No Doubt, Let's Go!

Reggie Valentine

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No Doubt, Let's Go! is a show for doers, dreamers, and everyone in between, designed to uncover the personal "No Doubt Method" of guests and demonstrate that they already embrace an agile mindset. It provides real-world stories and actionable takeaways, with the goal of serving as a "DIY for GSD (Do-It-Yourself Getting Stuff Done)" rvhoss.substack.com

Jul 16

No Doubt, Let's Go! - Jainish

On This Episode of No Doubt, Let’s Go! Coach Reggie interviews Jainish Shah about his approaches to productivity, learning, and getting work done effectively. Jainish shared how he starts by understanding context before taking action, emphasizes learning from industry changes like AI, and has been sharing knowledge since his college days through Facebook groups and blogging. He discussed his work style as a night person who adapts to global team collaboration, uses tools like Jira and Confluence, and leverages AI for prototyping and feedback. Jainish explained his approach to getting unstuck through reflection, prioritization, and understanding the root causes of challenges rather than relying solely on tools. He shared specific examples of helping teams improve their story-point estimation practices and emphasized the importance of understanding product management roles beyond just the title before pursuing careers in the field. Summary Getting Things Done in Tech Coach Reggie Valentine interviewed Jainish Shah, a senior consultant at ThoughtWorks, discussing how to get things done and the importance of learning and sharing in fast-moving industries. Jainish explained that his approach to getting things done depends on the context and emphasized the need to adapt to changes, particularly in areas like AI. He shared that his passion for learning and sharing originated during his graduation when he helped classmates understand computer science concepts. Mentoring Journey and Approaches Jainish shared his journey of starting to help classmates by creating a Facebook group and later blogging about SQL on csharpcorner.com in 2014-15. He explained his approach to mentoring, emphasizing that coaches cannot provide answers but rather help people find their own solutions through questioning. Jainish discussed how he manages his work schedule as a non-morning person in a global team environment, starting his day later to overlap with international stakeholders. Daily Routine and Product Thinking Jainish discussed their daily routine of checking emails in the morning before calls with stakeholders in the afternoon, adapting their timing to accommodate different time zones. They shared their approach to capturing spontaneous insights during walks and travel through a 21-day product thinking challenge on LinkedIn, where they observe products daily and document observations in a diary or through screenshots for further analysis. Agile AI-Driven Development Approach Jainish discussed his approach to working agilely by using AI for feedback and prototyping, leveraging tools like Jira, Confluence, and various whiteboarding platforms to visualize ideas. He emphasized the importance of releasing rough versions or MVPs early and iterating based on feedback, sharing examples from content creation, book writing, and social media. Jainish also highlighted the value of acting quickly and learning from feedback, while Coach emphasized the significance of short feedback loops in agility and getting unstuck through prioritization of feedback. Empathy-Driven Stakeholder Understanding Techniques Jainish emphasized the importance of people and empathy over tools, preferring direct communication through calls over surveys for better understanding. They discussed using techniques like journey mapping, design thinking workshops, and empathy maps to understand stakeholders’ perspectives and identify bottlenecks. Jainish also highlighted the importance of combining emotional insights with data analytics to make informed decisions. Managing Overwhelming Situations and Teams Jainish shared strategies for managing overwhelming situations, including taking breaks to reflect, prioritizing tasks through visualization, and checking for “fires” before starting work. He explained how to help teams develop better reflection habits by identifying and correcting incorrect estimation methods, using story pointing as an example. For aspiring product managers feeling paralyzed by overthinking, Jainish advised focusing on understanding the role in different contexts rather than just the title, and recommended networking with professionals on LinkedIn to gain clarity before applying for positions. blog - http://www.jainishshah.in/ Linkedin - https://www.linkedin.com/in/the-jainish-shah This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit rvhoss.substack.com/subscribe
Jul 9

No Doubt, Let's Go! - Karen

On This Episode of No Doubt, Let’s Go! Coach Reggie interviews Karen Anderson, a delivery-focused leader currently working on enterprise change portfolio governance. Karen discussed her approach to getting things done by breaking projects into manageable parts and maintaining flexibility, emphasizing the importance of collaboration and learning from team members throughout the delivery process. They explored how governance should be viewed as organizational maturity rather than restrictive policing, with Karen explaining that mature organizations have embedded governance that allows for both robust business cases and agile delivery methods. The conversation covered Karen’s morning routines, her experience managing resistance from teams during tool transitions, and the importance of psychological safety and incremental delivery to build trust. Karen shared her philosophy of finding fun in high-stakes deliveries through team celebrations and personal connections, and concluded by advising leaders to give teams agency when stuck, letting them take control and learn from failures rather than remaining paralyzed themselves. Summary Effective Project Execution Strategies Coach interviewed Karen Anderson about her approach to getting things done and her focus on delivery. Karen explained that she breaks down projects into manageable parts and emphasizes the importance of collaboration and learning from others during the process. She described execution as her “ultimate obsession” due to the satisfaction of building something, collaborating with others, and delivering value for customers and teams. Hybrid Work Collaboration Strategies Karen discussed the impact of remote work on collaboration, noting that while working from home has its challenges, her company’s hybrid model requiring two days in the office has been effective in maintaining in-person collaboration and creating a sense of community through designated anchor days. She emphasized the importance of maintaining personal connections in virtual meetings by incorporating humor and casual conversations to make remote interactions more engaging. Enterprise Governance Implementation Challenges Coach and Karen discussed the challenges of implementing enterprise governance change, with Karen explaining that governance becomes non-negotiable when organizations lack understanding of how their business functions. They explored how governance should be presented as flow-enabling rather than policing, and discussed the importance of applying the fail-fast principle to avoid costly mistakes. The conversation concluded with Karen defining organizational maturity as embedded governance that is seamlessly integrated into the organization’s learning and adoption processes. Business Governance Balance Strategies Karen discussed the importance of finding balance between robust business cases and agile approaches in governance, emphasizing the need to provide options rather than forcing specific frameworks on people. She highlighted the importance of continuous assessment and optimization, noting that what worked in 2014 might not be suitable in 2026, and stressed the value of looking outward to learn from others’ successes. The conversation ended with Coach asking about recognizing when organizations are going through transformative motions versus genuine implementation. Agile Process Evaluation Discussion Karen and Coach discussed the importance of constantly re-evaluating agile processes to maintain their effectiveness and value. Karen shared that her team regularly mixes up their risk review approaches to avoid repetitive meetings and focus on value-driven or thematic lenses. They agreed that it’s crucial to question the purpose and value of meetings to ensure they remain meaningful and productive. Morning Productivity Strategies Discussion Karen discussed her morning routine and productivity strategies, explaining that her mornings vary based on whether she’s dropping off children or working from home. She described how she uses early morning hours to plan her day, review her calendar, and determine her priorities, noting that she finds herself working more back-loaded towards the end of the day when working from home. Karen emphasized the importance of taking breaks and planning time for herself, stating that she’s more productive in the morning and finds it difficult to maintain focus by evening. Flexible Planning and Delivery Balance Karen discussed maintaining flexibility in planning while balancing the need to meet specific delivery objectives. She explained that her team holds a reasonably flexible roadmap and emphasizes listening to team members to identify when plans aren’t working effectively. Karen noted the importance of being open to challenges and revisiting plans while ensuring goals are still met, describing herself as sometimes being a “fence sitter” in decision-making. Parenting and Project Management Styles Coach and Karen discussed the similarities between their parenting and project management styles, with Karen explaining how her delivery-focused approach initially led her to try to “fix” parenting challenges, but she learned to adapt by maintaining clear frameworks while allowing flexibility, particularly during teenage years. Coach shared a personal example about teaching efficiency to her daughter Lillian, noting how it took six months for Lillian to adopt the desired behavior, which made Coach question whether she might be overthinking efficiency in both parenting and professional contexts. Creating Psychological Safety in Teams Karen discussed the importance of creating psychological safety for team members to allow them to take initiative and learn from mistakes. She noted that people are often the biggest blockers in projects, particularly due to fear and lack of curiosity during change initiatives. Karen emphasized the value of active listening and empathy in diagnosing the root causes of resistance and building team confidence. Building Trust in Delivery Projects Karen discussed her approach to building trust and managing resistance during delivery-focused projects, particularly highlighting how she gradually introduced new tools to her team over six months while showing them the possibilities and potential. She emphasized the importance of finding fun and celebrating successes in high-stakes deliveries, suggesting activities like sharing personal stories and organizing team breaks to maintain team morale. When asked about getting unstuck, Karen shared that she finds fresh perspective through physical activities like walking or running, and advised leaders to give teams agency and let them take control even if it means accepting potential failures as learning opportunities. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit rvhoss.substack.com/subscribe
Jul 2 · Bonus

No Doubt, Let’s Go! How Do You Get Stuff Done?🎙️✨

How do you get stuff done? As I sit down to finalize the chapters for my book, The No Doubt Method, I have been reflecting on the incredible conversations I have had with people from all walks of life. I am on a quest to find 101 “agilists”, not just people with fancy titles, but people who simply know how to get stuff done, to help me explore my No Doubt framework. And guess what? Everyone has a “method to their madness.” Whether we feel like we are just “winging it” or we have a color-coded system, that process is our hidden agility, and it’s something we should be incredibly proud of. To give a taste of some of the foundations of the book and the podcast, take a listen to this compilation of different leaders answering one question: “How do you get stuff done?” The Diversity of Doing The “No Doubt” framework is built on the idea that we first need to know our “NO” (Needs and Objectives) and then deliver through “DOUBT” (Define, Organize, Understand, Begin, and Track). And Maybe I say it a few times here and there. :-) But as you’ll hear in these clips, the way people move through those stages is unique and diverse: The Power of Alignment & Value: * For some, it begins with finding a deep purpose and aligning with it until the work becomes routine. * Others start by identifying the Value Proposition, asking exactly what a task will do for their family, their client, or themselves. The “Messy” Start: * I spoke with leaders who are honest about the struggle. Some admit to being procrastinators who wait for a deadline to loom large before finding a “sole focus” to knock it out. * Others use an “activity snowball,” starting with a tiny, easy task to build the momentum needed to tackle the big stuff. Improvisation & Prep: * We have “bespoke deliverers” who look at a library of tools and pick the one that fits the specific problem. * There are the improvisers who set a “North Star” goal and then treat every unexpected hurdle as a “gift” to build with. * And then there are those who swear by the “game plan”, moving forward bit by bit and getting just a little stronger every day. The Discipline of the Rep: * You’ll hear from those who view productivity as “water against the rocks,” wearing down massive projects through trial, error, and imperfect “reps” until the work is finished. Your Method is Valid Whether you use Daily Scrums and AI tools, or you simply show up an hour before anyone else to shut the door and hammer out a list of three non-negotiables, you are practicing agility. My goal with the book is to show us that we don’t need a new personality to be productive; we just need to recognize the framework we are already using. We often overlook our own brilliance because it feels chaotic, but as one guest noted, even the most “aggressive” or “off-task” approach can succeed if you build the credibility and trust to enroll others in your vision. Listen to this collection, and maybe dive into some full podcast episodes to hear the rest of their stories. I can’t wait for you to see how your own “madness” fits into the No Doubt Method. Because… Everyone is Agile, They Just don’t know it yet!. No Doubt, Let’s Go! This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit rvhoss.substack.com/subscribe
Jun 18

No Doubt, Let's Go! - Juan

On This Episode of No Doubt, Let’s Go! Coach Reggie interviews Juan Lee, founder of Clear Journey and author of "Love Made Simple," discussing Juan’s approach to transforming how people navigate life, relationships, and leadership through a love mindset based on seven attitudes: sacrifice, discipline, courage, caring, humility, responsibility, and tenacity. Juan shared how his military background taught him the importance of clarity, discipline, and taking aligned action, emphasizing that love should be viewed as a mindset rather than just a feeling. They discussed practical applications including journaling, budgeting, goal-setting, and using technology and AI tools to capture insights, while Juan stressed the importance of recognizing one’s current state before making changes and focusing on authentic self-development rather than “faking until making it.” The episode concluded with information about Juan’s workshops, podcasts, and monthly community meetings available at clearjourney.org. Summary Military-Driven Productivity Strategies Coach interviewed Juan about his approach to getting things done, where Juan emphasized the importance of alignment and routine, drawing from his military background. Juan explained how military training taught him to focus on the bigger mission beyond personal concerns, which helped develop his courage to take action even when details weren’t fully figured out. The conversation began to explore how Juan helps people identify needs and objectives when they’re experiencing emotional exhaustion, though the transcript ended before this topic was fully discussed. Love as a Disciplined Process Juan discussed the importance of recognizing when current actions are not producing desired results and emphasized the need to change approaches rather than continuing in routines that yield unsatisfactory outcomes. He introduced the concept of “love” as a mindset shaped by seven attitudes: sacrifice, discipline, courage, caring, humility, responsibility, and tenacity. Juan explained that implementing these attitudes through consistent action can transform love from a feeling into a disciplined process that produces positive outcomes. Love and Personal Growth Discussion Juan discussed the importance of commitment and selflessness in love, explaining that love is a choice rather than just an emotion. He outlined four key areas for measuring personal growth: finances, relationships, health and wellness, and self-improvement. Coach shared a personal story about learning from failures and mentioned their wedding theme around defining love, specifically focusing on respect. Love and Selflessness in Relationships Juan discussed how respect and selflessness are key components of love, particularly in marriage, where actions that benefit both partners create a win-win situation. He emphasized the importance of individuals developing themselves before contributing to organizational success, noting that many people struggle to find where they truly belong rather than just fitting into assigned roles. Authenticity and Capacity Management Juan emphasized the importance of being authentic and giving from a place of genuine capacity rather than “faking until making it,” warning that the latter approach inevitably leads to burnout. Coach discussed the concept of capacity as a finite resource that affects different areas like a pie, and Juan responded by comparing their roles to puzzle pieces, emphasizing the importance of focusing on one’s specific part rather than trying to fill roles they weren’t meant for. Finding Authentic Self and Creativity Juan discussed the importance of finding one’s authentic self rather than conforming to external borders or corners, emphasizing that authenticity enables genuine connections with others. He shared that his most creative thinking occurs in the morning when it’s quiet, allowing him to see beyond the moment and reflect clearly before the day’s noise begins. The conversation ended with Coach noting that Juan organizes his content at his desk despite doing his work everywhere else. On-the-Go AI Tool Challenges Juan discussed the challenges of capturing and tracking insights while on-the-go, emphasizing how technology has been crucial for him to stay organized and maintain clear vision. He noted that AI tools have significantly helped with organizing thoughts and processes across various areas like marketing. Juan expressed that new AI tools are constantly emerging, though he finds the pace overwhelming. AI and Emotional Management Strategies Juan and Coach discussed the transformative impact of AI tools on their work, with Juan emphasizing how AI serves as an accelerator that enhances productivity when combined with human vision and curiosity. Coach shared a perspective on using technology as a tool for progress rather than focusing on the journey between points A and B. The conversation then shifted to practical strategies for managing emotions, with Juan advocating for capturing moments to respond thoughtfully rather than reacting emotionally, emphasizing that emotions should guide awareness rather than direct actions. Seven Attitudes of Love Leadership Juan discussed how leaders can enroll others in division by focusing on people’s best interests and demonstrating the “seven attitudes of love” through behavior rather than just outcomes. He emphasized that leaders should prioritize the “how” of achieving goals over just the “what,” and highlighted the importance of celebrating successes along the journey. The conversation then shifted to discussing how to help people track progress toward creating more peace and purpose, with Juan suggesting journaling as a helpful practice. Mindset Transformation and Intentional Living Juan discussed the importance of intentional living and mindfulness, emphasizing that mindset transformation requires daily practice and becomes a lifestyle. He outlined key practices including budgeting, setting goals, and being present in the moment. Juan promoted his work through Clear Journey, directing listeners to visit clearjourney.org for courses, workshops, podcasts, and monthly community meetings called Real Life Talk. When asked about advice for those struggling with mindset transformation, Juan emphasized the need to recognize current situations and be willing to seek different approaches. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit rvhoss.substack.com/subscribe
Jun 2

No Doubt, Let's Go! - Oliver

On This Episode of No Doubt, Let’s Go! Coach Reggie interviews Oliver King Smith, founder of Smartr.ai, a consultancy specializing in private AI models for enterprise clients. Oliver discusses how he pivoted from a rejected AI division proposal at his previous company in 2018 to founding Smarter AI, currently working on a major enterprise-wide grant with a manufacturing client. We explored Oliver’s approach to implementing AI in organizations, emphasizing the importance of starting with low-risk, high-value projects like handling legacy data or expense reports to build trust among skeptical stakeholders. Oliver shared his unique working setup reclining on a couch with a laptop on his chest, his use of mental walks to solve complex problems, and his preference for working in burst-like sessions rather than long coding marathons. We also discussed the challenges of managing AI development in an era of rapidly evolving technology models and the balance between planning and adaptability in running a business. Summary Oliver’s AI Entrepreneurship Journey Oliver and Coach discussed Oliver’s journey as an AI pioneer who founded Smarter AI after his previous company rejected his 2018 proposal to start an AI division. Oliver explained that the rejection initially felt like a setback, but it ultimately became an ally moment that led to the creation of his own consultancy. The conversation was cut off mid-sentence, so the specific details about how the rejection specifically helped his current venture were not covered in the provided transcript segment. AI Implementation in Manufacturing Oliver discussed his experience working with AI projects for clients and his determination to implement AI technology in product development. He explained the challenges of introducing AI in legacy manufacturing organizations, emphasizing the need for C-suite buy-in and focusing on low-hanging fruit to build trust. Oliver also highlighted the importance of addressing trust issues within organizations by identifying areas where people feel comfortable with the technology and its impact on existing workflows. AI Implementation Strategy Discussion Oliver discussed strategies for implementing AI in organizations, emphasizing the importance of starting with non-disruptive, high-value tasks that people find unpleasant, such as filling out expense reports. He noted that focusing on big data problems and legacy data management helps build trust in AI technology without causing resistance. Oliver also mentioned that their company specializes in private AI models, particularly serving clients in aerospace, defense, health, and education sectors, with a strong focus on advanced manufacturing. Unconventional Working Setup Discussion Oliver discussed his unconventional working setup using a reclining position with a computer close to him due to his bullet-resistant glasses requiring large font sizes. He explained that this lying-down typing method is relaxing and effective, though he acknowledged the challenges with speech-to-text technology due to human speech patterns containing fillers like “uh” and “um.” AI Problem-Solving Walking Strategies Oliver discussed how taking walks helps him overcome mental blocks when solving complex AI problems by breaking out of tunnel vision and allowing him to see the problem from a wider perspective. He explained that he has standard walks of different lengths near the Royal Botanic Gardens in Edinburgh, which he uses for mental resets. The conversation ended with the coach beginning to ask about working in bursts and its relationship to maintaining quality in AI models, but this part of the discussion was not captured in the transcript segment. Bursty AI Development Approach Oliver explained that the bursty approach to AI development has advantages over traditional software development because AI systems can provide value after just 5-6 hours of work, unlike conventional software which requires a minimum viable product before being useful. He noted that AI development follows an opposite process to traditional software, where getting initial low-hanging fruit is prioritized over building a polished final product. Coach asked about the mindset required for incorporating this different way of working, but the discussion ended without a complete answer. AI Problem-Solving Challenges Oliver discussed the unique challenges of working with AI, explaining that unlike traditional software development where problems are clear-cut, AI work involves more exploration and uncertainty about whether issues stem from the technology, implementation, or understanding. He shared an example of how his team used creative problem-solving techniques to get LLMs to solve the Einstein riddle by having them think about the problem differently rather than trying to solve it directly, which predates current agentic AI approaches. AI Orchestration for Information Systems Oliver discussed how AI systems can be more effective when they serve as orchestrators of information rather than needing to know answers directly. He noted that modern models contain vast knowledge databases but tend to regress toward common approaches rather than suggesting optimal solutions. The conversation ended with Coach asking about balancing a joy-led approach with the structured requirements needed for large manufacturing grants, but this part of the discussion was not captured in the transcript segment. Business Strategy and Market Focus Oliver discussed the challenges of running a business compared to an engineering program, noting that business requires more flexibility due to external factors like the sudden AI trend following ChatGPT’s release. He observed that focusing on specific markets, particularly aerospace and defense, has been more effective for their company. Oliver shared an example of how market focus led to opportunities with a major auto manufacturer through engineering organization connections. Smarter AI Business Development Strategy Oliver discussed how Smarter AI’s business development has been organic rather than planned, with opportunities emerging through connections with aerospace and defense companies. He explained that while AI language models have been progressing too quickly for fine-tuning to remain effective, vision systems continue to benefit from customization for specific clients. Oliver shared his approach to managing morning thinking time with coffee and planning, acknowledging the challenge of business planning when everything changes so quickly. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit rvhoss.substack.com/subscribe
May 19

No Doubt, Let's Go! - Jordan

On This Episode of No Doubt, Let’s Go! Coach Reggie interviews Jordan Dolan, focused on effective project management strategies, particularly in the context of pharmaceutical launches and complex team environments. The core topics included the importance of helping teams define their own workflows and holding them accountable, the value of minimum viable products (MVPs) to accelerate progress, and the use of agile and kanban methodologies to prioritize and manage tasks. Jordan emphasized the role of the project manager as a facilitator who asks clarifying questions (even ‘dumb’ ones) to drive collaboration and understanding among specialized team members, referencing the ‘rubber ducky’ method from software development. We also covered adapting communication and management styles for remote versus in-person work, instituting regular informal meetings to surface friction points, and the need to assume positive intent in digital communications. Jordan shared practical tools such as t-shirt sizing for task estimation, dividing teams to handle both simple and complex tasks in parallel, and tracking metrics to identify and resolve bottlenecks. We included real-world examples from pharmaceutical launches, where breaking down tasks and daily check-ins significantly improved efficiency and concluded with advice for newcomers to be curious and proactive in asking questions to foster team growth and project success. Summary Details Project Management Approaches and Philosophy Jordan emphasizes a helper-based approach to project management, focusing on enabling others to get their work done and holding them accountable. He believes in letting team members define their own ‘how’ for tasks, as people are more committed to their own ideas. The discussion highlights the importance of service leadership, leading without authority, and using curiosity and ‘dumb questions’ to foster collaboration and understanding among team members. Jordan also stresses the value of being present in meetings, which is facilitated by tackling the hardest tasks early in the day (’swallow the frog’). This approach allows project managers to focus on supporting the team, clarifying requirements, and ensuring accountability without needing to be the content expert themselves. Agile, Kanban, and Workflow Optimization The meeting covers the adoption of agile and kanban methodologies, especially in pharmaceutical and advertising contexts. Jordan notes that timelines are often used as safety blankets, but kanban encourages daily prioritization and adaptability. He describes how minimum viable product (MVP) thinking is applied, even in industries that prefer perfection, to get sign-offs and iterate later. The team uses metrics to track project flow, rounds of review, and bottlenecks, leading to improved velocity by reserving editors for quick tasks. Dividing work into easy and hard streams (t-shirt sizing) and working in parallel increases efficiency, as demonstrated by halving the time to prepare FDA submission binders after three launches. Remote Work and Communication Strategies Jordan describes the transition to remote work, which lasted six years, and the challenges of losing informal hallway conversations. To address this, the team instituted two 15-minute informal meetings per week to surface friction points and foster open discussion. Slack and structured communication channels were implemented to replicate in-person dynamics. Jordan notes that remote work requires focusing on fundamentals and teaching people to read messages with positive intent, as tone is harder to convey in text. Once trust is established, remote teams can be highly productive without the distractions of office life. Workflow Tools and Techniques (T-shirt Sizing, Gantt Charts, Daily Meetings) Jordan shares practical tools for managing complex projects, such as t-shirt sizing (categorizing tasks as easy or hard), Gantt charts for wedding planning, and daily meetings for status updates. T-shirt sizing was new to his team but helped prioritize and parallelize work, especially for FDA submissions. Gantt charts helped his fiancée visualize dependencies for their wedding. Daily meetings at the start and end of the day provided touchpoints for progress and obstacles, which improved team efficiency and were adopted for future launches. Personal Productivity and Time Management Jordan advocates for the ‘swallow the frog’ approach—tackling the hardest task first thing in the morning, which frees up mental space for meetings and problem-solving throughout the day. He uses a wireless headset to stay active during meetings, believing that movement aids thinking. He distinguishes between productive wandering (for problem-solving) and procrastination, noting that sometimes procrastination signals uncertainty about next steps. Prioritization is key, as there is always more work than time, and doing the hardest thing first reduces stress and emergency reactivity. Advice for Newcomers and Team Learning Jordan advises newcomers to be curious and ask questions, as genuine curiosity fosters collaboration and learning. He notes that not everyone knows everything, so it’s important to check for understanding and adapt explanations as needed. He prefers to focus on practical experience over theoretical knowledge, encouraging teams to move from knowing concepts (like t-shirt sizing) to applying them. This approach helps teams become more effective and confident, especially when entering new industries or roles. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit rvhoss.substack.com/subscribe
May 12

No Doubt, Let's Go! - Nicola

On This Episode of No Doubt, Let’s Go! Coach Reggie interviews Nicola Hill, an enterprise program manager specializing in complex transformations and system migrations. Nicola discussed her approach to getting things done by matching the right tools to specific problems rather than using one-size-fits-all methods, emphasizing the importance of not fixing what isn’t broken. She shared insights about balancing listening and action in project management, particularly drawing parallels between managing risks on her 32-foot sailboat and leading enterprise transformations. Nicola also discussed her recent experiences with AI tools, particularly using Copilot for CV review and Airtable for organizing boat equipment, while acknowledging challenges with work-life balance and the need for teams to better manage capacity and say no to unnecessary demands. Summary Project Management Approach Discussion Nicola discussed her approach to project management, emphasizing the importance of matching the right tools and methodologies to specific problems rather than using a one-size-fits-all approach. She highlighted her strategy of not interfering with processes that are working well, focusing instead on areas where improvement is needed. Nicola also shared her experience sailing a 32-foot boat, drawing parallels between navigating changing winds on the water and managing challenges in the office. Risk Management in Sailing and Work Nicola explained that while risk management principles exist in both sailing and work environments, the time scales differ significantly between the two. She described how sailing requires immediate action due to potential physical harm, whereas work environments allow for more considered risk management. Nicola used an example of managing twin children at a playground to illustrate how effective risk management involves prioritizing real problems rather than reacting to immediate emotions. The discussion ended with the coach drawing parallels to parenting and asking about the relative challenges between parenting and managing teams, though this part was cut off in the transcript. Parenting Approaches and Systems Implementation Nicola discussed her approach to parenting, explaining how she learned to let go of expectations for immediate improvement and instead accepted that some aspects of parenting require time and patience. When asked about her children’s ages, Nicola revealed they are now 16 and three-quarters years old, indicating they are nearly grown. The conversation then shifted to discussing systems implementation, though the specific details about the “Not Framework” were not captured in the transcript. Bridging Tech-Business Communication Gaps Nicola discussed her natural tendency to translate and communicate complex ideas between technologists and business stakeholders, drawing from her multilingual background in French, Portuguese, and Mandarin. She explained how this ability helps bridge understanding gaps, particularly in situations like SOC 2 Type 2 audits where technical and business contexts may not align. The conversation then shifted to exploring how Nicola ensures her initial mental picture of a project remains adaptive and evolves throughout implementation. Major Transformation Program Planning Nicola discussed her upcoming major transformation program, where she is working to understand the work streams, value definition, and key stakeholders involved. She explained her approach of gathering perspectives from various people to build a comprehensive understanding of the program. When asked about getting unstuck, Nicola referenced a previous DNS migration that stalled, explaining that she becomes stuck when multiple approaches are exhausted and stakeholders are unresponsive after trying different methods. Client Change Management Experience Nicola shared her experience managing client concerns about untested changes, explaining how she traveled to meet with Asia and other stakeholders in person. She emphasized the importance of listening to client concerns rather than simply presenting changes, which helped address their objections and build trust. Nicola noted that modern teams often struggle with balancing the need for speed against proper communication and listening, particularly when dealing with competing priorities and governance functions. Sustainable Team Work Rhythm Coaching Nicola discussed her approach to coaching teams to maintain sustainable working rhythms by helping them learn to say no to unnecessary demands. She emphasized the importance of evaluating whether proposed work is meaningful and will deliver real customer value rather than being driven by quarterly deadlines. Nicola described her role as more focused on ways of working rather than owning specific milestones, positioning herself as part of what she humorously referred to as “the rebel resistance” against unrealistic demands. Stakeholder Communication and Self-Care Nicola discussed the importance of stakeholders saying no to protect clients, emphasizing that problems arise more often when people don’t voice concerns. She shared her personal challenges with maintaining sanity and self-care, acknowledging she hasn’t been perfect in practicing yoga or exercise but emphasized the importance of not beating herself up over it. The conversation then shifted to discussing artificial intelligence, though the specific details about its use were not covered in the provided transcript segment. AI Integration in Daily Life Nicola discussed her experience incorporating AI into her daily life, particularly using Copilot for CV review and job applications. She also shared how she used AI to organize her boat inventory in Airtable, creating a filtered system to locate specific items like fire safety equipment. When asked for advice on tackling complex projects, Nicola recommended breaking down the work into manageable pieces, starting with what is most understood and gradually expanding from there. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit rvhoss.substack.com/subscribe
May 5

No Doubt, Let's Go! - Kat Koppett

On This Episode of No Doubt, Let’s Go! Meet Kat Koppett, a professional improviser and author who applies theatrical principles to organizational leadership and ethics. In this episode of No Doubt Let’s Go, Coach Reggie learns from Kat Koppett, a visionary improviser and leadership consultant. Through a series of personal reflections, she highlights how the improvisational mindset serves as a vital tool for navigating an unpredictable world with agility and moral purpose. Kat emphasizes a practical, iterative approach to productivity, utilizing specific techniques to overcome creative blocks and promote ethical storytelling. We explore how to move from idea to action by invoking improvisation to build adaptability and creative problem-solving in high-stakes environments. Listeners will discover actionable methods for getting unstuck, including “Swiss cheesing” projects by starting in the middle and “rubber ducking” to clarify logic by speaking out loud . The conversation also speaks to Kat’s essential five-word mantra for overcoming overwhelm: “just the next one thing”. Ultimately, we learn how Kat’s adaptive skills will enable us to accept life’s unexpected challenges and build on our goals brick by brick, to positively influence human interaction and professional development. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit rvhoss.substack.com/subscribe

No Doubt, Let's Go! is a show for doers, dreamers, and everyone in between, designed to uncover the personal "No Doubt Method" of guests and demonstrate that they already embrace an agile mindset. It provides real-world stories and actionable takeaways, with the goal of serving as a "DIY for GSD (Do-It-Yourself Getting Stuff Done)" rvhoss.substack.com

Creator

Reggie Valentine
Years Active

2025 - 2026
Episodes

50
Rating

Clean
Copyright

© Reggie Valentine
Show Website

No Doubt, Let's Go!