Mike Bowler: The Pitfalls of Combining PO With Other Roles

Read the full Show Notes and search through the world’s largest audio library on Scrum directly on the Scrum Master Toolbox Podcast website: http://bit.ly/SMTP_ShowNotes.

The Great Product Owner: Building Trust Through With Agile Teams Through Active Involvement

Mike highlights that great Product Owners are actively engaged with their teams and balance presence with external responsibilities. These POs ensure frequent collaboration, participate in ensemble programming, and create opportunities for the team to ask questions and receive feedback. The key is mindful engagement that avoids unnecessary barriers and promotes trust.

Self-reflection Question for the Great PO Section: How can you foster an environment where your Product Owner remains engaged yet empowers the team to make independent decisions?

The Bad Product Owner: Pitfalls of Combining Roles and Controlling Behavior

Mike discusses the anti-pattern of a Product Owner who doubled as a manager. This dual role often led to micromanagement, stifled team autonomy, and the exclusion of the Scrum Master from decision-making. In such cases, teams becomes dependent on the PO’s direction, eroding self-organization. Mike’s solution involves encouraging leaders to choose between being a PO or a manager to avoid power imbalances.

Self-reflection Question: How can you encourage balanced PO involvement without stifling team autonomy?

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🔥In the ruthless world of fintech, success isn’t just about innovation—it’s about coaching!🔥

Angela thought she was just there to coach a team. But now, she’s caught in the middle of a corporate espionage drama that could make or break the future of digital banking. Can she help the team regain their mojo and outwit their rivals, or will the competition crush their ambitions? As alliances shift and the pressure builds, one thing becomes clear: this isn’t just about the product—it’s about the people.

🚨 Will Angela’s coaching be enough? Find out in Shift: From Product to People—the gripping story of high-stakes innovation and corporate intrigue.

Buy Now on Amazon

[The Scrum Master Toolbox Podcast Recommends]

About Mike Bowler 

Mike is a seasoned Agile coach and trainer with over 25 years of experience. He focuses on technical practices, workflow optimization, leadership coaching, and human behavior, including neuroscience and psychology. His expertise extends from technical implementation to fostering psychological safety.

You can link with Mike Bowler on LinkedIn.

Mike Bowler: Six Thinking Hats, An Agile Retrospective for Balanced Discussions

Read the full Show Notes and search through the world’s largest audio library on Scrum directly on the Scrum Master Toolbox Podcast website: http://bit.ly/SMTP_ShowNotes.

Mike defines a successful Scrum Master as a catalyst who drives the team towards continuous improvement and effective goal achievement. He discusses how to gauge success by examining data available from the team’s processes and questioning whether true improvement is happening. Effective Scrum Masters facilitate discussions that challenge the status quo and encourage the team to reflect on their progress using data and insights.

Self-reflection Question: What indicators do you use to measure your team’s effectiveness?

Featured Retrospective Format for the Week: Six Thinking Hats

Mike shares the Six Thinking Hats retrospective as an effective format to dissect complex team issues. This method allows the team to view problems from different perspectives—logical, emotional, critical, etc.—encouraging balanced discussions and deep insights without conflict. He emphasizes how this approach can defuse latent conflicts and foster logical, collaborative problem-solving.

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🔥In the ruthless world of fintech, success isn’t just about innovation—it’s about coaching!🔥

Angela thought she was just there to coach a team. But now, she’s caught in the middle of a corporate espionage drama that could make or break the future of digital banking. Can she help the team regain their mojo and outwit their rivals, or will the competition crush their ambitions? As alliances shift and the pressure builds, one thing becomes clear: this isn’t just about the product—it’s about the people.

🚨 Will Angela’s coaching be enough? Find out in Shift: From Product to People—the gripping story of high-stakes innovation and corporate intrigue.

Buy Now on Amazon

[The Scrum Master Toolbox Podcast Recommends]

About Mike Bowler 

Mike is a seasoned Agile coach and trainer with over 25 years of experience. He focuses on technical practices, workflow optimization, leadership coaching, and human behavior, including neuroscience and psychology. His expertise extends from technical implementation to fostering psychological safety.

You can link with Mike Bowler on LinkedIn.

Mike Bowler: Leading Change In Agile Teams Through Curiosity and Trust

Read the full Show Notes and search through the world’s largest audio library on Scrum directly on the Scrum Master Toolbox Podcast website: http://bit.ly/SMTP_ShowNotes.

Mike explains how approaching teams with curiosity and offering options for experimentation can lead to significant breakthroughs. He shares an instance where teams believed certain actions were restricted until he encouraged them to simply try, revealing hidden flexibility. This approach requires sensitivity to the environment, as not all spaces foster psychological safety. Mike’s techniques highlight the power of creating safe environments where teams feel comfortable testing new ideas.

Self-reflection Question: How can you create an environment where your team feels safe to experiment?

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🔥In the ruthless world of fintech, success isn’t just about innovation—it’s about coaching!🔥

Angela thought she was just there to coach a team. But now, she’s caught in the middle of a corporate espionage drama that could make or break the future of digital banking. Can she help the team regain their mojo and outwit their rivals, or will the competition crush their ambitions? As alliances shift and the pressure builds, one thing becomes clear: this isn’t just about the product—it’s about the people.

🚨 Will Angela’s coaching be enough? Find out in Shift: From Product to People—the gripping story of high-stakes innovation and corporate intrigue.

Buy Now on Amazon

[The Scrum Master Toolbox Podcast Recommends]

About Mike Bowler 

Mike is a seasoned Agile coach and trainer with over 25 years of experience. He focuses on technical practices, workflow optimization, leadership coaching, and human behavior, including neuroscience and psychology. His expertise extends from technical implementation to fostering psychological safety.

You can link with Mike Bowler on LinkedIn.

Mike Bowler: Reviving Dysfunctional Teams with Trust and Collaboration

Mike recounts his experience with an extremely dysfunctional team he joined six months into a three-month project. Despite having code, there were no meaningful deliverables due to internal conflicts and fractured dynamics. Mike shares the practical techniques he employed to build trust, including individual conversations, pairing exercises, and ensemble programming to break down silos. He highlights the importance of fostering trust through collaborative activities such as team lunches, which create a foundation for improved teamwork and communication.

Self-reflection Question: What activities can you initiate to build trust and collaboration in a team?

Featured Book of the Week: Thinking, Fast and Slow by Daniel Kahneman

Mike recommends Thinking, Fast and Slow by Daniel Kahneman as a pivotal introduction to human behavior and decision-making. The book's explanation of the two systems of thinking—fast, intuitive thought and slower, more deliberative reasoning—provides insight into why individuals behave the way they do. Mike finds it essential for understanding team dynamics and behavior changes, making it a powerful tool for any Agile practitioner.

[The Scrum Master Toolbox Podcast Recommends]

🔥In the ruthless world of fintech, success isn’t just about innovation—it’s about coaching!🔥

Angela thought she was just there to coach a team. But now, she’s caught in the middle of a corporate espionage drama that could make or break the future of digital banking. Can she help the team regain their mojo and outwit their rivals, or will the competition crush their ambitions? As alliances shift and the pressure builds, one thing becomes clear: this isn’t just about the product—it’s about the people.

🚨 Will Angela’s coaching be enough? Find out in Shift: From Product to People—the gripping story of high-stakes innovation and corporate intrigue.

Buy Now on Amazon

[The Scrum Master Toolbox Podcast Recommends]

About Mike Bowler 

Mike Bowler is a seasoned Agile coach and trainer with 25 years of experience. He specializes in technical practices, workflow optimization, leadership coaching, and the neuroscience of human behavior. Mike's expertise includes guiding teams in technical execution and fostering psychological safety. 

You can link with Mike Bowler on LinkedIn.

Mike Bowler: How To Coach Management to Support Agile Teams 

Read the full Show Notes and search through the world’s largest audio library on Scrum directly on the Scrum Master Toolbox Podcast website: http://bit.ly/SMTP_ShowNotes.

In this episode, Mike Bowler shares his philosophy that “failure is simply feedback,” emphasizing the challenges of maintaining team cohesion after stepping away. He shares how management often unintentionally disrupts Agile progress by disbanding teams or reverting to old practices. Mike identifies a key anti-pattern: breaking teams down due to a lack of understanding from leadership. He underscores the importance of coaching management to support Agile work and provides actionable tips, such as helping teams secure autonomy and applying the same coaching techniques used with teams to management. 

Self-reflection Question: How can you support management to reinforce team autonomy?

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🔥In the ruthless world of fintech, success isn’t just about innovation—it’s about coaching!🔥

Angela thought she was just there to coach a team. But now, she’s caught in the middle of a corporate espionage drama that could make or break the future of digital banking. Can she help the team regain their mojo and outwit their rivals, or will the competition crush their ambitions? As alliances shift and the pressure builds, one thing becomes clear: this isn’t just about the product—it’s about the people.

🚨 Will Angela’s coaching be enough? Find out in Shift: From Product to People—the gripping story of high-stakes innovation and corporate intrigue.

Buy Now on Amazon

[The Scrum Master Toolbox Podcast Recommends]

About Mike Bowler 

Mike Bowler is a seasoned Agile coach and trainer with 25 years of experience. He specializes in technical practices, workflow optimization, leadership coaching, and the neuroscience of human behavior. Mike's expertise includes guiding teams in technical execution and fostering psychological safety. 

You can link with Mike Bowler on LinkedIn.

BONUS: The Power of TWI in Transforming Supervisory Skills and Software Leadership With Hugh Alley

In this BONUS episode, we delve into how Training Within Industry (TWI) principles can revolutionize leadership and supervision, and those principles can be adapted to the software industry. Hugh Alley, industrial engineer, author of The TWI Memory Jogger, and seasoned consultant, brings invaluable insights on how adapting these timeless methods can enhance team cohesion, productivity, and job satisfaction.

From Toxic Workplaces to Transformative Solutions

"When I first saw supervisors shouting in the workplace, I knew there had to be a better way." Hugh's journey began in the high-stress world of manufacturing where ineffective leadership was the norm. His turning point came when he discovered TWI, which shifted a company from zero employee suggestions to implementing 2-3 improvements per week. He shares the importance of recognizing poor patterns and seeking practical solutions that lead to lasting change.

"A key insight? The power of TWI isn't just in theory; it creates immediate, real-world results."

The Historic Power of TWI: Lessons from World-War II

"We learned that repetition is essential for true skill mastery." Hugh recounts the origins of TWI during WWII when the U.S. War Manpower Commission had to quickly upskill the workforce and develop leaders. He highlights the drastic improvement in training time for complex tasks, such as lens grinding, reduced from five years to just five days. This approach emphasized breaking tasks into micro-skills and practicing them repeatedly.

"The secret to learning is practice—not just once, but deliberately and consistently."

Core Managerial Responsibilities: Mission and People

"If you don’t look after your people, they’ll leave." Hugh elaborates on two often-overlooked managerial duties: achieving the mission and caring for the team. In software projects, where meeting deadlines becomes paramount, leaders may overlook their teams' well-being. He shares a case where training in TWI’s Job Relations (JR) module reduced turnover from 60% to 10%, proving that attention to people directly impacts results.

"Feedback isn’t optional—it’s the backbone of a motivated team."

The Five Essential Supervisory Skills

"Getting people up to speed isn’t luck; it’s skill." Hugh discusses the five essential skills for supervisors outlined in TWI: giving instructions, fostering performance, improving methods, setting priorities, and listening. These skills ensure that new team members integrate smoothly and that ongoing work aligns with team goals. For software teams, he emphasizes that structured training can prevent future issues and enhance productivity.

"Supervisory success is built on clear guidance and active listening."

Why TWI Gets Overlooked and How to Revitalize It

"We don’t need heroes; we need high-functioning teams." Post-WWII, TWI lost momentum as it was seen as outdated, and the culture shifted toward individual heroics in the workplace. Hugh argues that today's teams thrive not on isolated brilliance but on collective efficiency and shared learning.

"Our challenge today is to reclaim TWI’s structured approach for consistent team performance."

Addressing Performance Issues with TWI

"Inspection isn’t just watching; it’s understanding and acting." Hugh explains how the Job Relations module of TWI can be adapted for software teams to address performance issues. He shares practical steps for leaders to approach these conversations constructively, improving team trust and transparency.

"Proactive feedback, rooted in observation, fuels team growth."

Application for Scrum Masters and Agile Leaders

"Basic certifications don’t cover these leadership essentials." Hugh talks about how Scrum Masters can leverage the insights from his book, The TWI Memory Jogger, to build vital supervisory skills that foster better team dynamics and output. He emphasizes the importance of continuous learning beyond basic training to handle real-world challenges effectively.

"To be truly effective, Scrum Masters must master supervisory fundamentals."

The Art of Listening in Leadership

"Respect starts with truly hearing your team." Hugh shares a story about a colleague named Angie, illustrating how active listening can uncover underlying issues affecting performance. He discusses how TWI encourages leaders to move beyond surface-level interactions and engage meaningfully with their teams.

"Listening is the gateway to trust and respect in leadership."

Improving Methods: A Supervisor’s Guide

"Ask better questions, get better answers." For supervisors and Agile Coaches, Hugh introduces six reflective questions that improve work methods. He explains how applying these questions can enhance retrospective meetings and process improvements in software teams, reinforcing TWI’s impact on continuous improvement.

"Improvement begins when you challenge every assumption and ask the right questions."

TWI’s Influence on Team Cohesion and Values

Hugh shares a success story from his book where TWI principles transformed team unity. He shows how applying these principles nurtures an environment of mutual respect and shared responsibility.

"True cohesion comes from shared learning and collective effort."

Hugh encourages listeners to explore TWI resources and start with practical application in their teams. For those eager to dive deeper, his books Becoming the Supervisor and The TWI Memory Jogger offer accessible entry points to mastering these crucial skills.

About Hugh Alley

Hugh Alley is an industrial engineer, author, and consultant specializing in continuous improvement and supervisory skills. He has led multiple manufacturing firms and trained over 1,000 front-line leaders, authoring two books on effective supervision. Based near Vancouver, Canada, Hugh supports clients across North America with practical strategies for leadership development.

You can link with Hugh Alley on LinkedIn.

Agile in Hardware: Agile for Physical Products, Insights from Dainese’s Helmet Project With Massimo Terzo

In this Agile in Hardware episode, Agile Coach and Consultant Massimo Terzo shares the story of his experience implementing Agile methodologies for physical product development, highlighting Dainese’s journey to develop an innovative motorcycle helmet. Massimo shares essential strategies and unique challenges in applying Agile to hardware, emphasizing continuous learning, collaboration, and a customer-focused mindset. Whether you’re in software or hardware, this conversation offers valuable insights for anyone navigating complex product development.

The Agile Journey Begins: Adapting for Dainese’s Helmet Project

“Dainese is a cutting-edge company, but they faced market pressures that required faster development – this helmet project was all about innovation, under intense time constraints.”

Massimo provides an overview of Dainese’s motorbike helmet project, an Agile transformation journey for a purely physical product – with no software involved. As Dainese faced heightened competition and urgent market deadlines, they knew they had to accelerate product development. Massimo describes how Agile’s typical techniques for software, like continuous delivery, had to be redefined for hardware. Instead of delivering functional increments, they focused on incremental learning to develop elements like airflow and ventilation. Prototyping became a central strategy, allowing the team to test quickly, gather feedback, and make informed design choices in a dynamic environment.

“In hardware, Agile isn’t about delivering functional slices but rather about acquiring critical knowledge incrementally to guide design.”

Introducing Agile to Hardware Teams: Building an Agile Mindset

"Getting the right people on board was key – we needed people open to Scrum values and willing to collaborate on cross-functional teams."

Massimo talks about his initial steps coaching the Dainese team, who were accustomed to a waterfall approach. He began by training the team, especially focusing on the Product Owner, to adopt an Agile mindset. With enthusiastic support from the R&D Director, Massimo led a “Lift-Off” workshop to unify team goals, map out the project, and visualize workflows through story mapping. The team started to think of “increments” as stages of understanding rather than fully-functional slices (as we would do in software), and this helped shift them towards Agile principles of continuous improvement.

“Starting with a ‘Lift-Off’ workshop set a foundation for collaboration and got everyone focused on a common goal.”

Bridging Agile and Waterfall: Working with Supplier Constraints

"Suppliers were essential in this project – we had to adapt our Agile adoption to respect lead times and certain traditional practices."

Massimo highlights the complex supplier relationships in hardware development and the need for hybrid planning. Agile principles like sprint planning and incremental development were adapted to accommodate suppliers’ lead times and waterfall-style deadlines. The team balanced traditional Gantt charts for high-level planning with Agile sprint cycles for flexibility, using reverse planning to align the two approaches. By including a dedicated buyer in the team, they improved communication with suppliers and maintained transparency, ensuring project timelines could be met.

“Adapting Agile to work with supplier constraints meant creating a roadmap that respected both Agile flexibility and traditional lead times.”

Key Success Factors for Agile in Physical Product Development

“Every Agile framework should be adapted to fit the product and the context. Don’t get too focused on ‘doing Agile’—focus on making your product development faster and smarter.”

Massimo provides his top advice for anyone looking to apply Agile in hardware contexts. He encourages teams to draw inspiration from Agile frameworks but adapt them to their specific product needs. Breaking down complex questions into smaller, testable hypotheses, fostering cross-functional skills, and investing in fast, reliable prototyping are essential steps to stay agile. He emphasizes transparency and reducing feedback loops as core practices to make informed, timely decisions, ultimately making the entire development process more efficient.

“Agile isn’t a template – it’s a mindset for making product development faster, leaner, and more responsive to change.”

Resources for Agile Hardware Enthusiasts

“Whether you’re new to Agile in hardware or looking to deepen your knowledge, these resources offer essential strategies.”

Massimo shares his recommended reading list for those interested in Agile for physical product development. He suggests The Agile Factory by Claudio Saurin, Scrum for Hardware by Paolo Sammicheli, and Joe Justice’s Scrum Master book. He also recommends exploring agile procurement and supply chain insights from Mirko Kleiner.

About Massimo Terzo

Massimo Terzo is an Agile Coach and Consultant with expertise in Agile methodologies for physical product development. Over the past decade, he has guided numerous organizations, including a major car manufacturer, through complex Agile transformations. Known for his knowledge in Agile for hardware and engineering, Massimo is a frequent speaker, inspiring teams to adopt agile practices for real-world product development challenges.

You can link with Massimo Terzo on LinkedIn.

Agile in Hardware: Agile Transformation in a Hardware Organization, Wärtsilä Case Study with Henna Torkkola nd Maarit Laanti

In this Agile in Hardware episode, Henna Torkkola and Maarit Laanti share the pioneering journey of integrating Agile practices into Wärtsilä's Marine R&D, particularly within the ambitious New Product Development (NPD) program for advanced engine technology. From fostering collaboration across the value stream to embracing simulation and hybrid Agile approaches, they offer insights into how Agile has reshaped R&D processes. Henna and Maarit explain how bringing Agile to hardware isn’t about imposing frameworks but adopting a collaborative, flexible mindset that inspires productivity and innovation across teams.

Starting with a Vision for Agile in Product Development

Henna and Maarit delve into the origins of Wärtsilä’s Agile journey, recounting how the NPD program, initiated in 2018, was envisioned to deliver faster releases, co-create with stakeholders, and establish a more satisfying work culture for program teams. Moving beyond traditional project stages, the company embraced Agile methods to accommodate real-time adjustments and maintain a competitive edge.

“Agile success in hardware starts when you focus on the values behind the practices—not just calling it Agile.”

Expanding the Agile Mindset Across the Value Stream

Originally designed as an R&D initiative, the program expanded to engage the entire value stream, including sourcing and manufacturing. Henna explains how cross-departmental collaboration was achieved through inclusive events and ceremonies, bringing in diverse stakeholders from the start. This broad integration marked a shift from isolated R&D to a holistic approach involving the entire value chain, creating a product developed with inputs from every angle.

“Cross-functional collaboration is crucial; bring everyone to the table early and celebrate wins together.”

Integrating Manufacturing for a Smooth NPD Transition

To bridge the gap between R&D and manufacturing, the team included design-for-manufacturing experts from the outset, ensuring seamless transitions and early feedback. The addition of quick real-world testing strategies like using a single-cylinder prototype and rolling-wave planning enabled the NPD program to adapt plans incrementally while collecting feedback earlier in the process compared to previous programs.

“Invite manufacturing to R&D’s early stages—you’ll tackle issues before they escalate.”

Blending Traditional and Agile Models for Hardware Innovation

The team adopted a hybrid model that merges Agile's flexibility with traditional gate-check models, evolving over time as teams moved away from rigid milestones. By focusing on early feedback and iterative adjustments, they avoided process bottlenecks and fostered a product-centric mindset.

“Don’t get stuck on milestones; prioritize feedback loops to keep product goals aligned with real-world needs.”

Simulation and Small-Scale Testing: Essential Tools for Fast Feedback

Both simulation and small-scale testing proved essential to the program's agility, facilitating rapid feedback and enabling team alignment. With testing and simulation experts working alongside designers, the process quickly highlighted practical improvements, creating a more effective pathway from R&D concepts to production-ready components.

“Invest in simulations—they give you insights much faster, aligning design with manufacturing realities.”

Synchronization and Common Planning: Enabling Transparency and Efficiency

Henna and Maarit underscore the benefits of synchronization and common planning cadences across the R&D teams, enhancing transparency and team spirit. These synchronizations empowered teams to independently manage priorities while aligning with organizational goals, creating an ecosystem where collaboration and autonomy coexist.

“A synchronized cadence empowers teams, letting them take charge of plans within a unified vision.”

Pivoting to Sustainable Fuel: Adapting Agile to Changing Requirements

As the market focus shifted towards sustainability, the NPD program swiftly integrated sustainable fuels like ammonia into development. Thanks to the Agile-inspired adaptability, the program adjusted its trajectory, positioning Wärtsilä to lead in environmentally conscious engine development with a product-first mindset that welcomed change.

“With Agile, your process adapts to change—making room for innovations like sustainable fuel in real-time.”

Resources for Agile Enthusiasts in Hardware and Product Development

For listeners eager to dive deeper, Henna and Maarit recommend:

• Flexible Product Development: Agile Hardware Development to Liberate Innovation by Preston Smith

• White papers on Agile in hardware, particularly those available on WikiAgile

About Henna Torkkola and Maarit Laanti

Henna Torkkola is an Agile coach at Wärtsilä's Marine R&D, focusing on Future Fuels and New Product Development. With expertise in banking and Agile transformations, she holds a Master’s in Human Resource Management and is passionate about the cultural impact of Agile.

You can link with Henna Torkkola on LinkedIn.

Maarit Laanti, a pioneering Agile coach and co-founder of WikiAgile, is the author of the first PhD on Agile in a scaled environment. She has led transformative Agile initiatives at Nokia and contributed to the SAFe framework. A global authority on Lean and Agile, she is recognized for advancing Agile scaling in hardware.

You can link with Maarit Laanti on LinkedIn.

Agile in Hardware: The Future of Agile Hardware Development, A Case Study From High Power Semiconductor Industry With Milad Maleki and Markus Thut

In this Agile in Hardware episode, Milad Maleki and Markus Thut of Hitachi Energy Ltd. describe the pioneering methods and challenges of Agile hardware development in high-power semiconductor manufacturing. From introducing cutting-edge RoadPak technology for Formula E racing to optimizing consumer EV solutions, they share a fresh perspective on agile practices beyond the traditional software domain. Join us as we uncover the intricacies of an iterative approach to hardware design, production integration, and actionable insights for advancing Agile principles in complex hardware manufacturing.

The RoadPak Project: Pioneering eMobility Innovation

Milad and Markus kick off the discussion with the story behind the RoadPak project, a powerful technology supporting electric mobility and racing industries, including Formula E and Formula 1. Developed initially as a small-scale prototype, RoadPak has since evolved into a versatile solution with wide-reaching applications in consumer electric vehicles and fast-charging stations.

“From racing to consumer EVs, RoadPak's journey showcases the transformative potential of scaling innovation from concept to consumer solutions.”

Redefining Agile in Hardware: An Iterative Revolution

Unlike traditional hardware development’s linear approach, the team adopted an Agile model to adapt and evolve both the product and its manufacturing processes at the same time. By designing the production line in tandem with the product, they created a collaborative environment where feedback directly informed product design and production line adjustments.

“In Agile hardware, the manufacturing process becomes part of the product itself—a continual feedback loop between design, production, and customer needs.”

Iterative Sample Development: The A, B, C, and D Samples

Milad and Markus discuss the use of progressive sample iterations (A, B, C, and D) to refine RoadPak’s development. But, within each of the sample phases, they iterated quickly, for example having samples from A1, A2, A2b, etc. This approach provided invaluable insights, allowing for cost-effective tools and small-scale prototypes that rapidly incorporated feedback from customers and the production line.

“Every iteration helped us with fast and impactful learning cycles which refined both product design and manufacturing. Proving that fast feedback is crucial—even in hardware.”

Customer Feedback and Early Prototyping: Shortening the Feedback Loop

To ensure RoadPak met real-world requirements, the team engaged customers early and often. They relied on simulation, rapid prototyping, and laser-cut parts to accelerate the feedback process. A specialized “evaluation kit” enabled customers to test the component in their own environments, exemplifying how quick delivery - even in hardware projects - can significantly speed up product development.

“Early customer feedback is critical; our evaluation kit bridged the gap, turning theoretical design into practical functionality for real-world testing.”

Integrated Development: Product and Manufacturing as Partners

This episode emphasizes the unique challenges of developing the product and manufacturing process concurrently. By focusing on early quality control and optimizing the process on-site, they achieved higher yield and product reliability, setting the foundation for scalable, high-quality production.

“For any new product, designing the manufacturing process alongside the product itself isn’t optional—it’s essential for quick feedback, and long-term success and quality.”

Key Success Factors in Agile Hardware Development

Markus and Milad highlight the importance of cross-functional teams, communication, and focus on dedicated resources. By streamlining their team’s goals and processes, they maintained agility and clarity in the development cycle. This episode wraps up with tips and resources for those looking to apply Agile principles to hardware, emphasizing the value of flexible, collaborative workflows.

“Focus and communication drive success in Agile hardware; with the right team alignment, you’re equipped to adapt quickly and effectively.”

Recommended Resources

Milad and Markus suggest practical resources to deepen listeners’ understanding of Agile in hardware. The book Scrum Essentials: Agile Software Development and Agile Project Management for Project Managers, Scrum Masters, Product Owners, and Stakeholders by Troy Dimes serves as an adaptable foundation.

“Books and frameworks are starting points, but adapting Agile to hardware means integrating experimentation as a core part of the process.”

About Markus Thut and Milad Maleki

Markus Thut is a lead engineer at Hitachi Energy Ltd.’s semiconductor production in Lenzburg, Switzerland, specializing in high-power semiconductors and eMobility innovations. Markus is recognized for his forward-thinking approach to automation and industrial innovation, rooted in Swiss precision and a dedication to bringing visionary ideas to life.

You can link with Markus Thut on LinkedIn and connect with Markus Thut on Twitter.

Milad Maleki is the Head of R&D for high-power semiconductors at Hitachi Energy. With a PhD from École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne (EPFL), Milad has led groundbreaking research and development initiatives in the semiconductor field, championing collaboration and innovation to power a sustainable energy future.

You can link with Milad Maleki on LinkedIn and connect with Milad Maleki on Twitter.

Agile in Hardware: Bringing Agile to Hardware Development – Insights from Microsoft, Apple, and More With John Collins

 

In this agile in hardware episode, John Collins dives deep into the practicalities, challenges, and rewards of integrating Agile methodologies in hardware engineering, drawing from his extensive experience at companies like Microsoft, Apple, and FlixBus. Collins offers actionable advice on adapting Agile frameworks to hardware environments, covering everything from psychological safety to coordinating across diverse teams with different goals and development cadences. For anyone looking to understand the nuances of Agile in a hardware setting, this episode is full of valuable insights.

 

Starting Out with Agile in Hardware Engineering

 

“When you’re in a leadership role, it’s not just about the process – it’s about creating an environment of safety where teams feel empowered to take risks and try new approaches.”

 

John Collins shares how he first started implementing Agile principles in hardware engineering, despite the challenges posed by larger organizations like Apple and Microsoft. He discusses the importance of psychological safety as a foundation for Agile success and reflects on the training needed to foster an Agile mindset among engineers used to traditional, linear development approaches.

 

“The Agile journey starts by influencing teams and creating an environment where everyone feels secure and motivated to try new things.”

 

Crafting an Agile Framework for Hardware

 

“Aligning software and hardware development isn’t about making them the same; it’s about finding the right synchronization points and respecting each team’s unique process.”

 

John explains his approach to choosing and adapting Agile frameworks for his teams, describing how he brought software and hardware workflows into alignment through careful planning and OKRs. He shares tips on setting frameworks like SAFe, Scrum, or custom Agile processes, ensuring that hardware and software teams coordinate effectively without stifling autonomy.

 

“Using shared goals like OKRs helps both hardware and software teams work together without losing their individual strengths.”

 

Key Differences Between Agile in Software and Hardware

 

“In hardware, there are fixed constraints and build cycles dictated by suppliers and physical limitations – Agile can adapt, but it takes patience.”

 

In this segment, John highlights the key differences in Agile application between software and hardware teams. He explains why skepticism can be a healthy part of the process, and how roles like the Agile coach help teams embrace new methodologies. John also emphasizes the importance of matching Agile coaches to team dynamics to ensure effective adoption.

 

“Every Agile coach and team is unique – finding the right match is essential to making Agile work in hardware.”

Overcoming Challenges in Agile Hardware Development

 

“Hardware requires a structured approach with build schedules and physical constraints, which makes Agile’s flexibility more challenging to implement.”

 

John dives into the unique challenges of implementing Agile in hardware, especially around the rigidity of build cycles and long testing periods. He shares strategies for mitigating these constraints, like prioritizing issues by risk impact and using statistical models to allocate resources for destructive testing. This practical advice helps listeners understand the importance of adaptability within Agile for hardware.

 

“Leverage data from past builds to predict impact, prioritize risk, and optimize your testing and build resources.”

 

Resources for Adopting Agile in Hardware

 

John refers to the Management 3.0 training as a good foundation to prepare people for adopting Agile, and also combining Agile and Hardware. 

 

About John Collins

 

John Collins is a former Senior Vice President of Engineering, known for driving strategic growth in large international teams across software and hardware. With a background in Electrical Engineering, he began his career as a hardware engineer at Microsoft, contributing to the development of Xbox consoles and HoloLens. At Apple, John worked as a program manager for battery development, and later advanced to engineering management in sectors such as mobility and sustainability in eCommerce across Europe. Holder of eight patents in AR, battery, and camera design, John is also the author of two influential books on engineering and leadership.

 

You can link with John Collins on LinkedIn.

Hassan Butt: How Great Product Owners Encourage Experimentation and Openness

Read the full Show Notes and search through the world’s largest audio library on Scrum directly on the Scrum Master Toolbox Podcast website: http://bit.ly/SMTP_ShowNotes.

The Great Product Owner: Balancing Pressure and Transparency

Hassan describes a great Product Owner (PO) as someone who can handle the pressures from stakeholders while maintaining transparency with the team. A great PO is open about the challenges but ensures that team members are not overwhelmed. They create space for experimentation, facilitate two-way communication, and know how to protect the team by saying “no” when needed.

The Bad Product Owner: Bringing Pressure to the Team

On the other hand, Hassan highlights an anti-pattern where a Product Owner brings external pressures into the team, causing stress and blame. A bad PO passes down the pressure they feel, which can create a toxic environment. Hassan advises using 3-amigo sessions to support the PO and suggests promoting open conversations that avoid blame and foster transparency.

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🔥In the ruthless world of fintech, success isn’t just about innovation—it’s about coaching!🔥

Angela thought she was just there to coach a team. But now, she’s caught in the middle of a corporate espionage drama that could make or break the future of digital banking. Can she help the team regain their mojo and outwit their rivals, or will the competition crush their ambitions? As alliances shift and the pressure builds, one thing becomes clear: this isn’t just about the product—it’s about the people.

🚨 Will Angela’s coaching be enough? Find out in Shift: From Product to People—the gripping story of high-stakes innovation and corporate intrigue.

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About Hassan Butt Hassan builds high-performing teams and unlocks their full potential in his current role as a Scrum Master for a UK FTSE100 Telco. He also serves as an Agile Coach and mentor, supporting others in their professional growth. Hassan is well-known on LinkedIn for sharing valuable content and insights with the Agile community.

You can link with Hassan Butt on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nohassagile/