https://engineering-leadership.hinshelwood.com/newsletters/ Recent content in Newsletters on Engineering Leadership in AI & Software Hugo en Mon, 10 Nov 2025 09:00:00 +0000 Thu, 17 Jul 2025 00:00:00 +0000 Software organisations fail when leaders tolerate poor system design, such as bad branching models, siloed teams, and business logic in databases. To improve delivery, leaders must enforce trunk-based development, restructure teams for cross-functionality and autonomy, and set clear architectural boundaries. Development managers are responsible for shaping systems that enable agility and flow, not just managing people or reporting on delivery. Wed, 12 Nov 2025 09:00:00 +0000 Engineering Excellence Mentorship offers a practical, one-hour-a-week program that helps teams fix systemic issues affecting delivery, quality, and burnout by improving engineering practices within real work. Teams see measurable results like faster, safer releases, reduced cycle times, and higher engagement within months. Book a session to quickly diagnose blockers and start building sustainable improvement without adding more frameworks or meetings. Thu, 12 Jun 2025 00:00:00 +0000 True resilience in software teams means improving technical health after setbacks, not just surviving them. Key practices include strengthening automated tests, CI/CD, observability, and architecture, while avoiding superficial Agile claims. Leaders should prioritize system health and sustainable delivery, making resilience a shared responsibility and ongoing investment. Thu, 07 Aug 2025 09:00:00 +0000 Martin Hinshelwood is now available in Eastern Standard Time to help North American based software teams improve engineering excellence. Move beyond ineffective rituals and frameworks and book a free 30-minute call. Thu, 15 May 2025 00:00:00 +0000 To achieve real agility, you need both accountable human decision-making and effective use of AI and automation; focusing on only one leads to burnout or fragile systems. Teams that combine clear human ownership with AI-driven automation see up to 40 percent better throughput and quality. Review your workflows to clarify human accountability and identify where AI can add value, then design your system to integrate both for continuous delivery. Thu, 29 Jun 2023 11:51:34 +0000 NKD Agility is launching multi-week immersive learning programs to develop agile practitioners with practical skills in Scrum, leadership, and product ownership, combining training, coaching, and real-world application. These experiences focus on collaboration, adaptability, and continuous improvement to help teams deliver better results and foster innovation. Development managers can explore upcoming classes, take advantage of alumni and referral discounts, and consider private training for their teams. Sun, 01 Oct 2023 12:31:09 +0000 This 18-minute webcast with Dr. Joanna Płaskonka and Martin Hinshelwood offers practical strategies and expert insights on Agile leadership and successful transformation, blending academic and real-world perspectives. Attendees can engage in a live Q&A and gain actionable takeaways to improve Agile initiatives in their organizations. Sign up to secure your spot and consider upcoming training classes tailored for leaders seeking to deepen their Agile expertise. Mon, 24 Apr 2023 12:52:53 +0000 AI is automating routine work, so development managers and teams need to focus on building higher-value skills to stay competitive. NKD Agility is offering a giveaway for advanced Scrum training to help professionals level up, and encourages managers to invest in ongoing coaching, mentoring, and skills development. To take advantage, nominate yourself or a colleague for the course via LinkedIn, or explore available training options to future-proof your team’s capabilities. Thu, 06 Apr 2023 09:00:22 +0000 Understanding Scrum theory is not enough; teams need to actively apply Scrum’s core principles of transparency, inspection, and adaptation to see real improvements in delivery, customer satisfaction, and cost reduction. If your teams are struggling with the basics or not seeing expected agile benefits, consider targeted training like the Applying Professional Scrum course. Explore available resources and training options to build practical Scrum skills and drive better outcomes. Tue, 13 Feb 2024 12:35:48 +0000 A range of immersive Agile and Scrum training classes are now open, covering Agile Kata, facilitation, evidence-based management, and backlog management, each designed to address common challenges and improve team performance. These courses offer practical skills for Scrum Masters, Product Owners, and Agile leaders, with a focus on real-world application and measurable outcomes. Managers should consider enrolling themselves or their teams soon to take advantage of a 20 percent discount and a buy-one-get-one-free offer available until the end of March. Tue, 05 Dec 2023 12:00:50 +0000 Immersive learning classes, especially the 8-week Professional Scrum Product Owner course, have received strong positive feedback from both participants and their managers. The new format breaks training into shorter, interactive sessions over several weeks, includes outcome-based assignments, and uses facilitated reflections to reinforce learning and real-world application. Managers can take advantage of bundled learning journeys and a 20 percent discount on all classes until March 2024 to upskill their teams effectively. Tue, 31 Jan 2023 09:31:15 +0000 In a challenging economic climate with reduced resources, having a strong, skilled product owner is crucial for aligning teams around customer value and organizational goals, maximizing returns, and building competitive advantage. Investing in product ownership and ongoing training can help your teams deliver more value with less. Consider upskilling your product owners and engaging with professional communities or training to strengthen your organization’s resilience and performance. Mon, 09 Oct 2023 13:30:46 +0000 A new Scrum.org course helps teams master effective product backlog management by deepening understanding of product goals, improving stakeholder engagement, and enabling data-driven decisions. Taught by experienced trainers, the course blends theory with practical application to boost project success. Consider enrolling your team or requesting tailored training to address backlog and stakeholder challenges. Mon, 28 Nov 2022 14:06:08 +0000 To stay competitive and valuable in today’s uncertain market, development managers should focus on building agile skills, capabilities, and certifications that demonstrate clear value and adaptability. Companies are prioritizing employees who can innovate and create value, not just follow orders, so upskilling and earning relevant certifications can set you apart and increase your job security. Consider enrolling your team or yourself in advanced Scrum and UX courses to strengthen your expertise and stand out to hiring managers. Thu, 28 Sep 2023 10:27:27 +0000 An 18-minute webcast with Dr. Joanna Płaskonka and Martin Hinshelwood offers practical insights and real-world examples on effective product ownership and lean product development, including a live Q&A and actionable strategies for your teams. Busy development managers can quickly gain new approaches to improve product delivery and team performance. Consider signing up to access expert advice and practical tips you can apply immediately. Wed, 17 Jul 2024 20:09:50 +0000 Scrum.org is offering a workshop led by Dr. Joanna Plaskonka to help teams validate product ideas, discover real customer needs, and improve collaboration. Attendees will gain practical skills in customer-centric development, rapid prototyping, and market discovery to build products that truly resonate with users. Consider enrolling to equip your team with proven techniques for delivering successful, customer-focused products. Wed, 21 Dec 2022 13:06:34 +0000 Naked Agility is expanding its team of expert trainers and has added new training options and community features to support Scrum and Agile development. The Lean-Agile Practitioners Community now has over 1300 members, and updated courses focus on facilitation skills and collaborative case studies. Development managers can explore upcoming classes or request private training to upskill their teams. Wed, 01 Mar 2023 15:19:52 +0000 Traditional short-format Scrum training limits retention and real-world application, so NKDAgility is introducing Immersion Programs that spread learning over eight weeks with hands-on assignments, retrospectives, and ongoing trainer support. This approach helps participants immediately apply concepts at work, increases engagement, and leads to deeper, more practical learning outcomes. Development managers should consider Immersion Programs for teams needing sustained, actionable learning rather than condensed classroom sessions. Tue, 03 Jan 2023 19:17:22 +0000 Traditional project management works well for predictable, simple projects, but in complex and fast-changing environments, empirical approaches like Scrum are more effective because they support adaptability and continuous improvement. The newsletter highlights resources explaining these differences, offers an overview of Scrum, and invites managers to join a growing Lean-Agile community and explore targeted training options. Consider reviewing the recommended materials and training to help your teams stay competitive and responsive to change. Thu, 04 Jan 2024 15:32:50 +0000 NKDAgility is offering a 20 percent discount on expert-led Scrum training courses until March 31, 2024, aimed at helping teams and leaders improve efficiency, adaptability, and leadership skills through hands-on, practical learning. Participants gain deep Scrum knowledge, personalized feedback, and access to a community of practitioners. Development managers should consider enrolling themselves or their teams soon to take advantage of the limited-time offer and boost project success in 2024. Thu, 11 Jan 2024 13:00:30 +0000 For January, you can enrol in any Scrum training course and bring a colleague for free, with six course options available and a price-by-country model to ensure global accessibility. There is also a 20 percent discount on all classes until March 31, 2024. Take advantage of this offer to upskill your team and boost Agile capabilities. Mon, 30 Aug 2021 14:55:00 +0000 Live virtual training has proven more effective and engaging than in-person sessions, allowing for better knowledge retention, increased customer interaction, and ongoing partnerships. Free bi-weekly virtual workshops are being offered to showcase these benefits and experiment with new ideas, with flexible scheduling based on participant feedback. Development managers should consider leveraging these virtual formats and associated programs, such as coaching sessions and retraining options, to enhance team learning and adaptability. Sat, 15 Jul 2023 11:26:19 +0000 Agile 2023 Scotland offers keynotes, workshops, and networking to inspire new ideas for your teams and organization, with NKDAgility providing free consulting and coaching at their booth. Attendees can access immersive Scrum training, learn about double-loop learning, and participate in games and discussions. Consider attending on June 24–25 in Edinburgh to connect with peers, gain practical insights, and receive a £100 discount with code TALK23. Mon, 28 Aug 2023 09:00:55 +0000 NKDAgility has launched a referral program where you and your colleagues can each get a 20 percent discount or credit on training courses, with credits increasing up to 100 percent as you refer more people. This makes it easier and more affordable for your team to access relevant agile and Scrum training. Share your personal referral code to start saving on upcoming classes and support your team’s professional development.