James Trunk: From Agile to Shape Up - Lessons Learned in Product Development

Matt Warcholinski, co-founder of Brainhub interviews James Trunk, VP of Engineering at Griffin.

00:00 Introduction to Feedback Culture
Matt introduces the topic of fostering a strong feedback culture with James Trunk, highlighting the importance of effective management in integrated product and engineering.

00:16 The 5% 30% Rule Explained
James discusses the 5% 30% rule, emphasizing the significance of seeking feedback early in the development process to enhance collaboration and improve outcomes.

02:13 The Importance of Early Feedback
The conversation delves into why early feedback is crucial for both giving and receiving perspectives, using relatable analogies to illustrate the concept.

03:25 Product Delivery Secrets
James shares insights into their unique approach to product delivery at Griffin, transitioning from standard agile to a method called Shape Up, inspired by Basecamp.

04:01 Understanding Shape Up
The discussion focuses on the dual-track process of shaping and building work, explaining how this method addresses common pitfalls in traditional agile practices.

06:07 Innovative Phases in Product Development
James elaborates on the additional phases they’ve implemented in their process, such as discovery and architecting, to enhance the efficiency and quality of their product development.

10:02 Challenges of Iteration in a Regulated Industry
The conversation highlights the unique challenges of experimenting and iterating within the highly regulated banking industry, contrasting it with typical startup environments.

11:10 The Correct Contrarian Philosophy
James introduces the concept of being a ‘correct contrarian,’ advocating for innovative thinking that diverges from conventional practices to achieve exceptional results.

15:19 Navigating Risks in Innovation
The discussion emphasizes the balance between taking risks and adhering to common wisdom, particularly in the startup landscape where disruption is often necessary.

16:15 The Scale Challenge in Leadership
James shares insights on the challenges of maintaining company culture while scaling, emphasizing the importance of hiring aligned with core values.

19:02 Symbiotic Relationships in Engineering
The conversation explores how Griffin fosters a collaborative relationship between product and engineering teams, breaking down silos for better outcomes.

22:15 Principles Over Process
James discusses the importance of prioritizing principles over rigid processes, advocating for alignment on goals to foster creativity and autonomy within teams.

25:05 Building Products in Fintech vs. Other Industries
The conversation contrasts the product development processes in the fintech industry with other sectors, highlighting the regulatory challenges faced by banks.

28:46 Automated Testing and Quality Assurance
James elaborates on the significance of automated testing in ensuring quality and stability in banking products, discussing various testing methodologies employed at Griffin.

30:00 Cultural Challenges of Growth
James reflects on the cultural challenges that arise as Griffin scales, emphasizing the need to maintain a strong sense of identity and belonging among employees.

32:02 Proud Moments and Lessons Learned
James shares a proud achievement from his career involving an open-source project, discussing the satisfaction of seeing it adopted by others in the industry.

34:38 Recommendations for Leaders
In closing, James provides recommendations for books and resources that have influenced his leadership journey, emphasizing the importance of continuous learning.