Sway 2.0 with Marina Alex - How Agile Coaches Can Thrive in a Changing Market

In this insightful interview, Marina Alex shares her journey from a successful sales executive to an agile coach, discussing the challenges faced during the pandemic, the importance of adapting to market changes, and strategies for agile professionals to find new opportunities in a shifting landscape. She emphasizes the need for the agile community to broaden its reach beyond IT, focus on measurable results, and leverage local relationships to build a sustainable coaching and consulting business.

Key Topics

• Market shifts and the decline of traditional agile coaching
• Strategies for finding clients outside of IT and enterprise
• The importance of measurable results and ROI in agile consulting
• Building relationships with local businesses and community engagement
• The role of AI in transforming small and medium businesses

Watch the video version here
Listen to the audio version here

Chapters

01:52 Introduction to Agile Coaching and Personal Journey

06:59 The Shift in the Agile Market

11:49 Reframing the Agile Value Proposition

19:44 Building Self-Organizing Teams in Non-IT Businesses

26:54 Implementing Agile Practices in Diverse Environments

28:49 Implementing Change in Traditional Environments

30:02 Setting Measurable Business Goals

31:51 The Role of a Coach in Business Transformation

34:19 Starting as a Local Coach

34:37 Optimizing Your LinkedIn Presence

37:26 The Importance of Practical AI Knowledge

40:33 Simplifying AI for Local Businesses

45:35 Finding Clients in Your Community

Links

Sway 2.0 AI Modern Consulting Blueprint

Class begins April 6, 2026

Sign up here: https://www.swaysystem.com/sway-2026-Programs

The promo code DAVE takes $250 off!

Contacting Marina

• Marina Alex's Guide to Finding Your First Client in SMB - https://example.com/marina-alex-guide
• LinkedIn Profile of Marina Alex - https://linkedin.com/in/marinaalex
• Sway System by Marina Alex - https://example.com/sway-system

Contacting Dave

• Linktree: https://linktr.ee/mrsungo

Dave’s upcoming classes

• Certified Scrum Master https://tinyurl.com/mu74rwuc
• Certified Scrum Product Owner https://tinyurl.com/mpw6p622
• PMI Project Management Professional (PMP)® Boot Camp and Exam Prep https://tinyurl.com/3znzpt7j
• PMI Agile Certified Practitioner (PMI-ACP)® Boot Camp https://tinyurl.com/bdebrrrb

Mastering Troubled Projects: Strategies from Richard Broo

In this insightful interview, Richard Broo shares his expertise on managing troubled projects, the importance of scope and risk management, and how traditional and agile methodologies can be effectively integrated. Learn practical strategies to improve project success and navigate the complexities of modern project management.

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Click here to listen to the audio version

Adapt to Win! with Evan Campbell

Dave sits down with Evan Campbell to discuss his new book, Adapt to Win: A Framework to Overcome Strategy Decay Using OKRs and Lean Portfolio Management, published by Wiley. Evan shares why most organizations fail to execute on beautifully crafted strategies — and what to do about it.

Watch the video version here.

Listen to the audio version here.

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.

The Art of Giving Feedback with Lonnie Weaver-Johnson

In this episode of the Reluctant Agilist, Dave Prior and Lonnie Weaver-Johnson delve into the intricacies of giving and receiving feedback. They explore personal experiences, the importance of empathy, and various models for effective feedback. The conversation emphasizes the need for clarity, intent, and kindness in feedback delivery, while also addressing the challenges of navigating feedback in professional settings. Lonnie shares her insights from years of experience in performance reviews and coaching, highlighting the significance of understanding individual differences in feedback reception.

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

Revolutionizing Recruitment with SuperHired featuring Josh Hill

In this conversation, Josh Hill discusses the innovative approach of SuperHired in transforming the recruitment process. He emphasizes the flaws of traditional hiring methods, the importance of understanding both candidate and company contexts, and the role of AI in recruitment. Josh advocates for a more human-centered approach to hiring, focusing on the 'job to be done' framework and the need for candidates to advocate for their own needs. He also provides insights on navigating the current job market and offers advice for both candidates and hiring managers.

The podcast is here

Receiving the Gift of Feedback with Lonnie Weaver Johnson

In this engaging conversation, Dave Prior and Lonnie Weaver-Johnson delve into the complexities of giving and receiving feedback. They explore personal experiences, the emotional challenges associated with feedback, and practical strategies for improving feedback dynamics. Lonnie shares her insights on the importance of mindset, recognizing triggers, and the four Rs of feedback: recognize, receive, react, and respond. The discussion emphasizes the value of self-awareness and the need for constructive communication in both personal and professional settings.

You can find the video recording here.

You can find the audio version here.

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.