Integrating AI into Scrum Teams: Insights with Claudio Lassala

Discover how AI can be seamlessly incorporated into Scrum teams to enhance productivity, storytelling, and problem-solving. Claudio Lassala shares real-world experiences of leveraging AI to fill skill gaps, automate tasks, and scale solutions, challenging traditional notions of team roles and developer identities.

Key Insights:

• The importance of teaching AI your principles for better, personalized outcomes

• AI's role in automating routine tasks allows developers to focus on high-value stakeholder engagement

• Emphasizing a solution-oriented mindset rather than coding as an identity

• Managing resistance by framing AI as a problem-solving partner, not a threat

• Continuous re-skilling and mindset shifts needed for teams to thrive with AI

• Leaders should focus on enabling their teams to leverage AI ethically and effectively

 

drunkenpmradio · How AI is Transforming Scrum Teams - Practical Strategies from Claudio Lassala

Timestamps:

00:00 - Introduction and Claudio's background in IT and agile coaching

02:21 - How AI is integrated into Scrum teams

03:45 - Using AI to write user stories and acceptance criteria

05:24 - The importance of conversations and stories in Agile

07:01 - Teaching AI to reflect team principles and critique solutions

08:15 - Addressing fears of losing roles with AI integration

09:42 - Resistance from team members and how to approach it

11:08 - Demonstrating productivity gains with AI-driven planning

12:13 - Balancing automation with the human touch in problem-solving

15:03 - Clarifying misconceptions about AI automating all tasks

16:38 - Managing detailed task decomposition with AI

18:04 - The evolution of developer roles and knowledge retention

20:17 - Using analogies like cars with carburetors to explain technological shifts

21:34 - Passion projects and opportunities AI unlocks

23:29 - How AI might change the identity of developers

26:38 - The need for continuous retraining and knowledge updating

29:43 - Supporting team members in adapting to AI tools

33:01 - Leadership strategies for leveraging AI ethically and effectively

36:16 - Personal storytelling: AI in content creation and blogging

37:04 - Claudio’s favorite guitar solo and closing thoughts

Contact Claudio

• LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/claudiolassala/

• Web / Blog https://lassala.net/

• Improving https://www.improving.com/profile/claudio-lassala/

The AI Engagement Lifecycle with Endava, Dava.X.AI, and Miro

Endava set out to reinvent how IT services get delivered in an AI-native world. Dava.X.AI is the group inside Endava driving that shift. Miro is the workspace they're building it on. Together they've shipped Davaflow — an AI engagement lifecycle that runs from signal to explore to govern to evolve, with humans and agents working alongside each other the whole way.

Takeaways

Reframe from value capture to value creation — don't use AI to make existing processes 10–15% better, reimagine the work entirely from an AI-first perspective.

IT services hit its "ChatGPT moment" two years ago when clients and analysts started asking Endava why they were needed if AI could just write the code.

AI is becoming a method, not a tool — just as Agile organized humans to do work, this new method organizes agents and the people working alongside them.

The technology question is largely settled; the change management question isn't — quality has hit the inflection point, and what remains is the human shift, much like Waterfall-to-Agile.

DavaFlow runs in four phases — Signal, Explore, Govern, and Evolve — moving from identifying the right problem, through virtual personas and prototypes, to governing agent output, to evolving in production.

Chat is the wrong interface for most of this work — humans are visual creatures, and tools like Miro give LLMs context that a chat box never could.

AI-driven work can produce better traceability than humans ever did — every decision and prototype connects back through the chain of thought, what Joe called "traceability on steroids."

Anyone can buy the tools — what separates enterprise work from vibe-coding chaos is policy-as-code, defined skills, and human-in-the-loop checkpoints.

Adoption happens in baby steps, not the full vision — showing people the end of the journey overwhelms them, so start at signal and layer in each next step.

The hardest part is the identity question — engineers liked writing code and designers liked crafting prototypes, and the shift is a growth-mindset problem, not a skills problem.

Links from the Podcast

• 
  Endava: https://www.endava.com/
• Dava.X.AI https://www.endava.com/dava-x/dava-x-ai
• Miro: https://miro.com/index/

Upcoming Miro Canvas Events

• Main Canvas 2026 landing page: https://canvas.miro.com/
• Register for the streaming event on May 19 where Joe will be speaking:  https://canvas.miro.com/sanfrancisco/virtual-keynote
• Register for the in-person event on May 19th in San Francisco where Joe is speaking live:  https://canvas.miro.com/sanfrancisco
• Register for the in-person event on June 2nd in London where Matt will be speaking live: https://canvas.miro.com/london
• Register for the in-person event on June 16th in Sydney where Wesley Fagan the APAC SVP for Strategy and Chief Design Officer at Endava will be speaking live: https://canvas.miro.com/sydney

Contacting the Guests

• Matt Cloke https://www.linkedin.com/in/mattcloke/
• Joe Dunleavy https://www.linkedin.com/in/joedunleavy/
• Dave Ross https://www.linkedin.com/in/davidmross/
• Dave Prior https://linktr.ee/mrsungo

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Endava and AI Transformation

08:54 Navigating the AI Landscape: Challenges and Opportunities

17:52 The Evolution of Miro and AI Integration

24:00 Dava Flow: The AI Engagement Lifecycle

25:49 The Power of Visual Context in AI

27:03 Enhancing Contextual Understanding with AI

29:12 Temporal Dimensions in Decision Making

31:27 Navigating Change in Organizational Mindsets

35:40 Demonstrating Value to the C-Suite

38:13 Embracing the Future of Work

41:09 Amplifying Human Creativity with AI

Mastering AI in Business - RAG vs CAG with Braden Cundiff

Braden Cundiff joins Dave to explore some of the emerging ways  AI tools can be used to support project management, including RAG and CAG approaches. During the interview they cover what they are, how they are different, and how they can transform organizational processes. The discussion covers practical applications, ethical considerations, and strategies for learning AI effectively.

Key Topics

• Differences between RAG and CAG in AI
• Practical applications of AI in project management
• Ethical considerations in AI deployment
• Strategies for learning and adopting AI technologies

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to AI in Project Management

00:55 Meet the Expert: Brayden Cundiff and BloomFilter

01:56 BloomFilter's Role in AI and SDLC Integration

03:52 AI as a Scrum Master: Enhancing Agile Processes

05:09 Limitations of ChatGPT for Project Contexts

05:37 Understanding RAG and CAG Approaches

18:27 Differences Between RAG and CAG Explained

23:05 Implementing CAG for Consistent AI Responses

29:01 Security, Bias, and Ethical Considerations in AI

34:06 Learning AI: Resources and Strategies

42:46 Closing Remarks and Next Steps

LInks

• AI Ready for PMs - One Day Accelerator https://www.beforeaiready.com/
• BloomFilter AI - https://bloomfilter.ai

Contacting Braden

• Braden’s Book - Flip: Projects to Products: A Problem Playbook https://tinyurl.com/599y6fpf
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/braden-cundiff-52479121/

Navigating AI in Business Strategy with John Tanner

In this conversation, John Tanner discusses the evolving role of AI in business strategy, emphasizing the need for leaders to understand AI's impact on their organizations. He highlights the challenges of integrating AI, the importance of data management, and the necessity for project managers to adapt their skills in the face of new technologies. Tanner also introduces his course on AI readiness, which aims to equip professionals with the knowledge and skills needed to navigate the AI landscape effectively.

Watch the video version here.

Listen to the audio version here.

Navigating Uncertainty: Preparing for Success in 2026 with Johanna Rothman and Mark Kilby

In this episode of the Reluctant Agilist, host Dave Prior welcomes Mark Kilby and Johanna Rothman to discuss their reflections and plans for the new year. The conversation begins with a candid admission from Dave about feeling lost in setting goals for 2026, prompting Johanna to suggest a shift in focus from preparing for risks to preparing for success. The trio explores the importance of collaboration and the need to let go of what hinders progress, particularly in the context of AI and its implications for project management. They emphasize the necessity of resilience and adaptability in a rapidly changing world, advocating for a more positive outlook on success rather than a fear-based approach to risk management.

As the discussion unfolds, they delve into the challenges posed by generative AI, the importance of trust in technology, and the need for personal and organizational resilience. The episode culminates in a reflection on the significance of collaboration and the value of learning from one another, highlighting the importance of community in navigating the complexities of modern work environments. Ultimately, the conversation serves as a reminder to focus on personal growth, inclusivity, and the pursuit of meaningful connections in both professional and personal spheres.

The video version of this podcast is here

The audio version of this podcast is here

Building a Virtual Board of Directors with AI featuring Victor Njoroge

In this conversation, Dave Prior interviews Victor Njoroge about the intersection of AI and product management. Victor shares his background and role at Clarion, emphasizing the importance of optimizing workflows for sales development representatives. They discuss the concept of Sidebar, a platform for brainstorming and sharing ideas among professionals. Victor explains how he built a virtual board of directors using AI to gain diverse perspectives on product management challenges. The conversation highlights the significance of trust in AI tools, the need for continuous learning, and the enduring value of human skills in the age of AI.

Video: https://youtu.be/Z1oVjbl6V8Y

Audio: https://on.soundcloud.com/7SpXAA8EZRsxKiwP6o

Navigating AI - Making Sense of Agents and When To Use Them with Hugo Bowne-Anderson

In this conversation, Dave Prior and Hugo Bowne-Anderson discuss the evolving landscape of AI and data science, focusing on the role of AI agents in solving business problems. Hugo shares insights on how to effectively implement AI solutions, the importance of understanding the underlying data, and the need for continuous improvement in AI systems. They also touch on the skills necessary for navigating the AI landscape, the value of collaboration between technical and non-technical teams, and the importance of assessing the value of AI projects. Hugo concludes by offering a course on building AI applications, emphasizing the iterative nature of AI development.

You can find the interview here.

Revolutionizing Team Coordination with Steady featuring Henry Poydar

In this conversation, Henry Poydar joins Dave on the podcast to discuss the innovative platform Steady, which aims to enhance team coordination and communication in the workplace. Henry shares his extensive background in engineering and web development, emphasizing the importance of context and intentions in project management. They explore the challenges of cross-team coordination, especially in the wake of the pandemic, and how Steady seeks to unburden teams from the coordination crisis. The discussion also highlights the concept of 'echoes' as a new way to provide contextual insights and the significance of celebrating individual contributions within teams. Overall, the conversation sheds light on the future of work and the role of technology in fostering collaboration and productivity.

You can find the podcast here.

Navigating Your Job Search in the Age of AI with Ed Stockwell

Looking for work is never easy but if you work in IT, Project Management or Agile and you're looking for a gig this may totally feel like the darkest timeline.

In this conversation, Ed Stockwell joins drunkenpm to discuss the current challenges in the job market, particularly for those in project management and Agile roles. Ed and Dave explore the importance of networking, volunteering, and maintaining mental health during the job search process. Ed shares his experiences and strategies for navigating the job landscape, including leveraging AI tools, the significance of community support, and the necessity of clarity in job seeking. They also touch on the importance of personal routines and the role of physical activity in maintaining a positive mindset. Throughout the discussion, Ed emphasizes the value of being of service to others and the power of relationships in finding new opportunities.

You can find the interview here.

Shifting from Product to People: A New Agile Perspective with Pete Oliver-Krueger and Michael Dougherty

Shift: From Product To People: A Novel About Product Development, and Shifting to People To Achieve a Holistic Agile Transformation is a new book written by Michael Dougherty and Pete Oliver-Krueger that focuses on shifting the Agile mindset away from a product-centric approach and towards a more a people-centric one. This interview centers around the need for collaboration, the impact of AI on Agile practices, and the significance of creating a humane work environment. The authors also highlight the role of mentorship in personal growth and the future of work in an AI-driven landscape. They also share some of the challenges they faced during the four and a half years of writing the book, the narrative style that allows for multiple perspectives, and the importance of real-life experiences in connecting with readers. 

You can find the interview here

(Re)Defining Project Success with Dennis Stevens

PMI has redefined how we measure Project Success. OrgWright's Dennis Stevens joins drunkenPM Radio for a discussion on how to interpret and apply this at the project and organizational level.

In this conversation, Dave Prior and Dennis Stevens explore the evolving definition of project success as outlined in PMI's recent report. They discuss the implications of this new definition, emphasizing the need for continuous transformation in organizations and the role of project managers in delivering value. The conversation also touches on the importance of reducing friction in project management, the impact of AI on the profession, and the necessity for project managers to navigate the political landscape of project success. Ultimately, they highlight the need for project managers to adapt to a rapidly changing environment and the skills required to thrive in this new landscape.

You can check out the interview here: 
https://www.projectmanagement.com/blog-post/78332/-re-defining-project-success-with-dennis-stevens

Making Sense of Co-Pilots, Agents, and Changes in AI with Snehal Talati

If you are having trouble making sense of AI you are not alone. Snehal Talati has created a basic AI course for the Scrum Alliance to help get you sorted on the difference between AI Agents, Co-pilots, LLMs, and all the other phrases you keep hearing people talk about. It's only been a few months since Snehal was last on the podcast and the whole landscape has changed. The good news is he's back and you can get completely up to speed by listening right here: https://tinyurl.com/2eu5yucw

The Future of AI with Mark Kilby

The Agile Alliance is hosting a MiniCon on the Future of Artificial Intelligence on 12/8/23. As part of the event,  Mark Kilby, co-author of From Chaos to Successfully Distributed Agile Teams,  will be hosting a roundtable discussion with the speakers at the event to explore the ways AI is poised to impact how we work and what it will take to utilize it in an ethical and responsible way.  

I asked Mark to join me to discuss how he is using AI, why he is taking the time to get schooled up on this emerging technology, and where he thinks it is leading as we head into the future. 

You can find the podcast here: https://tinyurl.com/nhhnbte8

Can AI Replace a Scrum Master? with Zach Stone

Zach Stone joins me to explore how AI is going to impact the work of the Scrum Master and Scrum Team Members. 

• Will the SM be replaced? 
• What parts of the work can be offloaded onto AI? 
• What can a Scrum Team member do to get ready for AI? 
• Once AI fully arrives... what the hell am I going to do all day?

You can listen to the podcast here.

The transcript is here.

Taking a Responsible Approach to AI with Snehal Talati

Snehal Talati joins Drunken PM Radio to talk about how to leverage Artificial Intelligence responsibly as we reimagine how it can help Agile.  Where everyone is in a mad scramble to develop their own AI app, Snehal has founded AIAgile.org to foster a conversation around four main goals:

• Develop principles and practices for human-centric AI
• Learn and share how AI augments Agile methods to serve people
• Pioneer an adaptive, collaborative model for progress
• Ensure diversity and ethics in creating new tech

You can find the interview here: https://bit.ly/3NRfSTi

Agile and AI with Marty Bradley

 "🚨 Ready to unlock the full potential of #AI? 🤖💥 Listen in as Marty Bradley joins Dave Prior for an eye-opening conversation on how AI is already transforming the way we work and lead! From new job opportunities to game-changing skills, this podcast is a must-listen! 🎧 #FutureOfWork" 
(Description generated by ChatGPT)

The podcast can be found here.