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dsquirrel.bsky.social
@dsquirrel.bsky.social
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dsquirrel.bsky.social
In the final part of our trilogy, spurred on by Ed Bradon’s article, Jeffrey and I look at examples of systems thinking implemented in both small and large government projects, highlighting successes like the UK's automatic enrolment in pensions.
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Systems Thinking Rant Redux Part III
We’ve got examples! In the third episode of a three-part series, Squirrel and Jeffrey revisit the contentious discussion around system thinking and their reaction to an article by Ed Braden.They look
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October 30, 2025 at 9:00 AM
dsquirrel.bsky.social
We’re back, and tackling our ongoing debate around Ed Braden’s article on systems thinking again. We clarify misconceptions about systems thinking, argue its benefits, and propose that it has shifted the 'Overton window' in project management.
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Systems Thinking Rant Redux Part II
Systems thinking isn’t the problem! In the second episode of a three-part series, Squirrel and Jeffrey revisit the contentious discussion around system thinking and their reaction to an article by Ed
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October 22, 2025 at 3:00 PM
dsquirrel.bsky.social
In ep 1 of 3, we double down on our contentious discussion around Ed Braden's systems thinking article. We talk about the responses that we’ve had from our listeners, and from Ed himself, emphasising the importance of precise language and shared understanding.
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Systems Thinking Rant Redux Part I
Were we wrong about systems thinking? In the first episode of a three-part series, Squirrel and Jeffrey revisit the contentious discussion around system thinking and their reaction to an article by Ed
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October 15, 2025 at 2:00 PM
dsquirrel.bsky.social
We’re live again at CITCON! For this episode Jeffrey and I talk about integrating tools from methodologies beyond Agile. Jeffrey elaborates on borrowing practices from different domains such as CBT, and I share my spontaneous approach for solving problems.
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Live from CITCON: Listener Questions
This episode, we are at CITCON 2025, answering listeners’ questions live. Join Squirrel, Jeffrey and our live audience as we discuss integrating tools from methodologies beyond Agile, borrowing practi
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October 8, 2025 at 2:00 PM
dsquirrel.bsky.social
Celebrating 400 episodes of Troubleshooting Agile at CITCON! Jeffrey and I discussed the origins of the podcast and how the podcast served as a tool to flesh out ideas for our book ‘Agile Conversations’
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Reflections on Episode 400, Live from CITCON
This episode, we are at CITCON 2025, celebrating 400 episodes of Troubleshooting Agile. Tune in to this episode as Squirrel and Jeffrey look back on the past 400 episodes, discuss how the podcast serv
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October 2, 2025 at 1:00 PM
dsquirrel.bsky.social
Rant alert! Jeffrey is on a rampage about a recent article from Ed Bradon that's got systems thinking all wrong. While correcting Ed, we explore how complex systems evolve, referencing real-world examples like water systems, Facebook, and healthcare.gov.
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Someone Is Wrong On The Internet About Systems Thinking
Have you got Systems Thinking all wrong, like the author of an article we read that got Jeffrey all riled up? In this episode of Troubleshooting Agile, Squirrel and Jeffrey explore how complex systems
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September 25, 2025 at 4:00 PM
dsquirrel.bsky.social
To lead effectively, you need critical thinking and a willingness to engage in productive conflict. It turns out, so do scientists! Jeffrey and I discuss the art of healthy intellectual disagreement, drawing insights from an insightful scientist's critique.
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Disputatiousness For Scientists
To lead effectively, you need critical thinking and a willingness to engage in productive conflict. It turns out, so do scientists! In this episode of Troubleshooting Agile, Squirrel and Jeffrey discu
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September 18, 2025 at 3:00 PM
dsquirrel.bsky.social
Our guest this week, Keith Lucas, talks to Jeffrey and I about his concept of 'coaching out,' the importance of early and clear communication, all themes from his new book ‘Impact: How to Inspire, Align and Amplify Innovative Teams.’
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Managing People Out
Is being “nice” preventing you from being decent? In this episode, we are joined by guest Kevin Lucas to talk about “coaching out,” the importance of early communication and the balance between decenc
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September 12, 2025 at 9:00 AM
dsquirrel.bsky.social
Jeffrey and I discuss the concept of being "Positively Egotistical" and how it can be a valuable trait in a team setting. We also touch on CITCON and its relevance to fostering effective team dynamics.
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Positively Egotistical
Can having an ego be a good thing? In this episode, Squirrel and Jeffrey discuss how being egotistical can be a valuable trait and how to strike a balance between confident and humble. Tune in if you
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August 14, 2025 at 9:00 AM
dsquirrel.bsky.social
How can timely interruptions enhance learning and retention? Jeffrey Fredrick and I discuss the importance of immediate feedback in teams, drawing parallels with learning physical skills like tennis.
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Interruption, Anyone?
Can I just interrupt you there…? In this episode of Troubleshooting Agile, Squirrel and Jeffrey interrupt each other more than usual to demonstrate how you can use “consensual” interruption as a way o
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July 30, 2025 at 6:00 PM
dsquirrel.bsky.social
With Jeffrey Fredrick being off adventuring without the internet for two weeks recently, what did he learn while he was away?
We discuss Type 1 and Type 2 fun, and why you should seek out Type 2 fun for adding business value.
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Type II Fun
What can Whatsapp’s origin story teach us about adding business value - even when it doesn’t seem “fun”? Reflecting on two weeks' backpacking, Jeffrey introduces the concept of Type 1 and Type 2 fun a
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July 23, 2025 at 6:00 PM
dsquirrel.bsky.social
What can the TV show House teach us about the importance of central hubs to efficiently disseminate information and guide teams?
Jeffrey and I discuss the benefits of centralised communication in this week's Troubleshooting Agile.
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Centralisation For The Win
What can the TV show House teach us about centralisation? In this episode of Troubleshooting Agile, Squirrel and Jeffrey talk about centralised communication, how it contributed to them first meeting
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July 16, 2025 at 1:00 PM
dsquirrel.bsky.social
This week Jeffrey and I discuss how the principles of scientific publishing can be applied to software development. We cover reusability of work as well as the importance of open, accessible information for fostering innovation in teams.
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Information FAIRness In Your Organisation
Are you being unFAIR with your information-sharing? In this episode, Jeffrey talks us through the F.A.I.R principles of scientific publishing and how they can be applied to software development. Learn
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July 2, 2025 at 3:00 PM
dsquirrel.bsky.social
This week Jeffrey and I explore the concept of using models over perceived 'truths' to foster better communication and collaboration.

We chat about how making models explicit and visually mutable can enhance understanding and invite constructive feedback.

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Sharing Models
Forget the elevator pitch, you need a “napkin strategy!” In this episode of Troubleshooting Agile, Squirrel and Jeffrey explore the idea of using models instead of talking, which often leads to confus
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June 25, 2025 at 1:00 PM
dsquirrel.bsky.social
This week we discuss how strict adherence to demarcation can hinder effective collaboration. Jeffrey and I look at how to get team members to step outside their defined roles to foster better communication and problem-solving.
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Undemarcation
Is demarcation stunting your business? In this episode, Squirrel tells us about how his 500-year-old house restoration reminded him of dealing with team members whose strict adherence to demarcation i
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June 18, 2025 at 1:00 PM
dsquirrel.bsky.social
Hiring great executives is nothing like finding a team of individual contributors. Join me this Thursday on my executive Zoom call to see exactly how I guide clients to identify, filter, test, and hire the best executives in the world.

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Finding and Hiring the Best C-Suite Stars
Squirrel Squadron
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June 16, 2025 at 11:00 AM
dsquirrel.bsky.social
We're all for religion at the appropriate time, but the search for ultimate truth has no place in an effective business.
Jeffrey and I explain how to detect when your team are stuck in the rightness trap!
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Religion and Science
The search for ultimate truth has no place in an effective business! In this episode, Jeffrey and Squirrel explain how to detect when your team are stuck in the “rightness” trap and how to move from a
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June 11, 2025 at 2:00 PM
dsquirrel.bsky.social
With so many great reader emails recently Jeffrey and I haven’t got around to discussing CitCon on the podcast yet! We do just that including Steve Yegge’s new article which revisits whether the ‘death’ of the junior developer will ultimately be a ‘revenge.’
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Revenge of the QA
With so many great reader emails recently Jeffrey and I haven’t got around to discussing CitCon on the podcast yet! This week we do just that, with Jeffrey’s reflections from discussions on the evolvi
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June 4, 2025 at 9:00 AM
dsquirrel.bsky.social
There are talented people in your organisation who could be doing much, much more.
Join me this Thursday (5 June) to learn the signs of extreme promotability and to see how you can unlock astonishing value from hidden corners of your team.
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Juniors to Leaders Overnight
Squirrel Squadron
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June 2, 2025 at 9:00 AM
dsquirrel.bsky.social
Join me on this week's livestream to discuss why you should fire your product managers.
Whether you're a product manager who would like to defend their position, or an engineer keen to know steps to make this happen, I've got something for you!
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Fire Your Product Managers
Squirrel Squadron
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May 27, 2025 at 7:00 AM
dsquirrel.bsky.social
Do ‘Experts Have It Easy’? Jeffrey and I discuss Boyd Kane's article and how experts and novices can overcome the empathy gap with rapid feedback, and breaking down complex problems into smaller steps to facilitate understanding.
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The Expertise Gap
Do ‘Experts Have It Easy’? In this episode, Squirrel and Jeffrey discuss how experts and novices can overcome the empathy gap with rapid feedback, and breaking down complex problems into smaller steps
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May 21, 2025 at 3:00 PM
dsquirrel.bsky.social
Just one practice can give you deep insight into what your product does, reduce the "tech debt" that slows down your engineers, and keep your software tuned and humming like a Rolls Royce engine. Join me on Thursday for this free executive Zoom call!
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Transform Your Business with Software Testing
Squirrel Squadron
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May 19, 2025 at 10:00 AM
dsquirrel.bsky.social
What is the true meaning of accountability? Jeffrey and I use a real-life story to show how it's often misunderstood. We outline our unique perspective on accountability, explaining that it's not about blame or punishment but about 'rendering an account'

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Accountable Not Agreeable
What is the true meaning of accountability? In this episode, Squirrel and Jeffrey share a real-life story that illustrates how it’s often misunderstood. Listen now to learn why it's not about blame or
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May 14, 2025 at 11:00 AM
dsquirrel.bsky.social
What can perverse incentives in academic research tell us about lax security practices and insufficient testing in software development? Jeffrey and I think quite a lot! We discuss an article by Tal Yarkoni in this week's episode.

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Blameful Post-Mortems
What can perverse incentives teach us about software development? Join Squirrel and Jeffrey for a discussion on the importance of personal responsibility and the potential benefits of 'blameful' postm
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May 7, 2025 at 11:00 AM
dsquirrel.bsky.social
You didn't hold back with feedback from our recent episode on top grading and interview storytelling. Jeffrey and I look at an insightful story from our listener Matt and we discuss the necessity for some structure in interviews.
Topgrading and Storytelling
Is topgrading a controversial topic? It seems so. In this episode, Jeffrey and Squirrel revisit the theme of topgrading in recruitment, featured just two episodes ago. Join as they discuss a listener’
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May 1, 2025 at 3:00 PM