Agility over Agile (with Jag Johal)

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In this episode, Ben Maynard is joined by Jag Johal, Director of Agile Transformation at Jaguar Land Rover, for a refreshingly candid conversation on what it really takes to move the needle in a complex, scaled business—and why it’s time to focus on agility, not just Agile.

With a background in HR and deep experience navigating change in global environments, Jag brings a grounded, human-centric view to transformation. Together, they explore how humility, curiosity, and systems thinking trump frameworks, certifications, and buzzwords.

If you’ve ever felt stuck in the noise of agile theatre or questioned whether the industry’s obsession with methods is missing the point, this episode is a powerful reminder that sustainable change comes from purposeful connection, not flashy labels.

Jag shares insights from the automotive frontline—where software and hardware must dance in sync—and how JLR is tackling the real-world challenges of integrating agility across disciplines, mindsets, and legacy systems. No smoke and mirrors, just honest lessons in leading with learning.

🧠 What You’ll Learn

• Why "agility" is proving more valuable than capital-A Agile in large enterprises
• How a humanistic, data-informed approach drives meaningful change
• The role of courageous conversations in surfacing what really matters
• Why learning from failure can be the most reliable transformation data point
• How quiet, steady cultural shifts often win over grand transformations

💥 Key Takeaways

“When agility is no longer a ‘thing’, that’s when you know it’s working.”

• Agility belongs to everyone, not just Agile roles
• Great transformation isn’t loud—it’s embedded, systemic, and human
• Connecting what works across an enterprise is more powerful than starting from scratch
• Passion, humility, and data make the best transformation toolkit

🎯 Who This Is For

• Change-makers looking beyond frameworks to real impact
• Agile practitioners craving a more authentic path forward
• Leaders of complex orgs seeking subtle but scalable transformation
• Anyone tired of the agile show and ready for meaningful progress

This isn’t Agile 2.0—it’s a call to come back to what matters. Tune in!

Host Bio

Ben is a seasoned expert in product agility coaching, unleashing the potential of people and products. With over a decade of experience, his focus now is product-led growth & agility in organisations of all sizes.

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Ben Maynard

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Product Agility Podcast

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Listen & Share On Spotify & iTunes

• Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/0lkwAYJzVSuk5zfJ1vIDZq?si=4c691fb12f124a56
• iTunes - https://apple.co/3YvTX8p

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