On October 27–28, 2025, Kozminski University (ALK) in Warsaw successfully hosted two exclusive Agile Masterclasses designed for managers, project leaders, and portfolio managers aiming to strengthen their leadership skills and deepen their understanding of agile practices. Both sessions were delivered in a hybrid format, bringing together participants from both the academic and business sectors.

Day 1 – Agile Project Management in Practice

The first masterclass, led by Oleksandr Prokopiv, an expert with over 12 years of experience and more than 300 delivered projects, offered participants an in-depth look at the differences between predictive (Waterfall) and agile delivery approaches. Real-case examples from IT, finance, and pharmaceuticals helped illustrate how teams can effectively transition between methodologies.

A highlight of the session was the discussion on hybrid delivery models, where participants worked through practical scenarios combining traditional and agile techniques. Prokopiv also shared valuable lessons learned from agile transformations, emphasizing the importance of clear roles, communication, and continuous learning.

Participants gained insights into the differences between Project and Product Management, including the SAFe framework, and received practical recommendations on certifications and professional development.

Day 2 – Agile Leadership with Kanban

The second masterclass was facilitated by Ewa Mika, an experienced Kanban Coach and lecturer at Kozminski University. Through an engaging Kanban simulation game, participants experienced firsthand the dynamics of flow management, identified bottlenecks, and learned how to optimize processes using a data-driven approach.

The workshop covered the application of Kanban principles across various environments—from product teams to service and project organizations. Mika presented several case studies, including Agile House Building, demonstrating how work visualization and capacity management can significantly improve team efficiency.

Key Takeaways

Both masterclasses provided participants with practical tools and actionable frameworks that can be immediately applied in their organizations—from optimizing processes and structuring team work to leading complex projects in agile environments.

We were especially pleased to welcome members of the 4InnoPipe2 project consortium, who actively contributed to discussions and enriched the sessions with their perspectives on innovation and agile practices.