Just got back from Agile 2023, and honestly, my brain’s still buzzing. Five days surrounded by people who actually get why we do what we do? It’s the kind of energy boost you can’t fake.
So, here’s the real talk—no fluff, just the good stuff.
The Highlights (and a Few Surprises).
This year’s conference was packed. I picked up new tricks for coaching in meetings, saw drama techniques in action (turns out, a little theatre can reveal a lot about what clients really need), and left with fresh takes on metrics that actually mean something.
But the standout for me? Meeting Chris Stone. If you’re not following him on LinkedIn, you’re missing out. The way he runs retrospectives and brings people together—it’s next level. I left inspired to rethink how I approach collaboration.
Ethics: Not Just a Checkbox
One thing that really stuck with me was the Agile Coaching Code of Ethics. There was a big push for coaches to sign on—and I did, right away. These nine principles aren’t just nice-to-haves; they’re the baseline for how we should show up in this industry. If you haven’t checked it out yet, do yourself (and your clients) a favour.
Lightning Talks: Fast, Fun, and… a Bit Awkward
The Lightning Talks were a blast—three talks, five minutes each, Pecha Kucha style. I even jumped in to give one. Nerve-wracking? Absolutely. Worth it? 100%. But not every talk landed. One, in particular, went off the rails—what started as a passionate critique turned into something darker, and the vibe in the room shifted fast.
It was a good reminder: how we talk about tough topics matters just as much as what we say. We need more honest conversations in agile, but let’s keep them constructive. No one wins when things get combative.
If I’d Been at the Mic…
I found myself thinking about how I’d tackle the same topic. Start with the real problem: agile coaching drifting from its roots. Then dig into the why: Are coaches getting pulled into program management? Are leaders expecting magic without putting in the work? Are we, as coaches, sometimes too comfortable? These are the conversations that move us forward.
Leaving With Hope (and a Signed Code of Ethics)
Despite the drama, I left feeling optimistic. There are so many people in our field who genuinely care, who want to see teams thrive and aren’t afraid to rethink the status quo. That’s the kind of energy that keeps me coming back.
And yes, I signed the Code of Ethics—proudly. If you haven’t yet, print it out, sign it, and stick it somewhere you’ll see every day. It’s not just about saying you care; it’s about showing it.
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If any of this resonates—or if you’re just curious about how Berriault & Associates can help your team work (and feel) better—let’s schedule a call. I’d love to hear what’s working, what’s not, and how we can help you move forward.
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