In this episode of The Meta-Cast Podcast, Josh Anderson and Bob Galen dive deep into the complexities of promotions, discussing the challenges from both the perspective of the promoter and the promotee. They explore the importance of balancing hard and soft skills, the nuances of leadership roles, and how to avoid the common pitfalls of promotion p…

Bob and Josh delve into the mindset and application of Performance Improvement Plans (PIPs). They emphasize viewing PIPs as positive tools for growth rather than punitive measures. They stress the importance of clear and continuous communication of role expectations, the ethical responsibility leaders have to coach their team members effectively, a…

Bob Galen and Josh Anderson delve into the intricacies of performance reviews and continuous feedback in leadership. They discuss the common pitfalls of traditional annual reviews and offer practical advice on how to transform these processes to foster growth and improvement within teams. They emphasize the importance of continuous feedback, levera…

Hosts Josh Anderson and Bob Galen tackle the concept of implementing change within stagnant or resistant environments. They emphasize the power of incremental progress and the necessity of personal leadership in catalyzing organizational transformation. Key discussions revolve around overcoming fear of the first step, the illusion of change ease at…

Discover how every team member, regardless of position, can significantly impact leadership and initiate organizational change. Hosts Josh Anderson and Bob Galen discuss the critical role every individual plays in shaping and improving leadership within an organization. They debunk the myth that only top leaders hold the power to influence change, …

Episode Sponsor(s): Kazi's Monthly Leadership Coaching The episode discusses the delicate balance of ego in leadership, emphasizing the importance of self-awareness and humility. The hosts argue that while a healthy ego is necessary for leadership, excessive ego can hinder effectiveness and team growth. They share personal anecdotes and industry ex…

Explore how 'Small Acts of Leadership' can dramatically alter your team's culture and boost performance. Join Josh Anderson and Bob Galen in this enlightening episode of The Meta-Cast Podcast, where they share actionable insights for integrating meaningful leadership practices daily. Discover the power of micro-appreciations, effective space manage…

Josh Anderson and Bob Galen are joined by guest Paul Merrill, founder of Beaufort Fairmont, which specializes in test automation and consulting. Paul shares his journey from software engineer to entrepreneur, highlighting his passion for test automation and leadership. The discussion delves into challenges in test automation, the importance of lead…

In this episode hosts Bob Galen and Josh Anderson sit down with recent author and product management expert David Pereira. The discussion centers on David's journey from a software engineer in Brazil to a product manager in Germany. David shares his experiences, challenges, and the pivotal moments that led him to write his book, 'Untrapping Product…

In this episode, Bob and Josh discuss common agile practices that teams often overdo. They dive into the complexities and unnecessary implementations in architecture, excessive focus on overdone backlogs, and the pitfalls of over-customizing tools like JIRA. They also critique the abundance of agile certifications, the mismanagement of change, and …

Episode 32 sees hosts Bob Galen and Josh Anderson tackling the pervasive issue of misalignment within organizations, particularly in agile settings. They dissect how misalignment between team intentions and leadership measurements can hinder productivity and morale. The episode provides an in-depth discussion on identifying, addressing, and prevent…

Bob Galen and Josh Anderson delve into the transformative potential of sprint reviews. They explore how these sessions can be more than mere progress checks, emphasizing their role in stakeholder engagement, team motivation, and strategic alignment. The episode provides actionable insights into conducting effective reviews that captivate and educat…

In the enlightening Episode 30 of The Meta-Cast Podcast, hosts Bob Galen and Josh Anderson dive deep into the common time mismanagement issues faced by leaders. They discuss the typical areas where leaders waste time and contrast these with where they should ideally invest their efforts to maximize efficiency and effectiveness. The episode offers v…

In this insightful episode, hosts Bob Galen and Josh Anderson delve into common pitfalls that leaders encounter and provide practical solutions for recovery. They candidly share personal experiences and offer valuable advice on how to recognize and correct these errors, ensuring that listeners leave with actionable strategies to enhance their leade…

In the thought-provoking episode "The Single Most Important Trait of Great Leaders," Bob Galen and Josh Anderson delve deep into the essence of what makes a truly effective leader in the realm of Agile and beyond. They discuss how self-reflection is not just beneficial but crucial for leaders who aspire to not only manage but inspire and drive genu…

In this pivotal episode of The Meta-Cast Podcast, titled "5 Ways To Cultivate Support and Inclusion in Remote Work Environments," hosts Josh Anderson and Bob Galen delve into the nuances of fostering a supportive and inclusive workplace culture, especially when operating remotely. They explore essential strategies such as effective onboarding, the …

In this thought-provoking episode of The Meta-Cast, hosts Josh Anderson and Bob Galen tackle the pervasive issue of failed sprints in Agile project management. The discussion opens with Josh's frustration over repeatedly seeing teams struggle with sprint failures, describing it as a "global epidemic." Both hosts debate the definition of a 'failed s…

In Season 2, Episode 25 of The Meta-Cast Podcast, hosts Josh Anderson and Bob Galen engage in a deep dive into the challenges and strategies surrounding technical debt in software development. The episode unpacks the inevitability of technical debt, its impact on team morale, and the necessity of pragmatic management over elimination. The discussio…

In Episode 24, The Meta-Cast Podcast delves into the innovative concept of poly labor and the importance of consent-based leadership. Jessica Katz, a leader, entrepreneur, and advocate for ethical workplace culture, joins hosts Josh Anderson and Bob Galen to explore how embracing whole humans and understanding complex people systems can transform o…

In Episode 23, The Meta-Cast Podcast delves into the intricacies of product leadership and the hurdles organizations face in fostering effective leadership dynamics. Guest Christopher Lee, a seasoned product management coach, alongside hosts Josh Anderson and Bob Galen, explores the common pitfalls where leaders misattribute issues to their teams r…

In Season 2, Episode 22, Josh Anderson and Bob Galen tackle the contentious issue of handling project deadlines within an Agile framework. They address the common misconception that dates are inherently problematic in Agile environments, arguing instead for the necessity and reality of deadlines in business. Through a lively discussion, they explor…

In this episode, Bob Galen and Josh Anderson, alongside discussions on personal challenges, explore the profound impact of compassion in leadership. They delve into self-compassion as a foundational element and how understanding personal and team challenges can lead to a more empathetic leadership approach. The episode emphasizes the importance of …

Season 2, Episode 20 of The Meta-Cast Podcast, features hosts Bob Galen, Josh Anderson, and guest Davidson Hang discussing vulnerability's pivotal role in leadership. They delve into personal stories, the impact of admitting weaknesses, and how vulnerability fosters a culture of trust and growth. The episode emphasizes that leaders embracing vulner…

In Episode 19, "Positivity as a Leadership Responsibility," Bob Galen and Josh Anderson discuss the critical role of positivity in leadership. They emphasize the importance of leaders maintaining a positive outlook to influence their team, culture, and organization effectively. The hosts explore strategies for embodying positivity, even on challeng…

This episode welcomes agile coach and leadership expert Savita Pahuja, who delves into mindful leadership. She outlines the qualities of a mindful leader—self-awareness, awareness of others, and the ability to focus—through contrasting examples of leaders 'George' and 'Lisa.' The discussion covers practical tips for becoming a more mindful leader, …

In Episode 17 of The Meta-Cast Podcast, titled "Navigating Workplace Bloviation," hosts Bob Galen and Josh Anderson explore the phenomenon of bloviation—excessive or empty talk, often encountered in professional settings. They delve into recognizing bloviation, understanding its impact on team dynamics, and strategies for effectively managing such …

Season 2, Episode 16 of The Meta-Cast Podcast, hosted by Bob Galen and Josh Anderson, delves into the challenging topic of dealing with difficult team members. The episode emphasizes the importance of empathy, direct communication, and assuming positive intent in addressing issues with problematic colleagues. Through personal anecdotes and practica…

Identifying the 'Asshole' in Your Team," features hosts Bob Galen and Josh Anderson discussing the challenging topic of dealing with difficult team members. The episode explores the consequences of inaction when leaders fail to address problematic behaviors, emphasizing the negative impact on team dynamics and overall organizational health. The hos…

In this episode, titled "Asking for Help: A Leader's Perspective," Bob Galen, Josh Anderson, and guest Gary Cohen discuss the importance of leaders seeking and accepting help. They explore common challenges leaders face, such as the illusion of not having enough time and the loneliness at the top, which often leads to a lack of truthful feedback. T…

In this episode, Bob Galen and Josh Anderson tackle the crucial yet often misunderstood role of Agile coaching. They discuss the differences between professional coaching and Agile coaching, emphasizing the need for Agile coaches to have a deep understanding of software development and organizational dynamics. The episode highlights the importance …

In the latest episode of The Meta-Cast Podcast, Season 2, Episode 12, hosts Bob and Josh embark on a deep dive into the complexities of conflict resolution within teams and organizations. They share personal anecdotes and expert insights into how conflicts, if managed healthily, can be a catalyst for growth and innovation. The episode emphasizes th…

In Season 2, Episode 11 of The Meta-Cast Podcast, Bob and Josh engage in a thought-provoking discussion about the often nebulous concept of leadership success metrics. They challenge the conventional wisdom of quantifying leadership effectiveness through traditional metrics and instead, advocate for a more nuanced understanding of leadership impact…

Join us in this insightful episode of The Meta-Cast Podcast, where hosts Bob and Josh delve into the nuanced world of leadership. They explore the crucial balance between attending to small details and maintaining a vision for the big picture. This episode is a must-listen for leaders and aspiring leaders who want to navigate the complexities of st…

Does anyone read these? If so, post a comment on our YouTube page... Stay Connected and Informed with Our Newsletters Josh Anderson's "Leadership Lighthouse" Dive deeper into the world of Agile leadership and management with Josh Anderson's "Leadership Lighthouse." This bi-weekly newsletter offers insights, tips, and personal stories to help you na…

In this heartfelt episode of The Meta-Cast Podcast, Bob and Josh open up about the power of mentorship. Bob shares personal stories of mentoring Josh and the critical role mentorship plays in leadership. They explore why mentorship and coaching are vital for leaders and organizations. Discover the secrets to building effective teams and growing you…

In this episode of The Meta-Cast, hosts Josh Anderson and Bob Galen are joined by guest Dorothy Aubut, an expert in change management and coaching. Dorothy shares her insights and experiences in leading agile transformations and the importance of effective leadership in such contexts. The discussion centers around the Leadership Circle Profile and …

Join us for an insightful conversation in this episode of The Meta-Ccast, where we delve into the world of identity, leadership, and personal branding with our special guest, Jeff Davis. Discover how Jeff's journey from a professional musician to an agile coach shaped his understanding of identity and its impact on leadership. Explore the importanc…

In this episode of The Meta-Cast, join hosts Bob Galen and Josh Anderson as they dive into the art of inspiring and motivating teams. As leaders, it's essential to understand the difference between inspiration and motivation and how they play a crucial role in your leadership journey. Discover the secrets to becoming a "Yinator" and effectively con…

In this episode of The Meta-Cast Podcast, hosts Bob Galen and Josh Anderson dive deep into the world of communication and its crucial role in leadership. They discuss the importance of clear and genuine communication, the significance of repetition in conveying key messages, and the necessity of courage when engaging in crucial conversations. Learn…

In this episode, Bob and Josh explore the critical role of trust in leadership and share actionable insights on how to build, extend, and maintain trust within teams and organizations. Trust is not just a buzzword; it's the cornerstone of effective leadership. Learn how to foster trust, clarify expectations, and empower your teams for success. [00:…

Welcome to the new and improved Meta-Cast, Part Deux! In this exciting episode, hosts Bob Galen and Josh Anderson unveil their revamped focus on leadership dynamics. They dive deep into the world of agile leadership, community leadership, thought leadership, and more, offering no-nonsense, no-BS insights based on their 15 years of experience. The M…

In this episode of the Meta-Cast, Bob and Josh reflect on valuable feedback from their listeners. As they contemplate the future of the podcast, they grapple with questions about focus, format, and how to strike the right balance between banter and delivering concise, value-packed content. Join them on this journey as they embark on a mission to re…

Bob and Josh need your input! In this special episode, the hosts discuss the current state of the Meta-Cast podcast and the challenges they face, including declining listenership and changing content landscapes. They're turning to their dedicated community for feedback. Should they pivot, stay the course, or even shut it down? Your comments and ins…

In this episode, Bob and Josh continue their deep dive into the art of launching your consulting business and becoming a true leader in your field. Part Four of this series explores the crucial steps to take immediately after hitting the start button on your new venture. From making a grand entrance to maintaining a steady flow of customers, Bob an…

Ready to launch your business but unsure about pricing and contracts? Tune into Episode 262 of the Meta-Cast podcast as Josh and Robert delve into the complexities of setting your worth, pricing strategies, and how to prepare for client interactions. Don't hit that launch button without listening! Stay Connected and Informed with Our Newsletters Jo…

Join Josh Anderson and Bob Galen in Episode 261 of The Meta-Cast Podcast as they dive into the art of personal and company branding. Learn how to shape your brand intentionally, build your presence, and take control of what people say about you when you're not in the room. Dr. Kenya's Company Stay Connected and Informed with Our Newsletters Josh An…

Join Bob and Josh on this thrilling journey as they delve into the world of entrepreneurship in their latest episode! Learn the secrets to starting your own business, attracting customers, and building a strong foundation for success. Discover the power of empathy, vision, and mission, and get ready for a deep dive into the art of branding in the u…

Join the lively discussion on effective communication, where the hosts share personal anecdotes, insightful tips, and practical advice on navigating tricky conversations with team members and even top-level executives. Tune in to level up your communication skills and embrace the power of truth bombs to foster a more open and productive work enviro…

Reflecting on the bygone era of innovation practices like Google's 20% time and its impact on driving creativity within teams. Examining the shift in focus from innovation to maximizing efficiency and reducing waste in modern frameworks and agile methodologies. Unveiling the challenges faced by companies in maintaining a culture of innovation amids…

Discover the profound impact of positivity in software engineering teams and how it can enhance their performance, efficiency, and overall well-being. Explore the role of positivity in overcoming challenges, fostering collaboration, and promoting a growth mindset. Learn how Walter, the AI-powered chatbot, can help software engineering teams cultiva…