Definitely, Maybe Agile

Peter Maddison and Dave Sharrock

Adopting new ways of working like Agile and DevOps often falters further up the organization. Even in smaller organizations, it can be hard to get right. In this podcast, we are discussing the art and science of definitely, maybe achieving business agility in your organization.

  1. Why Lean Startup Isn't Dead (And When You Need Something Bigger)

    31 JUIL.

    Why Lean Startup Isn't Dead (And When You Need Something Bigger)

    Is the Lean Startup methodology dead? Peter and Dave tackle the growing criticism around MVP approaches and explore why this foundational model still has its place in modern product development. Drawing from George Box's famous insight that "all models are wrong, but some are useful," they discuss how tools evolve but don't necessarily become obsolete. With AI making prototyping faster and cheaper than ever, the conversation explores what's changed about experimentation and what hasn't. The hosts dig into common misapplications of Lean Startup principles, from "MVPs" that take months to build to organizations that skip the crucial feedback loops. They also explore when incremental learning isn't enough and you need those bigger strategic pivots. Plus, they make the case for Wardley mapping as an underutilized tool for spotting step-change opportunities that incremental approaches might miss. Key Takeaways: Lean thinking remains relevant: Lean Startup is still a valuable operational tool for continuous learning and incremental improvement, but it works best when properly implemented with complete feedback loopsYou need multiple models: Organizations need both incremental change capabilities (like Lean Startup) and strategic step-change tools (like Wardley mapping) to navigate complexity effectivelyAI commoditizes development, not strategy: While AI tools make prototyping easier and faster, they don't replace the need for good product thinking, user experience design, or asking the right strategic questionsWhether you're questioning your current approach to product development or looking for ways to balance tactical execution with strategic vision, this episode offers a pragmatic perspective on using the right tools for the right challenges.

    19 min
  2. AI and Knowledge Management with Derek Crager

    19 JUIN

    AI and Knowledge Management with Derek Crager

    In this episode of Definitely Maybe Agile, Peter Maddison and David Sharrock are joined by Derek Crager, a seasoned engineer turned AI entrepreneur who shares his journey from blue-collar work to building AI-powered knowledge management solutions. Derek discusses how AI is transforming workplace onboarding, knowledge transfer, and personal productivity, drawing parallels between today's AI revolution and the early days of the internet. Derek brings a practical perspective on implementing AI in enterprise environments, focusing on his company's voice-powered AI assistant "Pocket Mentor" that helps organizations capture tribal knowledge and streamline employee onboarding. The conversation explores the challenges of extracting expertise from subject matter experts, the importance of having clear business outcomes when adopting AI, and advice for students navigating career choices in an AI-driven world. Key Takeaways: Focus on Business Outcomes Over Buzzwords - Don't implement AI just to check a box or follow trends. Instead, identify specific business problems (like inefficient onboarding or knowledge retention) and then explore how AI can provide practical solutions to those challenges.AI Excels at Knowledge Augmentation and Accessibility - AI's greatest strength lies in making organizational knowledge instantly accessible 24/7, without judgment, and at a consistent quality level. This is particularly valuable for onboarding new employees and capturing tribal knowledge from subject matter experts before it walks out the door.Take Time to Learn and Evaluate Before Jumping In - The AI wave mirrors the early internet adoption curve and will continue evolving over the next 10-15 years. Organizations and individuals have time to thoughtfully evaluate AI solutions rather than rushing to adopt the first available option, emphasizing the importance of learning practical applications before implementation.

    31 min

À propos

Adopting new ways of working like Agile and DevOps often falters further up the organization. Even in smaller organizations, it can be hard to get right. In this podcast, we are discussing the art and science of definitely, maybe achieving business agility in your organization.