🚀 Episode 12 of the Vale & Mark Podcast 🚀Blockers happen. Whether it’s a Daily Standup, Sprint Review, or Retrospective, teams hit roadblocks that slow everything down. But what if you had a partner that could help clear those blockers faster than ever?In this episode, Vale and Mark dive into how AI can transform Agile ceremonies—from identifying and resolving blockers on the spot to keeping teams focused and productive. We explore:✅ How AI can analyze blockers in real-time✅ Ways to reduce wasted time in Daily Standups✅ Practical examples of AI assisting Scrum Masters & Product Owners✅ What AI can (and can’t) do when it comes to collaborationIf you’ve ever sat through a meeting thinking, “This blocker again?”—this episode is for you.🎙️ Listen in as we mix Agile coaching with improv-style curiosity and explore how teams can collaborate better with AI.📌 Subscribe for more episodes of the Vale & Mark Podcast:👉 https://YouTube.com/@MarkSCarroll💬 Join the conversation:How has your team handled blockers—and do you see AI playing a role in the future? Drop your thoughts in the comments!Find effective advice on leveraging AI to resolve blockers here:https://theaicounselor.substack.com/#Agile #AI #Scrum #ValeAndMarkPodcast #Teamwork #Collaboration #CollaborateBetter #CollaborateWithMark

🎙️ Episode 11 – AI + Agile = Better Teams 🚀 | Vale and Mark PodcastWhat happens when you mix the adaptability of Agile with the power of AI automation? You get teams that don’t just work—they elevate.In this episode of the Vale and Mark Podcast, we explore how AI can supercharge your Sprint Retrospectives by turning insights into action. From automating follow-ups to streamlining recurring tasks, AI helps teams close the loop and improve iteratively, sprint after sprint.💡 You’ll learn:How AI tools can capture retrospective insights and feed them directly into your backlogWays automation reduces friction and boosts accountability (URLs Below!)Practical examples of AI helping teams continuously level up collaborationWhether you’re a Scrum Master, Agile Coach, or just a curious team player, this episode is packed with actionable takeaways to help your team go from talking about improvement to actually living it.👉 Watch now and discover how AI + Agile

Microsoft Power Automate (within Microsoft 365)Power Automate – Getting StartedLearn how to build workflows across your favorite apps—sync files, send notifications, collect data—all without code. https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/power-automate/getting-startedPower Automate Tutorial for Beginners (YouTube)A simple, step-by-step video walkthrough that shows you exactly how to set up your first flow. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dDO4Y4aDYXwCreate Cloud Flows with Copilot (Tutorial)Learn how to generate automated workflows using natural language with Copilot—super approachable for beginners. https://learn.microsoft.com/en-gb/power-automate/get-started-with-cloud-flowsExcel Macros (Automation Made Simple)How to Use Macros in Excel – Step‑by‑Step GuideA beginner-friendly walkthrough to recording and running macros. Great starting point. https://excelx.com/vba/how-to-use-macros/Excel Macros with Examples – GeeksforGeeksDetailed, pDetailed, practical examples and clear explanations to help you grasp macros quickly. https://www.geeksforgeeks.org/excel/macros-in-excel/

Jira & Confluence AutomationUse Automation in Confluence (Atlassian)Build “Smart Buttons” on your pages to automate actions—no coding required. https://community.atlassian.com/learning/lesson/use-automation-in-confluenceReduce Admin Work with Jira Automation (Atlassian Community Course)

Learn how to set up automation rules—from simple to advanced—that save time and keep your projects consistent. https://community.atlassian.com/learning/course/reduce-administrative-work-with-automationLink Confluence Pages with Jira Issues AutomaticallyLearn to automate linking Jira tickets to related Confluence content using smart rules. https://community.atlassian.com/forums/Automation-articles/Jira-Automation-Linking-a-Confluence-page-with-Jira-issues/ba-p/2898621Power BI – Scheduled Data RefreshConfigure Scheduled Refresh – Microsoft LearnMake sure your dashboards are always up-to-date—this official guide walks you through every step. https://www.tableau.com/blog/tableau-pulse-and-tableau-aiStep‑by‑Step Guide: Setup Scheduled Refresh in Power BI

Great for beginners who want to automate their reporting updates. https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/power-bi/connect-data/refresh-scheduled-refresh

Tableau Automation & Data PrepStarter Tips: Tableau Prep Conductor AutomationLearn how to schedule, monitor, and automate your data prep workflows—no manual updates necessary. https://www.tableau.com/blog/starter-tips-automating-and-monitoring-flows-tableau-prep-conductor-104681GROOT: Custom Automated Insights in TableauExplore advanced AI-enabled analytics in Tableau to automate insight generation. https://www.tableau.com/blog/tableau-research-default-customizing-automated-data-insights-grootAI-Powered Tableau SemanticsSee how AI enriches your data and accelerates insight discovery in Tableau. https://www.tableau.com/blog/ai

🎙️ Episode 10 – Is GPT-5 the AI Titanic?!? 🚢🤯 | Vale & Mark PodcastEpisode 10 of the Vale and Mark Podcast marks our first full voyage with GPT-5 at the helm — and spoiler alert: there are no icebergs in sight.This time, Mark takes the newly upgraded AI out for a real-world conversational spin. We laugh at the overblown panic from the “AI is doomed!” crowd, explore what’s actually changed in GPT-5, and share why the sky isn’t falling (nor is the server). Expect a mix of genuine insights, playful banter, and the occasional lifeboat joke.🎧 Listen now: YouTube | Spotify | Substack📚 Pre-order the book: Collaborate Better: From Silos to Synergy – How to Build Unstoppable Teams → https://CollaborateBetter.us📢 Subscribe & Follow: YouTube: Collaborate With Mark Substack: Collaborate With Mark S. Carroll Podcast Feed: Spotify | Apple Podcasts 'Collaborate With Mark'If you enjoy this episode, share it with a friend, your favorite collaboration skeptic, or anyone convinced GPT-5 is secretly rearranging deck chairs. 🚢✨