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Backlog Refinement Podcasts

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Backlog refinement (formerly “grooming”) isn’t a Scrum event: it’s an activity. That’s exactly why so many teams either skip it, cram it in at the end of the sprint, or turn it into a rabbit hole of solutioning. In this episode we unpack a practical, facilitator-friendly approach: what “ready” really means, how much work to keep refined, a simple R…
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Ready to finally Settle the Great Debate Over Bugs and Spikes (or at least get a coherent philosophy)? We’re diving into the details with high-impact takeaways! Stop the confusion and start delivering—we'll clarify the essential difference between a bug, a defect, and technical debt, giving you the clarity to triage like a pro. Learn exactly why sp…
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Retrospectives are one of the most powerful opportunities a team has to improve. Yet far too often, they’re skipped because “we don’t have time,” rushed through as an afterthought, or treated as a dull box-checking exercise. Even worse, sometimes they turn into blame sessions that leave people feeling drained rather than energized. It doesn’t have …
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De kunst 𝘃𝗮𝗻 𝗲𝗲𝗻 𝗶𝗻𝘀𝗽𝗶𝗿𝗲𝗿𝗲𝗻𝗱𝗲 𝗦𝗽𝗿𝗶𝗻𝘁 𝗥𝗲𝘃𝗶𝗲𝘄 🗣️ Heeft je team waarde geleverd? Is er betrokkenheid van stakeholders? Is er een duidelijke roadmap voor de volgende stappen? Sprint Reviews zijn meer dan alleen een demo voor klapvee. Ze scheppen de basis voor transparantie en samenwerking. In deze tweede aflevering van Agile BS nemen Professional Scrum…
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Wanneer is iets écht klaar? | Definition of Done | AgileBS | E3-2024 De vraag der vragen: "Wanneer is het af?" Het lijkt zo simpel, maar blijkt vaak complexer dan gedacht. In deze aflevering van AgileBS duiken Bart Versteegen en Stas Pavlov in de Definition of Done (DoD). Wat maakt de Definition of Done zo belangrijk? Hoe zorgt het voor kwaliteit, …
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In deze video duiken Stas Pavlov en Bart Versteegen diep in een van de meest besproken en soms gevreesde Scrum-events: de Daily Scrum. Wat is de echte bedoeling van de Daily Scrum, waarom wordt het vaak verkeerd begrepen, en hoe maak je er een effectief moment van samenwerking van? We bespreken: ✔️ Het doel van de Daily Scrum en het Sprintdoel ✔️ W…
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The Sprint Review shouldn’t be a sleepy status update, it’s a high-leverage inspection-and-adaptation event that shapes what happens next. In this episode, we break down what a great Sprint Review looks like, why developers should demo working product (not PPT slides), and how Product Owners and Scrum Masters can co-facilitate to keep it tight, foc…
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In this episode of the Leadership Growth Wheel series, Kate Megaw, Ryan Smith, and Anu Smalley unpack the often-overlooked domain of Operational Leadership. Strategy may set the direction, but without operational leadership, organizations stall. They explore how leaders at every level-whether in the C-suite or on the frontlines-play a role in trans…
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The Daily Scrum is the shortest Scrum event and the most misunderstood. Too many teams turn it into a draggy 30-minute status update instead of the energizing 15-minute sync it’s meant to be. In this episode, Kate & Ryan break down how to facilitate Daily Scrums that actually work. They cover: Why the Daily Scrum is the team’s meeting (not a status…
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Too many Sprint Plannings feel like marathons with no finish line. In this episode, Kate & Ryan show you how to flip the script! They break down practical facilitation moves to keep Sprint Planning crisp, collaborative, and confidence-building. From capacity planning hacks to sprint goals that actually inspire, they share real-world stories, pitfal…
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Most people think facilitation means running a meeting, keeping time, or taking notes. But true facilitation is so much more - it’s about guiding groups toward purpose-driven outcomes, staying neutral, navigating conflict productively, and creating space for every voice in the room! In this episode, Kate and Ryan bust the biggest myths around facil…
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Kate and Ryan are joined by special guest Erin Mullens for a lively, honest conversation about the real world of Scrum Mastery. They explore how each of them found their way into the role, what truly energizes them about the job, and the frustrations they all wrestle with (hello, “gravitational pull of waterfall”!). From building trust with teams t…
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Live from the buzz of Agile2025, Kate Megaw, Anu Smalley, and Ryan Smith dive into the energy, insights, and shake-ups that had everyone talking. From the groundbreaking PMI–Agile Alliance partnership, to embracing AI as your co-conspirator, to ditching dogma and speaking the language your teams actually understand—this episode is a celebration of …
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Trust isn’t just a nice-to-have; it’s the foundation of every high-performing team. In this episode, we explore why trust and reliability are inseparable—and how leaders can intentionally build both. From creating psychological safety to demonstrating authenticity and consistency, we break down practical steps to foster stronger team connections, i…
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NEW POD! Zarar and Csaba discuss examine the findings of the 2024 DevOps Research and Assessment Report (DORA) and the impact of AI on continuous delivery 00:00 - Intro 02:15 - The Big Question: Does AI Speed Up Production Deployments? 04:30 - The DORA Report Shocker: AI's Surprising Impact 07:45 - Where AI Actually Shines: Documentation Over Deplo…
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𝗢𝗻𝘁𝗱𝗲𝗸 𝗵𝗲𝘁 𝗴𝗲𝗵𝗲𝗶𝗺 𝘃𝗮𝗻 𝗲𝗲𝗻 𝘀𝘂𝗰𝗰𝗲𝘀𝘃𝗼𝗹𝗹𝗲 𝗦𝗽𝗿𝗶𝗻𝘁 𝗣𝗹𝗮𝗻𝗻𝗶𝗻𝗴 in deze eerste aflevering van Agile BS 🐣 Is je backlog op orde? Check. Zijn je prioriteiten duidelijk? Check. Is er ruimte voor discussie en overleg? Check. Was dat het dan? Een slechte start is een halve nederlaag. Sprint Planning kan voelen als een marathon, maar wij maken het makkelijk voor j…
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What does it truly mean to lead a team—without being “the boss”? In this episode, we explore the Team Leadership domain of the Leadership Growth Wheel, diving into three essential skills: engagement, delegation with accountability, and empowerment. Whether you're a Scrum Master, project manager, or informal team lead, this conversation offers pract…
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In this episode, we explore what it means to truly know where you're headed—and why you're heading there. From career shifts to personal crossroads, many of us operate on autopilot, doing what's needed instead of asking what we truly want. Join us for an honest conversation about finding your personal vision and purpose, the tools that help (like R…
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Agility isn’t just for software teams—it’s a way of thinking, leading, and living. In this heartfelt and insightful episode, we explore real-world lessons in agility from parenting to project management, from sticky notes to strategic pivots. Kate shares her personal journey transitioning from a project manager to a Scrum Master—and from a planning…
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In this episode, Kate and Ryan unpack the real Scrum Master’s toolkit—and it’s not just post-it notes and Sharpies. From mindset and agile knowledge to powerful facilitation techniques, they explore what it truly takes to lead effective teams. You’ll hear about the tools they carry (both physical and mental), how they keep retrospectives engaging, …
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Scrum isn't just a framework—it's a mindset, a way of thinking, and a lens through which we see work, teams, and leadership. In this episode, Kate and Ryan dive into nine bite-sized pieces of wisdom—some from Agile, some from life—that reinforce what it really means to work with agility. From confusing activity with productivity to killing your dar…
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Join Kate Megaw, Ryan Smith, and returning guest Anu Smalley as they dive deep into relational leadership - one of the eight domains of the Leadership Growth Wheel. Discover why the myth of heroic leadership is holding organizations back and learn the three essential skills every leader needs: emotional intelligence, psychological safety, and confl…
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Self-organizing teams. It sounds simple. You give the team a goal, you create space for them to figure out how to achieve it, and then you get out of the way. In reality, very few teams achieve this level of autonomy, ownership, and creativity. And many organizations inadvertently sabotage the effort—while believing they’re practicing Agile. True s…
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Unconscious bias shows up whether we invite it or not—and it can quietly shape our decisions, conversations, and team dynamics. In this episode, we explore the hidden forces that drive behavior, from blind spots and implicit assumptions to the impact of bias on facilitation, leadership, hiring, and innovation. Learn how to spot the patterns, challe…
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In this episode, we dive into one of the most frequently asked—and misunderstood—facilitation challenges: How do you remain neutral without sounding like a robot? Whether you're a Scrum Master, leader, coach, or facilitator, neutrality matters—but it doesn’t mean disengagement. We unpack seven strategies to help you guide teams, encourage innovatio…
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Too many teams are stuck in execution mode—taking orders and building features exactly as outlined. But what if your developers, designers, and product owners had the psychological safety, ownership, and space to contribute bold new ideas? In this episode, Kate and Ryan dive into the often-overlooked topic of ideation within Scrum teams. They explo…
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In this episode of the Arclight Agile podcast, hosts Kate Megaw and Ryan Smith join special guest Anu Smalley to explore the strategic leadership domain of the Leadership Growth Wheel. They discuss how effective leaders align organizational vision and values with daily operations, implement human-centered change management, and develop consistent d…
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Agile teams don't usually plan to return to waterfall ways of working — it happens slowly and subtly. In this episode, Kate Megaw and Ryan Smith unpack the signs that a team is sliding back toward waterfall, why it happens, and most importantly, what leaders and teams can do to course-correct. Learn how to stay true to Agile principles even when or…
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In this episode, Kate and Ryan Sith dive into a critical (but often overlooked) topic in product development: losing sight of the user. They share real-world experiences of how teams can unintentionally start designing for internal stakeholders instead of external customers, how “shiny object syndrome” from leadership derails sprints, and why stron…
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What’s the real difference between accountability and ownership—and why does it matter so much in leadership and teams? In this episode, Kate and Ryan unpack the often-blurred lines between these two powerful concepts. From missed healthcare appointments to product backlog chaos, they share real stories, relatable moments, and practical insights on…
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In this episode of the Team KatAnu podcast, hosts Kate and Ryan sit down with Anu Smalley to unpack the concept of self-leadership—a foundational pillar in their Leadership Growth Wheel framework. With personal stories, practical tips, and thoughtful reflection, the trio explores the power of self-awareness, personal vision, and personal mastery. W…
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In a world where leadership requirements constantly evolve, having a structured approach to leadership development has never been more crucial. In this podcast Ryan chats with Kate and Anu Smalley (CEO of Capala Consulting), co-founders of Team KatAnu about their Leadership Growth Wheel—a comprehensive framework designed to help leaders at all leve…
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In this candid and experience-rich conversation, Kate and Ryan unpack the most common reasons Agile transformations fail. From lack of purpose and misunderstood roles to cultural resistance and tool obsession, this blog distills their insights into a practical top ten list. Whether you're beginning your Agile journey or mid-transformation, this pod…
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In this insightful exploration of the "big rocks" concept from Stephen Covey's work, Kate and Ryan discuss how breaking down large goals into manageable chunks applies to both leadership and Scrum teams. Learn practical strategies for prioritization, sustainable work pace, and achieving meaningful results through strategic goal-setting.…
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In this episode of the podcast, Kate and Ryan tackle one of the most persistent challenges in modern organizations: teams working in silos. They explore the symptoms of siloed teams, why silos form, and practical strategies for breaking them down to create more collaborative, efficient, and united organizations.…
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In this episode, Kate and Ryan explore the importance of active listening and how it transforms communication. They break down the three levels of listening—listening to speak, listening to hear, and listening to understand—highlighting why true engagement requires more than just hearing words. Kate and Ryan share practical techniques like voice mi…
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In this episode of the Team KatAnu Podcast, Kate Megaw and Ryan Smith dive deep into the role of facilitation in Agile environments. They discuss the misconceptions surrounding facilitation, the importance of neutrality, and techniques for ensuring productive and engaging meetings. From maintaining psychological safety to keeping discussions on tra…
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Meetings are meant to drive collaboration and alignment, but when they take over the calendar, they become a productivity drain. In this episode, Kate Megaw (CEO of Arclight Agile & Co-founder of Team KatAnu) and Ryan Smith (Certified Scrum Professional & Product Owner) dive into the real cost of excessive meetings—from wasted time to diminished mo…
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Firefighting is a common issue in many organizations. Teams frequently find themselves pulled into urgent issues that demand immediate attention, often at the expense of planned work. But not every fire is a true emergency. In a recent podcast discussion, Kate Megaw and Ryan Smith explored how constant firefighting affects teams and how organizatio…
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In this episode of the Team Katanu podcast, Kate Megaw (Certified Scrum Trainer, Agile Coach, and CEO of Arclight Agile) and Ryan Smith (Certified Product Owner and Scrum Master) dive into a common struggle among Agile teams: lack of accountability, unclear ownership, and role confusion. They explore how natural hierarchies form within teams, why p…
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Hybrid and remote work are here to stay, but how do leaders and teams ensure strong communication, seamless collaboration, and meaningful engagement across time zones? In this podcast, Kate and Ryan dive into actionable insights for addressing challenges like communication gaps, time zone management, and fostering team engagement in a hybrid enviro…
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Kanban guru, Fernando Cuenca joins the podcast alongside Jeff "Cheezy" Morgan and Csaba Bereczki to discuss Kanban. Hosted by Zarar Siddiqi. 00:00 🚦 Introducing Kanban: Why Your Scrum Teams Are Stuck Learn why traditional sprint methodologies might be holding your team back and how Kanban can unlock better workflow 04:32 🔍 The Kanban Lens: Understa…
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Join Kate and Ryan as they delve into the ever-evolving world of hybrid and remote work. From managing across time zones to fostering team engagement and collaboration, this episode unpacks the unique challenges of today’s workforce and explores actionable strategies for leaders and teams to thrive.By Kate Megaw
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Prioritization is both an art and a science, influencing success at every level of an organization. In this podcast Kate & Ryan explore actionable techniques such as weighted scoring models, Moscow prioritization, the Eisenhower Matrix, and the Kano Model. They discuss how to align your priorities with corporate goals, avoid vanity projects, and cr…
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In this week's podcast, Ryan and Kate delve into the concept of user personas—what they are, why they’re essential, and how to leverage them effectively. They discuss how personas can help teams better understand the mindset and needs of core users. The episode highlights common pitfalls in defining personas and offers practical tips to avoid these…
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Ready to make 2025 your most intentional and fulfilling year yet? In our latest podcast, we discuss how to turn reflection into action. Learn why personal retrospectives matter, how to break your goals into manageable steps with the 'Boulders, Rocks, and Sand' framework, and how to balance work and life for sustained joy and success. Packed with pr…
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Dive into the essentials of building high-performing teams that are persistent, dynamic, and self-organizing. From cross-functionality and the art of team composition to the power of rotation programs and mentorship, we explore how to keep teams fresh, motivated, and continuously evolving. We discuss the balance between disruptive and dynamic behav…
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Epics are large bodies of work too big for a single Sprint. However, some Epics become “Zombie Epics”—unfinished tasks that linger in the backlog, often due to scope creep, hoarding, or lack of clear closure. Epics should be broken into smaller, manageable stories, and teams should avoid having Epics in Sprint Backlogs. The key is to close old Epic…
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Retrospectives are a vital part of Scrum. We discuss how to maximize their effectiveness. Start by setting a positive tone with an engaging opening, such as having team members share a word about their sprint experience or appreciate colleagues. Then, gather data by encouraging everyone to share what worked and what didn’t, followed by a focused di…
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