A Week of Unparalleled Learning: My Agile Leadership Journey in Seattle

This past week, together with Sandra te Beest-Vlug , I embarked on an Agile Leadership trip to Seattle, organized by Prowareness and VoyEdge . Each day offered unique insights into some of the world's most innovative companies, culminating in a journey that was both enlightening and transformative. Let's see what we came bring to Rabobank .

Monday: Inspiring Beginnings at Amazon Web Services (AWS)

We kicked off the week at Amazon AWS, where Janeen Morehead and her team illustrated Amazon's agility, culture, leadership, and AI innovations. Their passion for innovation set the stage for the week ahead. Especially the PRFAQ was an eye-opener.

Tuesday: Microsoft's Agile and AI Vision

At Microsoft, we delved into AI and agile methodologies with Jeroen (Jay) ter Heerdt , Susie Kandzor , Liz Pierce and Don Campbell. Their perspectives offered a deep dive into how technology giants continuously evolve and innovate. Their view in the Garage of innovation was exciting.

The session with Yuri Kurat and Craig Nishizaki from UpTop was crucial in understanding how the practices of these tech behemoths trickle down to other companies and startups. Uptop's perspective showcased how embracing certain aspects of Amazon and Microsoft's cultures could benefit other organizations in the tech sector, particularly in enhancing innovation, agility, and customer focus.

Wednesday: Storytelling in Tech at Indigo Slate

Midweek, Jeff Roach and his team at Indigo Slate captivated us with their take on storytelling in technology. Their approach to blending narrative with innovation provided a refreshing perspective on tech communication.

Thursday: Boeing's Manufacturing Marvel & Salesforce’s Agile Approach

The visit to the Boeing Factory revealed the intricate details of aircraft manufacturing. Later, Derek Hawkes at Salesforce shared invaluable insights into the agile way of working and the critical role of coaching for team development.

Reflections on a Transformative Week

This trip was more than a series of company visits; it was a journey through the heart of innovation, agility, and leadership. The lessons learned here are not just applicable to our professional lives but also extend to our personal growth and understanding of global business trends.

I extend my heartfelt thanks to all the amazing people and organizations who made this trip possible, especially Rosalie Urselmann from VoyEdge for her exceptional organization skills. The knowledge and experiences shared by these industry leaders were not just inspiring but also career-defining.

As I conclude this blog, I'm reminded of the power of learning, adapting, and innovating in today's fast-paced world. This trip has been a remarkable testament to the spirit of continuous improvement and excellence.

Thanks to Anmar AlDajani, sylvia van den berg, Arnaud Blasco, Yuri van Elk, Anne-Laure Guyot, Yassine Kabbaj, Roy van der Kroft, Safak Yerli Mendi, Sergei Polianski, Niels Scheurleer, Louella Pedro-Streng, Maria Timonina for getting to know each other and having this great experience! Special thanks to Rosalie Urselmann and Denny de Waard for the organisation of this amazing and informative journey!

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