Martin Harryson & Megha Sinha

Joining Mik in this episode of Mik + One are Martin Harryson & Megha Sinha from McKinsey & Company. With a focus on their research which quantified the benefits of shifting from project to product models, Martin and Megha share insights on how these transformations can significantly enhance profitability and efficiency. As technology advances, the integration and upskilling necessary for these models are more critical than ever.

Listen as Mik, Martin, and Megha explore the importance of cross-functional collaboration, the challenges in aligning incentives, and the necessity of robust organizational design.

Key discussions include:

• The product operating model can significantly enhance return to shareholders and operating margins, with the top quartile companies outperforming others by substantial margins.
• Crucial elements like psychological safety and cross-functional collaboration are essential for the success of product operating models.
• Upskilling and capability building are vital, particularly in roles like product management, to ensure the effectiveness of these models.
• Generative AI can accelerate product development and streamline processes, but its success depends on addressing foundational constraints in the product operating model.
• Implementing these models requires a combination of high-level vision and detailed, specific actions demonstrated through smaller, focused initiatives.

Subscribe to the Mik + One podcast today so you never miss an episode and don’t forget to leave your review.

Follow Mik on Twitter:

@mik_kersten #MikPlusOne

Additional Resources:

• Portfolio SAFe
• MarTech
• Scrum Studio
• Greenfield project
• Skunkworks
• Bimodal IT
• Agile Release Train
• Mik + One Podcast Episode 20: Justin Watts
• Join the Flow Framework Community

https://flowframework.org/ffc-podcast/martin-harrysson-and-megha-sinha/

Joining Mik in this episode of Mik + One is Dr. Steve Mayner, a revered expert and coach in digital leadership, organizational change strategy, continuous learning culture, agile contracts, and SAFe practices within government contexts. Mik and Dr. Steve Mayner discuss the nuances of transformative leadership and its pivotal role in driving successful business agility and digital transformation efforts. They also examine the evolution and future of Lean-Agile practices tailored for the fast-evolving AI landscape.

Listen as Mik and Dr. Steve Mayner explore the intersections of digital leadership, Agile transformation, and the emerging impacts of artificial intelligence in the digital age.

Key discussions include:

• Transformational leadership is essential for fostering an innovative and adaptive organizational culture.
• AI's role in enhancing productivity and operational efficiency requires leaders to embrace these technologies and lead their integration effectively within their organizations.
• Successful digital transformation hinges not only on adopting new technologies but significantly on leadership that creates an environment of trust and drives organizational change.
• Continuous learning and leveraging AI tools can exponentially boost a leader's effectiveness, enabling informed decision-making in real-time.
• Adaptive leadership, coupled with a strong foundation in business acumen, is crucial for navigating the complexities of leading organizations in the digital age.

Subscribe to the Mik + One podcast today so you never miss an episode and don’t forget to leave your review.

Follow Mik on Twitter:

@mik_kersten #MikPlusOne

Additional Resources:

• Portfolio SAFe
• MarTech
• Scrum Studio
• Greenfield project
• Skunkworks
• Bimodal IT
• Agile Release Train
• Mik + One Podcast Episode 20: Justin Watts
• Join the Flow Framework Community

For more information about Steve Mayner and to view the full list of resources mentioned in this episode, as well as download the transcript, visit: https://flowframework.org/ffc-podcast/steve-mayner/

Joining Mik in this episode of Mik + One is technology luminary Gene Kim. Gene Kim is an esteemed author and technology thought leader with over two decades of experience studying high-performing technology organizations. Mik and Gene look into the groundbreaking insights from Gene's latest book, "Wiring the Winning Organization," co-authored with Dr. Steven Spear. They navigate the pressing need for new organizational frameworks that bridge the gaps left by traditional models like Lean, Agile, and DevOps. They also analyze the core mechanisms vital to achieving optimal organizational performance, such as simplification and amplification.

Listen as Mik and Gene explore the concept of ‘slowification’—the strategic slowdown for long-term gains—and provide practical advice on how technology leaders can implement these changes.

Key discussions include:

• Understanding the critical layers involved in organizational performance: objects (code, patients), tools (IDEs, MRI machines), and social circuitry (team communication).
• Learn about the essential mechanisms—slowification, simplification, and amplification—that form the backbone of successful organizational design.
• Explore the impact of strong, clear feedback loops in optimizing organizational efficiency and uncovering hidden inefficiencies.
• Discover how partitioning complex systems into modular components can facilitate faster development and deployment cycles.
• Learn how Gene's book provides a framework that is understandable and actionable at all organizational levels, focusing on practical implementation.

Subscribe to the Mik + One podcast today so you never miss an episode and don’t forget to leave your review.

Follow Mik on Twitter:

@mik_kersten #MikPlusOne

Additional Resources:

• Portfolio SAFe
• The Unicorn Project by Gene Kim
• Wiring the Winning Organization by Gene Kim and Steven J. Spear
• MarTech
• Scrum Studio
• Greenfield project
• Skunkworks
• Bimodal IT
• Agile Release Train
• Mik + One Podcast Episode 20: Justin Watts
• Join the Flow Framework Community

For more information about Gene Kim and to view the full list of resources mentioned in this episode, as well as download the transcript, visit: https://flowframework.org/ffc-podcast/gene-kim-ep-57/