Episódios

  • 🎙️ Episode 43: From Chaos to Gold – How IT Can Rise Like a Phoenix


    📰 Original Blog Post


    In this episode, we tackle a hard truth: most IT departments are treated as cost centers, shackled by inefficiencies and shadow IT that drains profitability. Instead of driving innovation and enhancing product or service value, they’re stuck in mediocracy, operating in subpar ways that fail to contribute to organizational success.


    🚨 With 93% of digital transformations failing and $2.5T wasted in 2024 alone, how can IT break free from this cycle of dysfunction?


    🔦 We unveil the blueprint for turning IT from a liability into a strategic asset—one that drives engagement, profitability, innovation, and customer satisfaction. Backed by 14 years of in-depth research, our experimentation culminates in a comprehensive whitepaper and an upcoming podcast series featuring insights from PE/VC leaders and industry leaders. In this episode, we reveal the hidden factors crippling the IT market.


    💡 If you’re ready to unlock the full potential of IT in your organization and finally treat it as the goldmine it’s meant to be, this episode is your starting point.


    🎧 Tune in now to learn how to rewire IT for profitability and sustained growth.


    #DigitalTransformation #ITExcellence #SWfrist #IT #TechLeadership #Innovation #BehavioralEngineering #PE #VC #Unicorns


    Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

  • 📰 Original Blog Post: HERE.


    In this episode of The Forge of Unicorns 🦄, we uncover the #1 reason most digital transformations crash and burn—and it’s not what you think. It’s not IT teams, tech budgets, or even unrealistic timelines. The real culprit?


    👉 Leadership’s lack of engagement and alignment.


    Join us as we:

    💡 Explore why 70% of digital transformation failures start at the boardroom, backed by insights from McKinsey & Company.

    📝 Reveal how boards can rewrite the narrative by aligning purpose, strategy, and behaviors across their organizations.

    ⛳️ Share a real-world case study where board-level shifts led to 40% faster delivery, 5-star customer satisfaction, and 30% lower costs.

    🔔 Discuss why throwing money at IT isn’t the answer—and what actually works.


    Whether you’re a board member, C-suite leader, or someone passionate about transforming organizations, this episode is packed with actionable insights and bold strategies to evolve your company into a Unicorn.


    📩 Contact us to learn more or share your experiences to be featured in our white paper!


    #LeadershipMatters | #DigitalTransformation | #BoardroomExcellence | #Innovation | #UnicornsEcosystem | #ITLeadership | #BehavioralEngineering | #StrategyExecution


    Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

  • Estão a faltar episódios?

    Clique aqui para atualizar o feed.

  • Episode 41 - From Desert 🌵 to Forest 🌳: Turning IT Into a Goldmine of Opportunity 💰


    📰 Original Blog post


    In this episode of The Forge of Unicorns, we take you on a transformative journey, exploring how IT can evolve from a costly liability into a profit-driving, strategic asset. The secret? Behavioral Markers—or Key Behavioral Indicators (KBIs)—that reveal whether your organization is thriving in a collaborative “Forest” 🌳 or stuck in a barren “Desert” 🌵.


    Join Michele Brissoni as he unpacks how KBIs go beyond metrics like DORA or SPACE to address the why behind team behaviors. Drawing insights from Bob Marshall’s Hearts ♥️ over Diamonds 💎 philosophy and Kent Beck’s compelling Forest vs. Desert analogy, we explore:


    •How KBIs act as leading indicators of success.

    •The powerful connection between behaviors, KPIs, and OKRs.

    •Practical steps leaders can take to shift organizational culture from reactive to proactive.

    •The emotional and financial ROI of a thriving IT ecosystem.


    This episode is more than a discussion—it’s a call to action for leaders who are ready to evolve their organizations. Whether you’re cultivating your “Forest” 🌳 or looking for a way out of the “Desert” 🌵, this episode is packed with actionable insights to help you unlock IT’s true potential.


    👉 Ready to transform your IT culture? Tune in now and take the first step toward sustainable high performance!


    🎧 Listen on Spotify | Apple Podcasts | YouTube


    #BehavioralEngineering #ITExcellence #UnicornsEcosystem #ForestVsDesert #KeyBehavioralIndicators #HearthsOVerDiamonds


    Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

  • 🎧 Podcast Description: Episode 40 – Scaling IT Excellence: From Transformation to Evolution 🎙️🚀


    📰 Original blog post HERE


    In this episode of The Forge of Unicorns, we cut through the noise of buzzwords and hype to address the heart of IT’s most critical challenge: scaling excellence. 💡


    The numbers don’t lie:


    •91% of digital transformations fail (McKinsey, 2020).

    •77% of employees are disengaged, costing billions in lost productivity (Gallup, 2024).

    •And let’s not forget, 38% of professionals are burned out (Infinite Potential, 2024).


    So, how do you escape the cycle of transformation doom? You evolve. 🌱


    This episode dives into:

    •The deadly traps of traditional IT transformations—and why they fail to create lasting change.

    •How behavioral engineering identifies and addresses the root causes of disengagement and inefficiencies.

    •Real-world strategies to transform IT from a liability into a ROI-generating powerhouse.


    With a blend of actionable insights, case studies, and behavioral engineering principles, this is your guide to navigating IT’s stormy waters and building a scalable foundation for success. 🌟


    🎧 Ready to evolve your IT strategy? Hit play and join the revolution!


    #DigitalEvolution #BehavioralEngineering #ITExcellence #TheForgeOfUnicorns


    Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

  • 🎧 Podcast Title: EP39 – A Year to Remember: Reflecting on 2024 and the Road Ahead 🌟


    📰 Original Blog HERE


    2024 was a year like no other for the IT world—marked by firsts, challenges, and transformative insights. In this episode, we take a deep dive into the highlights, lessons, and pivotal moments that shaped the year.


    🎙️ What’s Inside?

    •📈 The IT Inflation Era: How 2024 rewrote history with the first-ever IT inflation and its impact on budgets and priorities.

    •🧠 Burnout and Engagement Stagnation: Unpacking Gallup’s 2024 report—23% engagement and 38% burnout—and what it means for the future of work.

    •📰 The Forge of Unicorns Highlights: From VW’s CarID crisis to the CrowdStrike disaster and the pitfalls of AI-generated code, we celebrate the year’s most impactful articles.

    •🌍 Conference Spotlight: Insights from IT Revolution, XP2024, and IAD24, plus the honor of being featured on The Pragmatic Engineer’s list of top tech speakers.

    •🚀 2025 Sneak Peek: Upcoming projects, including a groundbreaking book, enhanced partnerships, and plans to evolve the IT landscape further.


    This episode is a celebration of resilience, evolution, and the power of behavioral engineering to tackle the IT world’s most pressing challenges.


    🎧 Tune in and let’s get ready to embrace the future—because evolution doesn’t wait!


    Tags: #BehavioralEngineering #TechLeadership #2024Reflections #EvolutionNotTransformation #ForgeOfUnicorns #Podcast


    Ready to evolve? Hit play now! 🚀


    Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

  • 🎙️ Episode 38: “The Rise of the Behavioral Engineer – How Data Fuels Transformation” 🚀


    In this episode, we explore the cutting-edge field of behavioral engineering and its growing influence on the IT landscape. Behavioral engineering isn’t just a buzzword—it’s a data-driven approach that transforms how organizations evolve, innovate, and thrive in an ever-changing world. 🌍📊


    Key takeaways include:

    ✅ What it means to be a Behavioral Engineer and why this role is critical for the future of IT.

    ✅ How data-driven insights unlock organizational transformation and measurable ROI.

    ✅ The foundational frameworks that empower leaders and teams to embrace continuous evolution.

    ✅ Real-world examples of how behavioral engineering has solved complex challenges in IT.


    This episode also highlights how the Unicorns’ Ecosystem integrates behavioral design, socio-technical practices, and advanced analytics to redefine success for teams and organizations alike.


    Join us as we uncover the power of behavioral engineering and how it’s reshaping the digital world, one data point at a time. 🌟


    🎧 Available now on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and all major platforms.


    Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

  • 🎙️ EP37 - A Real Story of Socio-Technical Evolution 🌱 The Unicorns’ Touch


    How do you turn chaos into cohesion? In this episode of The Forge of Unicorns, we share a real-world story of transformation—where a team on the brink of burnout and organizational dysfunction evolved into a high-performing unit delivering an industry-leading platform. 🚀


    🔎 What You’ll Discover:

    •The nitty gritty details of the Unicorns' Ecosystem in action!

    •How socio-technical alignment 🌱 and behavioral engineering 🔧 turned daily firefighting into focused, meaningful work.

    •The role of product thinking and OKRs in aligning teams from the boardroom to the delivery floor.

    •Why prioritizing the human factor—through upskilling, collaboration, and purpose—leads to innovation and sustainable results.


    📊 This isn’t theory. It’s a case study on how the Unicorns’ Ecosystem empowers teams to evolve, reducing costs, boosting ROI, and driving digital excellence.


    🎧 If you’re a CXO, Private Equity, or VC leader, this episode will show you how investing in socio-technical evolution can unlock the hidden potential of your teams and IT assets.


    Tune in, and let’s explore how you can stop transforming—and start evolving. 🌱


    👉 Listen now and subscribe for more insights!


    #DigitalTransformation #BehavioralEngineering #SocioTechnicalEvolution #Leadership #TeamExcellence


    Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

  • 🎙️ Episode 36: Unlocking the Wisdom of #IAD24 - Talks That Inspire Digital Transformation Success


    In this episode of The Forge of Unicorns, we dive into the brilliance of the Italian Agile Day 2024 (#IAD24), where transformative ideas, inspiring stories, and actionable insights took center stage. 🌟


    Join us as we explore:


    •Michele Brissoni’s talk, “Stop Transforming, Start Evolving,” where socio-technical evolution and behavioral engineering redefine digital transformation. 🌱

    •Andrea Provaglio’s insights into the Agile Manifesto, revisiting its roots to uncover its true essence. 🧠

    •Anna Di Girolamo’s powerful story of ethical agility driving innovation and partnership. 🤝

    •Roberto Bettazzoni’s brilliant analogy, framing technical debt as a financial liability every leader must understand. 💡


    📈 Whether you’re a digital leader, a Private Equity/Venture Capital stakeholder, or a CXO, this episode unpacks how these ideas can shape a more successful and sustainable digital transformation journey for your organization.


    🎧 Listen in to uncover how behavioral engineering and socio-technical evolution are changing the game!


    #DigitalTransformation #BehavioralEngineering #SocioTechnicalEvolution #AgileLeadership


    Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

  • 🎙️ Episode 35: The Change Strategy Revolutionizing Boardrooms—Our Unique Formula, Your Competitive Edge


    💼 Why do over 90% of digital transformations fail? In this episode, we break down the real reason behind these staggering stats—it’s not the tech, it’s the approach.


    Join us as we explore two contrasting change management scenarios through an A/B test:


    •Scenario A: The classic top-down trainwreck 🚂🔥.

    •Scenario B: A behavioral engineering masterpiece 🧠✨.


    Discover how small, data-driven steps can build sustainable cultures, empower leadership, and create teams that thrive on collaboration and innovation. We’ll unpack:

    ✅ The science behind successful change management.

    ✅ Why reciprocity and behavioral prompts matter.

    ✅ How to align leadership, teams, and individuals to unlock exponential ROI 💰.


    Whether you’re in #PrivateEquity (#PE), #VentureCapital (#VC), or leading at the boardroom level, this episode will challenge how you think about transformation and leave you inspired to evolve.


    🔗 Ready to move from frustration to flourishing? Tune in now!


    🎧 Available on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, YouTube, and LinkedIn.


    Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

  • 🎙️ Episode 34: The Dangerous Myth of Harmless Behaviors – Sabotaging High-Performance Organizations 🚨


    In this episode of Forge of Unicorns, we explore the hidden impact of “harmless” behaviors in software organizations and how they quietly undermine collaboration, innovation, and performance. Inspired by insights from behavioral engineering and real-world organizational challenges, this episode unpacks why seemingly insignificant actions can lead to cultural drift—and how to address them.


    🌟 Key Takeaways:


    •What are “harmless” behaviors, and why are they so dangerous in high-performing teams?

    •Examples of these behaviors, like appearing to work rather than learn, constant complaining, and neglecting shared responsibilities.

    •How the KBI Model (Key Behavioral Indicators) tracks and addresses these behaviors, turning dysfunction into generative culture.

    •A call for ethics and empathy in behavioral engineering to create sustainable, human-centered IT environments.


    This episode is a must-listen for leaders, teams, and change-makers looking to build healthier, more effective organizational cultures. 🌱


    👉 Tune in now to learn how to spot and counteract the “harmless” behaviors that might be sabotaging your team!


    Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

  • 🎙️ Episode 33: Stop Transforming, Start Evolving – Reflections from IAD24 🎉


    In this episode of Forge of Unicorns, we take you inside the Italian Agile Days 2024 conference, where transformation meets evolution. Drawing from my talk, Stop Transforming, Start Evolving, and the broader discussions at IAD24, we explore why traditional, rigid transformation recipes are failing and how a socio-technical approach can drive sustainable, human-centered change.


    🌟 What’s Inside:


    •The 5 digital transformation anti-patterns you need to avoid and their actionable fixes.

    •A behind-the-scenes look at the Unicorns’ Ecosystem and how it bridges technical mastery and organizational culture.

    •The announcement of an exciting partnership between BriX Consulting and Alcor Academy, evolving our Software Craftsmanship Dojo into a groundbreaking learning model for technical excellence and cultural change.

    •Reflections from engaging conversations on craftsmanship, ethics, and why quick fixes are threatening the future of digital transformation.


    Whether you’re navigating your own transformation journey or exploring how to align people and technology for sustainable growth, this episode is packed with actionable insights and thought-provoking ideas. 🌱


    Tune in now to discover how to stop transforming and start evolving!


    Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

  • 🎙️ Episode 32: Stop Transforming, Start Evolving – Insights from IAD24 🎉


    In this episode, we take you behind the scenes of Italian Agile Days 2024, a gathering of agile thinkers, digital transformers, and craftsmanship advocates. Join us as we share highlights from the event, from lively unconference debates on logical thinking and behavioral engineering to memorable moments with fellow software crafters.


    Explore the deeper discussions from my talk, Stop Transforming, Start Evolving, where we tackled the pitfalls of rigid transformation and introduced our new partnership between BriX Consulting and Alcore Academy—a collaboration focused on evolving dojos that bring behavioral engineering and craftsmanship to the forefront.


    We also dive into the values of software craftsmanship, ethics in development, and the common anti-pattern of quick-fix custom solutions over sustainable change from within.


    Whether you’re new to digital transformation or a seasoned pro, this episode brings you insights, stories, and strategies to fuel your journey toward a human-centered, continuous evolution in tech. 🌱


    Tune in to discover how to stop transforming and start evolving.


    Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

  • 🎧 Episode 31 - Think You’ve Budgeted Enough for Digital Transformation? Think Again


    In this final episode of our mini-series on digital transformation failures, we tackle one of the biggest pitfalls: underestimating the true cost of DX. Many companies treat digital transformation as a one-time expense, only to find their budgets bursting at the seams as hidden costs emerge. From technical debt to delayed timelines and the underfunding of change management, we reveal why DX is more like a marathon than a sprint.


    Learn how companies can avoid these costly traps, plan for ongoing investment, and ensure that their DX initiatives are financially prepared for the long haul. Don’t let your transformation stall out—discover the real cost of doing DX right.


    📰 Original Post: https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/ep31-think-youve-budgeted-enough-digital-again-michele-brissoni-fpnyf/


    #DigitalTransformation #DataDriven #UnicornsEcosystem #Agile #Leadership #innovation #leadership , #behaviourengineering, #crisis, #greatresignation, #disengagement, #burnoutbattle, #burnout , #layoffs, #ProductivityPlummet, #behaviorengineering, #aichallenges , #leadershipdynamics , #techtrends , #futureofwork , #upskillingcareer , #reskilling, #training, #techsolutions , #employeeengagement , #workplacewellness , #hrstrategy , #TrainingBudgets, #humanbehavior , #organizationalresilience , #digitaltransformation, #devops, #agile, #ceo, #itrevolution #etls24 #XP2024 #safe #scaledagileframework #pragmaticengineer #volkswagen #cariad #okr


    Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

  • Episode 30 - Tech Is Only Half the Battle: How to Nail Digital Transformation with Change Management


    In this episode of the Forge of Unicorns podcast, we dive into the crucial missing piece of most digital transformations: change management. Discover why DX isn’t just about tech upgrades but a comprehensive socio-technical transformation where people come first. We explore the risks of overlooking change management and share real-life stories—like Boeing’s 737 MAX crisis and Volkswagen’s Cariad project—that show how a lack of human-centered strategies can derail even the best tech plans.


    From the impact of big consultancies to the influence of Bob Marshall’s “Hearts over Diamonds” on our own research, this episode reveals how aligning technology with people is the only way to make transformation stick. Tune in to learn the importance of empowering your team, creating a continuous learning environment, and making change management the heart of your DX.


    Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

  • Episode 29 - The Billion-Dollar Trap: Why Underestimating Digital Transformation Could Sink Your Business


    In this episode, we dive into one of the most common yet costly mistakes companies make—underestimating the importance of digital transformation. We break down infamous billion-dollar failures from industry giants like Volkswagen, Boeing, and Sonos, revealing how their lack of a long-term vision and proper change management turned DX initiatives into disasters. Learn why digital transformation is more than just a tech upgrade and discover the critical role that organizational culture and human-centered change play in ensuring success.


    Tune in to understand how to avoid the same fate and make your DX initiatives thrive!


    Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

  • In Episode 28 of The Forge of Unicorns, we’re diving into how OKRs (Objectives and Key Results) and Domain-Driven Design (DDD) can unlock the true potential of your digital transformation. 🗝️ Often, digital transformations fall short due to a misalignment between high-level economic goals and on-the-ground team actions. By integrating OKRs across all organizational levels—from the boardroom to individual teams—this episode reveals how to bridge this gap and steer your DX journey in the right direction.


    We’ll explore real-world success stories from Google to Netflix and show how combining OKRs with DDD enables organizations to speak a common language, align goals, and adapt rapidly to a constantly changing digital landscape. Perfect for tech leaders and CXOs looking to make their transformations count!


    🎧 Tune in and learn how to harness OKRs and DDD for lasting impact.


    Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

  • Episode 27: The Hidden Connection Between Talent Drain and Digital Transformation Failure (And How to Fix It)


    In this episode, we’re pulling back the curtain on a critical issue that’s derailing digital transformations worldwide: the exodus of top talent. 🎙️


    We’ll explore why a staggering 93% of digital transformation (DX) projects fail, burning trillions of dollars and impacting millions of lives. The culprit? A toxic mix of lackluster talent retention and dysfunctional corporate cultures that stifle innovation and drive your best people away.


    Join us as we delve into:


    •The Talent Drain Dilemma: How bureaucratic and pathological work environments are pushing talented individuals to jump ship, leaving behind a mediocrity mindset that cripples organizational performance.

    •Socio-Technical Systems Theory: A quick trip down history lane to understand how theories from the 1950s British coal mines, pioneered by Eric Trist and later expanded by Professor Ron Westrum, reveal the necessity of evolving both your technology and your people.

    •The Failure of Massive Upskilling Programs: Why throwing money at generic training isn’t cutting it, and how these initiatives often ignore the human element, leading to productivity loss and cookie-cutter roles.

    •Introducing the SW Craftsmanship Dojo®: Discover a game-changing, human-centric approach to upskilling. Rooted in behavioral engineering and neuroscience, this model puts developers at the center, fostering continuous-active learning and practice to transform cultures from the ground up.


    If you’re tired of spinning your wheels and ready to flip the script on DX failure, this episode is your roadmap to retaining top talent and successfully navigating the digital transformation landscape.


    Tune in now to uncover the hidden connection between talent drain and DX failure—and learn how to fix it!


    Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

  • In Episode 26, Michele Brissoni dives into the murky waters of digital transformation (DX) failures, spotlighting some of the most costly blunders—including Volkswagen’s €20 billion fiasco. 🚨 Why do 84% of DX initiatives flop despite the billions poured into them? Michele breaks down the five biggest reasons behind these failures, from resistance to change and lack of talent to underestimating costs and poor goal translation. 


    But it’s not all bad news—Michele also offers actionable insights on how to avoid the billion-euro trap and turn your transformation from a looming disaster into a sustainable evolution. 🌱 Join us as we explore how to stop transforming and start evolving.


    Tune in and learn why DX is more like a marathon than a sprint—and how you can finally get it right.


    🎙️ Stay updated with real-world case studies, actionable takeaways, and the human side of digital transformation!


    Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

  • 🎙️ Episode 25 - Volkswagen’s $20 Billion Software Disaster: How Poor Leadership Crashed Digital Transformation 🚨


    In this episode of The Forge of Unicorns 🌱, we dive deep into one of the most shocking failures in recent automotive history: Volkswagen’s $20 billion software disaster.


    💡 What went wrong?

    This isn’t just about broken code or missed deadlines—it’s a case study in poor leadership, top-down mandates, and a complete neglect of the socio-technical dynamics needed for a successful digital transformation.


    🔎 Key Highlights:


    •Why leadership misalignment and unrealistic goals turned innovation into chaos.

    •How ignoring team expertise and forcing decisions created massive technical debt.

    •The lessons organizations MUST learn to avoid repeating VW’s failure.


    🚀 What You’ll Learn:

    We unpack actionable insights on the importance of behavioral engineering, aligning leadership with technical realities, and fostering generative cultures that turn strategy into results.


    For tech leaders, CXOs, and PE/VC stakeholders, this episode reveals a simple truth: throwing money at transformation won’t fix systemic dysfunction.


    🎧 Tune in now to understand how $20 billion could have been saved—and how you can evolve your organization to avoid the same pitfalls.


    Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

  • 📰 Blog: https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/ep-24-ugly-truth-ai-code-generators-exposed-goodbye-brissoni-1oe4f/


    🎙️ Episode 24 – The Ugly Truth About AI Code Generators: Exposed! Goodbye, Developer Quality?


    AI code generators promised faster, cheaper software development. But beneath the surface, what’s the real cost of “machine-written” code? 🤖


    In this episode, we pull back the curtain on:

    ⚠️ The hidden flaws of AI-generated code: technical debt, security risks, and bugs.

    🛠️ Why blindly relying on AI tools erodes craftsmanship and weakens software quality.

    📉 How poorly trained developers using AI can amplify, not fix, organizational issues.


    AI tools are incredible accelerators, but are we sacrificing developer skills and the art of coding for convenience? The reality is that when speed overtakes quality, businesses risk catastrophic long-term failures.


    🔑 Key Takeaways:


    •The limitations of AI code generators and what they mean for your teams.

    •Why skilled developers using AI outperform teams that rely on AI alone.

    •How to balance AI-powered productivity with engineering discipline to prevent a code crisis.


    🚨 Leaders, CTOs, and product owners—this is your wake-up call! AI is powerful, but unchecked automation can lead to mediocrity, inefficiency, and technical collapse.


    🎧 Listen now and learn how to harness AI without compromising your software’s future.


    Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.