Software Process and Measurement Cast

The Software Process and Measurement Cast 780 features our interview with Billie Johnson. Our discussion focuses on the role of delivering outcomes and values using agile teams. We also discussed her book, which she co-authored with Kelley Burns.  Re-Read Saturday News The improve play is one of the most powerful aspects of Marquet’s suggested framework. Improve is chapter 7 of . Improve is a time for stepping back from the pressure of getting stuff done to consider whether you are doing the right thing, right. We have spoken about the need to pause, reflect, and replan periodically – this is the heart of the Improve play. Previous installments of our re-read of  (buy a copy)! Week 1: –   Week 2: –   Week 3: –   Week 4: – Week 5: –    Week 6: -   Week 7: -    Week 8: -   Learn to Solve IT's Dirtiest Secret! Work input is how work gets to an organization or team. If you get it wrong you are throwing time and money away. SImply put, poor work intake means no agile for you. Jeremy Willets and I have written a book tackling the topic that will be published by JRoss Publishing in January 2024. In support of the book we are building a live, cohort-based course for Agile Coaches, Scrum Masters, Product Owners, Project Managers, Program Managers, and Portfolio Managers on taming work intake. The cohort will cover why work intake is the biggest challenge to teams and organizations today. Attendees will also learn what to do to solve this challenge. We’ve held workshops on this topic at conferences. We even have a book coming out in January on this topic. This cohort-based course will combine very short lectures, discussions, and exercises. It will provide space to learn and share with peers. We’re using this survey to build a waitlist for the first cohort:     Next SPaMCAST  Software Process and Measurement Cast 781 wrestles with whether overprioritization’s impact extends beyond poor leadership to bad products. Just because you have a prioritized backlog does not ensure delivering value. We will also have a visit from Keis Kostaqi who returns with her You Are Not Alone column.

Software Process and Measurement Cast 779 wrestles with the question, When prioritization involves overly detailed or excessive control over how someone accomplishes their tasks or when it impedes an employee's ability to make their own decisions it becomes micromanagement. Let's explore and look for a path to healing. We will also have a visit from Susan Parente and her Not A Scrumdamentalist column. Susan talks about her impending sabbatical and why taking a pause can be powerful.  Re-Read Saturday News Complete is the next chapter in . This concept suggests breaking goals into smaller chunks with pauses to think and replan between each. Another solution to over-prioritization and micromanagement. Previous installments of our re-read of  (buy a copy)! Week 1: –   Week 2: –   Week 3: –   Week 4: – Week 5: –    Week 6: -   Week 7: -      A Call to Action! Jeremy Willets and I are building a live, cohort-based course for Agile Coaches, Scrum Masters, Product Owners, Project Managers, Program Managers, and Portfolio Managers on taming work intake. I wanted to see if you’d be up for sharing it with folks who would find it valuable. The cohort will cover why work intake is the biggest challenge to teams and organizations today. Attendees will also learn what to do to solve this challenge. We’ve held workshops on this topic at conferences. We even have a book coming out in January on this topic. This cohort-based course will combine very short lectures, discussions, and exercises. It will provide space to learn and share with peers. We’re using this survey to build a waitlist for the first cohort:       Next SPaMCAST  The Software Process and Measurement Cast 780 will feature our interview with Billie Johnson. We will discuss her book, which she co-authored with Kelley Burns. We also talked about using business analysis to power agile teams.

The Software Process and Measurement Cast 778 marks our return from Iceland.  WICKED trip, great country, great people!  We return with our interview with Bill Fox. Bill and I discussed his new book, , transformation, dialog, listening, and leadership. The many conversations Bill and I have had over the years leave me in a better place.   Bill states, “I believe that the great leaders and companies in the 21st century will go on a Forward Thinking journey and be built from the inside out.’ The world has shifted, and new rules apply. It used to be that you would win by managing change, following best practices, working harder, or even smarter. It was the age of Industrial Thinking and people as profit-producing units. Bill’s LinkedIn Profile Websites (Company) (Personal) (Blog) Email bill@billfox.co   Re-Read Saturday News This week in our re-read of L. David Marquet’s, , Leaving Bluework Behind: Commit. Whether you classify thinking as System Two thinking or bluework, at some point you have to cross the barrier from contemplation to doing. Chapter Five focuses on reducing the barrier between thinking and action.  The process that bridges that barrier is commitment. The author begins the chapter by making the distinction between commitment and coercion.  Previous installments of our re-read of  (buy a copy)! Week 1: –   Week 2: –   Week 3: –   Week 4: – Week 5: –    Week 6: -   Next SPaMCAST  The Software Process and Measurement Cast 779 will wrestle with the question, when is prioritization micro-management? The answer is not straightforward but often can be yes. We will also have a visit from Susan Parente and her Not A Scrumdamentalist column.

This week we are on our annual holiday. We are toiling away editing audio and doing voice exercises to bring you new and exciting content and will be back next week!  In the SPaMCAST 777 we re-release SPaMCAST 486 - Daniel S Vacanti, Actionable Agile Metrics. The idea of flow metrics has fundamentally changed my perspective on how to use metrics. I have to thank Mr. Vacanti for starting me on the path. Enjoy the interview. The original inroducion - SPaMCAST 486 features our interview with Daniel S. Vacanti.  Mr. Vacanti is the author of .  We discussed the concepts in the book, answered a question from Steven Adams, and talked about his new book.  It was great to talk about a book with the author after the re-read.

We are on our annual holiday and will return with new programs on October 22nd. This week in the SPaMCAST 776 from our archives we feature SPaMCAST 641 - The Agile Coaching Code of Ethics, A Conversation With Shane Hastie and Craig Smith. The show was originally aired on March 7, 2021. I still think the ethics initiative is one of the most important things I have been involved with professionally. Enjoy the discussion. Read more (you really should) at   The original inroducion -  In the podcast this week, we discuss the Agile Coaching Code of Ethics and the process of building an ethical foundation.  Shane Hastie and Craig Smith have been leading the effort to craft a useful Agile Coaching Code of Ethics for the past year. These two thought leaders have helped to pull together a diverse group of coaches, and then guide that herd of cats to create a new force to guide agile coaches of all stripes.

We are on our annual holiday and will return with new programs on October 22nd. The Software Process and Measurement Cast 775 is a re-release of SPaMCAST 635 - Practical Ways to Manage, A Conversation with Johanna Rothman. The show was originally released on January 24, 2021. It was one of the SPaMCAST’s many anniversary editions. Enjoy our conversation The original introduction -  Cue the music . . . Happy Birthday, Software Process and Measurement Cast!  Today we begin year 15 with a visit from Johanna Rothman.  We talked about her THREE new books: Practical Ways to Manage Yourself: Modern Management Made Easy, Book 1 Practical Ways to Lead & Serve (Manage) Others: Modern Management Made Easy, Book 2 -   Practical Ways to Lead an Innovative Organization: Modern Management Made Easy, Book 3 -   We of course covered more ground.  For example about 2/3rds of the way through we talked about why the word experiment is a dirty word in most organizations. This is a longer interview, but when I grow up I want to be just like Johanna (I am serious).   See all her books, blogs, and other resources at jrothman.com and createadaptablelife.com.

The Software Process and Measurement Cast 774 is a re-release of SPaMCAST 436. We are on our annual holiday and will be back with new programs on October 22nd. For the next four weeks, we will feature shows from our archives. Today SPaMCAST 436 - Incrementalism, UAT and Agile, and Systems Thinking was released originally on April 3, 2017. I hope you will enjoy today’s show! The original introduction -  The Software Process and Measurement Cast 436 features our essay titled, , in which we answer the question of whether the state and culture of the organization or team, can have a large impact on whether a Big Bang approach or an incremental approach makes sense to change. Our second column is from Jeremy Berriault. Jeremy discusses user acceptance testing and Agile. There are lots of different ways to accomplish user acceptance testing in an Agile environment.  The only wrong way is not to do UAT in Agile.  Jeremy  can be found at  https://www.berriaultandassociates.com/ Jon M Quigley brings his column, The Alpha and Omega of Product Development, to the Cast. This week Jon puts all the pieces together and discusses systems thinking.  One of the places you can find Jon is at .

The Software Process and Measurement Cast 773 will feature our essay on why as professionals we should strive to grow a little every day. I overheard a team lead complaining that their team did not need to do a retrospective, they were “darn near perfect.” The inference was that their time would be better spent doing rather than reflecting and thinking. Fixed mindsets (Review our re-read of Mindsets by Carol Dweck) are foreign to the philosophy of agile and quality. The comment hurt my heart. We will also have a visit from Jon M. Quigley who brings his Alpha and Omega of Product Development column to the podcast! Jon and I use the learning to play a new bass as a metaphor for learning technology. Re-Read Saturday News This week begin a new book on Re-read Saturday, this week! Ten years ago we started our Re-read Saturday journey. The first installment featured . We have read and re-read a lot of books. The book we begin our next ten years is L. David Marquet’s, .    This is not Mr. Marquet’s first time in our re-read queue. In 2018 we re-read Turn the Ship Around! I think that book is universally seen as a game changer. Here is the kicker, I think Leadership is Language is more important and useful on a day-to-day basis. I can’t tell how many times I have used ideas from the book in the short time I have owned it.   Buy a copy of  and begin reading along. Week 1: Logistics, Foreword, Introduction -    Next SPaMCAST  The Software Process and Measurement Cast 774 will feature a re-release of  SPaMCAST 436. We are on our annual holiday and will be back with new programs on October 22nd. For the next four weeks, we will feature shows from our archives. Today SPaMCAST 436 - Incrementalism, UAT and Agile, Systems Thinking from April 3, 2017. I hope you will enjoy the show!

The Software Process and Measurement Cast 772 features our interview with Ahmed Wasfy. We discuss the role of the engineering manager and how people learn to be engineering managers. Coming to grips with the new role requires learning new skills not just rehashed technical skills. Ahmed, advises new leaders to take control of their careers and not to be a victim. Ahmed is an experienced engineering leader, having led teams at Microsoft, Amazon, and Google. In addition to his day job, Ahmed also helps engineering managers become effective leaders through his coaching. Links Instagram: LinkedIn: Website: Re-Read Saturday News After the conclusion of , there are three brief sections with practical tips for making ideas memorable.  The dust cover states, “With Added Material (now even stickier)”. The added material provides more food for thought for using Made to Stick.  Buy a copy of the book and then catch up on the logistics of this re-read: Week 1: -   Week 2: -   Week 3: -   Week 4: -   Week 5: -   Week 6: -   Week 7: -   Week 8: -   Week 9: -   Week 10: -   Week 11: -     Next SPaMCAST  The Software Process and Measurement Cast 773 will feature our essay on why as professionals we should strive to grow a little every day. We will also have a visit from Jon M. Quigley who brings his Alpha and Omega of Product Development column to the podcast!

To paraphrase Ghostbusters, critical thinking is the indispensable defense science of the next decade. Over the summer we have investigated the concept so we are better positioned to take part in a boisterous world. As decision-makers, the onus is on us to use critical thinking. Also, Jeremy Berriault joins bringing his QA Corner to the podcast. In this installment, Jeremy discusses the difference between maturity and evolution. Do agile organizations mature or evolve?   Re-Read Saturday News We have spent the majority of the summer re-reading . While I didn't take the book to the beach, I did take it to the porch! As with other re-reads, the content of the book has found its way into my writing and consulting practice. In the case of Made to Stick, several ideas and examples have made their way into my essays on critical thinking. The two themes work well together. As you consider sticky ideas you need a framework to test their veracity.   Buy a copy of the book and then catch up on the logistics of this re-read: Week 1: -   Week 2: -   Week 3: -   Week 4: -   Week 5: -   Week 6: -   Week 7: -   Week 8: -   Week 9: -   Week 10: -     Next SPaMCAST  The Software Process and Measurement Cast 772 features our interview with Ahmed Wasfy. We will discuss the role of the engineering manager and how people learn the role. Being a good engineering manager requires more than a magic wand.

This week the Software Process and Measurement Cast 770 features my interview with Jess Brock.  Jess and I talked about her new book, (the book is excellent but doesn’t really fit in your pocket), learning, and career pivots. Jess’s talk at Agile 2023 helped me reframe how I conceived of dojos as an intense learning environment, not a transformation technique. Jess’s Bio   Jess is a dynamic coach, technologist, and author who has been involved in developing tech products since the mid-2000s. Jess attributes her diverse career experience as one of her greatest strengths because it enables her to coach with sincere empathy and experience. Former agile skeptic, Jess was eventually convinced by a colleague to give agile a try more than a decade ago. Her personal transformation was so impactful that Jess continues to contribute to the broader Agile community to this very day. Most recently Jess has poured her energy into immersive learning dojos as a preferred means of developing long standing skills. She is the proud author of . Website: http://jessbrock.com/ Re-Read Saturday News The epilogue was the end of the original version of ; later additions had extra material added. I am reading from the 26th printing. We will cover the extra material titled, Sticky Advice, next week. Today we'll discuss the Epilogue, without wrapping the book up. It feels wrong :)  I read this chapter more deeply knowing that there was more to come. It felt like less of a recap and more of how to use the book. Three items caught my attention during this read.  Buy a copy of the book and then catch up on the logistics of this re-read: Week 1: -   Week 2: -   Week 3: -   Week 4: -   Week 5: -   Week 6: -   Week 7: -   Week 8: -   Week 9: -     Next SPaMCAST  In the Software Process and Measurement Cast 771 we will complete our summer theme on critical thinking. Critical thinking might sound esoteric or academic, however, I think that categorization is both wrong and misses the point. Critical thinking is a survival tool. We will also have a visit from Jeremy Berriault and his Agile Corner.

The Software Process and Measurement Cast 768 features our interview with Phil Alves, CEO of DevSquad. Phil and I covered a wide range of topics starting with how he structures teams to perform in dynamic environments and culminating in a discussion of SaaS and entrepreneurship. Software development of any stripe is a team sport; either get it right or suffer the consequences.  Phil describes himself as a SaaS Aficionado!  He builds products for bootstrapped founders, fast-growing startups, and big enterprises at DevSquad. His SaaS company, DevStats, helps product and engineering leaders measure what matters. Phil also is a podcaster!  The SaaS Origin Stories Podcast uncovers those pivotal moments and decisions that turned SaaS companies into major successes. Contact Information DevSquad: DevStats: Podcast:   Re-Read Saturday News In Chapter 5 of we find that an analytical approach reduces people’s ability to be emotionally connected to an idea or concept. Without an emotional connection, they are far less apt to act. Calls to action that are emotionally engaging will generate action.  Buy a copy of the book and then catch up on the logistics of this re-read: Week 1: -   Week 2: -   Week 3: -   Week 4: -   Week 5: -   Week 6: -   Week 7: -   Next SPaMCAST  In the Software Process and Measurement Cast 769, we return to our summer theme of Critical Thinking. My daughter (Meghan also is the editor for the blog and podcast and sounding board on a wide range of topics) pointed out a model for levels of research. The model provides an interesting filter to help understand the types of research we use and the “power” each delivers.  We will also have a visit from Keis Kostaqi. Keis brings her wit, empathy, and wisdom as a Scrum Master in complex environments to help you improve.

In the Software Process and Measurement Cast 767,  we continue our summer dive into critical thinking.  In this installment, we consider research and evidence. The discussion of research and evidence ties into this week's installment of Re-Read Saturday (Chapter 4 of which is about credibility). Research and evidence provide credibility and that is not always a good thing. Tony Timbol brings his To Tell A Story column to the podcast. In this installment, Mr. Timbol continues to unravel the mystery of the agile requirements and user stories. Re-Read Saturday News Credibility is the fourth requirement for maximum stickiness (short of Gorilla Glue) discussed in  . Credibility is defined as the quality or power of inspiring belief or trust. Without credibility, the attributes of simplicity, unexpectedness, and concreteness crumble.  Buy a copy of the book and then catch up on the logistics of this re-read: Week 1: -   Week 2: -   Week 3: -   Week 4: -   Week 5: -   Week 6: -   Next SPaMCAST  In the Software Process and Measurement Cast 768, Phil Alves, CEO of DevSquad discusses how he structures teams to perform in dynamic environments. Software development of any stripe is a team sport, you either get it right or suffer the consequences.

This week the Software Process and Measurement Cast 766 features our interview with Ben Johnson, Founder of Particle41. Ben and I discuss the importance of teams, communication, and dependability.  Ben Johnson, founder of Particle41, is a serial Entrepreneur with a track record of success and is an active investor. He is a results-driven leader, skilled in managing high-functioning teams for exceptional outcomes. Ben cultivates collaboration, motivation, and effective communication. As a leader, he aligns team efforts with organizational goals and drives innovation. Ben delivers complex projects with visibility, velocity, and vision and is committed to sharing expertise for the growth of others. Particle41:    LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/benjaminrjohnson/ Re-Read Saturday News The third attribute of stickiness is concreteness. I spent most of the past week at Agile 2023 in Orlando, Florida.  It was a metaphorical banquet of agile knowledge. I had more hallway conversations than I can count ruminating over presentation topics. The third chapter of reminded me that language is abstract but real life is not. Most readers of the Software Process and Measurement Cast blog have been to conferences, so reflect on how many ideas and concepts you implemented when you returned to the office. I suspect the answer is very few because few were tangible enough to be sticky. Buy a copy of the book and then catch up on the logistics of this re-read: Week 1: -   Week 2: -   Week 3: -   Week 4: -   Week 5: -   Next SPaMCAST  In the Software Process and Measurement Cast 767,  we will continue our deep dive into critical thinking.  We will touch on the need to understand what valid research looks like and perhaps why authority bias makes it hard to recognize. We will also have a conversation with Tony Timbol who brings his To Tell A Story column to the podcast.

In the Software Process and Measurement Cast 765, we will continue with our summer theme on critical thinking by discussing authority. When deciding what to believe, the authority we place on the source has a significant impact. Authority bias is the name for this cognitive bias. We will also have a visit from the one and only Susan Parente, who brings her Not A Scrumdamentalist column to the podcast. In this installment, we discuss why meetings seem to be the only mechanism for making decisions.  Re-Read Saturday News And now for something completely different…is both the title of the 1971 movie by Monty Python and the Fly Circus and a hint at Chapter 2’s of title. The title is Unexpected (if you are reading along it won’t be a surprise), and is the second condition for something to be sticky.  Buy a copy of the book and then catch up on the logistics of this re-read: Week 1: -   Week 2: -   Week 3: -   Week 4: -   Next SPaMCAST  In the Software Process and Measurement Cast 766 will feature our interview with Ben Johnson, Founder of Particle41 we discuss how important teams are to delivering value.

In Software Process and Measurement Cast 764 we feature my conversation with Johanna Rothman. We discussed her new book Successful Independent Consulting. Well, we started there and then hit topics like personal value and the impact of success. This might be the eleventy-first conversation I have had with Johanna, and each time I look forward to our time together with anticipation. They are always like attending a master class.  Buy a copy of Successful Independent Consulting. Available everywhere including:   Leanpub: Amazon:     Johanna’s Bio: Johanna Rothman, known as the “Pragmatic Manager,” offers frank advice for your thorny problems. She helps leaders and teams learn to see simple and reasonable options that might work. Those practical alternatives can help them be more effective with others at work. With those choices, they can choose what—and how—to adapt their product development. With her trademark practicality and humor, Johanna is the author of 19 books, hundreds of articles, and blog posts about many aspects of product development. Her most recent books include Successful Independent Consulting, Free Your Inner Nonfiction Writer, and Modern Management Made Easy series. Find her monthly newsletter and blogs at   & .  Editor's note: If you are not subscribed to Johanna’s newsletter…you should be. Re-Read Saturday News Simple is the first principle of making something sticky. It is also the title of chapter 1 of . There are three areas in this chapter I would like to spend more time with.  The formula core + compactness = simple Curse of knowledge  Metaphors and analogies As you read the chapter you will see that all three are intertwined; however, each of the three is useful to consider in isolation. Buy a copy of the book and then catch up on the logistics of this re-read: Week 1: -   Week 2: -   Week 3: -   Next SPaMCAST  In the Software Process and Measurement Cast 765, we will continue with our summer theme on critical thinking by exploring how experts, experience, and evidence apply to critical thinking.  We will also have a visit from the one and only Susan Parente, who brings her Not A Scrumdamentalist column to the podcast.

We open the Software Process and Measurement Cast 763 with an application of critical thinking. Can you see the Great Wall of China from space? Urban legends say yes, Chip and Dan Heath (check out our re-read of ) say no. Let's think about this. We also have a visit from Jon M Quigley. Jon and I discuss the implication of the saying “time is money.” In the information economy using that old saw can lead to more problems than it solves. Re-Read Saturday News This week we begin our re-read of by Chip and Dan Heath in earnest. The Introduction lays out the framework for the book and a lot more. This is not one of those introductions you can skip.   I can tell that this reading of is going to be different than the first. Heraclitus stated, “No man ever steps in the same river twice, for it’s not the same river and he’s not the same man.” This re-read may well be an examination of the dangers of accepting sticky ideas and those that generate sticky ideas. Buy a copy of the book and then catch up on the logistics of this re-read: Week 1: -   Week 2: -   Next SPaMCAST  In the Software Process and Measurement Cast 764 will feature my conversation with Johanna Rothman. We discussed her new book Successful Independent Consulting. Well we started there and then hit topics like personal value and the impact of success. Talking with Johanna is the same as attending a master class.

In the Software Process and Measurement Cast 762, we host a panel discussion on the impact of AI on project management prospects. The panel of Paul Clapis, Susan Parente, Michael Milutis, and Mark Tolbert state categorically that project administration will be overtaken, but the high-value human side of project management will not be displaced. I am not sure what that means for most people working in the project management space. Listen to the discussion and then look carefully at the work you are doing. Will AI be a boon or a bane for project management?  Let the conversation begin. About Paul J. Clapis, Ph.D.:  Dr. Clapis has over 30 years of experience managing AI, Machine Learning, and RPA projects for NASA, aerospace, and financial services industries. He also directed the Hughes Advanced Computing Lab at Yale Science Park, where he conducted applied research in AI, Expert Systems, Machine Learning, and Neural Networks.  About Susan Parente: Susan is an Engineer/Consultant, speaker, and author with experience managing both software and hardware development. She is proficient in managing complex system implementation for companies seeking to use enterprise business software to improve business process efficiency. Susan is a regular contributor to the Software Process and Measurement podcast.    About Michael Milutis: Michael Milutis is an international keynote speaker, instructor, and 25-year veteran of the IT industry who has dedicated his career to helping individuals learn, develop, and compete within a shifting technology landscape.   About Mark Tolbert: Mark has over 30 years of experience in I.T., including 27 years at Hewlett-Packard. He successfully managed support programs and projects within HP Services. He is a full-time instructor for PMP Prep classes since November 2007. He is very passionate about project management and believes adopting the best project management practices and skills is crucial to the success of enterprises today.    Re-Read Saturday News The votes are in and we have a near tie for the top spot. I decided to re-read by Chip and Dan Heath first. Part of the rationale is that I have two copies of this book and have not read by L. David Marquet – yet. Once we have completed Made to Stick, we will launch ourselves into Leadership Is Language. By then I will have read the book.  Buy a copy of the book and then catch up on the logistics of this re-read: Week 1: - https://bit.ly/46tn5Bz Next SPaMCAST  In the Software Process and Measurement Cast 763, we will continue with our summer theme on critical thinking by exploring whether sources should matter when considering a topic.  We will also have a visit from Jon M Quigley and his Alpha and Omega of Product Development.

In the Software Process and Measurement Cast 761 we continue our exploration of critical thinking. In this installment, we examine logical fallacies. The logic in logical fallacies is incorrect whether by design or misinterpretation. You need to be prepared. This week, Jeremy Berriault brings a discussion of QA Audit in agile to the QA Corner.  Are QA Audits a logical fallacy?   Re-Read Saturday News The Re-read Saturday has been a feature of the Software Process and Measurement blog since 2013 (7 Habits of Highly Effective People was the first book). This week we are still in the process of choosing the next book or books (we chose three last time), therefore we have a bit of an interlude today. I need your input to make the final cut! Please provide your input using the poll below.   https://poll.fm/12416734   In the interim catch up on the re-read of .  Buy a copy because you can’t borrow mine!   All of the Team Topologies re-read installments: Week 1: –   Week 2: –   Week 3:  –   Week 4: –   Week 5: –   Week 6: –   Week 7: –   Week 8: Choose – Week 9: -   Week 10: -   Week 11: -   Next SPaMCAST  In the Software Process and Measurement Cast 762, we will share a panel discussing the impact of AI on the future of project management. A boon or a bane?  Let the conversation begin.

SPaMCAST 760 will feature an interview with Jonathan Hensley, Founder & CEO at EMERGE. Jonathan and I talked about digital transformations and engagement. The core boils down to people and alignment. This was an extremely refreshing interview!  Let me know what you think. Jonathon Hensley is co-founder and CEO of Emerge, a digital product consulting firm that works with companies to improve operational agility and customer experience. For more than two decades, Jonathon has helped startups, Fortune 100 brands, technology leaders, large regional health networks, non-profit organizations and more, transform their businesses by turning strategy, user needs and new technologies into valuable digital products and services. Jonathon writes and speaks about his experiences and insights from his career, and regularly hosts in-depth interviews with business leaders and industry insiders. He lives in the Pacific Northwest with his wife and two boys. (Company) (Company) (Mobile First Podcast) Re-Read Saturday News First things second!  Help me pick the next batch of books to be re-read. Pick two books from the poll below or email me at if you have a different suggestion. https://poll.fm/12416734 Back to first things! We completed our re-read of this week. If you have (or ever will have) any input into how teams are formed and maintained you need to read this book at least once. PS - buy a copy because you can’t borrow mine!   All of the Team Topologies re-read installments: Week 1: –   Week 2: –   Week 3:  –   Week 4: –   Week 5: –   Week 6: –   Week 7: –   Week 8: Choose – Week 9: -   Week 10: -   Week 11: -     Next SPaMCAST  In the Software Process and Measurement Cast 761, we will continue our exploration of critical thinking. In this installment, we will examine several of the attributes of critical thinking. We will also have a visit from the QA Corner.  Mr. Berriault brings his wisdom to the podcast.