The Agile Coach Podcast

• The Secret Sauce to Standing Out: Resume, LinkedIn, and Interview Strategies with Brian Golod

  In this episode of The Agile Coach Podcast, hosts Vivek and Pabitra sit down with Brian Golod, an award-winning resume writer, LinkedIn influencer, and career strategist who has helped thousands of professionals land interviews and job offers. With over 200,000 followers on LinkedIn and a resume template downloaded over 100,000 times, Brian shares his unique journey from software developer and product owner to becoming a sought-after mentor for senior tech professionals and executives.Brian unpacks the real reasons job seekers struggle to land interviews, why a resume alone isn’t enough, and how data-driven strategies, networking, and personal branding can transform your job search. He dives deep into resume writing, LinkedIn optimization, and interview techniques, offering actionable advice for anyone looking to stand out and secure multiple job offers. KEY TAKEAWAYS:Beyond the Resume: Landing interviews requires more than just a well-written resume. Social profiles, networking, and a proactive application strategy are equally important.Data-Driven Approach: Build your resume based on current market needs by analyzing multiple job postings for your target role and identifying common keywords and requirements.One Story, One Resume: Use a single, well-optimized resume and LinkedIn profile for your target role to avoid red flags and confusion.Apply Fast, Apply Smart: Speed matters—apply quickly to new postings and avoid the “easy apply” trap by reaching out directly to hiring managers and recruiters.Target the Sweet Spot: Apply for roles where you meet 60–80% of the qualifications to ensure growth and avoid stagnation.Interview Mindset: If you’re brought in for an interview, the employer already sees value in you. Focus on building rapport, demonstrating curiosity, and thinking out loud when faced with unknowns.Networking That Works: Stand out by engaging meaningfully with content creators and professionals on LinkedIn—give value before asking for help.Compensation Strategy: Never disclose your salary expectations early. Let employers make the first offer to maximize your negotiating position.Plain Text Wins: Use a simple, plain-text resume format with bullet points—avoid fancy templates that can’t be read by applicant tracking systems (ATS).Leave a Lasting Impression: Success in interviews and networking is about the experience you create for others—be memorable, authentic, and valuable.Connect with Brian Golod:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/briangolod/

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• Ashley Gross on Transforming Business Operations and Future-Proofing Your Career

  In this episode of The Agile Coach Podcast, we sit down with Ashley Gross, CEO of AI Workforce Alliance and recognized by Forbes as the highest-paid AI consultant in the market. Ashley shares her remarkable journey from a decade-long career in marketing to becoming a leading AI educator and consultant, specializing in the implementation of AI agents and generative AI in business.Ashley discusses how her need to balance motherhood with a demanding career led her to explore AI tools, ultimately transforming her workflow and delivering outsized results for her organization. She breaks down the fundamentals of AI and AI agents in plain language, explains the difference between automation and agentic workflows, and highlights how businesses, especially project managers, business analysts, and enterprise leaders can leverage AI agents to drive efficiency, boost collaboration, and solve real business problems.We explore the cultural and operational challenges of AI adoption in enterprise settings, including data privacy, change management, and the importance of cross-functional enablement. Ashley also provides a behind-the-scenes look at her consulting process, from identifying bottlenecks in customer journeys to building and scaling agentic workflows that deliver measurable ROI. She shares practical advice for aspiring professionals looking to future-proof their careers in the age of AI, emphasizing experimentation, continuous learning, and the value of people skills.Key Takeaways:Ashley’s Journey: How a marketer condensed her workweek using AI, leading to a $25M pipeline overachievement in just three months1.AI vs. Automation: Understanding the distinction between rule-based automations and autonomous AI agents, and why it matters for business processes1.Real-World Impact: How AI agents can autonomously manage project workflows, from transcribing calls to creating actionable tasks in tools like Asana1.Enterprise Adoption: Insights into how even risk-averse industries like healthcare and government are embracing AI, and the cultural shifts required for successful implementation1.Data Security & Regulation: Best practices for vetting AI vendors, ensuring compliance, and using AI to audit privacy policies1.Implementation Blueprint: Ashley’s approach to identifying business problems, piloting agentic workflows, and scaling solutions across organizations with robust documentation and enablement plans1.Measuring ROI: A framework for tracking both quantitative and qualitative outcomes during AI pilot projects and organization-wide rollouts1.Future of AI Roles: Predictions about emerging roles like “marketing engineer” and the importance of domain expertise and adaptability in the evolving AI landscape1.Career Advice: Why curiosity, intentional tool optimization, and people skills are critical for anyone looking to build a resilient career in AI-driven business environments1.Connect with Ashley:LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/theashleygross/Timestamps:00:00 – Introduction to Ashley Gross & her background02:00 – How Ashley condensed her workweek with AI05:00 – AI vs. automation: What’s the difference?10:00 – AI agents in project management: Real-world examples13:00 – Enterprise adoption: Culture, excitement, and barriers15:00 – Data privacy, regulation, and vendor selection18:00 – Ashley’s consulting process: From problem to agentic workflow21:00 – Case study: Accelerating sales cycles with AI agents24:00 – Scaling agentic workflows: Documentation & enablement27:00 – Measuring ROI: Quantitative and qualitative outcomes29:00 – The future of AI roles and skills30:00 – Career advice for aspiring AI professionals32:00 – Ashley’s educational programs and closing thoughtsIf you enjoyed this episode, please rate, review, and share it with your network!

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• Mastering Product Strategy with Marcelo

  In this episode, Vivek sat down with Marcelo, a product leader with over 25 years of experience in technology, including key roles at Microsoft and Amazon. Marcelo shares insights on building innovative products, the importance of product vision and strategy, and his PRFAQ framework, a method used at Amazon to align teams, validate ideas, and drive successful product development.They also discuss how new and aspiring product managers can think strategically, set meaningful OKRs, and develop the right mindset for success.  Whether you’re a startup founder or part of a large-scale enterprise, this conversation will leave you with actionable takeaways on how to structure your product thinking for impact. Key Takeaways:✅ The PRFAQ Framework: Amazon’s structured approach to idea validation and strategic product development.✅ How writing narratives instead of presentations fosters better decision-making.✅ The difference between product vision and strategy—and why both are essential.✅ The role of customer-centric thinking in creating successful products.✅ How new product managers can quickly ramp up and add value to their teams.✅ Best practices for setting OKRs and tracking meaningful product metrics.✅ Marcelo’s personal journey from engineering to product leadership and the lessons he learned along the way. Connect and learn more about Marcelo Calbucci. LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/marcelocalbucci/Resources & Links:📖 Marcelo’s Book on the PRFAQ Framework: https://www.theprfaq.com/📄 Example PRFAQ Templates: https://www.theprfaq.com/examples📧 Marcelo’s Website: https://calbucci.com/

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• From Door Knocking to Six Figures: Mastering the SDR Role with Norman

  In this episode of The Agile Coach Podcast, we sit down with Norman Rodriguez, a seasoned sales leader who shares his inspiring journey from political campaigns and B2C sales to thriving as an SDR (Sales Development Representative) at Google and eventually founding his own company. Norman breaks down the nuances of the SDR role, offering practical advice for anyone looking to transition into high-paying B2B sales positions.We explore the foundational skills needed to succeed in sales, the differences between B2C and B2B sales, and how resilience, energy, and coachability can set you apart in interviews. He also shares his insights on leveraging tools like LinkedIn Sales Navigator, crafting compelling cold emails, and building long-term relationships with clients.Key Takeaways:What is an SDR? Understanding the role and why it’s crucial for businesses.B2C vs. B2B Sales: Contrasting high-pressure commission-only roles with salaried SDR positions.Norman’s Journey: How he landed an SDR role at Google without a college degree and used grit to succeed.Prospecting Basics: Researching ideal client profiles (ICPs) and buyer personas effectively.Outreach Techniques: Writing cold emails that stand out and optimizing subject lines for mobile readability.Qualifying Leads: Asking the right questions to ensure meetings are valuable for both parties.Mindset for Success: Why energy, resilience, and a learner’s mindset are key for landing your first SDR job.Connect with Norman:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/norman-rodriguez/Timestamps:00:00 - Introduction to Norman & his background02:00 - What is an SDR? Breaking down the role05:00 - Transitioning from B2C to B2B sales10:00 - Norman’s experience as an SDR at Google15:00 - Prospecting basics: Ideal client profiles & buyer personas20:00 - Cold emailing tips: Subject lines & mobile optimization25:00 - Qualifying leads effectively30:00 - Mindset for success: Energy & coachability in interviews40:00 - Tools for SDRs: LinkedIn Sales Navigator, LeadIQ, ZoomInfo50:00 - Final thoughts & Norman’s advice for aspiring SDRsIf you enjoyed this episode, please rate, review, and share it with your network!

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• From Coaching Courts to Agile Leadership with Darian Riley

  In this episode of The Agile Coach Podcast, we sit down with Darian Riley, a former Division I basketball coach turned agile leader, who shares his inspiring journey from the sports world to guiding teams in major organizations. Darian opens up about how his coaching background naturally translated into agile leadership, emphasizing servant leadership, team building, and fostering high-performing, self-organizing teams.They dive deep into topics like transitioning careers, empowering teams to deliver business value without feeling overwhelmed, and navigating the challenges of scaling agile practices across organizations. Darian also shares his insights on leveraging AI in agile workflows and how Scrum Masters can evolve their roles to contribute to product strategy and organizational innovation.Key Takeaways:Darian’s Transition from Coaching Basketball to Agile Leadership: How coaching skills like mentoring and team building naturally transferred to agile practices.Empowering Teams: Strategies for helping teams focus on business value while avoiding overwhelm.Upskilling Through Pair Programming: How senior team members can mentor others effectively.AI in Agile: Practical ways to integrate AI into agile workflows for efficiency and collaboration.Scrum Master Evolution: Moving beyond facilitation to contribute to product strategy and innovation.Creating Wins: Small shifts like transitioning from Scrum to Kanban for better team alignment.Advice for New Agile Leaders: Building relationships through one-on-ones and understanding the technical and human sides of teamwork. Connect with Darian:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/darian-riley-b1915349/ Timestamps:00:00 - Introduction to Darian & his background02:00 - Transitioning from coaching basketball to agile leadership05:00 - Empowering teams to focus on business value without overwhelm10:00 - Pair programming and strategies for upskilling teams15:00 - Coaching teams on ownership and continuous improvement20:00 - Leveraging AI in agile workflows for efficiency25:00 - Aligning with leadership goals as a Scrum Master30:00 - Evolving the Scrum Master role to influence product strategy40:00 - Creating wins through small shifts in team practices50:00 - Final thoughts & Darian’s reflections on his career journey If you enjoyed this episode, please rate, review, and share it with your network!

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