Calendar of Events

Brief Description of the presentation: 

Agile adoption is often seen as a quick fix for improving speed, adaptability, and collaboration. However, many organizations discover that while the principles are simple, the transformation process is far from easy. Misunderstood practices, cultural resistance, and misaligned expectations can derail even the most well-intentioned initiatives. This session explores the most common pitfalls teams encounter when shifting to Agile, with a focus on mindset, execution, and organizational readiness. Aligned with PMI’s Agile and Disciplined Agile approaches, it offers practical insights to help professionals navigate complexity and build sustainable agility.

Key Takeaways

• By the end of this session, participants will be able to:
• Understand why Agile transformation often fails despite good intentions.
• Identify common pitfalls in Agile adoption—from mindset gaps to misapplied frameworks.
• Differentiate between "doing Agile" and "being Agile" in organizational contexts.
• Recognize the importance of leadership alignment, culture, and governance in Agile success.
• Apply practical strategies to avoid common challenges and sustain Agile practices.
• Align Agile adoption with PMI’s guidance, including Disciplined Agile principles.

Speaker Bio: www.shibuvalsalan.com

Dr. Shibu Valsalan is an accomplished ICT leader, researcher, author, and speaker with over 20 years of experiencedriving digital transformation, cybersecurity resilience, and governance excellence. He holds a Ph.D., two M.S. degrees, and two MBAs, alongside distinguished PMI certifications (PMP,ACP, RMP, PBA, DASSM).

As a PMI-certified trainer and coach, Dr. Valsalan specializes in PMP, DASSM, Agile, and PM3 methodologies. He delivers tailored training programs and corporate workshops in areas including PMO implementation, cyber risk management, quality governance, and enterprise architecture. His unique blend of project and program management expertise spans both traditional and Agile frameworks.

An active thought leader, he frequently writes on topics like XaaS, GRC adaptability, and compliance in publications and on his blog. His upcoming books—“PM3 for Beginners” and “PM3 – A Practitioner’s Guide”—target both aspiring project professionals and seasoned practitioners, launching on Amazon in December 2025.

Dr. Valsalan also serves as a consultant, empowering organizations to build robust PMO structures, align portfolios with strategic goals, and deliver value-driven transformation. Beyond his professional pursuits, he is a passionate creator—a developer, multimedia designer, and blogger—and values compassion, continuous learning, and human connection.

Who Should Attend?

• This session is ideal for:
• Project and Program Managers exploring or leading Agile initiatives.
• PMO Leaders and Portfolio Managers seeking to align Agile with enterprise strategy.
• Scrum Masters, Agile Coaches, and Team Leads aiming to deepen transformation impact.
• Executives and Change Leaders responsible for digital or organizational agility.
• PMPs and PMI-ACP aspirants who want to better understand practical Agile pitfalls.
• Anyone involved in Agile adoption across hybrid or traditional project environments.