The distinction of Scrum is the product owner; a keystone that is supported by the pillars of the team and strategic management. Whilst it offers opportunity for radical change, my observations have shown that there is a literal application of rules, unsustainable practices, and ineffective attitude towards product ownership, inclusive of the team. The end is nothing less than product owner burnout. I will share practices that I have learned from experience, that deviate from the norm, but leads to product ownership that tries to restore a balance of strategy, tactics and product development.

Successful, outsourced, agile software delivery is not just a function of the capability of the vendor team. Clients (buyers) have to play along. This talk will explore some anti-patterns of client behavior with respect to how they outsource. All too often, vendors simply put up with the situation for fear of losing business. This is turn often results in delivery failure. This talk will also provide some recommendations for influencing client behavior for a better overall result.