United States 
Paige will be presenting the following session
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keyboard_arrow_downPaige Watson - Fluid Scaling Technology: When you want to go FAST!
45 Mins
Talk
Intermediate
In 2014, Ron Quartel had a vision of teams using processes based on Open Space Technology to self-organize around work. Starting in 2016, I was part of an amazing experiment of 40+ people who self-organized and dynamically reteamed around our work, using two-day iterations to produce amazing high-quality applications for a large healthcare insurance company. Our process became what is now called Fluid Scaling Agile (FAST).
In his book, The Art of Agile Development, James Shore called it: "One of the most promising approaches to scaling I've seen".
Let me share why it was the most amazing, highly productive, cohesive team that I've ever been on, and the lessons that I carry to every team since.
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1. What got you started/interested in modern software development methods?
I worked at a large health insurance company where we had the ability to make changes to our processes and practices as we need to ensure quality software and sustainable pace. This was a total eye opener for me. We did TDD, paired (& mobbed) on all our work, and regularly experimented with process. It made me see that there are "Better Ways" of making software.
2. What do you think is the biggest challenge faced by the software product engineering community today?
We have beliefs around process that don't allow us to grow and get better. Many of these beliefs are rooted in Tailoristic notions that don't work as well for our industry.
3. What do you think are the most exciting developments in software product engineering today?
I believe (as Joshua Kerievsky stated in his Agile2022 keynote) "Agile is still in its infancy". The way we understand and organize knowledge based work like software engineering is still being learned and explored.
Modern Agile practices are a great step in the direction of change around software development practices.
4. Why did you choose the topic(s) you will be speaking about at the conference?
Fluid Scaling Technology (along with XP practices, TDD, Ensemble/Collaborative programming, Dynamic Reteaming, Self-selection of work, Emergent Design, Emergent Leadership) have changed the way I think about how we make software in such a radically positive way that I want share it with everyone. I am very passionate about continuing to learn the "Better Way" of creating amazing software and love to talk about the best way I know how (right now).
5. What are some of the key takeaways from your session(s) at Agile India?
Small changes (or experiments) can bring amazing change to productivity and a teams ability to grow. Releasing control, and removing gates around a teams ability will grow quality, team responsibility, team ownership, productivity and happiness.
6. Which sessions are you particularly looking forward to attending at Agile India this year?
Here are people that I value for their thinking:
Ahmed Avais - https://2022.agileindia.org/speaker/ahmed-avais/
Dave Farley - https://2022.agileindia.org/speaker/dave-farley/
Nadezhda Belousova - https://2022.agileindia.org/speaker/nadezhda-belousova/
And I'm excited to hear more from all the amazing speakers.
7. Any personal remarks/message you want to share with the software community?
I have very strong about my beliefs around how we work to build software, but continue to look for a "Better Way". I enjoy good conversation as I think shared knowledge only makes us better.
I'm excited to be talking in India. I spent a few years in the area in secondary/high school (a long, long time ago...) and look forward to traveling back some day. Until then, talking online will suffice.
