Author name: Johanna

I help you identify and solve the problems that prevent you from releasing systems, hiring the right people, deciding which project to work on next. I take a pragmatic approach: what will work best for you, now? Some people call me a focuser. Some call me an accelerator. When I work with people, first we define our goal together. Typically, it's to get a better product out the door faster. I work with my clients to help managers figure out how to do the managing better, and how the technical contributors can contribute better, not to create a by-the-book system. I work with you, your staff, and your current product development practices. Together, we learn what works well for you and what doesn't. I believe in changing only what needs to be changed at the current time, to maximize your success. We work together to develop a blueprint for the future, and to build in capacity to recognize and implement change.

management, MPD

Why We Continue Our Quest for Silver Bullets

For years, managers have been trying to find ways to make software product development faster and easier. As an industry, we’ve tried tons of things. Here are just the one I’ve experienced in the 70s, 80s, 90s: Structured Analysis and Design. (That was the precursor to Big Design Up Front.) The SEI’s Capability Maturity Model […]

MPD, podcast

2024.08 Short Mystery Story 2

Today’s 60 seconds of WIP is part of a mystery short story. Enjoy! Listen here: Transcript: I’m Johanna Rothman, and this is 60 Seconds of Johanna’s WIP for February 23, 2024, where I read an excerpt of just a minute of some writing in progress. This excerpt is from a short mystery story. That’s when

newsletter

Three Tips to Focus to Deliver Better Products Faster

Susan, a new-to-the-company program manager, could not understand why Product A was so late. The teams used a well-known agile approach. They weren’t working on anything else except for production support. Yet, even though the teams worked hard, not one team could meet any of their deadlines. The teams were unhappy with their progress. They

MPD, podcast

2024.07 Short Mystery Story

This is from a short mystery story. Enjoy! The Transcript: I’m Johanna Rothman, and this is 60 Seconds of Johanna’s WIP for February 16, 2024, where I read an excerpt of just a minute of some writing in progress. This excerpt is from a short mystery story. The food court buzzed with happy diners, eating

MPD, podcast

2024.06 Design Your Presentation

This week, my podcast has what I just wrote in the speaking book. Enjoy! The transcript: I’m Johanna Rothman, and this is 60 Seconds of Johanna’s WIP for February 9, 2024, where I read an excerpt of just a minute of some writing in progress. This excerpt is from the speaking book, as yet untitled.

MPD, podcast

2024.05 Thriller Fiction Short Story

This week’s 60 seconds is from a thriller short story I sold to Thriller Magazine. The transcript: I’m Johanna Rothman, and this is 60 Seconds of Johanna’s WIP for February 2, 2024, where I read an excerpt of just a minute of some writing in progress. This excerpt is from my story in Thrill Ride

MPD, podcast

2024.04 Valentine’s Is Nutso

While I’m continuing this experiment, I’m also considering a different name for this podcast. If you have suggestions, let me know. Thanks. I have cycled to start this story in a different place. Enjoy! The transcript: I’m Johanna Rothman, and this is 60 Seconds of Johanna’s WIP for January 25, 2024, where I read an

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