About ALL

Hi there,

I’m James C. Miller, the founder of Agile Leadership Lab. I’m excited to welcome you to our community of passionate Agile leaders and practitioners.

My Journey

Fresh out of college, armed with a shiny new degree and boundless enthusiasm, I landed my first job at a promising software company. They proudly proclaimed they were “Agile,” and I was eager to dive in and apply everything I had learned. However, it didn’t take long for reality to hit. The so-called Agile practices were more about chaotic last-minute changes and endless meetings that seemed to achieve nothing. We were drowning in miscommunication and missed deadlines.

Determined to find a place where Agile was done right, I moved to another company renowned for its innovative approach. But my excitement quickly turned to embarrassment. On my first day, I was asked to lead a sprint planning session. I realized that despite my previous experience, I was woefully unprepared for what real Agile should look like. Yet, as I got deeper into the processes, it became apparent that this company, too, was struggling with its Agile implementation. They had the buzzwords down but lacked the core principles and mindset.

Taking Control

Frustrated but undeterred, I decided to take matters into my own hands. I committed myself to understanding Agile beyond the surface level. I attended workshops, read countless books, sought mentorship from true Agile experts, and most importantly, experimented with my own teams. I learned what worked, what didn’t, and how to adapt Agile principles to fit different environments and challenges.

This hands-on, practical approach transformed my perspective. I saw Agile not just as a methodology, but as a mindset that, when truly embraced, could revolutionize how teams work and deliver value. It wasn’t about following a strict set of rules, but about fostering collaboration, flexibility, and continuous improvement.

Why This Newsletter?

After years of trial, error, and growth, I realized there were many leaders like me—passionate about Agile but struggling to cut through the noise and find practical, actionable advice. That’s why I created Agile Leadership Lab. This newsletter is my way of sharing the insights, strategies, and lessons I’ve learned the hard way, so you don’t have to.

I aim to deliver content that’s bold, honest, and deeply practical. No jargon, no fluff—just real-world advice that you can apply immediately to lead your teams more effectively and drive true Agile transformation.

Welcome to Our Community

When you subscribe to Agile Leadership Lab, you’re not just getting a newsletter; you’re joining a community of like-minded professionals committed to continuous learning and improvement. Together, we can navigate the complexities of Agile leadership, embrace challenges, and drive meaningful change in our organizations.

I invite you to join us on this journey. Let’s transform, elevate, and lead—together.

Thank you for being here.