Moments of currency change are where fortunes are made and lost. In January 2026, Bulgaria will enter one of those moments. The country will adopt the euro and officially retire the Bulgarian lev, marking a major euro adoption milestone and reshaping how investors, banks, and global firms manage currency risk in the region. The shift represents one of the most significant macroeconomic transitions in Bulgaria’s modern history and is already drawing attention across FX markets.

To understand how dramatically foreign exchange movements can shift value, consider one of the most famous examples in modern financial history. In September 1992, investor George Soros, “the man who broke the British Bank,” bet against the British pound, anticipating that the UK’s exchange rate policy would collapse. The resulting exchange rate crisis, now known as Black Wednesday, became a defining moment in forex trading and demonstrated how quickly policy decisions can trigger massive market dislocations.

By selling roughly $10 billion worth of pounds, his Quantum Fund earned ~$1 billion in profit when the currency was forced to devalue. The trade earned Soros the nickname “the man who broke the Bank of England” and remains a lasting example of how quickly confidence and capital flows can move entire currency systems.

GBP/USD exchange rate from May 1992 to April 1993, highlighting the dramatic plunge during Black Wednesday. When George Soros famously shorted the pound, forcing the UK out of the ERM and triggering one of the most significant currency crises in modern history

To be clear, Bulgaria is not in crisis. The Soros example simply underscores how consequential currency decisions can be. Even when they unfold calmly and by design, currency transitions reshape the texture of daily life. The significance of Bulgaria’s transition becomes more clear when you consider what the lev has long represented. Safety. Families relied on it through political uncertainty and economic swings, saved it for holidays, passed it down during milestones, and trusted it in moments when little else felt predictable. Over time, the lev became a source of stability as Bulgaria navigated decades of change and gradually aligned itself with the European Union..

Its retirement feels both symbolic and historic. But for global markets, currency traders, banks, and companies engaged in cross border business, the transition is not just symbolic. It introduces real operational changes that require early attention. This article explains what is happening, why it matters, and how organizations can prepare.

Some quick facts help frame the scale of this shift.

Map of Bulgaria

Bulgaria has a population of roughly 6.5 million.

The country’s GDP is about 90 billion U.S. dollars (World Bank, 2024)

Its largest trade partners are EU member states, Turkey, and China.

Why Bulgaria Is Adopting the Euro

​​Although the move from the Lev to the Euro is monumental, many Bulgarians also see it as a natural progression. ​​When Bulgaria joined the European Union in 2007, Euro adoption was always part of the long-term plan. Adopting the Euro gives Bulgaria a stronger foundation for investment, more predictable trade relationships, and smoother participation in Europe’s financial systems. It is the natural next step in a journey the country has been moving toward slowly, intentionally, and with growing confidence. That measured approach fostered public and institutional trust, leading European authorities to approve Bulgaria’s entry into the Eurozone on January 1, 2026 (European Commission, 2023; European Central Bank, 2023).

How Euro Adoption Affects Currency Markets

Bulgaria’s economy includes manufacturing, agriculture, energy, and service sectors. Its exports include refined petroleum, machinery, copper products, and apparel. It imports machinery, fuels, vehicles, and pharmaceuticals (OECD, 2024). The Euro supports smoother trade relationships within these sectors and reduces barriers for European partners.

Once Bulgaria switches to the Euro, the Lev will quietly disappear from global currency screens. Traders will no longer see familiar pairs like USD to BGN or GBP to BGN. Anything involving Bulgaria will now flow through euro-based pairs instead. In practical terms, the Lev simply stops being part of the conversation.

For people working on trading desks or in treasury teams, this creates a shift in how risk is measured day to day. Hedging strategies built around the Lev will transition to euro-based approaches. Models that once accounted for Lev-specific volatility will have to be rewritten. Automated trading programs that reference BGN pricing will need to be updated or retired. Even the market data providers that feed information into these systems will phase out Lev pricing entirely.

And while Bulgaria may be a smaller player in the global economy, the retirement of a national currency is never insignificant. It ripples through the internal workings of trading floors, risk management teams, and the systems that support them . It is a reminder that even quiet changes in one part of the world can require thoughtful adjustments across the financial landscape.

Combined with industry standard year-end code-freezes, Perficient has seen and helped clients stop their Lev trading weeks before year-end.

The Infrastructure Work Behind Adopting the Euro

Adopting the Euro is not just a change people feel sentimental about. Behind the scenes, it touches almost every system that moves money. Every financial institution uses internal currency tables to keep track of existing currencies, conversion rules, and payment routing. When a currency is retired, every system that touches money must be updated to reflect the change.

This includes:

• Core banking and treasury platforms
• Trading systems
• Accounting and ERP software
• Payment networks, including SWIFT and ISO 20022
• Internal data warehouses and regulatory reporting systems

Why Global Firms Should Pay Attention

If the Lev remains active anywhere after the transition, payments can fail, transactions can be misrouted, and reconciliation issues can occur. The Bank for International Settlements notes that currency changes require “significant operational coordination,” because risk moves across systems faster than many institutions expect. 

Beyond the technical updates, the disappearance of the Lev also carries strategic implications for multinational firms. Any organization that operates across borders, whether through supply chains, treasury centers, or shared service hubs, relies on consistent currency identifiers to keep financial data aligned. If even one system, vendor, or regional partner continues using the old code, firms can face cascading issues such as misaligned ledgers, failed hedging positions, delayed settlements, and compliance flags triggered by mismatched reporting. In a world where financial operations are deeply interconnected, a seemingly local currency change can ripple outward and affect global liquidity management and operational continuity.

Many firms have already started their transition work well in advance of the official date in order to minimize risk. In practice, this means reviewing currency tables, updating payment logic, testing cross-border workflows, and making sure SWIFT and ISO 20022 messages recognize the new structure. 

Trade Finance Will Feel the Change

For people working in finance, this shift will change the work they do every day. Tools like Letters of Credit and Banker’s Acceptances are the mechanisms that keep international trade moving, and they depend on accurate currency terms. If any of these agreements are written to settle in Lev, they will need to be updated before January 2026.

That means revising contracts, invoices, shipping documents, and long-term payment schedules. Preparing early gives exporters, importers, and the teams supporting them the chance to keep business running smoothly through the transition.

What Euro Adoption Means for Businesses

Switching to the Euro unlocks several practical benefits that go beyond finance departments.

• Lower currency conversion costs
• More consistent pricing for long-term agreements
• Faster cross-border payments within the European Union
• Improved financial reporting and reduced foreign exchange risk
• Increased investor confidence in a more stable currency environment

Because so much of Bulgaria’s trade already occurs with Eurozone countries, using the Euro simplifies business operations and strengthens economic integration.

How Organizations Can Prepare

The most important steps for institutions include:

1. Auditing systems and documents for references to BGN
2. Updating currency tables and payment rules
3. Revising Letters of Credit and other agreements that list the Lev
4. Communicating the transition timeline to partners and clients
5. Testing updated systems well before January 1, 2026

Early preparation ensures a smooth transition when Bulgaria officially adopts the Euro. Ensure that operationally you’re prepared to accept Lev payments through December 31, 2025, but given settlement timeframes, prepared to reconcile and settle Lev transactions into 2026.a

Final Thoughts

The Bulgarian Lev has accompanied the country through a century of profound change. Its retirement marks the end of an era and the beginning of a new chapter in Bulgaria’s economic story. For the global financial community, Bulgaria’s adoption of the Euro is not only symbolic but operationally significant.

Handled thoughtfully, the transition strengthens financial infrastructure, reduces friction in global business, and supports a more unified European economy.

References 

Bank for International Settlements. (2024). Foreign exchange market developments and global liquidity trends. https://www.bis.org

Eichengreen, B. (1993). European monetary unification. Journal of Economic Literature, 31(3), 1321–1357.

European Central Bank. (2023). Convergence report. https://www.ecb.europa.eu

European Commission. (2023). Economic and monetary union: Euro adoption process. https://ec.europa.eu

Henriques, D. B. (2011). The billionaire was not always so bold. The New York Times.

Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development. (2024). Economic surveys: Bulgaria. https://www.oecd.org

World Bank. (2024). Bulgaria: Country data and economic indicators. https://data.worldbank.org/country/bulgaria

Introduction:

Custom code in Talend offers a powerful way to enhance batch processing efficiently by allowing developers to implement specialized logic that is not available through Talend’s standard components. This can involve data transformations, custom code as per use case and integration with flat files as per specific project needs. By leveraging custom code, users can optimize performance, improve data quality, and streamline complex batch workflows within their Talend jobs.

Understand Batch Processing:

            Batch processing is a method of running high-volume, repetitive data within Talend jobs. The batch method allows users to process a bunch of data when computing resources are available, and with little or no user interaction.

Through batch processing, users gather and retain data, subsequently processing it during a designated period referred to as a “batch window.” This method enhances efficiency by establishing processing priorities and executing data tasks in a timeframe that is optimal.

Here, Talend job takes the total row count from source file then load the data from the flat file, processes it in a batch, provided input through context variable & then write the data into smaller flat files. This implementation made it possible to process enormous amounts of data more precisely and quickly than other implementation.

Batch processing is a method of executing a series of jobs sequentially without user interaction, typically used for handling large volumes of data efficiently. Talend, a prominent and extensively employed ETL (Extract, Transform, Load) tool, utilizes batch processing to facilitate the integration, transformation, and loading of data into data warehouse and various other target systems.

Talend Components:

Key components for batch processing as mention below:

• tFileInputDelimited, tFileOutputDelimited: For reading & writing data from/to files.
• tFileRowCount: Reads file row by row to calculate the number of rows.
• tLoop: Executes a task automatically, based on a loop size.
• tHashInput, tHashOutput: For high-speed data transfer and processing within a job. tHashOutput writes data to cache memory, while tHashInput reads from that cached data.
• tFilterRow: For filtering rows from a dataset based on specified.
• tMap: Use for data transformation which allow to map input data with output data along with use to perform data filtering, complex data manipulation, typecasting & multiple input source join.
• tJavaRow: It can be used as an intermediate component, and we are able to access the input flow and transform the data using custom Java code.
• tJava: It has no input or output data flow & can be used independently to Integrate custom Java code.
• tLogCatcher: It is used in error handling within Talend job for adding runtime logging information. It catches all the exceptions and warnings raised by tWarn and tDie components during Talend job execution.
• tLogRow: It is employed in error handling to display data or keep track of processed data in the run console.

Workflow with example:

To process the bulk of data in Talend, we can implement batch processing to efficiently process flat file data within a minimal execution time. We can read the flat file data & after execution, we can write it into a chunk of another flat file as a target & we can achieve this without batch processing. But this data flow will take quite a larger execution time to execute. If we use batch processing using the custom code, it takes minimal execution time to write the entire source file data into chunks of files at the target location.

Talend job design

Solution:

• Read the number of rows in the source flat file using tFileRowCount component.
• To determine the batch size, subtract the header count from the total row count and then divide the number by the total batch size. Take the whole number nearby which indicates the total number of batch or chunk.
  

  Calculate the batch size from total row count

• Now use tFileInputDelimited component to read the source file content. In the tMap component, utilize the sequence Talend function to generate row numbers for your data mapping and transformation tasks. Then, load all of the data into the tHashOutput component, which stores the data into a cache.
• Iterate the loop based on the calculated whole number using tLoop
• Retrieve all the data from tHashInput component.
• Filter the dataset retrieved from tHashInput component based on the rowNo column in the schema using tFilterRow
  

  Filter the dataset using tFilterRow

• If First Iteration is in progress & batch size is 100 then rowNo range will be as 1 to 100.
  If Third Iteration is in progress & batch size is 100 then rowNo range will be as 201 to 300.
  For example, if the value of current iteration is 3 then [(3-1=2)* 100]+1 = 201 & [3*100=300]. So final dataset range for the 3^rd iteration will be 201 to 300.
• Finally extract the dataset range between the rowNo column & write it into chunk of output target file using tFileOutputDelimited
• The system uses the tLogCatcher component for error management by capturing runtime logging details, including warning or exception messages, and employs tLogRow to display the information in the execution console.
• Regarding performance tuning, we have a tMap component that maps source data to output data, allows for complex data transformation, and offers unique join, first join, and all other join options for looking up data within the tMap component.
• The temporary data that the tHashInput & tHashOutput components store in cache memory enhances runtime performance.

Advantages of Batch Processing:

• Batch processing can efficiently handle large datasets.
• It takes minimal time to process the data even after data transformation.
• By grouping records from a large dataset and processing them as a single unit, it can be highly beneficial for improving performance.
• With the batch processing, it can easily scale to accommodate growing data volumes.
• It is particularly useful for operations like generating reports, performing data integration, and executing complex transformations on large datasets.

For more details: Get-started-talend-open-studio-data-integration

Note: Efficient Batch Processing in Talend-Part 2

In today’s world of AI-powered development tools, ChatGPT and Microsoft Copilot are often compared side by side. Both promise to make coding easier, debugging faster, and problem-solving more efficient. But when it comes to solving real-world enterprise issues, the difference in their effectiveness becomes clear.

Recently, I faced a practical challenge while working with Sitecore 10.2.0 and Sitecore SXA 11.3.0, which presented a perfect case study for comparing the two AI assistants.

The Context: Node.js & Sitecore Compatibility

I was troubleshooting an issue with Sitecore SXA where certain commands (npm run build, sxa r Main, and sxa w) weren’t behaving as expected. Initially, my environment was running on Node.js v14.17.1, but I upgraded to v20.12.2. After the upgrade, I started suspecting a compatibility issue between Node.js and Sitecore’s front-end build setup.

Naturally, I decided to put both Microsoft Copilot and ChatGPT to the test to see which one handled things better.

My Experience with Microsoft Copilot

When I first used Copilot, I gave it a very specific and clear prompt:

I am facing an issue with Sitecore SXA 11.3.0 on Sitecore 10.2.0 using Node.js v20.12.2. The gulp tasks are not running properly. Is this a compatibility issue and what should I do?

Copilot’s Response

• Copilot generated a generic suggestion about checking the gulp configuration.
• It repeated standard troubleshooting steps such as “try reinstalling dependencies,” “check your package.json,” and “make sure Node is installed correctly.”
• Despite rephrasing the prompt multiple times, it failed to recognize the known compatibility issue between Sitecore SXA’s front-end tooling and newer Node versions.

Takeaway: Copilot provided a starting point, but the guidance lacked the technical depth and contextual relevance required to move the solution forward. It felt more like a general suggestion than a targeted response to the specific challenge at hand.

My Experience with ChatGPT

I then tried the same prompt in ChatGPT.

ChatGPT’s Response

• Immediately identified that Sitecore SXA 11.3.0 running on Sitecore 10.2.0 has known compatibility issues with Node.js 20+.
• It suggested that I should switch to Node.js v18.20.7 because it’s stable and works well with Sitecore.
• Recommended checking SXA version compatibility matrix to confirm the supported Node versions.
• Also guided me on how to use Node Version Manager (NVM) to switch between multiple Node versions without affecting other projects.

This response was not only accurate but also actionable. By following the steps, I was able to resolve the issue and get the build running smoothly again.

Takeaway: ChatGPT felt like talking to a teammate who understands how Sitecore and Node.js really work. In contrast, Copilot seemed more like the suggestion tool, it offered helpful prompts but didn’t fully comprehend the broader context or the specific challenge I was addressing.

Key Differences I Observed

Takeaways for Developers

1. Copilot is great for boilerplate code and inline suggestions – if you want quick syntax help, it works well.
2. ChatGPT shines in debugging and architectural guidance – especially when working with enterprise systems like Sitecore or giving code suggestions.
3. When you’re stuck on environment or compatibility issues, ChatGPT can save hours by pointing you in the right direction.
4. Best workflow: Use Copilot for code-writing speed, and ChatGPT for solving bigger technical challenges.

Final Thoughts

Both Microsoft Copilot and ChatGPT are powerful AI tools, but they serve different purposes.

• Copilot functions like a code suggestion tool integrated within your IDE.
• ChatGPT feels like a senior consultant who understands the ecosystem and gives you actionable advice.

When working on complex platforms like Sitecore 10.2.0 with SXA 11.3.0, and specific Node.js compatibility issues, ChatGPT clearly comes out ahead.

In recent years, AI chatbots like ChatGPT have gone from fun tools for answering questions to serious helpers in workplaces, education, and even personal decision-making. With ChatGPT-5 now being the latest and most advanced version, it’s no surprise that people are asking a critical question:

“Is my personal data safe when I use ChatGPT-5?”

First, What Is ChatGPT-5?

ChatGPT-5 is an AI language model created by OpenAI. You can think of it like a super-smart digital assistant that can:

• Answering questions across a wide range of topics
• Drafting emails, essays, and creative content
• Writing and debugging code
• Assisting with research and brainstorming
• Supporting productivity and learning

It learns from patterns in data, but here’s an important point – it doesn’t “remember” your conversations unless the developer has built a special memory feature and you’ve agreed to it.

How Your Data Is Used

When you chat with ChatGPT-5, your messages are processed to generate a response. Depending on the app or platform you use, your conversations may be:

• Temporarily stored to improve the AI’s performance
• Reviewed by humans (in rare cases) to train and fine-tune the system
• Deleted or anonymized after a specific period, depending on the service’s privacy policy

This is why reading the privacy policy is not just boring legal stuff – it’s how you find out precisely what happens to your data.

Real Security Risks to Be Aware Of

The concerns about ChatGPT-5 (and similar AI tools) are less about it being “evil” and more about how your data could be exposed if not appropriately handled.

Here are the main risks:

1. Accidental Sharing of Sensitive Information

Many users unknowingly type personal details – such as their full name, home address, phone number, passwords, or banking information – into AI chat windows. While the chatbot itself may not misuse this data, it is still transmitted over the internet and may be temporarily stored by the platform. If the platform suffers a data breach or if the information is accessed by unauthorized personnel, your sensitive data could be exposed or exploited.

Best Practice: Treat AI chats like public forums – never share confidential or personally identifiable information.

2. Data Retention by Third-Party Platforms

AI chatbots are often integrated into third-party platforms, such as browser extensions, productivity tools, or mobile apps. These integrations may collect and store your chat data on their own servers, sometimes without clearly informing you. Unlike official platforms with strict privacy policies, third-party services may lack robust security measures or transparency.

Risk Example: A browser extension that logs your AI chats could be hacked, exposing all stored conversations.

Best Practice: Use only trusted, official apps and review their privacy policies before granting access.

3. Misuse of Login Credentials

In rare but serious cases, malicious AI integrations or compromised platforms could capture login credentials you enter during a conversation. If you share usernames, passwords, or OTPs (one-time passwords), these could be used to access your accounts and perform unauthorized actions – such as placing orders, transferring money, or changing account settings.

Real-World Consequence: You might wake up to find that someone used your credentials to order expensive items or access private services.

Best Practice: Never enter login details into any AI chat, and always use two-factor authentication (2FA) for added protection.

4. Phishing & Targeted Attacks

If chat logs containing personal information are accessed by cybercriminals, they can use that data to craft highly convincing phishing emails or social engineering attacks. For example, knowing your name, location, or recent purchases allows attackers to impersonate trusted services and trick you into clicking malicious links or revealing more sensitive data.

Best Practice: Be cautious of unsolicited messages and verify the sender before responding or clicking links.

5. Overtrusting AI Responses

AI chatbots are trained on vast datasets, but they can still generate inaccurate, outdated, or misleading information. Relying on AI responses without verifying facts can lead to poor decisions, especially in areas like health, finance, or legal advice.

Risk Example: Acting on incorrect medical advice or sharing false information publicly could have serious consequences.

Best Practice: Always cross-check AI-generated content with reputable sources before taking action or sharing it.

How to Protect Yourself

Here are simple steps you can take:

• Never share sensitive login credentials or card details inside a chat.
• Stick to official apps and platforms to reduce the risk of malicious AI clones.
• Use 2-factor authentication (2FA) for all accounts, so even stolen passwords can’t be used easily.
• Check permissions before connecting ChatGPT-5 to any service – don’t allow unnecessary access.
• Regularly clear chat history if your platform stores conversations.

Final Thoughts

ChatGPT-5 is a tool, and like any tool, it can be used for good or misused. The AI itself isn’t plotting to steal your logins or credentials, but if you use it carelessly or through untrusted apps, your data could be at risk.

Golden rule: Enjoy the benefits of AI, but treat it like a stranger online – don’t overshare, and keep control of your personal data.

Whether you’re building embedded software for next-gen diagnostics, modernizing lab systems, or scaling user-facing platforms, the pressure to innovate is universal, and AI is becoming a key differentiator. When embedded into the software development lifecycle (SDLC), AI offers a path to reduce costs, accelerate timelines, and equip the enterprise to scale with confidence. 

But AI doesn’t implement itself. It requires a team that understands the nuance of regulated software, SDLC complexities, and the strategic levers that drive growth. Our experts are helping MedTech leaders move beyond experimentation and into execution, embedding AI into the core of product development, testing, and regulatory readiness. 

“AI is being used to reduce manual effort and improve accuracy in documentation, testing, and validation.” – Reuters MedTech Report, 2025 

Whether it’s generating test cases from requirements, automating hazard analysis, or accelerating documentation, we help clients turn AI into a strategic accelerator. 

AI-Accelerated Regulatory Documentation 

Outcome: Faster time to submission, reduced manual burden, improved compliance confidence 

Regulatory documentation remains one of the most resource-intensive phases of medical device development.  

• Risk classification automation: AI can analyze product attributes and applicable standards to suggest classification and required documentation. 
• Drafting and validation: Generative AI can produce up to 75% of required documentation, which is then refined and validated by human experts. 
• AI-assisted review: Post-editing, AI can re-analyze content to flag gaps or inconsistencies, acting as a second set of eyes before submission. 

AI won’t replace regulatory experts, but it will eliminate the grind. That’s where the value lies. 

For regulatory affairs leaders and product teams, this means faster submissions, reduced rework, and greater confidence in compliance, all while freeing up resources to focus on innovation. 

Agentic AI in the SDLC 

Outcome: Increased development velocity, reduced error rates, scalable automation 

Agentic AI—systems of multiple AI agents working in coordination—is emerging as a force multiplier in software development. 

• Task decomposition: Complex development tasks are broken into smaller units, each handled by specialized agents, reducing hallucinations and improving accuracy. 

• Peer review by AI: One agent can validate the output of another, creating a self-checking system that mirrors human code reviews. 

• Digital workforce augmentation: Repetitive, labor-intensive tasks (e.g., documentation scaffolding, test case generation) are offloaded to AI, freeing teams to focus on innovation. This is especially impactful for engineering and product teams looking to scale development without compromising quality or compliance. 

• Guardrails and oversight mechanisms: Our balanced implementation approach maintains security, compliance, and appropriate human supervision to deliver immediate operational gains and builds a foundation for continuous, iterative improvement. 

Agentic AI can surface vulnerabilities early and propose mitigations faster than traditional methods. This isn’t about replacing engineers. It’s about giving them a smarter co-pilot. 

AI-Enabled Quality Assurance and Testing 

Outcome: Higher product reliability, faster regression cycles, better user experiences 

AI is transforming QA from a bottleneck into a strategic advantage. 

• Smart regression testing: AI frameworks run automated test suites across releases, identifying regressions with minimal human input. 
• Synthetic test data generation: AI creates high-fidelity, privacy-safe test data in minutes—data that once took weeks to prepare. 
• GenAI-powered visual testing: AI evaluates UI consistency and accessibility, flagging issues that traditional automation often misses. 
• Chatbot validation: AI tools now test AI-powered support interfaces, ensuring they provide accurate, compliant responses. 

We’re not just testing functionality—we’re testing intelligence. That requires a new kind of QA.

Organizations managing complex software portfolios can unlock faster, safer releases. 

AI-Enabled, Scalable Talent Solutions 

Outcome: Scalable expertise without long onboarding cycles 

AI tools are only as effective as the teams that deploy them. We provide specialized talent—regulatory technologists, QA engineers, data scientists—that bring both domain knowledge and AI fluency. 

• Accelerate proof-of-concept execution: Our teams integrate quickly into existing workflows, leveraging Agile and SAFe methodologies to deliver iterative value and maintain velocity. 
• Reduce internal training burden: AI-fluent professionals bring immediate impact, minimizing ramp-up time and aligning with sprint-based development cycles. 
• Ensure compliance alignment from day one: Specialists understand regulated environments and embed quality and traceability into every phase of the SDLC, consistent with Agile governance models. 

Whether you’re a CIO scaling digital health initiatives or a VP of Software managing multiple product lines, our AI-fluent teams integrate seamlessly to accelerate delivery and reduce risk. 

Proof of Concept Today, Scalable Solution Tomorrow 

Outcome: Informed investment decisions, future-ready capabilities 

Many of the AI capabilities discussed are already in early deployment or active pilot phases. Others are in proof-of-concept, with clear paths to scale. 

We understand that every organization is on a unique AI journey. Whether you’re starting from scratch, experimenting with pilots, or scaling AI across your enterprise, we meet you where you are. Our structured approach delivers value at every stage, helping you turn AI from an idea into a business advantage. 

As you evaluate your innovation and investment priorities across the SDLC, consider these questions: 

1. Are we spending too much time on manual documentation?
2. Do we have visibility into risk classification and mitigation?
3. Can our QA processes scale with product complexity?
4. How are we building responsible AI governance?
5. Do we have the right partner to operationalize AI?

Final Thought: AI Demands a Partner, Not Just a Platform 

AI isn’t the new compliance partner. It’s the next competitive edge, but only when guided by the right strategy. For MedTech leaders, AI’s real opportunity comes by adopting and scaling it with precision, speed, and confidence. That kind of transformation can be accelerated by a partner who understands the regulatory terrain, the complexity of the SDLC, and the business outcomes that matter most. 

No matter where you sit — on the engineering team, in the lab, in business leadership, or in patient care — AI is reshaping how MedTech companies build, test, and deliver value. 

From insight to impact, our industry, platform, data, and AI expertise help organizations modernize systems, personalize engagement, and scale innovation. We deliver AI-powered transformation that drives engagement, efficiency, and loyalty throughout the lifecycle—from product development to commercial success. 

• Business Transformation: Deepen collaboration, integration, and support throughout the value chain, including channel sales, providers, and patients. 
• Modernization: Streamline legacy systems to drive greater connectivity, reduce duplication, and enhance employee and consumer experiences. 
• Data + Analytics: Harness real-time data to support business success and to impact health outcomes. 
• Consumer Experience: Support patient and consumer decision making, product usage, and outcomes through tailored digital experiences. 

Ready to move from AI potential to performance? Let’s talk about how we can accelerate your roadmap with the right talent, tools, and strategy. Contact us to get started. 

Mobile App development is rapidly growing and so is the expectation of robust support. “Mobile first” is the set paradigm for many application development teams. Unlike web deployment, an app release has to go through the review process via App Store Connect and Google Play. Minor or major releases follow the app review same process, which can take 1-4 days. Hot fixes or critical security patches are also bound by the review cycle restrictions.  This may lead to service disruptions, negative app and customer reviews.

Let’s say that the latest version of an app is version 1.2. However, a critical bug was identified in version 1.1. The app developers may release version 1.3, but the challenge would be that it may take a while to release the new version (unless a forced update mechanism is implemented for the app). Another potential challenge would be the fact that there is no guarantee that the user would have auto updates on.

Luckily, “Over The Air” updates comes to the rescue in such situations.

The Over The Air (OTA), deployment process for mobile apps allows developers to push updates without going through the traditional review process. The OTA update process enables faster delivery for any hot fix or patch.

While this is very exciting, it does come with a few limitations:

• This feature is not intended for major updates or large feature launches.
• OTA primarily works with JavaScript bundlers so native feature changes cannot be deployed via OTA deployment.

Mobile OTA Deployment

React Native consists of JavaScript and Native code. When the app gets compiled, it creates the JSbundles for Android and iOS apps along with the native builds. OTA also relies on the JavaScript bundles and hence React Native apps are great candidates to take advantage of the OTA update technology.

One of our client’s app has an OTA deployment process implemented using App Center. However, Microsoft has decided to retire App Center as of March 31, 2025. Hence, we started exploring the alternatives. One of the alternate solutions on the the table was provided by App Center and the other was to find a similar PAAS solution from another provider. Since back-end stack was AWS, we chose to go with EAS Update.

EAS Update

EAS Update is a hosted service that serves updates for projects using expo-updates library. Once the EAS Update is configured correctly, the app will be listening for any targeted version of the app on the EAS dev cloud server. Expo provides a great documentation on setup and configuration.

How Does It Work?

In a nutshell;

1. Integrate “EAS Updates” in the app project.
2. The user has the app installed on their device.
3. The development team made a bug fix/patch and generated JSbundle for the targeted app version and uploaded to the Expo.dev cloud server.
4. Next time the user opens the app (frequencies can be configurable, we can set on app resume/start), the app will check if any bundle is available to be installed. If there is an update available, the newer version of the app from Expo will be installed on user’s device.

OTA deployment process

Additional details can be found at https://docs.expo.dev/eas-update/how-it-works/.

Implementation Details:

If you are new to React Native app development, this article may help Ramp Up On React/React Native In Less Than a Month. And if you are transitioning from React to React Native, you may find this React Native – A Web Developer’s Perspective on Pivoting to Mobile useful.

I am using my existing React-Native 0.73.7 app. However, one can start a fresh React Native App for your test.

Project configuration requires us to setup expo-modules. The Expo installation guide provides an installer which handles configuration.  Our project needed an SDK 50 version of the installer.

• Using npx install-expo-modules@0.8.1, I installed Expo, SDK-50, in alignment with our current React native version 0.73.7, which added the following dependencies.

"@expo/vector-icons": "^14.0.0",
"expo-asset": "~9.0.2",
"expo-file-system": "~16.0.9",
"expo-font": "~11.10.3",
"expo-keep-awake": "~12.8.2",
"expo-modules-autolinking": "1.10.3",
"expo-modules-core": "1.11.14",
"fbemitter": "^3.0.0",
"whatwg-url-without-unicode": "8.0.0-3"

• Installed Expo-updates v0.24.14 package which added the following dependencies.

"@expo/code-signing-certificates": "0.0.5",
"@expo/config": "~8.5.0",
"@expo/config-plugins": "~7.9.0",
"arg": "4.1.0",
"chalk": "^4.1.2",
"expo-eas-client": "~0.11.0",
"expo-manifests": "~0.13.0",
"expo-structured-headers": "~3.7.0",
"expo-updates-interface": "~0.15.1",
"fbemitter": "^3.0.0",
"resolve-from": "^5.0.0"

• Created expo account at https://expo.dev/signup
• To setup the account execute, eas configure
• This generated the project id and other account details.
• Following channels were created: staging, uat, and production.
• Added relevant project values to app.json, added Expo.plist, and updated same in AndroidManifest.xml.
• Scripts block of package.json has been updated to use npx expo to launch the app.
• AppDelegate.swift was refactored as part of the change.
• App Center and CodePush assets and references were removed.
• Created custom component to display a modal prompt when new update is found.

OTA Deployment:

• Execute the command via terminal:

EAS_CHANNEL=staging RUNTIME_VERSION="7.13" eas update --message "build:[QA] - 7.13.841 - 25.5.9.4 - OTA Test2 commit"

• Once the package is published, I can see my update available in expo.dev as shown in the image below.

EAS update screen once OTA deployment is successful.

Test:

1. Unlike App center, Expo provides the same package for iOS and Android targets.
2. The targeted version package is available on the expo server.
3. App restart or resume will display the popup (custom implementation) informing “A new update is available.”.
4. When a user hits “OK” button in the popup, the update will be installed and content within the App will restart.
5. If the app successfully restarts, the update is successfully installed.

Considerations:

• In metro.config.js – the @rnx-kit/metro-serializer had to be commented out due to compatibility issue with EAS Update bundle process.
• @expo/vector-icons package causes Android release build to crash on app startup. This package can be removed but if package-lock.json is removed the package will reinstall as an expo dependency and again, cause the app to crash. The issue is described in the comments here: https://github.com/expo/expo/issues/26521. There is no solution available at the moment. The expo vector icons package isn’t being handled correctly during the build process. It is caused by the react-native-elements package. When removed, the files are no longer added to app.manifest and the app builds and runs as expected.
• Somehow the font require statements in node_modules/react-native-elements/dist/helpers/getIconType.js are being picked up during the expo-updates generation of app.manifest even though the files are not used our app. The current solution is to go ahead and include the fonts in the package but this is not optimal. Better solution is to filter those fonts from expo-updates process.

Deployment Troubleshooting:

• Error fetching latest Expo update: Error: “channel-name” is not allowed to be empty.

The headers “expo-runtime-version”, “expo-channel-name”, and “expo-platform” are required. They can also be set with the query parameters “runtime-version”, “channel-name”, and “platform”. Learn more: https://github.com/expo/fyi/blob/main/eas-update-missing-headers.md

The configuration values for iOS app are maintained in Supporting/Expo.plist. The above error indicates that the EXUpdatesRequestHeadersblock in the plist might be missing.

OTA deployment is very useful when large number of customers are using the app and any urgent hot fix or patch needs to be released. You can set this for your lower environments as well as the production.

In my experience, it is very reliable and the expo team is doing great job on maintaining it.

So take advantage of this amazing service and Happy coding!

For more information about Perficient’s Mobile Solutions expertise, subscribe to our blog or contact our Mobile Solutions team today!

The objective of this topic is to explore how the Agile methodology enhances an individual’s agility. This blog highlights how Agile fosters adaptability, responsiveness, and continuous improvement by understanding and implementing Agile principles, practices, and frameworks.

The goal is to demonstrate how adopting Agile practices enables teams and individuals to:

• Effectively manage change
• Increase collaboration
• Streamline decision-making
• Improve overall performance and flexibility in dynamic environments

This study showcases the transformative power of Agile in driving greater efficiency and faster response times in both project management and personal development.

Let’s Get Started

In both professional and personal development, asking structured “WH” questions helps in gaining clarity and understanding. Let’s apply that approach to explore the connection between Agile and agility.

What is Agile?

Agile is a mindset and a way of thinking, based on its core principles and manifesto. It emphasizes:

• Flexibility
• Collaboration
• Customer feedback
• Over-rigid planning and control.

Initially popularized in project management and software development, Agile supports iterative progress and continuous value delivery.

What is Agility?

Agility in individuals refers to the ability to adapt and respond to change effectively and efficiently. It means adjusting quickly to:

• Market conditions
• Customer needs
• Emerging technologies

Agility involves:

• Flexible processes
• Quick decision-making
• Embracing change and innovation

Key Principles of Agile

• Iterative Process – Work delivered in small, manageable cycles
• Collaboration – Strong communication across teams
• Flexibility & Adaptability – Open to change
• Customer Feedback – Frequent input from stakeholders
• Continuous Improvement – Learn and evolve continuously

Why Agile?

Every project brings daily challenges: scope changes, last-minute deliveries, unexpected blockers. Agile helps in mitigating these through:

• Faster Delivery – Short iterations mean quicker output and release cycles
• Improved Quality – Continuous testing, feedback, and refinements
• Customer-Centric Approach – Ongoing engagement ensures relevance
• Greater Flexibility – Agile teams quickly adapt to shifting priorities

When & Where to Apply Agile?

The answer is simple — Now and Everywhere.
Agile isn’t limited to a specific moment or industry. Whenever you experience challenges in:

• Project delivery
• Communication gaps
• Changing requirements

You can incorporate the Agile principles. Agile is valuable in both reactive and proactive problem-solving.

How to Implement Agile?

Applying Agile principles can be a game-changer for both individuals and teams. Here are practical steps that have shown proven results:

• Divide and do—Break down large features into smaller, manageable tasks. Each task should result in a complete, functional piece of work.
• Deliver Incrementally – Ensure that you deliver a working product or feature by the end of each iteration.
• Foster Communication – Encourage frequent collaboration within the team. Regular interactions build trust and increase transparency.
• Embrace Change – Be open to changing requirements. Agile values responsiveness to feedback, enabling better decision-making.
• Engage with Customers – Establish feedback loops with stakeholders to stay aligned with customer needs.

Agile Beyond Software

While Agile originated in software development, its principles can be applied across a range of industries:

• Marketing – Running campaigns with short feedback cycles
• Human Resources – Managing performance and recruitment adaptively
• Operations – Streamlining processes and boosting team responsiveness

Agile is more than a methodology; it’s a culture of continuous improvement that extends across all areas of work and life.

Conclusion

Adopting Agile is not just about following a process but embracing a mindset. When effectively implemented, Agile can significantly elevate an individual’s and team’s ability to:

• Respond to change
• Improve performance
• Enhance collaboration

Whether in software, marketing, HR, or personal development, Agile has the power to transform how we work and grow.

Are you a PM or BA who has been assigned a project or platform that is new to your company? If so, you may find that there’s a learning curve for everything that needs to be executed, especially when it comes to the launch. Not all platforms are the same; they can require different steps to go live. Below is a list of steps I take when creating a launch checklist.

Meet with Your Team

Start by meeting with your team and stakeholders to create a list of action items needed for the launch. Ask each individual what they need to complete, when they need to finish it, and how long it will take. Don’t just focus on activities for the day of the launch; also inquire about tasks that need to be completed in the days, weeks, and even months leading up to it. Remember, there may also be post-launch activities to consider.

List in Order

After compiling your action items, group them into time frames. I like to break them down into categories: one month before launch, two weeks before launch, the day before launch, the day of launch, and post-launch. Work with your team to identify any dependencies between tasks. Some team members may not be able to complete their tasks until others are finished, while some tasks can be done in parallel.

Creating the Checklist

Once you have your list of activities, you’re ready to create a checklist to distribute to your team. Consider including the following fields:

• Name of the task
• Start Date
• End Date
• Duration
• Person Assigned to the Task

Distribute and Notify

After completing your checklist, share it with everyone on your team. It may be helpful to store it in a shared drive where all team members can access and update it. Depending on the activities required, you might also need to contact third parties or vendors to handle certain tasks on their end.

Update Often

As you work through the tasks, ensure that team members are updating the checklist regularly. If you’re focusing on action items to be completed before the launch, it’s a good idea to check in with the team during scrums or status meetings to confirm they are on track to complete everything on time.

Do you have any other tips or ideas on how to approach launch checklists? Feel free to leave a comment!

Mastering the Daily Scrum: A Guide to Effective Agile Meetings

In the fast-paced world of Agile, the Daily Scrum is a critical touchpoint that empowers teams to stay aligned, adapt to changes, and collaborate effectively. Despite its simplicity, this daily meeting often faces challenges that hinder its true potential. In this blog, we’ll explore what the Daily Scrum is, common pitfalls, and practical tips to enhance its effectiveness.

Understanding the Daily Scrum

The Daily Scrum is a short, time-boxed meeting where the development team synchronizes progress and plans the day ahead. It’s a core component of Scrum methodology, designed not as a status update but as a collaborative inspection and adaptation opportunity.

Unlike traditional meetings, the Daily Scrum is not meant for problem-solving or detailed discussions; instead, it focuses on:

• Inspecting progress toward the Sprint Goal
• Adapting the Sprint Backlog
• Identifying potential roadblocks

Key Roles in a Daily Scrum

While the development team leads the conversation, other key stakeholders also play a role:

• Development Team: Owns the responsibility of conducting the Daily Scrum.
• Product Owner: May participate to provide insights into product backlog items.
• Scrum Master: Ensures the meeting’s integrity, fosters discipline, and facilitates effective discussions.
• Stakeholders/Observers: Can attend as silent listeners, ensuring the team remains focused.

Benefits of a Well-Executed Daily Scrum

When done right, the Daily Scrum offers numerous benefits:

• Enhanced Team Cohesion: Fosters a sense of shared responsibility and accountability.
• Quick Issue Identification: Helps identify impediments early.
• Reduced Meetings: Minimizes the need for other status updates.
• Faster Decision-Making: Enables swift, informed decisions.
• Continuous Improvement: Promotes transparency and iterative learning.

Challenges and How to Overcome Them

Despite its advantages, teams often face challenges during the Daily Scrum. Here are some common issues and tips to address them:

• Teams often face challenges during the Daily Scrum. Below are some common issues and actionable solutions:
  • Unpreparedness and Irrelevant Discussions: Stick to the purpose of the meeting.
  • Selection of Questions: Establish clear ground rules.
  • Visualizing the Work: Leverage Scrum boards for transparency.
  • Skipping or Cancelling: Fix the location and time to maintain consistency.
  • Late Joiners and Poor Attendance: Promote attentiveness and punctuality.
  • Distinguishing Blockers from Impediments: Use the ‘parking lot’ approach for unrelated issues.
  • Micromanaging: Encourage creativity and innovation.
  • Lack of Psychological Safety: Recommend video calls for remote teams to foster open communication.

The Quickest Meeting of Scrum

When Daily scrum comes into regular practice, team will feel it facile in sharing the project updates. The duration of this event is always maintained to be 15 minutes and this remains unaffected by any factors such as team size, Sprint duration, phases of the sprint and so on.

Daily Scrum vs. Standup: Understanding the Difference

While often used interchangeably, Daily Scrum and standup meetings differ in purpose and structure. A standup may serve as a general team sync, whereas the Daily Scrum is a focused, goal-oriented Agile practice within the Scrum framework.

Final Thoughts

A successful Daily Scrum isn’t just about following the process—it’s about fostering collaboration, adaptability, and continuous improvement. By embracing the principles of transparency and inspection, teams can unlock their true potential and drive project success.

Remember, the key to an effective Daily Scrum is commitment from the team. Keep it concise, keep it focused, and most importantly, keep it valuable.

Happy Scrumming!

It’s typical to aim for 15-minute Standups, but how many times have your standups gotten side-tracked and suddenly more than a half-hour has gone by? These occurrences are not exactly my cup of tea…

Of course, sometimes topics need to be discussed, and planning a follow-up meeting will only slow down or delay resolution.

It’s important to keep Standups on-topic, and if run effectively, consider taking time after the Standup (I like to call it a Stay-After) with a smaller audience to cover “Tea-time” topics:

• T: Tabled discussions.
• E: Expectation setting.
• A: Addressing blockers.

Why have a Stay-After

Likely, Standup meetings have all members of a team in attendance. To make the best use of everyone’s time, staying after Standup is a great opportunity to have a smaller, focused discussion with only the relevant team members. Typically, a Stay-After meeting is used to cover time-sensitive topics – “TEA”:

• Tabled discussions: These are conversations that perhaps went too long during Standup and need to be continued once everyone else completes their updates.
• Expectations: Often, the project manager or another team member may have process changes or other announcements to make to the team or specific team members, making a Stay-After an ideal time to communicate those quick updates.
• Addressing blockers: Part of Standup is that team members escalate any blockers they are facing on an assignment. A Stay-After is also a good opportunity to troubleshoot or help provide clarifications to help unblock the team member.

Determining the agenda for a Stay-After

Stay-After meetings can be planned or unplanned.

Planned topics typically come up during the prior workday. These are usually if a team member requires some clarification of a work assignment, or, to share information. The project manager can send an invite immediately following the next standup that contains the necessary attendees and agenda.

Unplanned topics typically arise during the Standup itself because of one of these scenarios:

• A team member requests other specific team members to stay-back after the Standup for a specific topic.
• A team member requires help to troubleshoot a technical blocker.
• The project manager requests specific team members stay-back after the Standup if they recognize that a conversation is going too long.

It’s not uncommon that there may be both planned and unplanned topics for a Stay-After. The PM or team needs to determine which topics to give priority to for that specific day and time. De-prioritized topics may need to be addressed as part of a different meeting or as part of the next day’s Stay-After.

Running an effective Stay-After

Like actual Standups, there is likely only limited time available to hold a Stay-After. Consider these tips to make sure the time is used most efficiently:

• Keep the conversation on-topic. Keep the focus on what decisions or help is needed.
• If you find that a conversation requires more time or team members who are not in attendance, pause and plan a dedicated meeting for that topic.
• Record any quick decisions or action items and move on to the next topic, if applicable.
• Allow team members to drop off the call if the remaining topics are no longer relevant to them.

In Summary

Taking advantage of Standup Stay-After “Tea-time” is a great way to make sure that all team members get a chance to participate in the daily Standups, but, also allow time-sensitive topics to be addressed without delay. Consider these tips at your next Standup, and it will help get your team started off to a tea-rrific day.

Every development team knows the frustration of juggling competing priorities, misaligned goals, and shifting customer needs. Agile backlog items serve as the cornerstone of order in this chaos, shaping how efficiently teams can deliver value and adapt to change. Each stage, from initial creation to final delivery, directly impacts the team’s ability to adapt to changes and prioritize tasks effectively, ensuring streamlined progress. By examining this lifecycle, teams can identify obstacles and improve their processes, ultimately leading to better product outcomes.

Backlog items undergo several phases, including discovery, refinement, prioritization, and execution. Each phase requires collaboration among team members to ensure that the items align with project goals and customer needs. Recognizing the significance of these stages fosters a culture of continuous improvement and adaptability.

Grasping the lifecycle of backlog items empowers teams to work smarter by optimizing their focus on high-value tasks. Understanding these dynamics creates opportunities for better planning and development, making it an essential topic for anyone involved in Agile methodologies.

Conceptualizing the Agile Backlog

The Agile backlog is a crucial element in planning and executing project phases. Understanding its definition, purpose, structure, and types provides a foundation for effective backlog management.

Definition and Purpose

The Agile backlog refers to a dynamic list of tasks, features, requirements, and fixes that are prioritized for development. Its primary purpose is to organize work for the team, ensuring that the most valuable items are addressed first. The backlog is not static; it continuously evolves based on feedback, findings, and shifting priorities.

Stakeholders and team members collaborate to refine the backlog, ensuring it aligns with project goals. By clearly defining and prioritizing items, the backlog helps streamline project progress and enhance productivity. It serves as a roadmap that the team follows during sprints, maintaining focus on delivering value.

Backlog Structure and Types

An Agile backlog typically consists of structured items, categorized by priority and type. Common types of backlogs include the Product Backlog and Sprint Backlog.

• Product Backlog: This is a comprehensive list that encompasses all desired features and requirements for the final product. It serves as the single source of truth for the development team.
• Sprint Backlog: This subset focuses specifically on items selected for a particular sprint. It includes tasks that the team commits to completing within the sprint.

The backlog structure usually includes attributes such as description, priority, estimated effort, and status. Organizing items this way aids in transparency and clarity, allowing teams to quickly assess current workload and progress.

Managing Backlog Items

Effective management of backlog items is vital for the success of Agile projects, as it lays the groundwork for efficient delivery. This process involves creating, refining, prioritizing, estimating, and eventually including items in sprint planning. Each component plays an integral role in ensuring that teams can deliver maximum value.

Creation and Refinement

Backlog items typically begin as user stories, epics, or tasks. User stories should capture a singular requirement from the user’s perspective, promoting clarity and focus. This can involve stakeholders who contribute ideas, ensuring alignment with project goals.

Refinement occurs in regular intervals, often called refinement meetings. During these sessions, the team reviews items to clarify requirements, assess dependencies, and determine their size and complexity. Adding acceptance criteria is essential to set clear expectations for delivery.

Prioritization Techniques

Prioritization ensures that the team focuses on delivering the highest value items first, maximizing impact and efficiency. Techniques like the MoSCoW method classify items into four categories: Must have, Should have, Could have, and Won’t have. This approach fosters structured decision-making.

Another popular technique is the Kano Model, which helps teams evaluate features based on customer satisfaction. Items are categorized as basic, performance, or excitement features, guiding prioritization based on user needs.

Implementing these techniques aids in managing backlog items more effectively, ensuring alignment with business objectives.

Estimation and Grooming

Estimation involves predicting the effort required to complete backlog items. Teams often use story points to assess the relative complexity and effort necessary. This allows teams to gauge their velocity more accurately.

Grooming involves continuously assessing items for clarity and relevance. During grooming sessions, items can be broken down further, dependencies identified, and outdated items removed. Regular grooming keeps the backlog manageable and focused.

These practices mitigate the risk of bloated backlogs and unmanageable workloads.

Sprint Planning Inclusion

Items selected for sprint planning should align with the team’s capacity and goals. During sprint planning, the team discusses which backlog items can be realistically achieved in the upcoming sprint. Factors considered include item priority, team velocity, and resource availability.

Clear communication is essential, especially in aligning expectations and ensuring accountability across the team. Each team member should understand the rationale behind item selection to foster commitment and accountability. Additionally, ensuring that items have well-defined acceptance criteria supports smoother execution during the sprint.

By focusing on these aspects, teams can manage backlog items effectively, leading to successful project outcomes. Our team of Product Development consultants is here to help you optimize your Agile processes and achieve exceptional results. Interested in learning more? Contact us today to explore how we can support your journey.

“If your actions inspire others to dream more, learn more, do more, and become more, then you are a leader” – John Quincy Adams

 I have always thought that the word LEADERSHIP is a word of great proportions, not only because of the union of its 10 vowels and consonants but also because of the background that entails being a true leader.

Becoming an agile leader in an increasingly volatile, uncertain, complex, and ambiguous environment (a term known as VUCA 3) is a whole new challenge for those of us who are immersed in the wonderful world of “project management.” Taking advantage of this space, I would like to share some tips on agile leadership.

6 Tips for Agile Leadership

1. Moving From an “Ego-system” to a “Healthy Ecosystem”

Jordi Alemany, in his article “The Key to Transforming an Ego-system into a Healthy Ecosystem,” published on LinkedIn, warns of the risks of working in an ego-system instead of seeking to generate a healthy ecosystem for working with other people to create innovative solutions:

“In an ego-system, unlike in a healthy ecosystem, social interactions are characterized by unfair competition and an absolute lack of trust and collaboration.

Egosystems hinder the development of talent and the competitive capacity of organizations since the people who live in them lose all their focus and consume their energy in internal conflicts” (Alemany, 2023).

Thus, based on the above premise, I recommend that new and current agile leaders assume the responsibility of becoming true leaders who serve the team and leave their ego behind the project’s entrance door.

On the other hand, Belen Maspoli’s article “5 Keys to Leading with Agility: Driving Transformation and Organizational Success” provides valuable advice that I think is prudent to address.

2. Fostering Collaboration and Autonomy

According to Peter G. Northouse, leadership is moving from the leader as the “boss” who must be obeyed and respected—a practice that prevailed in the 1920s—to “the leader as an authentic, adaptive person at the service of others ” (Northouse, 2015).

Therefore, leaders must foster psychological safety among teams so that they feel free to express their ideas without guilt, make decisions, and assume responsibility. This increases the chances of improving creativity and innovation and, therefore, team results.

3. Promote Effective Communication

It is said that “life happens in a conversation,” and 99.9% of misunderstandings and problems should be solved through good communication. The same applies to agile teams, where clear and open communication can help us stay in the game, anticipate possible risks, build trust, and improve collaboration. However, it is not only about communicating but also about learning to actively listen and act accordingly.

If you have doubts about the impact of communication on the success of organizations, according to David Grossman in his study ‘The Cost of Poor Communications’ “four hundred companies with more than 100,000 employees revealed that in 2016 they had average losses of 62.4 million dollars annually due to inadequate communication towards and between employees” (Grossman, 2016).

4. Embrace Change and Experimentation

“The only constant is change.” It could be read as a cliché, but we now live in an increasingly dynamic world that demands quick adaptation. As leaders and teams, we need to change our concept of error and embrace mistakes as the best opportunity to improve and learn. Leaders see error as those small steps to success and lose the fear of it. “The biggest mistake a person can make is to be afraid of making a mistake” (Elbert Hubbard).

5. Leading by Example

This is an easy phrase to read but sometimes challenging to follow. To become a truly agile leader, congruence between what you think, say, and do is necessary. Remember that words convince, but actions drag.

6. Promote Continuous Learning

If the world constantly changes, our cognitive abilities cannot remain static. The agile leader must acquire new skills and knowledge to respond to change and learn from others. Here, I pause to tell you what I am experiencing today. With the rise of artificial intelligence, I am becoming fascinated by the practices and tools for project management. This is what is coming, and we must train ourselves in it.

I could discuss improving agile leadership, but I’ll save a bit for future posts.

I hope these tips can help you improve your daily performance. Trust your leadership; even when you don’t see it, believe it.

Glossary:

VUCA: Acronym for Volatility, Uncertainty, Complexity and Ambiguity. VUCA model defines the current environment in which companies must thrive. New project managers must thus be able to change while maintaining what makes the project and the organization unique.

Bibliography:

• María Alonso. (December 19, 2024). VUCA environments: project management in a changing world. Retrieved from https://asana.com/es/resources/vuca
• Jordi Alemany . (July 9, 2023). The Key to Transforming an “Egosystem” into a Healthy Ecosystem . Retrieved from https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/la-clave-para-transformar-un-egosistema-en-ecosistema-jordi-alemany/?trackingId=nuk6R5XgTR%2BzXAyR43caGQ%3D%3D 
• Peter G. Northouse, leadership, Theory and Practice (2015).
• David Grossman. (February 18th, 2016). The Cost of Poor Communication. Retrieved from https://www.shrm.org/topics-tools/news/organizational-employee-development/cost-poor-communicat