Agile Ideas

Fatimah Abbouchi
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Agile Ideas. Agility in thought. Agility in action. Where amazing things happen. Helping you think outside the box.

  1. 2d ago

    #191 | How Boards Can Turn Sustainability Into Better Decisions with Desiree Lucchese

    What does good governance look like when the risks facing organisations are becoming more complex, interconnected and difficult to predict? In this episode, Fatimah is joined by Desiree Lucchese, a governance and sustainability professional with extensive experience across responsible investment, climate governance, enterprise risk and sustainability strategy, to explore how leaders can make better decisions in an increasingly uncertain environment. Together, they unpack why sustainability and climate risk can no longer sit on the sidelines of organisational strategy, and what it means to move beyond compliance towards governance that genuinely supports decision-making. Desiree shares how approaches such as materiality, stakeholder insight and scenario planning can help leaders challenge assumptions, understand emerging risks and make more informed choices about long-term value. The conversation also explores a familiar challenge: the gap between a strategy that makes sense on paper and an organisation's ability to execute it. From systems thinking and distributed leadership to breaking down silos and creating psychological safety, they discuss the conditions that allow strategy, governance and operations to work together rather than independently. They also look at the growing expectations around evidence-based sustainability reporting, the importance of substantiating organisational claims, and why frameworks and certifications can provide useful foundations - but shouldn't become the end goal. If you're a board member, executive, PMO or transformation leader navigating risk, strategy or organisational change, this episode offers a practical perspective on building governance and capability that helps organisations prepare rather than simply react. In this episode, we cover: 5:56 Why Careers Are Not Linear 10:59 Good Governance Versus Compliance 13:04 Making ESG Real In Decisions 24:10 Closing The Strategy Execution Gap 34:16 Human Bias and Operationalising Change …and more. 🎧 As Desiree puts it: “Act or be acted upon.” You can follow Desiree here: linkedin.com/in/désirée-lucchese  Support the show Thank you for listening to Agile Ideas! If you enjoyed this episode, please share it with someone who might benefit from our discussions. Remember to rate us on your preferred podcast platform and follow us on social media for updates and more insightful content. Thank you for listening. If you enjoyed this episode, I'd really appreciate it if you could share it with your friends and rate us. Let's spread the #AgileIdeas together!   We'd like to hear any feedback. www.agilemanagementoffice.com/contact   Don't miss out on exclusive access to special events, checklists, and blogs that are not available everywhere. Subscribe to our newsletter now at www.agilemanagementoffice.com/subscribe.   You can also find us on most social media channels by searching 'Agile Ideas'.  Follow me, your host, on LinkedIn - go to Fatimah Abbouchi - www.linkedin.com/in/fatimahabbouchi/   For all things Agile Ideas and to stay connected, visit our website below. It's your one-stop destination for all our episodes, blogs, and more. We hope you found today's episode enlightening. Until next time, keep innovating and exploring new Agile Ideas! Learn more about podcast host Fatimah Abbouchi ...

  2. Aug 26

    #190 | People, Culture, Psychology & Technology Change with Anton Roe

    What happens when technology moves faster than people are ready for—and how do leaders build organisations that can keep up? In this thought-provoking episode, Fatimah is joined by Anton Roe, recruitment and talent solutions leader with more than 25 years of experience across the UK, Europe, the US, and Australia, to explore the changing relationship between people, culture, psychology, and technology in today's workplace. Drawing on his background in organisational psychology and executive recruitment, Anton shares why successful organisations look beyond résumés and headcount to focus on culture, capability, and the environments that help people perform at their best. Together, they discuss why scaling teams isn't simply about hiring more people, how onboarding shapes long-term success, and what leaders often misunderstand about building high-performing cultures. The conversation also explores the rapid rise of AI in recruitment and the workplace. From AI-generated job applications to the growing importance of human judgement, Anton explains why technology should enhance—not replace—critical thinking, relationships, and accountability. They also unpack unconscious bias in hiring, the role of organisational psychology in better decision-making, and why trust has become one of the most valuable assets leaders can build during periods of change. Whether you're leading teams, growing a business, navigating organisational change, or simply trying to understand how AI is reshaping the future of work, this episode offers practical insights into creating workplaces where both people and technology can thrive. In this episode, we cover: 4:18 Building Culture Beyond the Hiring Process 13:05 Organisational Psychology & Better Hiring Decisions 22:47 AI, Recruitment & The Human Advantage 35:14 Scaling Teams Without Losing Culture 47:32 Leadership, Trust & The Future of Work …and more. 🎧 Tune in for an engaging conversation on leadership, organisational psychology, AI, and building resilient workplaces in a rapidly changing world. Support the show Thank you for listening to Agile Ideas! If you enjoyed this episode, please share it with someone who might benefit from our discussions. Remember to rate us on your preferred podcast platform and follow us on social media for updates and more insightful content. Thank you for listening. If you enjoyed this episode, I'd really appreciate it if you could share it with your friends and rate us. Let's spread the #AgileIdeas together!   We'd like to hear any feedback. www.agilemanagementoffice.com/contact   Don't miss out on exclusive access to special events, checklists, and blogs that are not available everywhere. Subscribe to our newsletter now at www.agilemanagementoffice.com/subscribe.   You can also find us on most social media channels by searching 'Agile Ideas'.  Follow me, your host, on LinkedIn - go to Fatimah Abbouchi - www.linkedin.com/in/fatimahabbouchi/   For all things Agile Ideas and to stay connected, visit our website below. It's your one-stop destination for all our episodes, blogs, and more. We hope you found today's episode enlightening. Until next time, keep innovating and exploring new Agile Ideas! Learn more about podcast host Fatimah Abbouchi ...

  3. Aug 12

    #189 | Endurance In Entrepreneurship – What 10 Years in Business Taught Us

    What does it really take to build a business that lasts? In this special episode, the tables are turned as our team member Sarah Nielson interviews Agile Ideas host and AMO Founder & CEO, Fatimah Abbouchi, reflecting on the highs, lows, and lessons from ten years of building a consulting business dedicated to helping organisations close the strategy execution gap. From a conversation in a café to leading a consultancy working across transformation, governance, capability, and delivery, Fatimah shares the pivotal moments that shaped both her business and her leadership. Together, they explore why so many organisations struggle to connect strategy with execution, how AMO's thinking has evolved over the past decade, and why sustainable business growth depends just as much on people and culture as it does on process and delivery. The conversation also goes beyond business strategy into the realities many founders experience but rarely discuss openly. Fatimah reflects on navigating uncertainty, imposter syndrome, burnout, difficult tender losses, and the pressure of leading through challenging periods—all while staying true to the values that shaped the business from day one. Looking ahead, they discuss what's next for AMO, the growing role of capability-led thinking, AI, partnerships, and why endurance—not perfection—has become one of the most important leadership qualities of all. Whether you're leading a PMO, growing a business, or navigating your own leadership journey, this episode offers an honest reflection on what it takes to build something meaningful over the long term. In this episode, we cover: 3:15 How AMO Began 11:40 The Reality of Building a Business 21:05 Burnout, Resilience & Leadership 33:20 Why Strategy Still Fails in Execution 46:15 Looking Ahead: The Next 10 Years …and more. 🎧 Tune in for an honest conversation about entrepreneurship, leadership, resilience, and the lessons that only time can teach. Support the show Thank you for listening to Agile Ideas! If you enjoyed this episode, please share it with someone who might benefit from our discussions. Remember to rate us on your preferred podcast platform and follow us on social media for updates and more insightful content. Thank you for listening. If you enjoyed this episode, I'd really appreciate it if you could share it with your friends and rate us. Let's spread the #AgileIdeas together!   We'd like to hear any feedback. www.agilemanagementoffice.com/contact   Don't miss out on exclusive access to special events, checklists, and blogs that are not available everywhere. Subscribe to our newsletter now at www.agilemanagementoffice.com/subscribe.   You can also find us on most social media channels by searching 'Agile Ideas'.  Follow me, your host, on LinkedIn - go to Fatimah Abbouchi - www.linkedin.com/in/fatimahabbouchi/   For all things Agile Ideas and to stay connected, visit our website below. It's your one-stop destination for all our episodes, blogs, and more. We hope you found today's episode enlightening. Until next time, keep innovating and exploring new Agile Ideas! Learn more about podcast host Fatimah Abbouchi ...

  4. Jul 29

    #188 | Leading a Global PMO, leveraging AI & messy data with Mark Abdelmalek

    What does it take to lead a global PMO in an increasingly AI-enabled world—especially when your biggest challenge isn't the technology, but the quality of the data behind it? In this insightful episode, Fatimah is joined by Mark Abdelmalek, Head of PMO APAC at Herbert Smith Freehills Kramer, to explore how modern PMOs can embrace AI while staying focused on the fundamentals of leadership, governance, and organisational capability. Drawing on more than 30 years of experience, Mark shares his journey from software developer to PMO leader, reflecting on why successful delivery has always been about people as much as technology. Together, they discuss the growing role of AI in project delivery, why organisations often underestimate the human side of change, and how capability uplift helps teams build confidence as new technologies emerge. The conversation also explores one of the biggest barriers to successful AI adoption: data readiness. Mark explains why clean, accessible, and well-governed data is the foundation for meaningful AI outcomes, and shares a practical example of using Microsoft Copilot to transform years of PMO lessons learned into a searchable knowledge resource—helping teams avoid repeating mistakes and continuously improve delivery. Finally, they discuss leading PMOs across global organisations, working effectively with diverse stakeholders, keeping governance practical, and the lessons Mark has learned through his involvement with the PMO Global Awards. If you're leading projects, building PMO capability, or preparing your organisation for AI-enabled transformation, this episode offers practical insights into how people, governance, and technology come together to drive better delivery. In this episode, we cover: 2:34  From Developer to Project Leader 5:22  AI Anxiety & Learning Mindset 13:23  Data Readiness for AI Transformation 17:56  Building an AI Lessons Learned Agent 31:02  Leading Projects Across APAC Remotely …and more. 🎧 Tune in for practical insights on leading PMOs through the next generation of delivery. Support the show Thank you for listening to Agile Ideas! If you enjoyed this episode, please share it with someone who might benefit from our discussions. Remember to rate us on your preferred podcast platform and follow us on social media for updates and more insightful content. Thank you for listening. If you enjoyed this episode, I'd really appreciate it if you could share it with your friends and rate us. Let's spread the #AgileIdeas together!   We'd like to hear any feedback. www.agilemanagementoffice.com/contact   Don't miss out on exclusive access to special events, checklists, and blogs that are not available everywhere. Subscribe to our newsletter now at www.agilemanagementoffice.com/subscribe.   You can also find us on most social media channels by searching 'Agile Ideas'.  Follow me, your host, on LinkedIn - go to Fatimah Abbouchi - www.linkedin.com/in/fatimahabbouchi/   For all things Agile Ideas and to stay connected, visit our website below. It's your one-stop destination for all our episodes, blogs, and more. We hope you found today's episode enlightening. Until next time, keep innovating and exploring new Agile Ideas! Learn more about podcast host Fatimah Abbouchi ...

  5. Jun 10

    #187 | The Execution Gap: Why Capability Is the Missing Layer

    In this special episode, we explore one of the most common organisational challenges: the gap between strategy and execution. Many organisations invest heavily in transformation, governance, delivery frameworks, and planning — yet execution still breaks down. Decisions stall, ownership becomes unclear, delivery slows, and teams become overwhelmed. At the centre of these recurring challenges is something many organisations talk about, but few define clearly: capability. In this webinar recording, Fatimah Abbouchi unpacks why capability is often the missing layer between strategy and delivery — and why organisations that misunderstand capability frequently struggle to operationalise change sustainably. Rather than viewing capability as simply skills or headcount, the discussion reframes capability as the organisational ability required to reliably deliver outcomes. Fatimah explores how capability connects governance, operations, delivery, and transformation — and why fragmented capabilities create friction that no amount of additional process or resource can solve. The session also examines how capability gaps emerge inside planning, governance structures, operating models, and transformation programs, often without organisations realising until execution begins to fail. If you work in strategy, PMOs, transformation, governance, or organisational leadership, this episode offers a practical lens on why execution struggles persist — and what organisations need to do differently to build sustainable delivery capability. In this episode, I cover: 2:35 The Real Questions People Ask  6:53 Capability Versus Capacity Explained  13:40 When Shared Tech Breaks Accountability  15:32 Regulatory Work Spans Many Teams 24:10 A Transformation That Builds the Wrong Shape  32:27 Three Diagnostic Questions to Take Away 39:51 CIAB and Making the Seams Visible  And more... Learn more about the Capability Clarity Consultation:  👉 https://quiz.agilemanagementoffice.com/capabilityclarity Read more insights from AMO on capability, governance, and execution:  👉 https://agilemanagementoffice.com/blog/  Support the show Thank you for listening to Agile Ideas! If you enjoyed this episode, please share it with someone who might benefit from our discussions. Remember to rate us on your preferred podcast platform and follow us on social media for updates and more insightful content. Thank you for listening. If you enjoyed this episode, I'd really appreciate it if you could share it with your friends and rate us. Let's spread the #AgileIdeas together!   We'd like to hear any feedback. www.agilemanagementoffice.com/contact   Don't miss out on exclusive access to special events, checklists, and blogs that are not available everywhere. Subscribe to our newsletter now at www.agilemanagementoffice.com/subscribe.   You can also find us on most social media channels by searching 'Agile Ideas'.  Follow me, your host, on LinkedIn - go to Fatimah Abbouchi - www.linkedin.com/in/fatimahabbouchi/   For all things Agile Ideas and to stay connected, visit our website below. It's your one-stop destination for all our episodes, blogs, and more. We hope you found today's episode enlightening. Until next time, keep innovating and exploring new Agile Ideas! Learn more about podcast host Fatimah Abbouchi ...

  6. May 27

    #186 | Accidental Project Manager with Eva Pareja

    What happens when a journalist accidentally lands in project management — and discovers the same skills that drive powerful storytelling also drive successful delivery? In this thoughtful and honest episode, Fatimah is joined by Eva Pareja, Integrated Project Manager, communicator, and multicultural marketing specialist, whose career journey spans journalism, media, advertising, public relations, and nearly 30 years of cross-functional project delivery. Born in Spain and now based in Chicago, Eva shares how her early career in radio and television unexpectedly shaped her approach to leadership, stakeholder engagement, and project management. From understanding audiences and navigating deadlines to translating between competing priorities, she explores why communication may be one of the most underrated skills in modern project delivery. Together, they unpack how project management has evolved over time — from process-heavy coordination to increasingly strategic leadership — and why agility today is less about speed and more about intentional, responsive decision-making. The conversation also explores multicultural teams, assumptions in leadership, continuous learning, mentorship, and the growing importance of emotional intelligence in increasingly complex environments. Eva reflects on her PMP journey, lessons from PMO mentorship through The PMO Leader, and shares practical advice for emerging project professionals: stop making assumptions, listen more intentionally, and lead with ownership rather than authority. If you’ve ever questioned what makes a great project manager beyond frameworks and certifications — or wondered how communication, culture, and curiosity shape long-term success — this episode offers a refreshing perspective on leadership in practice. In this episode: 2:57 Pivoting from Journalism to PM 5:50 Marketing Projects and Real Deliverables 9:41 Multicultural Teams and Clear Alignment 15:04 Building PMO Skills Through Mentorship 24:44 Start Owning Decisions and Stop Assumptions …and more. 🎧 Tune in, take notes, and explore what project leadership looks like when communication, adaptability, and intentionality come first.  Connect with Eva: www.linkedin.com/in/eva-pareja Support the show Thank you for listening to Agile Ideas! If you enjoyed this episode, please share it with someone who might benefit from our discussions. Remember to rate us on your preferred podcast platform and follow us on social media for updates and more insightful content. Thank you for listening. If you enjoyed this episode, I'd really appreciate it if you could share it with your friends and rate us. Let's spread the #AgileIdeas together!   We'd like to hear any feedback. www.agilemanagementoffice.com/contact   Don't miss out on exclusive access to special events, checklists, and blogs that are not available everywhere. Subscribe to our newsletter now at www.agilemanagementoffice.com/subscribe.   You can also find us on most social media channels by searching 'Agile Ideas'.  Follow me, your host, on LinkedIn - go to Fatimah Abbouchi - www.linkedin.com/in/fatimahabbouchi/   For all things Agile Ideas and to stay connected, visit our website below. It's your one-stop destination for all our episodes, blogs, and more. We hope you found today's episode enlightening. Until next time, keep innovating and exploring new Agile Ideas! Learn more about podcast host Fatimah Abbouchi ...

  7. May 13

    #185 | Why Governance Fails (And What It’s Really Meant to Do) with Ross Garland

    What if governance isn’t slowing your projects down—but the very thing protecting them from failure? In this powerful episode, Fatimah is joined by Ross Garland, President of P3GQA and global expert in Project, Programme and Portfolio Governance (P3 governance), to unpack why so many delivery challenges have less to do with project management—and more to do with how organisations design governance. With over 25 years of experience across billions of dollars in global investments, Ross brings a grounded, no-nonsense perspective on what actually breaks when governance is treated as administration instead of investment protection. From unclear accountability to over-engineered committees, he shares why even strong teams can struggle when decision paths and ownership aren’t clearly defined. Together, they explore one of the most common—and costly—mistakes organisations make: treating complex initiatives as projects instead of programs. Ross explains how that single misstep impacts everything from board structure to benefits realisation, and why governance must be designed to support outcomes, not just activity. The conversation also dives into what “lean governance” really looks like, how to create accountability that empowers rather than blames, and why the business case should remain a living decision tool throughout delivery—not just something created upfront and forgotten. Finally, they tackle governance in agile environments—how to maintain oversight of investment decisions while adapting to faster, iterative delivery cycles without slowing teams down. If you’ve ever questioned whether your governance is helping or hindering delivery, this episode offers a clear, practical lens on how to get it right. To learn more about Ross’s work, explore P3 governance resources, or take the governance assessment:  👉 https://p3gqa.com Connect with Ross on LinkedIn:  👉 https://www.linkedin.com/in/rossgarland 🎧 Tune in, take notes, and rethink the role governance plays in driving real outcomes across your organisation. In this episode, I cover:  5:10 Ross’s Path into P3 Governance 9:11 Projects Programs Portfolios Made Clear 16:11 When Governance Becomes Too Many Committees 18:09 Signs Work Should Become a Project 44:25 AI Governance Hype and Getting Basics Right And more... Support the show Thank you for listening to Agile Ideas! If you enjoyed this episode, please share it with someone who might benefit from our discussions. Remember to rate us on your preferred podcast platform and follow us on social media for updates and more insightful content. Thank you for listening. If you enjoyed this episode, I'd really appreciate it if you could share it with your friends and rate us. Let's spread the #AgileIdeas together!   We'd like to hear any feedback. www.agilemanagementoffice.com/contact   Don't miss out on exclusive access to special events, checklists, and blogs that are not available everywhere. Subscribe to our newsletter now at www.agilemanagementoffice.com/subscribe.   You can also find us on most social media channels by searching 'Agile Ideas'.  Follow me, your host, on LinkedIn - go to Fatimah Abbouchi - www.linkedin.com/in/fatimahabbouchi/   For all things Agile Ideas and to stay connected, visit our website below. It's your one-stop destination for all our episodes, blogs, and more. We hope you found today's episode enlightening. Until next time, keep innovating and exploring new Agile Ideas! Learn more about podcast host Fatimah Abbouchi ...

  8. Apr 15

    #184 | Why Regulatory Programs Stall After Approval - and How to Design Ones That Actually Run

    In this special episode, we explore a challenge many regulated organisations face but rarely articulate clearly: why regulatory programs often struggle long after approval has been secured. Most regulatory initiatives don’t fail because the obligations were misunderstood. They fail because the delivery model was never designed to operate sustainably once the program transitions into business-as-usual. Using AFSL regulatory programs as a practical reference point, Fatimah examines the structural patterns that repeatedly undermine regulated change. From delivery models optimised for approval rather than operation, to obligation-led planning that fragments accountability across teams, the episode highlights why governance structures that work during a program often collapse once responsibility moves into BAU. Rather than focusing on license interpretation or legal frameworks, this discussion centers on regulated delivery — the operational system required to embed regulatory obligations into how a business actually runs. Fatimah explores the difference between approval readiness and operational execution, why capability ownership must extend beyond the program lifecycle, and what minimum governance and delivery cadences are required to keep regulated change stable over time. If you work in regulated industries, transformation programs, governance, or PMOs supporting compliance initiatives, this episode offers a practical lens on designing regulatory programs that reduce rework, avoid fatigue, and maintain execution long after approval has been granted. In this episode, I cover:  2:35 The Problem After Approval  13:25 Obligation-Led vs Capability-Led Thinking 22:00 Drift to Breach and Early Signals 26:10 What Sustainable Operation Looks Like 31:00 Four Executive Diagnostic Questions And more... Learn how AMO can help you uplift capability in your organisation.Download our Executive Guide 'The AFSL Execution Gap'.Watch the recording including accompanying slides.Support the show Thank you for listening to Agile Ideas! If you enjoyed this episode, please share it with someone who might benefit from our discussions. Remember to rate us on your preferred podcast platform and follow us on social media for updates and more insightful content. Thank you for listening. If you enjoyed this episode, I'd really appreciate it if you could share it with your friends and rate us. Let's spread the #AgileIdeas together!   We'd like to hear any feedback. www.agilemanagementoffice.com/contact   Don't miss out on exclusive access to special events, checklists, and blogs that are not available everywhere. Subscribe to our newsletter now at www.agilemanagementoffice.com/subscribe.   You can also find us on most social media channels by searching 'Agile Ideas'.  Follow me, your host, on LinkedIn - go to Fatimah Abbouchi - www.linkedin.com/in/fatimahabbouchi/   For all things Agile Ideas and to stay connected, visit our website below. It's your one-stop destination for all our episodes, blogs, and more. We hope you found today's episode enlightening. Until next time, keep innovating and exploring new Agile Ideas! Learn more about podcast host Fatimah Abbouchi ...

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About

Agile Ideas. Agility in thought. Agility in action. Where amazing things happen. Helping you think outside the box.

Information

  • Creator
    Fatimah Abbouchi
  • Years Active
    2018 - 2026
  • Episodes
    192
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2026 Agile Ideas
  • Show Website
    Agile Ideas

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