Moving from Agile to Lean: a Conversation with Sandrine Olivencia

In this episode of WLEI Podcast, we welcome Sandrine Olivencia, author of Build to Sell and expert in applying Lean principles to software development. Sandrine shares her journey from waterfall to Agile and eventually to Lean Product and Process Development (LPPD), which she sees as a more holistic and sustainable system for building great products and lasting businesses. The conversation explores: 

• The importance of Gemba and why leaders at all levels need to stay closely connected to customers and the problems they face. 

• How Lean thinking can help companies avoid “feature frenzy mode” and maintain a clear focus on delivering customer value. 

• Why even mature tech companies often struggle to develop people and the steps leaders can take to build a culture of problem-solving and continuous improvement.  

• Practical advice on where to start implementing Lean principles, including Sandrine’s three key strategies for building a more product-led company.  

• The limitations of so-called “founder mode” and “manager mode” and how an alternative “Lean management mode” addresses the shortcomings of both.