This Year's Theme:
From Mindset to Heart-set

From Mindset to Heartset: The Future of Agile Lies in Connection

For years, the Agile world has been deeply immersed in processes, frameworks, and methodologies. We’ve experimented, implemented, and iterated with dedication, hoping these tools would deliver transformation. And yet, time and again, we've learned something profound: processes alone are not enough. Without the right mindset—a willingness to experiment, embrace failure, and continuously learn—no framework can deliver lasting change.

But there’s more to the story. Agile is at a crossroads. We’re seeing waves of layoffs, abandoned change initiatives, and declarations that “Agile is dead.” In times like these, it’s tempting to focus on what’s “wrong” with our methods or models. But perhaps the missing piece isn’t just mindset—it’s heartset.

What is Heartset?

Heartset is about what drives us, inspires us, and connects us at the deepest level. It’s about the human aspect of our work—our passions, dreams, fears, and aspirations. Agile, at its core, is about collaboration. It’s about solving complex problems together in ways that processes and tools alone can’t achieve. And true collaboration requires more than just frameworks and skills. It demands connection. It requires us to show up fully—human to human—with our hearts wide open.

When we bring our whole selves to the work we do, something magical happens. We create a shared heart space, where our individual experiences, feelings, and dreams mingle to create something greater than the sum of their parts. It’s here—in this space—that innovation, trust, and true agility are born.

Why Now?

In a world where everything that can be automated will be, the one thing machines and AI cannot replicate is the ability to truly connect. They can’t empathize. They can’t share passion or build relationships that stand the test of complexity and uncertainty. This is where we, as human beings, hold the edge.

The future of Agile isn’t about perfecting frameworks; it’s about perfecting connection. It’s about building communities, creating relationships, and forming the support networks that help us navigate change. It’s about people—learning together, growing together, and feeling seen, heard, and supported.

Open Space: The Perfect Forum for Heartset

We believe there’s no better way to explore the intersection of mindset and heartset than in an Open Space environment. Open Space is self-organizing. It’s communal. It’s a space where everyone can contribute, connect, and explore what truly matters.

This year’s Agile Open California invites you to step into this space and explore:

• What does it mean to truly connect in an Agile world?

• How can we bring more of our hearts—our feelings, passions, and dreams—into our work?

• How can we build the communities and relationships we need to thrive?

At “From Mindset to Heartset”, you’ll have the opportunity to meet like-minded, passionate people, engage in conversations that matter to you, and walk away with new relationships and insights to carry forward in your Agile journey.

The Agile journey never ends—it evolves. And as long as we show up with our hearts open and find our tribe, we’re ready for whatever comes next.

Come Join Us

Let’s move beyond frameworks. Let’s explore what it truly means to be Agile—not just in process, but in heart. 

Join us at Agile Open California and set your heart on a new future of collaboration, innovation, and connection.

Together, we can shape the next evolution of Agile.

Save the Date. Bring Your Heart. Be Part of the Future.

Special thanks to PG&E for sponsoring our location and meals !

We look forward to seeing you!