The Agile Diaries

Agile Business Consortium

Welcome to The Agile Diaries, a series where we share individual’s journeys in Business Agility so others can relate and see the many faces within this space.

  1. FEB 12

    Lifelong Learning and Employee Ownership with John Beattie

    In this conversation, John discusses his journey in family learning, the importance of finding fulfilment in work, and the privilege of being able to choose a career that aligns with personal values. He shares insights on overcoming imposter syndrome, the significance of mentorship, and the role of feedback in professional growth. John emphasises the need for a culture of trust and transparency in the workplace and explains the concept of employee ownership as a model that benefits both employees and businesses. ----more---- John Beattie is the Director of Membership and Operations at the Employee Ownership Association (EOA), where he champions people‑powered business, and helps businesses unlock the benefits of employee ownership. With a career spanning education, culture, community learning and digital transformation, John brings a consistent passion for curiosity, communication and creating opportunities for others. Born and raised in the North East of England, he is known for his warm, human approach, his talent for making complex ideas accessible, and the joyful stories that follow him through his work, from widening participation to advocating for the power of employee‑owned businesses. Links to include: https://employeeownership.co.uk/ Campaign for Learning: www.campaign-for-learning.org.uk National Centre for Family Learning: https://nationalcentreforfamilylearning.org/ Seven Stories: The National Centre for Children’s Books: www.sevenstories.org.uk

    45 min

  2. 2025-12-04

    Agitating Change: Reframing Resistance and Making Sense of Transformation with Ket Patel

    In this episode of The Agile Diaries, Niamh Trundle speaks with Ket Patel, founder of Change Agitators and co-creator of The Change Chair. Ket shares insights from two decades in transformation, unpacking why organisations often misdiagnose “resistance” and how reframing it as sense-making creates healthier, more successful change.   They explore the relationship between agility and change, the importance of psychological safety, and how leaders can cultivate space, framing, and accountability for productive conflict. Ket also reflects on learning culture, the future of change professionals, and how scepticism, humility, humour, and collaboration will define effective change leadership in the years ahead.  ----more---- Ket is the founder of Change Agitators, an organisational change and coaching consultancy that helps remove the friction senior leaders often feel when implementing change. He is a Change Management Institute Accredited Master Practitioner with a specialism in building internal organisational capability and is also an Agile Change Management coach. He has over 20 years' experience leading operating model redesign, technology enabled transformation and leadership development programmes focused on culture and change capability. Ket along with his team of Agitators bring their pragmatic and honest mindset and their years of hands-on experience to shape the behaviours and process that will help your organisation to become truly adaptable to change.  https://www.change-agitators.com/  ket@change-agitators.com

    46 min

  3. 2025-11-05

    From Code to Culture: Belinda Waldock on Adaptability and Wellbeing

    In this episode of The Agile Diaries, host Niamh Trundle speaks with Belinda Waldock about how agility extends far beyond technology. Belinda shares her journey into agility, discussing how its principles can support personal growth, education, and wellbeing. Together, they explore the intersection of mental health and Agile, reflecting on experiences with burnout, long COVID, and the importance of creating adaptive, compassionate workplaces. The conversation highlights how Agile thinking can benefit neurodiverse individuals and foster resilience in an AI-driven world. This episode offers an inspiring look at agility as a mindset for both professional and personal transformation. Interested in speaking with Belinda further? Reach out to her on her socials below: belinda@beingagile.co.uk  https://www.beingagile.co.uk   https://uk.linkedin.com/in/belindawaldock  https://www.facebook.com/beingagile

    33 min

  4. 2025-10-02

    From Farm to Founder: Andrew Burrows’ Path to Purpose

    In this episode of the Agile Diaries, Andrew Burrows shares his journey from working on a farm to becoming a co-founder of Hidden Matter.  He discusses his early experiences in the gaming industry, the importance of mentorship, and the challenges of navigating corporate culture at IBM. Andrew emphasises the significance of purpose in both personal and professional growth, the role of AI in marketing, and his aspirations for the future.

    55 min

  5. 2025-08-05

    Choosing Happiness and Unlocking Business Agility: A Journey with James Dwan

    In this episode of the Agile Diaries podcast, Niamh Trundle speaks with James Dwan, CEO of Catalyst Consulting, about his journey into business agility. They discuss the influence of James's formative years, the importance of resilience and perspective in business, and how the pandemic has reshaped the landscape of work. James shares insights on the role of AI in the future of work, the significance of neurodiversity, and the necessity of fostering a positive organisational culture. The conversation also touches on the impact of Latin studies on James's thinking and the exciting opportunities that lie ahead in the tech landscape.

    58 min

  6. 2025-07-01

    From Architecture to Agile: A Journey of Resilience with John Botting

    In this engaging people-centric conversation, John Botting shares his journey from architecture to becoming an Agile practitioner. He discusses the importance of mindset, resilience, and leadership in navigating career challenges, including redundancy.   John emphasises the significance of understanding the 'why' and 'what' in Agile practices and the role of change management in project management. He also reflects on personal growth through adversity and the need for mental health awareness in professional settings. The discussion concludes with insights on the future of contracting and the importance of building connections and authenticity in leadership.

    42 min

  7. 2025-06-03

    Leading with Heart: Karen McAllen on Agility, Authenticity, and Owning Your Space

    In this episode of Agile Diaries, host Fallon Taylor interviews Karen McAllen, the Managing Director of the Agile Business Consortium. Karen, shares her journey into the world of business agility, discussing her experiences, the importance of trust and transparency, and how her childhood shaped her independence and confidence. She reflects on her unexpected career twists, including her time in the film industry, and emphasises the significance of effective communication in leadership. In this engaging conversation, Karen shares her experiences navigating parenthood, career challenges, and personal growth; reflecting on the lessons learned from her journey, Karen also discusses her interests outside of work, including her passion for true crime and the significance of addressing the impact of personal experiences such as navigating perimenopause. Her insights highlight the importance of authenticity, personal development, and giving back to the community.

    35 min

  8. 2024-05-02

    The Agile Diaries with Giles Lindsey

    In this episode, we welcome Giles Lindsey, executive coach and technology leader who brings a unique blend of expertise to the table.  We delve into the dynamics of agile transformation, discussing the critical role of people as the primary success drivers in any organisation. With generative AI reshaping the future of work, Giles provides his perspective on how emerging technologies are set to meet the expectations of new school leavers entering the workforce.

    37 min
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About

Welcome to The Agile Diaries, a series where we share individual’s journeys in Business Agility so others can relate and see the many faces within this space.

Information

  • Creator
    Agile Business Consortium
  • Years Active
    2025 - 2026
  • Episodes
    16
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © Copyright 2025 All rights reserved.
  • Show Website
    The Agile Diaries