Unlock the secrets to a happier, more cohesive work environment with Antonti Tzavelas, keynote speaker and Chief Happiness Officer at Smiling Bowtie. We kick things off with Antoni sharing his love for Toronto's vibrant coffee culture, and then he dives into his revolutionary Happiness Blueprint through the IMPACT model—Inspiration, Mindset, Power (empowerment), Alliance (relationships), Care (psychological safety), and Transformation. Antoni's personal story from his time as a DevOps engineer vividly illustrates how this model can foster growth and cultivate a supportive and motivating environment. By committing to continuous upskilling and inspiring his peers, Antoni created a blueprint that transformed not only individual careers but entire team dynamics.

In our second segment, Antoni takes us on a journey through the origins of his Happiness Blueprint, drawing inspiration from positive psychology and the lifestyles of centenarians in blue zones. He underscores the vital role of workplace happiness in driving engagement, fulfillment, and productivity, while also addressing common skepticism among leaders. Antoni shares practical strategies for re-engaging disengaged employees and discusses the shift from classical project management to Agile methodologies. To wrap up, we delve into the essentials of Agile practices, where Antoni offers invaluable tips and insights for both newcomers and seasoned practitioners.

Connect with Antoni on LinkedIn:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/antonit/

Check out Antoni's Training Offerings:
https://www.smilingbowtie.com/

Visit one of the many coffee shops in Toronto!
https://www.tripadvisor.com/Restaurants-g155019-c8-Toronto_Ontario.html

Join the Alliance and support the show! 👇

Support the Show.

Follow us on LinkedIn:
https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-agile-within

Ever wondered how agile methodologies can intersect with sustainability to address some of the planet's most pressing challenges? Join us in this episode of The Agile Within with guest Maryse Meinen, Chief Philosopher, Sustainability and Product Development Enabler at Practical Agile.

We explore the vital role agilists can play in mitigating environmental impacts, particularly within the fast-growing IT sector. Maryse and I tackle the concept of climate anxiety, discussing how breaking down overwhelming issues into manageable tasks can make a significant difference, much like in software development. Through personal stories and reflections, we illustrate the power of persistence and the importance of making impactful, incremental changes. We also delve into the principle of YAGNI and its relevance to both software development and sustainability, advocating for a mindset of "enoughness".

By drawing on Stoic philosophy, we highlight the timeless wisdom of figures like Marcus Aurelius and the practical applications of their teachings for today’s leaders. Tune in for an enlightening conversation that bridges the realms of agility, sustainability, and the enduring insights of Stoicism.

Follow Maryse on LinkedIn:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/mmeinen/

The United Nations 17 Sustainable Development Goals:
https://sdgs.un.org/goals

The Story of Enoughness by Anjali Leon:
https://www.ppl-coach.com/post/the-story-of-enoughness

Discover Leiden, Netherlands and the American Pilgrim Museum:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Leiden
https://leidenamericanpilgrimmuseum.org

Join the Alliance and support the show! 👇

Support the Show.

Follow us on LinkedIn:
https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-agile-within

Strap in for a riveting exploration of the unspoken tensions that ripple through Agile teams, as I, Mark Metze, converse with our esteemed guest Lakshmi Ramaseshan. We're peeling back the layers of conflict avoidance, a topic many shy away from, yet one that seeps into the crevices of teamwork, threatening to undermine our collective efforts. Lakshmi doesn't just share her experiences; she dives into the deep end, revealing her personal transformation in the realm of conflict resolution. A masterclass in self-awareness and taking ownership as a leader awaits, with tangible strategies for building trust and fostering an environment where honest, productive dialogue can flourish.

Then, prepare to be both challenged and inspired as we navigate the tricky terrain of values and systemic change within the corporate sphere. Through the compelling tale of Joe, a leader caught in the crosshairs of team dynamics and personal ethics, we'll dissect how values are put to the test when culture and results clash. This isn't just about the rigors of management; it's an intimate look at the inner resolve needed to champion change and remain true to one's purpose. Discover the fine line between capitulation and embracing challenges head-on, and how this balance can galvanize teams to new heights of performance while preserving the heart of empathetic leadership.

Connect with Lakshmi on LinkedIn and X:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/lakshmiramaseshan/
https://x.com/LakshmiRamases2

Join HitRefresh on the 1st and 3rd Wednesday at 12 PM ET:
https://www.linkedin.com/company/midweek-hitrefresh/

Some of Lakshmi's favorite trails in Lake Forest, CA:
Whiting Ranch Wilderness Trail, Portola pkwy
https://g.co/kgs/SYk89tC
https://g.co/kgs/ckeqHTz
https://g.co/kgs/CyKMJNi

Red Rock Canyon Park Trail
https://g.co/kgs/QFYHk5J
https://g.co/kgs/SLsCa2T
https://g.co/kgs/wJtae1c

Join the Alliance and support the show! 👇

Support the Show.

Follow us on LinkedIn:
https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-agile-within