with Norie Ape.
Between Two Worlds explores how cognitive diversity and cultural intelligence can transform Agile teams from simply delivering faster to genuinely innovating together. Drawing on her experience as a Sāmoan-born, Auckland-raised Product Owner and Tech Explainerer, Norie Ape shares how growing up between cultures shaped her approach to leadership, collaboration, and delivery.
In this session, Norie introduces talanoa as a Pasifika practice of open, respectful dialogue that strengthens relationships and collective understanding. Through this lens, she connects Sāmoan values such as fa’aaloalo (respect), alofa (care), and lotonuu (loyalty and integrity) to Agile principles of trust, reflection, and continuous improvement. These cultural values closely align with whakawhanaungatanga in Te Ao Māori, the process of building shared connection and purpose.
Participants will hear real stories from digital transformation programmes across education, government, and enterprise, showing how inclusive thinking and relational leadership help teams thrive. Norie will also introduce two practical approaches: a quick “Diversity of Thought Sprint Check” that helps teams surface missing perspectives, and a “Talanoa Inspired Retrospective” that deepens trust and creativity by replacing critique with conversation.
Aligned with the Evolve theme, this talk invites Agile practitioners to move beyond process and rediscover the human side of agility: empathy, curiosity, and courage. It is a reminder that innovation does not come from thinking alike, but from thinking together
Learning outcomes
- Understand how cognitive diversity and cultural intelligence strengthen Agile teams by improving collaboration, decision-making, and innovation.
- Learn how talanoa, a Pasifika practice of open and respectful dialogue, aligns with whakawhanaungatanga and Agile principles to create inclusive, high-trust team environments.
- Gain a practical tool, the Diversity of Thought Sprint Check, a quick method for surfacing missing perspectives and reducing groupthink during delivery cycles.
- Experience how a Talanoa Inspired Retrospective can replace traditional critique with conversation, fostering psychological safety and creativity.
- Leave with new language and techniques to help teams think together rather than think alike, building a more human, values-driven approach to agility