We don't Need Another Hero with Dave Borzillo

In this episode, Dave Borzillo shares insights from his book 'Sanity at Scale' on how engineering leaders can shift from heroics to systemic excellence, emphasizing removing waste, visualizing work, and fostering team collaboration.

Key Topics

Challenges in system thinking and organizational agility

The importance of visualizing work and using impact maps

Strategies for removing waste and reducing cognitive overload

The role of leadership in fostering a culture of continuous improvement

Techniques for effective prioritization and backlog management

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to 'Sanity at Scale' and Guest Background

04:21 The Power of Removing Waste and Deleting Unnecessary Items

08:52 The Limitations of Math in Estimation and Prioritization

13:01 Fostering Team Estimation and Shared Understanding

15:45 The Importance of Triangulating Data and Multiple Measures

17:41 Building Cross-Functional Teams and Knowledge Sharing

19:58 Visualizing Work with Whiteboards and Digital Tools

22:30 Engaging Senses and Human Connection in Daily Standups

24:57 Mapping Value Streams and Identifying System Bottlenecks

27:56 Dealing with Systemic Resistance and Cultural Change

29:36 Challenging Processes and Experimenting Safely

32:14 Leadership as a Servant and the Boundary Layer Role

35:00 Reward Systems and Incentivizing Collaboration

37:16 Changing the Mindset: From Hero to System Thinker

39:18 Transitioning from Firefighter to Strategic Pilot

41:36 Aligning Work with Organizational Outcomes

43:33 The Power of Purpose and Clear Vision

45:20 Addressing Cultural and Leadership Barriers

48:12 Encouraging Deletion and Simplification in Work Processes

49:10 Upcoming Event and Book Giveaway

Links from the Podcast

Dave’s Book Sanity at Scale - https://tinyurl.com/2txmmhft

Better Ways of Working: https://betterwaysofworking.com/

Better Ways of Working Podcast: https://tinyurl.com/4nabc9sr 

2026 PMI WDC Conference: https://www.pmiwdc.org/conference-2026-pmi-wdc

PMI SWVA 2026 Fall Symposium: https://pmi-swva.org/2026-symposium

Digital PM Summit: https://thebureau.community/2026-digital-pm-summit

Connect with Dave Borzillo

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/daveborzillo/

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@betterwaysofworking

Better Ways fo Working: https://betterwaysofworking.com/

Connect with Dave Prior

drunkenPM Radio: https://soundcloud.com/drunkenpmradio

LInkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mrsungo/