The Agile Diaries

Most careers take unpredictable turns, but what if embracing the winding road could unlock your true potential? In this compelling episode, Richard Pharro, CEO of APMG, shares the surprising stories behind his diverse journey from civil engineering abroad to transforming professional certification on a global scale.   Discover how working across cultures, navigating unexpected challenges, and stay...

In this episode, Nebel Crowhurst shares her unconventional journey into HR and explores how working with business agility helps people teams become more proactive, responsive and human.  She also discusses the rise of fractional leadership, how it is reshaping organizational strategy and why balancing technology with genuine human connection matters more than ever.  Discover why starting small, le...

Join Niamh Trundle and Dawn Constance Newman as they explore the power of curiosity in shaping a unique career.   From music and theatre to agile workplaces, Dawn's journey is a testament to resilience and embracing individuality. Discover how her hyper-mobility disorder led to revolutionary self-care strategies and how being told she'd "never get paid to talk" fuelled her drive for change.   Perf...

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...

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 im...

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 o...

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 marketi...

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 significan...

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...

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...

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 me...

In this episode, we dive into the story of former civil servant turned agile coach, Lyn Girvan. With over 25 years in the public sector, Lyn highlights her experiences; from managing a coffee shop at a young age to mentoring in the Chartered Institute of IT.  Join us as we explore Lyn’s reflections on leadership, collaboration and her vision for 'giving back' through coaching, alongside insights f...

This week we dive into the intriguing world of contrarian thinker Alan Furlong, who has journeyed from recruitment to banking in Australia, only to discover a passion for agile upon returning to the UK - with a focus on supporting tech start-ups and leveraging big data and machine learning.  In this episode Alan discusses the power of creativity on AI advancement, his personal hardships and the im...

In episode 6 of The Agile Diaries we speak with Mwaka Lungu, Managing Director and Head of Finance at the Agile Business Consortium.  With more than 15 years of experience in finance, Mwaka tells us that agile is not just in IT and she is always keen to learn more about blending agility and finance to enhance business operations. She also discusses growing up in Zambia, losing her mother at a youn...

In this episode of The Agile Diaries, we speak with Dave White who talks about how being a 'latchkey kid' fostered his independence and ability to embrace change. He also discusses psychopaths in the C-Suite and the importance of trust in leadership. The Agile Business Awards 2024: https://www.agilebusiness.org/agile-business-awards-conference.html      

In this episode we speak with Vlatka Hlupic, the 'Renaissance Woman' and 'Volcano of Ideas'. Vlatka has dedicated her life's work to supporting world leaders starting her agile journey at the age of seven!  Endorsed by the Dalai Lama, Vlatka discusses the future of leadership and management in the agile world, how command and control just will not work and what really matters is the "purity of som...

In this episode of The Agile Diaries, we speak with Anthony Coppedge. From starting out in college radio to now working with IBM in global agile digital sales, Anthony openly discusses how his early years fed into his career in business agility. In Anthony's view, "Leadership is a choice, not a role. Management is a role".  Trigger Warning: Mentions sensitive topics such as abuse that some listene...

In this second episode of The Agile Diaries, we speak with Katie Taylor. From horses to courses, Katie takes us through her agile journey so far. She discusses the impact of agile culture, leadership and her 'squiggly career' going from horses, to manufacturing, to computers and now a not-for-profit organisation. 

In this first instalment of The Agile Diaries, Ed Ward speaks with Professional Executive Coach and Assentire Ltd founder, Rod Willis. Starting with anecdotes from his younger-self travelling in Yemen, right through to current perceptions on the use of Artificial intelligence (AI), Rod illustrates his journey within business agility.