Jim Highsmith on Reimagining Agility in an AI World

In this special episode of AI Today, recorded live at Agile2025, hosts Kathleen Walch and Avinash Dhanraj sit down with Agile Manifesto co-author and Agile pioneer Jim Highsmith to explore the intersection of AI and agility in the enterprise.

This episode kicks off the AI Today Agile & AI mini-series, focusing on how organizations can stay adaptive in an era of rapid technological change. Jim shares insights from decades of leadership at the forefront of agile, what it means to “manage both people and bots,” and why the next generation of enterprise agility needs to evolve beyond prescriptive frameworks.

Tune in to hear about:

• The evolving meaning of “enterprise agility” in the age of AI
• Why “individuals and interactions over processes and tools” still holds true—with a twist
• The critical difference between adaptive and prescriptive agility
• How AI reshapes collaboration, measurement, and leadership responsibilities
• The role of storytelling and inspiration in successful transformation

Whether you're a seasoned agile coach, project or program manager, transformation leader, or navigating the complexities of implementing AI, this conversation delivers wisdom, caution, and inspiration in equal measure.

Forward-Thinking and Grounded

Jim Highsmith offers a thoughtful take on agility in the context of AI. His reflections invite us to consider how leadership and systems might evolve as intelligent tools become more collaborative and adaptive. A solid listen for anyone shaping the future of work.