Scrum Master Real Talk: Jim Sparks on Overcoming Resistance, Networking, Learning and Continuous Growth

Scrum.org Community Podcast

#Tech #Scrum.org #Scrum #Agile #Scrum Master #Product Owner #Scrum Guide

35:02

The healing power of fitness goes far beyond physical benefits—for today’s guest, it’s a form of self-expression and a celebration of what the body can do. In this episode, host Nora McInerny sits down with fitness personality Ivylis Rivera, who shares her deeply personal journey of navigating life with Chronic Migraine while holding onto her passion for movement. Ivylis opens up about the struggle of staying active while facing the fear of triggering a headache or migraine attack and the resilience it takes to keep pushing forward—a resilience that carried her through the challenging journey of finding a Chronic Migraine treatment plan that worked for her. Join Nora and Ivylis as they explore the concept of “soft living,” a philosophy Ivylis embraces—staying active, listening to your body, and building trust in oneself. Click here for Product Information, including Boxed Warning and Medication Guide, or visit https://abbv.ie/prescribing_info See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.…

about a year ago 24:57

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In this episode of Scrum Master Real Talk, host Dave West chats with Jim Sparks, a Scrum Master from Dayton, Ohio, about his accidental journey into agility. Jim shares how he discovered a passion for servant leadership, the evolution of his role toward delivery accountability, and how he tackles challenges like leading without authority and overcoming resistance to Scrum—especially in government and cybersecurity contexts.

Jim’s advice for Scrum Masters is simple yet profound: never stop learning, build strong networks, and approach the accountability with humility and fun. Tune in to hear Jim’s inspiring story, actionable tips, and insights on balancing servant leadership with delivery focus.

194 episodes

Scrum.org Community Podcast

Scrum Master Real Talk: Jim Sparks on Overcoming Resistance, Networking, Learning and Continuous Growth

Scrum.org Community Podcast

28 subscribers

published about a year ago

MP3•Episode home

194 episodes

#Tech #Scrum.org #Scrum #Agile #Scrum Master #Product Owner #Scrum Guide

All episodes

Scrum.org Community Podcast

1
Value Delivered: Boosting ERP Support Effectiveness with Scrum and Kanban at ambarics 28:56

7 days ago28:56

28:56

In this "Value Delivered" episode of the Scrum.org Community Podcast, Dave West speaks with Andre Bohn of ambarics and Professional Scrum Trainer Alex Hardt about how combining Professional Scrum and Kanban helped ambarics streamline ERP software support. Learn how greater transparency, limiting work in progress, and visualizing work item age enabled the team to better manage unplanned work, reduce escalations, and increase customer satisfaction.…

Scrum.org Community Podcast

1
The Cost of Ignoring Psychological Safety 22:16

14 days ago22:16

22:16

In this episode of the Scrum.org Community Podcast , Patricia Kong talks with Professional Scrum Trainer Joanna Plaskonka about why psychological safety is critical for effective Scrum Teams. Joanna explains how it fuels openness, innovation, and accountability—while its absence leads to poor collaboration, low morale, and missed opportunities. Through real-world examples, she dispels common myths and shares how leaders can foster a culture where teams feel safe to take risks, challenge ideas, and grow. This conversation highlights that psychological safety isn’t a “nice-to-have”—it’s essential for delivering real value.…

Scrum.org Community Podcast

1
Value Delivered: How StoreDot Used Scrum to Accelerate Electric Vehicle Battery Breakthroughs 34:31

21 days ago34:31

34:31

In this episode of the Scrum.org Community Podcast – Value Delivered Series , host Dave West is joined by Carmit Ophir, Senior Director at StoreDot, and Professional Scrum Trainer Michal Epstein to explore how StoreDot leveraged Professional Scrum to tackle the complex challenges of developing ultra-fast-charging batteries for electric vehicles. Faced with low collaboration and siloed teams of chemists, engineers, and system experts, StoreDot turned to Scrum to foster transparency, cross-functional teamwork, and faster feedback loops. The results? Accelerated innovation, milestones delivered ahead of schedule, and a cultural shift driven by leadership support and a commitment to continuous improvement. Whether you’re navigating R&D in a highly technical space or looking to drive transformation in your organization, this conversation is full of insights and practical advice. Key Takeaways: Why R&D teams can embrace agility The importance of leadership support in Scrum adoption How a culture of feedback and experimentation accelerates value delivery Tune in to hear how StoreDot is literally charging ahead with Scrum.…

Scrum.org Community Podcast

1
Q & A on Scaling Scrum with PST Simon Reindl - Scaling, Nexus, Accountabilities, Portfolio Management and More! 39:36

28 days ago39:36

39:36

In this episode of the Scrum.org Community Podcast, guest host Lindsay Velecina welcomes Professional Scrum Trainer Simon Reindl to answer listener questions from his recent webinar, “ How do the Scrum Accountabilities Work at Scale – Practical Steps for Delivery.” Drawing on years of hands-on experience, Simon breaks down Scaled Scrum and portfolio management, explores how many Scrum Masters you really need, and offers guidance on applying frameworks like Nexus, Scrum at Scale, and even SAFe with intention—not dogma. From structuring teams to improving flow and making value measurable, Simon shares practical insights to help organizations scale Scrum without losing sight of what really matters: delivering value through empowered teams and continuous learning. Key Topics: Scaled Scrum and Portfolio Management How many Scrum Masters? It depends. Value Stream Mapping to uncover flow and bottlenecks Using metrics that matter (hint: it’s not velocity) The art of being a persistent (and sometimes annoying) Scrum Master Whether you're scaling up or just getting started, this conversation will help you do it with clarity and purpose.…

Scrum.org Community Podcast

1
Ask a Professional Scrum Trainer - Psychological Safety with Joanna Plaskonka 52:34

5 weeks ago52:34

52:34

In this episode of the Scrum.org Community Podcast, guest host Lindsay Velecina is joined by Professional Scrum Trainer Joanna Plaskonka to answer lingering questions from her recent webinar on psychological safety in Scrum Teams. Joanna shares practical insights on measuring psychological safety using Amy Edmondson’s model, handling micromanagement, and fostering safe environments even in challenging cultures. From using behavioral questions and action learning to creating psychologically safe retrospectives, this episode is packed with actionable ideas for Scrum Masters, leaders, and teams seeking high performance through trust and openness!…

Scrum.org Community Podcast

1
Toyota Connected: How the Ideas of the Agile Product Operating Model Shape Portfolio Management Strategy 42:52

6 weeks ago42:52

42:52

How does Toyota apply Agile Product Operating Model (APOM) principles to portfolio management? In this episode of the Scrum.org Community Podcast, Dave West and PST Lucas Smith, Director of Agile Program & Services, Toyota Connected, explore how Toyota Connected structures its funding models, defines product life cycles, and manages dependencies in complex product ecosystems. Learn how Toyota Connected balances agility with control, ensuring product teams can innovate while maintaining strategic alignment. Tune in to discover how APOM principles are shaping portfolio agility at scale.…

Scrum.org Community Podcast

1
Agile Product Operating Model (APOM) and SAFe - Do They Relate? 40:45

7 weeks ago40:45

40:45

In this episode of the Scrum.org Community Podcast, host Dave West and Yuval Yeret , Professional Scrum Trainer and SAFe Fellow explore how the Agile Product Operating Model (APOM) can enhance the Scaled Agile Framework (SAFe). They discuss the shift from a rigid "feature factory" approach to a dynamic "lab" environment that fosters experimentation and value discovery. Yuval highlights the need to evolve SAFe to better support product-oriented organizations, highlighting practical steps like the Portfolio Agility Trail Map . Tune in to learn how SAFe and APOM can work together and other considerations.…

Scrum.org Community Podcast

1
Beyond Agile Transformations: Embracing the Agile Product Operating Model 37:37

8 weeks ago37:37

37:37

In this episode of the Scrum.org Community Podcast, Dave West and PST Andy Brandt explore the state of Agile transformations and the shift toward the Agile Product Operating Model (APOM) as featured in their recently written whitepaper. While Agile has been widely adopted, challenges like misalignment between business strategy and technical execution persist. Andy shares how focusing on products instead of work and starting small with one team can drive meaningful change. They discuss the role of AI in enhancing productivity , the importance of organizational alignment , and how executive commitment can lead to spectacular results . Tune in to learn how to move beyond Agile transformations and embrace a product-first mindset ! Referenced whitepaper: Moving Beyond Agile Transformations: Leveraging the Agile Product Operating Model…

Scrum.org Community Podcast

1
Agile in the Middle East - Trends, Innovation and More with PST Jay Rahman 36:30

9 weeks ago36:30

36:30

In this episode of the Scrum.org Community Podcast , Dave West is joined by Professional Scrum Trainer Jay Rahman to explore the evolving landscape of agility in the Middle East. They discuss how rapid digital transformation is driving the need for agility, not just in startups but also in established enterprises. Jay highlights the critical role of leadership in fostering an agile mindset, the importance of strong product thinking, and how organizations can balance speed with adaptability. Tune in to learn why agility is more than just a framework—it’s a strategic necessity for long-term success.…

Scrum.org Community Podcast

1
Shifting to a Product-Based Operating Model with APOM - The Accenture Way 33:15

10 weeks ago33:15

33:15

In this episode of the Scrum.org Community Podcast, Dave West chats with Accenture’s Professional Scrum Trainer Dimitris Dimitrelos about how companies and organizations introduce the Agile Product Operating Model (APOM). They explore the shift from project-based to product-based approaches, how APOM integrates business and product development, and the challenges of aligning legacy structures with new ways of working. Dimitris highlights the need for strong C-level sponsorship and cross-functional transformation teams to drive success. Tune in to learn how organizations are navigating this transformation to achieve true business agility.…

Scrum.org Community Podcast

1
Ask a Professional Scrum Trainer - Agile Leadership with Mary Iqbal 58:29

11 weeks ago58:29

58:29

In this Ask a PST session, Professional Scrum Trainer Mary Iqbal answers questions around the principles of Agile Leadership, offering actionable insights for fostering collaboration, enabling self-managing teams, and driving organizational success in a fast-paced, complex world.

Scrum.org Community Podcast

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Q & A on Product Portfolio Management Part 2: Evolving Portfolio Management for Product Success 53:07

12 weeks ago53:07

53:07

In part two of this portfolio management Q&A, Dave West, Yuval Yeret, and Darrell Fernandes tackle the complexities of funding products vs. teams, especially in nonprofits. They explore shifting from work-based to product-based funding, managing technical debt vs. product roadmap progress, and aligning business and technology goals. The discussion highlights the role of initiative owners, evidence-based management, and finance partnerships in driving effective portfolio decisions. They also explore the concept of working cross-product. Tune in for insights on creating a more sustainable and impact-driven portfolio strategy.…

Scrum.org Community Podcast

1
Q & A About Product Portfolio Management - Part 1 44:42

14 weeks ago44:42

44:42

In this episode of the Scrum.org Community Podcast, Dave is joined by Yuval Yeret and Darrell Fernandes to answer key questions on Agile product portfolio management from a recent webinar. They explore how to visualize work, reduce work in progress, and prioritize investments using cost of delay. The conversation highlights the importance of quarterly business reviews, aligning initiatives with strategic goals, and leveraging Kanban and Evidence-Based Management. Tune in for practical insights on managing Agile portfolios effectively—and stay tuned for Part 2! Here is the resource Yuval mentioned containing the Product Portfolio Agility Trail Map.…

Scrum.org Community Podcast

1
Ask a PST - Product Backlog Management with Stas Pavlov and Simon Flossmann 1:00:56

16 weeks ago1:00:56

1:00:56

In this Ask a Professional Scrum Trainer episode, Patricia Kong moderates a discussion with Simon Flossmann and Stas Pavlov tackling listener questions on the challenges of Product Backlog Management. They explore techniques for prioritization, balancing technical debt, and improving transparency with stakeholders. From leveraging the Kano model and Magic estimation to using tools like Miro and Monte Carlo simulations for forecasting, they provide actionable insights to help teams refine their backlog effectively. Tune in for expert advice on optimizing backlog management for better product outcomes!…

Scrum.org Community Podcast

1
Finding the Right Scrum Masters: The Journey of Sanofi’s Accelerator to a Product-Oriented Culture 41:19

17 weeks ago41:19