals to find new opportunities in a shifting landscape. She emphasizes the need for the agile community to broaden its reach beyond IT, focus on measurable results, and leverage local relationships to build a sustainable coaching and consulting business.

Key Topics

Market shifts and the decline of traditional agile coaching
Strategies for finding clients outside of IT and enterprise
The importance of measurable results and ROI in agile consulting
Building relationships with local businesses and community engagement
The role of AI in transforming small and medium businesses

Watch the video version here
Listen to the audio version here

Chapters

01:52 Introduction to Agile Coaching and Personal Journey

06:59 The Shift in the Agile Market

11:49 Reframing the Agile Value Proposition

19:44 Building Self-Organizing Teams in Non-IT Businesses

26:54 Implementing Agile Practices in Diverse Environments

28:49 Implementing Change in Traditional Environments

30:02 Setting Measurable Business Goals

31:51 The Role of a Coach in Business Transformation

34:19 Starting as a Local Coach

34:37 Optimizing Your LinkedIn Presence

37:26 The Importance of Practical AI Knowledge

40:33 Simplifying AI for Local Businesses

45:35 Finding Clients in Your Community

Mastering Troubled Projects: Strategies from Richard Broo

2026-03-30T23:24:00.003-04:00

In this insightful interview, Richard Broo shares his expertise on managing troubled projects, the importance of scope and risk management, and how traditional and agile methodologies can be effectively integrated. Learn practical strategies to improve project success and navigate the complexities of modern project management.

Click here to watch the video version

Click here to listen to the audio version

Adapt to Win! with Evan Campbell

2026-03-18T18:20:00.004-04:00

Dave sits down with Evan Campbell to discuss his new book, Adapt to Win: A Framework to Overcome Strategy Decay Using OKRs and Lean Portfolio Management, published by Wiley. Evan shares why most organizations fail to execute on beautifully crafted strategies — and what to do about it.

Watch the video version here.

Listen to the audio version here.

Navigating AI in Business Strategy with John Tanner

2026-03-18T18:17:00.004-04:00

In this conversation, John Tanner discusses the evolving role of AI in business strategy, emphasizing the need for leaders to understand AI's impact on their organizations. He highlights the challenges of integrating AI, the importance of data management, and the necessity for project managers to adapt their skills in the face of new technologies. Tanner also introduces his course on AI readiness, which aims to equip professionals with the knowledge and skills needed to navigate the AI landscape effectively.

Watch the video version here.

Listen to the audio version here.

The Art of Giving Feedback with Lonnie Weaver-Johnson

2026-02-01T23:13:00.002-05:00

In this episode of the Reluctant Agilist, Dave Prior and Lonnie Weaver-Johnson delve into the intricacies of giving and receiving feedback. They explore personal experiences, the importance of empathy, and various models for effective feedback. The conversation emphasizes the need for clarity, intent, and kindness in feedback delivery, while also addressing the challenges of navigating feedback in professional settings. Lonnie shares her insights from years of experience in performance reviews and coaching, highlighting the significance of understanding individual differences in feedback reception.

Watch the video version here.

Listen to the audio version here.

Navigating Uncertainty: Preparing for Success in 2026 with Johanna Rothman and Mark Kilby

2026-01-20T16:06:00.002-05:00

In this episode of the Reluctant Agilist, host Dave Prior welcomes Mark Kilby and Johanna Rothman to discuss their reflections and plans for the new year. The conversation begins with a candid admission from Dave about feeling lost in setting goals for 2026, prompting Johanna to suggest a shift in focus from preparing for risks to preparing for success. The trio explores the importance of collaboration and the need to let go of what hinders progress, particularly in the context of AI and its implications for project management. They emphasize the necessity of resilience and adaptability in a rapidly changing world, advocating for a more positive outlook on success rather than a fear-based approach to risk management.

As the discussion unfolds, they delve into the challenges posed by generative AI, the importance of trust in technology, and the need for personal and organizational resilience. The episode culminates in a reflection on the significance of collaboration and the value of learning from one another, highlighting the importance of community in navigating the complexities of modern work environments. Ultimately, the conversation serves as a reminder to focus on personal growth, inclusivity, and the pursuit of meaningful connections in both professional and personal spheres.

The video version of this podcast is here

The audio version of this podcast is here

Building a Virtual Board of Directors with AI featuring Victor Njoroge

2026-01-07T02:05:00.002-05:00

In this conversation, Dave Prior interviews Victor Njoroge about the intersection of AI and product management. Victor shares his background and role at Clarion, emphasizing the importance of optimizing workflows for sales development representatives. They discuss the concept of Sidebar, a platform for brainstorming and sharing ideas among professionals. Victor explains how he built a virtual board of directors using AI to gain diverse perspectives on product management challenges. The conversation highlights the significance of trust in AI tools, the need for continuous learning, and the enduring value of human skills in the age of AI.

Video: https://youtu.be/Z1oVjbl6V8Y

Audio: https://on.soundcloud.com/7SpXAA8EZRsxKiwP6o

Revolutionizing Recruitment with SuperHired featuring Josh Hill

2025-12-11T05:27:00.000-05:00

In this conversation, Josh Hill discusses the innovative approach of SuperHired in transforming the recruitment process. He emphasizes the flaws of traditional hiring methods, the importance of understanding both candidate and company contexts, and the role of AI in recruitment. Josh advocates for a more human-centered approach to hiring, focusing on the 'job to be done' framework and the need for candidates to advocate for their own needs. He also provides insights on navigating the current job market and offers advice for both candidates and hiring managers.

The podcast is here

Receiving the Gift of Feedback with Lonnie Weaver Johnson

2025-11-07T00:56:00.004-05:00

In this engaging conversation, Dave Prior and Lonnie Weaver-Johnson delve into the complexities of giving and receiving feedback. They explore personal experiences, the emotional challenges associated with feedback, and practical strategies for improving feedback dynamics. Lonnie shares her insights on the importance of mindset, recognizing triggers, and the four Rs of feedback: recognize, receive, react, and respond. The discussion emphasizes the value of self-awareness and the need for constructive communication in both personal and professional settings.

You can find the video recording here.

You can find the audio version here.

Navigating AI - Making Sense of Agents and When To Use Them with Hugo Bowne-Anderson

2025-10-28T01:18:00.003-04:00

In this conversation, Dave Prior and Hugo Bowne-Anderson discuss the evolving landscape of AI and data science, focusing on the role of AI agents in solving business problems. Hugo shares insights on how to effectively implement AI solutions, the importance of understanding the underlying data, and the need for continuous improvement in AI systems. They also touch on the skills necessary for navigating the AI landscape, the value of collaboration between technical and non-technical teams, and the importance of assessing the value of AI projects. Hugo concludes by offering a course on building AI applications, emphasizing the iterative nature of AI development.

You can find the interview here.

Making the Case for Middle Management with Dennis Stevens

2025-10-13T22:59:00.008-04:00

Dennis Stevens joins drunkenpm for a deep dive into the challenges faced by middle management in organizational change. Dennis argues that Agile and transformation efforts often fail because they treat middle managers as a roadblock, when in fact, these managers are simply victims of a badly designed system. The core idea is that companies shouldn't try to eliminate these roles but must instead design specific organizational "containers" and routines that force middle managers to leverage human nature (like self-interest and competition) to drive innovation. The goal is to shift strategy from a static plan to a dynamic process that lives in the interactions between people, ensuring all the work being done is strategically aligned, measurable, and ultimately successful.

You can find the podcast here: https://tinyurl.com/4tp8hcct

Links From The Intro

Productivity Survival with Mark Kilby and Dave Prior

https://www.tickettailor.com/events/markkilby/1905697

No One is Coming to Save You

Amazon: https://tinyurl.com/yhdk785j
Leanpub: https://leanpub.com/surfthechaos

You Need Comms More Than You Think with Ashley Lucio

2025-09-30T23:21:00.002-04:00

In this conversation, Dave Prior speaks with Ashley Lucio about her extensive experience in communications, particularly focusing on the differences between internal communications and marketing. They discuss the challenges organizations face in deploying AI technologies and the importance of having communication professionals involved in these processes. Ashley emphasizes the need for effective communication strategies to manage organizational change and the potential pitfalls of neglecting this aspect. The conversation also touches on the evolving role of AI in communications and the necessity for a balanced approach that leverages technology while maintaining human insight.

The podcast is here: https://tinyurl.com/42h5evwd

No One Is Coming to Save You - Johanna Rothman Takes Over DrunkenPM

2025-09-25T07:00:00.003-04:00

Johanna Rothman offered to interview Stuart Young and me about our new book 'No One Is Coming to Save You'. This was only my second time handing over the podcast to someone and it was a gerat interview.

If you are curious about the book, you can check the interview here.

Personal Kanban Questions with Alex Silva

2025-09-22T06:30:00.004-04:00

Way back in the olden days before the pandemic, Alex Silva took a class with me and we talked about Personal Kanban. It's been a few years since we spoke, he's been using it, and he reached out to ask if my use of it had changed.

That's kind of a huge question, so I invited him to take over the podcast and interview me about it. We ended up having a great conversation discussing how we've each adapted it, what makes it work and if you are into PK at all, there is some great stuff in here for you.

You can check out the podcast here.

Getting Your Resume Past ATS with Wahresume Featuring Johnu Marattil

2025-09-19T00:41:00.001-04:00

If you are searching for a new gig right now, you know all to well how unbelievably frustrating it can be to send your resume out. You can spend hours on tailoring it and still not get a response. WahResume is one of the tools that can help you prep your materials so that they have a better chance of making it through the ATS gauntlet.

Click here to check out my interview with Johnu Marattil.

David Marquet - Distancing - How Great Leaders Make Better Decisions

2025-09-15T22:45:00.002-04:00

David Marquet is back! He's the author of 'Turn The Ship Around', 'Leadership is Language', and the co-author of 'Distancing - How Great Leaders Reframe to Make Better Decisions'. David is always great in an interview, and this is no exception. He was even kind enough to share my favorite story from Leadership is Language.

Check out the interview and then pick up the book!

You can find the interview here.

You can pick up the book here.

Distancing - How Great Leaders Reframe to Make Better Decisions with Dr. Michael Gillespie

2025-08-20T19:06:00.001-04:00

In this conversation, Dave Prior interviews Dr. Michael Gillespie about his book 'Distancing - How Great Leaders Reframe to Make Better Decisions', which explores psychological distancing as a tool for better decision-making. They discuss the importance of stepping outside one's own perspective to gain clarity, the different types of distancing (self, time, and space), and practical applications of these techniques. The conversation also touches on the role of journaling, the significance of construal level theory, and how mindfulness can complement these strategies. Ultimately, the discussion emphasizes the need for individuals to pause and reflect in order to make more informed decisions.

You can find the podcast here: https://www.projectmanagement.com/blog-post/78726/distancing---how-great-leaders-reframe-to-make-better-decisions-with-dr--michael-gillespie

And you can pick up the book here:
Distancing - How Great Leaders Reframe to Make Better Decisions by L. David Marquet and Michael A. Gillespie https://tinyurl.com/wtadnumb

Revolutionizing Team Coordination with Steady featuring Henry Poydar

2025-08-05T01:02:00.006-04:00

In this conversation, Henry Poydar joins Dave on the podcast to discuss the innovative platform Steady, which aims to enhance team coordination and communication in the workplace. Henry shares his extensive background in engineering and web development, emphasizing the importance of context and intentions in project management. They explore the challenges of cross-team coordination, especially in the wake of the pandemic, and how Steady seeks to unburden teams from the coordination crisis. The discussion also highlights the concept of 'echoes' as a new way to provide contextual insights and the significance of celebrating individual contributions within teams. Overall, the conversation sheds light on the future of work and the role of technology in fostering collaboration and productivity.

You can find the podcast here.

From Theater to Flow: A Conversation with Ross Beurmann

2025-07-29T02:25:00.004-04:00

Join Dave Prior as he sits down with Ross Beurmann, author of "From Theater to Flow: Rebuilding the System Behind Agility." In this episode, they delve into the challenges of agile transformations, the concept of "Agile Theater," and the importance of focusing on the middle management to drive meaningful change. Ross shares insights from his book and discusses the need for organizations to rethink their approach to agility.

Key Topics:

The pitfalls of "Agile Theater" and how to avoid them
The role of middle management in successful transformations
Ross's unique approach to integrating governance and agility
Real-world examples and lessons learned from Ross's consulting experience

You can find the podcast here.

Building Resiliance with Agile2025 Keynote Speaker Tricia Broderick

2025-07-24T00:33:00.005-04:00

Dave Prior interviews Tricia Broderick for the Agile 2025 pre-conference, focusing on her keynote on building resilience. Tricia discusses the challenges of the current job market, including high unemployment and overworked employees. She emphasizes the importance of resilience and community support. Tricia also highlights the upcoming AI Readiness for Professionals course, starting August 6, which aims to help professionals stay competitive in an AI-driven world. The conversation touches on the emotional toll of supporting others and the need for empathy and practical support. Tricia looks forward to the Agile 2025 conference, particularly the opportunity to honor past community members.

You can find the podcast here.

Getting Ready for Agile 2025 with Reese Schmit

2025-07-16T09:42:00.003-04:00

In this conversation, Dave Prior and Reece Schmidt discuss the upcoming Agile 2025 conference, focusing on its structure, keynotes, and unique features like the Hackathon for Good. They emphasize the importance of preparation for attendees, including tips for maximizing the conference experience, networking, and engaging with speakers. The conversation also addresses resources for introverts and those who may feel overwhelmed, ensuring a supportive environment for all participants.

You can find the interview here.

Podcasting LIVE from Agile 2025

2025-07-16T01:46:00.003-04:00

I will be conducting podcast interviews LIVE from Agile 2025 in the PMI / Agile Alliance booth on July 28-30.

These sessions will be streamed on The Agile Network, and they are free! You just have to sign up for TAN and get tickets for the sessions you want to attend.

https://theagilenetwork.com/group/64e7f453-4b07-4209-9aa7-517718837ac7/profile

Agile 2025 Preview with Chris Murman

2025-07-01T03:41:00.003-04:00

An interview with Agile Alliance Conference Chair Chris Murman on what’s happening at Agile 2025 and why you want to be there. During the conversation, we discuss ways this year's event is different from the previous ones, focusing on the importance of addressing real problems within the Agile community, the challenges faced by professionals in the field, and the evolving role of AI in Agile practices. We talk about the need for collaboration, innovation, and a proactive approach to shaping the future of Agile methodologies.

Bottom line - come to Agile 2025 to create, not just consume

You can find the podcast here

Navigating Your Job Search in the Age of AI with Ed Stockwell

2025-06-23T12:38:00.000-04:00

Looking for work is never easy but if you work in IT, Project Management or Agile and you're looking for a gig this may totally feel like the darkest timeline.

In this conversation, Ed Stockwell joins drunkenpm to discuss the current challenges in the job market, particularly for those in project management and Agile roles. Ed and Dave explore the importance of networking, volunteering, and maintaining mental health during the job search process. Ed shares his experiences and strategies for navigating the job landscape, including leveraging AI tools, the significance of community support, and the necessity of clarity in job seeking. They also touch on the importance of personal routines and the role of physical activity in maintaining a positive mindset. Throughout the discussion, Ed emphasizes the value of being of service to others and the power of relationships in finding new opportunities.

You can find the interview here.

Shifting from Product to People: A New Agile Perspective with Pete Oliver-Krueger and Michael Dougherty

2025-06-12T02:17:00.002-04:00

Shift: From Product To People: A Novel About Product Development, and Shifting to People To Achieve a Holistic Agile Transformation is a new book written by Michael Dougherty and Pete Oliver-Krueger that focuses on shifting the Agile mindset away from a product-centric approach and towards a more a people-centric one. This interview centers around the need for collaboration, the impact of AI on Agile practices, and the significance of creating a humane work environment. The authors also highlight the role of mentorship in personal growth and the future of work in an AI-driven landscape. They also share some of the challenges they faced during the four and a half years of writing the book, the narrative style that allows for multiple perspectives, and the importance of real-life experiences in connecting with readers.

You can find the interview here

drunkenpm

Sway 2.0 with Marina Alex - How Agile Coaches Can Thrive in a Changing Market

Links

Contacting Marina

Mastering Troubled Projects: Strategies from Richard Broo

Adapt to Win! with Evan Campbell

Navigating AI in Business Strategy with John Tanner

The Art of Giving Feedback with Lonnie Weaver-Johnson

Navigating Uncertainty: Preparing for Success in 2026 with Johanna Rothman and Mark Kilby

Building a Virtual Board of Directors with AI featuring Victor Njoroge

Revolutionizing Recruitment with SuperHired featuring Josh Hill

Receiving the Gift of Feedback with Lonnie Weaver Johnson

Navigating AI - Making Sense of Agents and When To Use Them with Hugo Bowne-Anderson

Making the Case for Middle Management with Dennis Stevens

Links From The Intro

You Need Comms More Than You Think with Ashley Lucio

No One Is Coming to Save You - Johanna Rothman Takes Over DrunkenPM

Personal Kanban Questions with Alex Silva

Getting Your Resume Past ATS with Wahresume Featuring Johnu Marattil

David Marquet - Distancing - How Great Leaders Make Better Decisions

Distancing - How Great Leaders Reframe to Make Better Decisions with Dr. Michael Gillespie

Revolutionizing Team Coordination with Steady featuring Henry Poydar

From Theater to Flow: A Conversation with Ross Beurmann

Key Topics:

Building Resiliance with Agile2025 Keynote Speaker Tricia Broderick

Getting Ready for Agile 2025 with Reese Schmit

Podcasting LIVE from Agile 2025

Agile 2025 Preview with Chris Murman

Navigating Your Job Search in the Age of AI with Ed Stockwell

Shifting from Product to People: A New Agile Perspective with Pete Oliver-Krueger and Michael Dougherty