This podcast episode was published on 1/2/24. You can listen to it here.
In this episode of the Inflection Podcast, Anebi had the incredible opportunity to sit down with Leslie Hill, a seasoned leader in the Agile space. Leslie shares her journey into Agile leadership, emphasizing the importance of people over processes and the natural fit she found in Agile due to its focus on relationships.
The Agile Environment
Leslie recounts her early days of leadership and discusses the bold move her company made during an Agile transformation, which required her to quickly adapt and lead by example. She highlights the significance of soft skills in Agile roles and the need for those who aren't naturally people-oriented to develop these skills to succeed in Agile environments.
Women in Tech
Leslie dives into the challenges and opportunities for women in tech, and shares a personal experience of her input being overlooked in favor of a male colleague's identical suggestion. She stresses the importance of having male allies and the courage to engage in uncomfortable conversations to foster growth and change.
The Rise of AI
Leslie touches on the exciting developments in the Agile space, particularly the emergence of generative AI Scrum Masters. While acknowledging the potential benefits of AI in reducing administrative tasks and allowing Scrum Masters to focus on relationship-building, she also cautions against the risks associated with data privacy and cybersecurity.
Communicating with Passion
Finally, Leslie offers a piece of advice she wished she had known earlier in her career: to temper passion with grace. She reflects on how her assertive communication style was sometimes perceived negatively and how she learned to communicate more effectively without losing her passion.
Leslie's Personal Life
Outside of her professional life, Leslie finds joy in leading a church Bible study group and indulging in her love for football, holding season tickets to the Arizona Cardinals despite being a diehard 49ers fan.
Remember to subscribe to the Inflection Podcast for more discussions on pivotal moments and transformative ideas. Thanks for checking out this episode!
