The Everyday Agile Podcast

If you're wondering how to break into tech without a traditional background, this conversation is for you.In this episode, Ann-Marie Denton shares her journey from property and construction into tech leadership,proving that you don’t need a computer science degree to succeed in the industry.We dive into:How to get into tech without codingBuilding confidence in a new industryImposter syndrome and self-doubtThe reality of burnout in delivery rolesWhy vulnerability makes you a better leaderWhat “tech fluency” really meansLessons from working in product and delivery teamsAnn-Marie also shares her experience in a women-in-tech documentary and explains why using your voice matters more than ever.Whether you're trying to transition into tech, grow as a leader, or just feel less alone in the challenges, this episode is packed with real, honest insights.▶︎Ann-Marie's LinkedInhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/ann-marie-denton-179688a1/▶︎Our New Newsletter https://substack.com/@betweenthestandups▶︎Chapters0:00 Introduction to Ann-Marie Denton0:42 Taking Time Off & Avoiding Burnout in Tech1:28 Travel, Cruises & Switching Off2:41 How She Got Into Tech (By Accident)3:31 From Property to Product & Scrum4:42 Scrum Master vs Project Manager (Key Differences)5:25 Learning Tech Without a Technical Background6:05 How the Women in Tech Documentary Happened7:30 Losing & Rebuilding Confidence8:04 Getting Selected for the Documentary9:09 Behind the Scenes of Filming9:45 How to Build Confidence in Tech11:06 You Don’t Need to Code to Succeed12:03 Vulnerability, Self-Doubt & Leadership13:30 Why Being Honest on LinkedIn Matters14:08 Burnout, Pressure & Always Being “On”16:14 How to Stay Resilient (Breathwork, Therapy & Time Off)17:06 What is a Sound Bath?18:27 The Future of Tech Leadership18:55 Why Tech Fluency Matters for Leaders19:47 Data Doesn’t Tell the Full Story20:25 Experimentation vs Failure Mindset21:05 Should We Ban the Word “Failure”?23:00 What’s Next in Her Career24:27 Advice for People Getting Into Tech▶︎ The Everyday Agile Podcast brings you interviews with Agile, Product, business, and tech folk that will leave you with actionable, relevant advice. ▶︎ About Everyday Agile We might be little, but we’ve got great, big ideas – and lots of them. Transformative ideas that can make a massive difference to your business, your team and how things run. Revolutionary ideas that give our clients the tools they need to nail the basics, create problem-solving products and smash strategy out of the park. Metamorphic ideas that – okay, you get the point.

In this episode, delivery expert Gracie Davis joins the podcast to discuss leadership, scaling organisations, AI in the workplace, and the surprising benefits of building a personal brand on LinkedIn.With over 15 years of experience across delivery, organisational change, product management, and operations, Gracie shares how modern delivery leaders help companies turn chaos into clarity, especially in fast-growing startups and AI scale-ups.We also explore:• The leadership skill nobody teaches: self-regulation• Why clarity beats processes when scaling teams• How AI is really being used inside businesses today• Why posting on LinkedIn creates career opportunities• How to learn from unexpected places like sport, parenting and coaching• The importance of diversity and reducing bias in AI systemsGracie also explains the inspiration behind her powerful LinkedIn post about the “scaffolding” of supportive people in our careers and why leadership is about creating the conditions for others to thrive.If you work in delivery, product, agile, consulting, or leadership, this conversation is packed with insights you can apply immediately.▶︎Connect with Gracie:https://www.linkedin.com/in/graciedavis/▶︎Our New Newsletter https://substack.com/@betweenthestandupsChapters 0:00 Introduction – Gracie Davis on Delivery Leadership0:20 Career Background: Delivery, Product & Organisational Change1:10 The Story Behind the “Scaffolding” LinkedIn Post2:04 Supportive Women & International Women’s Day Reflection3:13 Diversity, Inclusion & AI Bias Explained4:01 Working at an AI Scale-Up: What Gracie Actually Does7:04 What Delivery Leadership Looks Like Day-to-Day8:47 Turning Chaos Into Clarity in Fast-Growing Companies9:36 Strategy vs Operations in Rapidly Changing Businesses10:18 Strategic Agility: Setting Vision Without Over-Planning11:47 Leadership Lessons From Scaling Organisations13:40 Why Clarity Is the Most Important Leadership Skill15:04 Managing Up vs Managing Down as a Leader16:03 Self-Regulation: The Leadership Skill Nobody Teaches18:31 Best Ways to Learn & Develop Your Career19:05 Learning From Outside Your Industry (Sports, Parenting & More)20:51 Where Gracie Finds Inspiration Beyond the Agile Bubble23:36 The Reality of AI in the Workplace24:14 AI, Jobs & Supporting the Workforce Through Change25:04 Proof of Value: The Smarter Way to Implement AI25:46 Why Posting on LinkedIn Changed Her Career27:01 Building a Personal Brand Without Being Fake28:16 Being Authentic on LinkedIn (Even the Embarrassing Bits)29:16 Does Posting on LinkedIn Actually Create Opportunities?30:40 Why Likes and Followers Don’t Matter as Much as You Think31:44 Where to Connect With Gracie Davis▶︎ The Everyday Agile Podcast brings you interviews with Agile, Product, business, and tech folk that will leave you with actionable, relevant advice. ▶︎ About Everyday Agile We might be little, but we’ve got great, big ideas – and lots of them. Transformative ideas that can make a massive difference to your business, your team and how things run. Revolutionary ideas that give our clients the tools they need to nail the basics, create problem-solving products and smash strategy out of the park. Metamorphic ideas that – okay, you get the point.

Why do so many talented women working in tech still say “I’m not a techie”?In this episode, Beckie Taylor joins the podcast to talk about confidence, leadership, imposter syndrome, and the reality of building a career in tech.Beckie is a speaker, consultant, community builder and founder of Empower Women in Tech, with more than 20 years of experience in talent, leadership and technology communities. She also founded Tech Returners, a company dedicated to helping people return to technology careers.▶︎We discuss:Why women often downplay their expertise in tech.The impact of imposter syndrome and self-sabotage.What male allies can actually do to help.Why networking events can feel intimidating.The story behind Beckie’s Sound Barrier documentary.The mission behind the Empower Women in Tech conference.Why diversity and inclusion conversations are changing.This conversation is about confidence, community, and creating environments where people feel able to speak up and share their voice.▶︎Beckie's Socials https://www.linkedin.com/in/beckie-taylor-92840712/ https://www.instagram.com/the_voice_of_beckie_t_/?igsh=MW1pOHhqd2Iwa3c4aw%3D%3D&utm_source=qr▶︎Documentary Premiere https://www.eventbrite.com/e/1983447237079?aff=oddtdtcreator▶︎More about the doc https://thesoundbarrier.voicesin.tech/▶︎Empower WIT conferencesLondon - https://www.empower-wit.com/london-2026Manchester - https://www.empower-wit.com/manchester-2026https://www.tickettailor.com/events/empower2/2091340▶︎Empower Together community https://www.meetup.com/women-in-technology-north/▶︎The Empower YouTube Channelhttps://www.youtube.com/@UC5pzu9bE-U309Gpgq7DW3OA ▶︎Our New Newsletter https://substack.com/@betweenthestandups▶︎ The Everyday Agile Podcast brings you interviews with Agile, Product, business, and tech folk that will leave you with actionable, relevant advice. ▶︎ About Everyday Agile We might be little, but we’ve got great, big ideas – and lots of them. Transformative ideas that can make a massive difference to your business, your team and how things run. Revolutionary ideas that give our clients the tools they need to nail the basics, create problem-solving products and smash strategy out of the park. Metamorphic ideas that – okay, you get the point.

Welcome to the Everyday Agile Podcast.Orsolya Alapi is this week's guest. As a Delivery Manager, certified Scrum Master (PSM I, PSM II) and Agile Coach (ICP-ACC) with over a decade of experience in Product Delivery across multiple countries, Orsolya specialises in guiding teams to achieve high performance and deliver real value. Her pragmatic, people-first approach ensures that teams feel empowered to take ownership of their work while driving meaningful outcomes. ▶︎Orsolya's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/orsolyaalapi/▶︎Our New Newsletter https://substack.com/@betweenthestandups00:00 Introduction and Welcome00:42 Professional Background and Expertise01:33 Mindset and Communication02:14 Cultural Differences in Communication03:49 Challenges and Adaptability in Agile06:20 Career Journey and Experiences10:38 Roles and Responsibilities in Agile13:16 Core Principles of Agile17:16 Creating a Collaborative Environment19:15 First Month in a New Organization19:52 Understanding System Workflows20:23 Building Trust with Small Wins21:22 Drawing Inspiration from Outside Agile23:22 The Coaching Journey26:23 Recommended Courses and Trainers28:45 Changing Perspectives on Project Management32:00 Future Plans and Workplace Culture36:11 Final Thoughts and Contact Information

Welcome to the Everyday Agile Podcast.Dave Freeman is this week's guest. Dave turns your awesome ideas into awesome software.▶︎Dave's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/davidjfreeman01/▶︎17 Things:https://17things.co.uk/▶︎Our New Newsletter https://substack.com/@betweenthestandups00:00 Welcome Back to Liverpool00:22 Discussing LinkedIn and AI Content02:48 Transitioning from Military to Tech05:10 Starting 17 Things07:22 Challenges and Motivations13:12 Volunteering and Software Solutions26:05 The Value of Motivation26:15 Navigating Business Challenges26:38 The Evolution of Business Models28:03 Leveraging Technology for Efficiency29:49 Balancing Work and Personal Life30:48 The Reality of Entrepreneurship35:21 Employment vs. Entrepreneurship37:45 Industry Insights and Future Outlook44:22 Final Thoughts and Contact InformationThe Everyday Agile Podcast brings you interviews with Agile, Product, business, and tech folk that will leave you with actionable, relevant advice. ▶︎ About Everyday Agile We might be little, but we’ve got great, big ideas – and lots of them. Transformative ideas that can make a massive difference to your business, your team and how things run. Revolutionary ideas that give our clients the tools they need to nail the basics, create problem-solving products and smash strategy out of the park. Metamorphic ideas that – okay, you get the point.

Welcome to the Everyday Agile Podcast.Jess Madhavan is this week's guest. Jess is an Engineering Leader operating multiple small, fast-moving teams building 0–1 products and experimental platforms. She has a background in scaling teams, running cross-functional squads and driving AI-enabled ways of working in high-paced environments. Big on pace, clarity, ownership and creating spaces where people feel bold enough to build properly, not just safely.Jess is a strong advocate for Women in Tech, modern leadership and building things that are useful, not just impressive.▶︎Jess's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jessmadhavan/▶︎Our New Newsletter https://substack.com/@betweenthestandups▶︎Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Welcome00:09 Jess's Professional Background01:44 The Role of AI in Engineering Leadership04:20 The Importance of Social Media and Networking07:14 Transition from Engineer to Engineering Manager09:17 Differences Between Delivery and Engineering Managers10:58 Impact of AI on Engineering Teams20:05 Addressing Concerns About AI in the Workplace22:24 Advice for Tech Leaders on Adopting AI22:56 Understanding Team Bottlenecks24:11 Introducing AI Workflows25:46 Balancing AI Usage27:02 Future of High-Performing Teams29:18 Openness and Communication in Tech31:18 Women in Tech: An Ongoing Conversation38:47 Inspiration and Motivation40:17 Looking Ahead to 202640:48 Connecting and Sharing Ideas42:02 Conclusion and Contact InformationThe Everyday Agile Podcast brings you interviews with Agile, Product, business, and tech folk that will leave you with actionable, relevant advice. ▶︎ About Everyday Agile We might be little, but we’ve got great, big ideas – and lots of them. Transformative ideas that can make a massive difference to your business, your team and how things run. Revolutionary ideas that give our clients the tools they need to nail the basics, create problem-solving products and smash strategy out of the park. Metamorphic ideas that – okay, you get the point.

Welcome to the Everyday Agile Podcast.Nathan Davies is this week's guest. Nathan is Senior Transformation Delivery Leader with a 30‑year track record delivering complex, high‑impact business and digital change across Banking, Asset Management, and regulated environments. Expert at shaping ambiguous initiatives into executable delivery plans, strengthening governance, and driving measurable business outcomes.Proven ability to influence senior sponsors, operate with autonomy, and lead multi‑disciplinary teams through high‑stakes transformation. ▶︎Nathan's LinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/in/nathanjdavies/▶︎Chapters 00:00 - Welcome & AI's Impact on Agile Roles01:24 - Leveraging AI in Agile Delivery & Data Security04:23 - The Role of No-Code Solutions in Agile05:53 - Balancing Agility in Client-Facing & Global Teams10:14 - Recruiting Agile Talent: The Simulator Approach18:54 - Essential Skills for Aspiring Agile Professionals21:53 - Future Vision: Scaling Agile by Making Coaches RedundantThe Everyday Agile Podcast brings you interviews with Agile, Product, business, and tech folk that will leave you with actionable, relevant advice. ▶︎ About Everyday Agile We might be little, but we’ve got great, big ideas – and lots of them. Transformative ideas that can make a massive difference to your business, your team and how things run. Revolutionary ideas that give our clients the tools they need to nail the basics, create problem-solving products and smash strategy out of the park. Metamorphic ideas that – okay, you get the point.

Welcome to the Everyday Agile Podcast.Mat Clarke is this week's guest. Mat helps businesses fix broken systems.Mat's background is in CRO and full-stack development, but his work today goes far beyond websites. He specialises in using AI, automation, and modern software to replace legacy processes, reduce operational friction, and help teams work faster and smarter.▶︎Mat's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/clarkemathew/▶︎MP Software: https://www.mpsoftware.co.uk/▶︎Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Mat Clarke01:06 Early Beginnings in Web Development02:35 Professional Journey and Growth03:46 Founding MP Software05:50 Navigating AI in Web Development10:28 Day in the Life of a Technical Director11:37 Building Connections in Business12:31 Challenges in Business Development12:52 Identifying and Solving Client Problems14:41 Legacy Systems and Modern Solutions17:35 The Liverpool Tech Scene21:32 Future Goals and Business Growth23:17 Contact Information and Closing RemarksThe Everyday Agile Podcast brings you interviews with Agile, Product, business, and tech folk that will leave you with actionable, relevant advice. ▶︎ About Everyday Agile We might be little, but we’ve got great, big ideas – and lots of them. Transformative ideas that can make a massive difference to your business, your team and how things run. Revolutionary ideas that give our clients the tools they need to nail the basics, create problem-solving products and smash strategy out of the park. Metamorphic ideas that – okay, you get the point.

Welcome to the Everyday Agile Podcast.Nissi Ozigbu is this week's guest. Nissi help Transformation Professionals, Business Owners and Leaders become purposefully visible, so the quality of their work is matched by the confidence others have in choosing, following, and investing in them. Nissi is also the founder of The Growth Hut and creator of The Visible Leadership Launchpad™, a flagship system that helps leaders and business owners turn trust into commercial advantage.▶︎Nissi's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nissi-ozigbu/▶︎The Growth Hut: https://www.thegrowthhut.co.uk/▶︎ Chapters00:00 Introduction and Welcome00:23 Exploring Leadership and Change Management03:55 The Power of Storytelling in Leadership06:42 Challenges in Change Management11:09 Building Trust in Leadership21:48 The Changing Workforce and Organisational Disillusionment22:44 The Role and Timing of Change Management24:40 Articulating the Value of Change Management27:49 The Journey of Sharing Insights Publicly34:50 The Growth Hut: Origins and Offerings38:30 Building a Community and Future Plans42:16 Final Thoughts and How to ConnectThe Everyday Agile Podcast brings you interviews with Agile, Product, business, and tech folk that will leave you with actionable, relevant advice. ▶︎ Listen to the podcast on:https://open.spotify.com/show/0NGKLeWxDzmQyjzh6jKjO8?si=5Vb_M9KbRM26rWwAvEE5Xg▶︎ About Everyday Agile We might be little, but we’ve got great, big ideas – and lots of them. Transformative ideas that can make a massive difference to your business, your team and how things run. Revolutionary ideas that give our clients the tools they need to nail the basics, create problem-solving products and smash strategy out of the park. Metamorphic ideas that – okay, you get the point.

Welcome to the Everyday Agile Podcast.Annie Andrews is this week's guest. Annie is the CEO of Curo Services - Trusted Technology People and Co-founder of Blipfuture CIC, the popular photo-journalling community.Annie's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/annie-andrews-tech/00:00 Introduction and Acknowledgements01:26 Current Role and LinkedIn Insights02:01 Concerns About Vibe Coding06:14 Career Journey and Reflections08:33 Blip Photo and Learning Experiences14:39 Leadership and Public Speaking16:26 Role as a CEO and Strategic Vision26:06 Reflecting on Personal Perceptions26:45 Challenges in the Tech Industry27:44 The Recruitment Conundrum28:38 AI's Rapid Advancement29:59 Public Awareness of AI31:45 The Future of Jobs and AI32:55 Verifying Credentials in Recruitment36:25 Digital Identity and Data Privacy40:20 Advice for New Professionals43:37 Agile Methodologies in Remote Work47:49 Conclusion and Contact InformationThe Everyday Agile Podcast brings you interviews with Agile, Product, business, and tech folk that will leave you with actionable, relevant advice. ▶︎ About Everyday Agile We might be little, but we’ve got great, big ideas – and lots of them. Transformative ideas that can make a massive difference to your business, your team and how things run. Revolutionary ideas that give our clients the tools they need to nail the basics, create problem-solving products and smash strategy out of the park. Metamorphic ideas that – okay, you get the point.