Best of 2024 #4 – Agile vs. Waterfall: Stop Practicing Agile Theater w/ John Cutler

Best of 2024 #4 – Agile vs. Waterfall: Stop Practicing Agile Theater w/ John Cutler

Author: Yaniv Bernstein and Chris Saad January 6, 2025 Duration: 34:50

As we head into 2025, we're looking back on our most popular episodes of 2024. This episode was originally published on July 29, 2024.

Are you shipping faster than you learn, or learning faster than you ship? Learn the risks of practicing "agile" theater and iterating your product without direction.

On this week's episode, product legend John Cutler joins Chris Saad and Yaniv Bernstein to discuss:

  • Why so many teams get Agile wrong
  • Pros and cons of Agile vs. Waterfall
  • The dangers of practicing Agile by the book vs. based on experience
  • Combining Agile and Waterfall: “Wagile”
  • Book Recommendation: How Big Things Get Done
  • The importance of planning and strategic vision

If you're ready to get things done while avoiding iterative dead-ends, this episode is for you.

Book Recommendation Link: ⁠https://a.co/d/f4NWJDA⁠ 

The Pact

Honour The Startup Podcast Pact! If you have listened to TSP and gotten value from it, please:

Key links

Learn more about Chris and Yaniv

Credits

Editor: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Justin McArthur⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Content Strategist: ⁠Carolina Franco⁠

Intro Voice: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Jeremiah Owyang⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠


For founders tired of abstract theory and looking for the concrete mechanics of building a high-growth company, The Startup Podcast offers a direct line to actionable knowledge. Hosts Yaniv Bernstein and Chris Saad bypass the usual interview format to deliver focused masterclasses and tactical advice drawn from their own decades in the trenches. Each episode digs into a specific challenge, whether it's navigating the nuances of raising Venture Capital, refining product strategy, or engineering sustainable growth. This isn't about general inspiration; it's a practical guide to adopting the distinct mindset and operational approaches that fuel Silicon Valley-style disruption. Listeners will find a clear roadmap covering the essential pillars: strategy, marketing, product development, and beyond. By consistently translating complex concepts into executable steps, this podcast serves as a vital resource for entrepreneurs determined to move beyond idea and into execution. Bernstein and Saad's combined experience provides a trusted foundation, making each session feel like a focused workshop aimed at building something that truly changes the game.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 100

The Startup Podcast
Podcast Episodes
Reviewing Our 2025 Tech Predictions [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 40:22
Were we wildly wrong, or surprisingly on the money? As 2025 wraps, Chris and Yaniv revisit the bold predictions they made at the start of the year. They reflect on their calls about AI, robotics, VC markets, crypto, and…
Trends in Startup Funding w/ Carta's Head of Insights, Peter Walker [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:06:09
Looking to fund your startup? If you're new to the process, fundraising can be difficult to navigate. Not only are there a myriad of ways to go about it, but it can be hard to tell whether the tips, tricks, and advice fl…
The 4 Biggest Execution Mistakes Founders Make [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 43:01
Think you’re executing well? Think again. Chances are you’re making one of these four common mistakes.Drawing from Chris’s latest essay and real-world advisory experience, Chris and Yaniv spend this episode breaking down…