Category: Conferences & Talks

Panel Discussion about Agentic Testing with LeadDev

Nishi Grover GargLeave a comment

Still buzzing from yesterday’s Panel discussion at LeadDev on “Are You Ready for Agentic Testing?”

https://leaddev.com/event/are-you-ready-for-agentic-testing

We unpacked some powerful themes there:

↩️ What agentic testing really is and How is it shifting testing from scripted execution to adaptive, autonomous quality.

🚧 How do you give agents sufficient context, guardrails, guidance to make them effective

🚐 Practical ways to integrate testing agents directly into our workflows.

🌵 A risks vs benefits analysis of using more autonomous agents & what it means for testers today!

I loved the depth of conversation, the questions, and the energy in the room! We got some amazing questions online from the participants, and the conversation continued on the slack channel later too.

A huge thank you to LeadDev for hosting and to my fellow panelists Richard Bradshaw Vernon Richards and Dan Belcher and our host Amanda Sopkin for putting together such a meaningful, future-focused discussion.

Always a privilege to share space with people pushing the boundaries of quality engineering!

#AgenticTesting #SoftwareTesting #QualityEngineering #Agile #DevOps #AIinTesting #ContinuousDelivery #TestAutomation #LeadDev #AI #AIDiscussions

Conducting an Agile Workshop Series at work

Nishi Grover GargLeave a comment

Over the last three weeks, I had the opportunity to run a series of Agile workshops for my team — an experience filled with learning, collaboration, reflection, and plenty of fun moments.

I spent my first few weeks exploring how we work today, what’s possible tomorrow, and how we can evolve our ways of working using agile thinking. And when it was time to get ideas to practice, we needed more hands on deck! That is when we created our ‘Agile Guild’ – a core team who would not only help plan and conduct the workshops but also help align all team members to the core principles as and when needed.

🐝 Together with our newly formed Agile Guild, we explored where we are today and where we want to go as an agile organization.

🦄 We brought in new concepts tailored to our context, introduced working in Agile Pods and even reimagined how we use JIRA — moving beyond traditional sprint management — to a setup that truly fits the way our teams operate!

💡 Workshop 1: Deep-dive into our existing processes, pain points, and failures — followed by Agile fundamentals to build a strong base.
🚀 Workshop 2: Our recommended implementation plan using Agile Pods, and strategic discussions on how we can transform the way we deliver.
📊 Workshop 3: Hands-on introduction to JIRA Plans, and how we’ll use it to create clarity, alignment, and predictability across our pods.

🐬 From insightful discussions to hands-on team activities, the sessions sparked great energy and alignment.

🦋 What I loved most was the energy — team activities, honest conversations, shared learning moments, and a clear roadmap for what comes next.

🪴 Feeling grateful for the engagement, the curiosity, and the collective commitment to continuous improvement. Excited for what’s next! ✨

P.S. – The iconic view in this room was the icing on the cake! 🙂

(What you see – The landmark Erasmus Bridge of Rotterdam over the serene waters)

#Agile #AgileTransformation #AgileLeadership #ScrumMaster #TeamLearning #ContinuousImprovement #WaysOfWorking #JIRA #WorkshopFacilitation #LeadershipInTech #AgileCoaching

Speaking at LeadDev Panel Discussion: How Cloud-Native Teams Test at AI-Powered Velocity 🚀

Nishi Grover GargLeave a comment

What an honor it was to join the panel discussion hosted by LeadDev this week—alongside brilliant minds like Ole Lensmar, @Varun Awasthi, and our amazing & talented moderator Heidi Waterhouse.


Event Link: https://leaddev.com/event/how-teams-test-at-ai-powered-velocity


We tackled one of the most pressing questions in software today: How do we maintain quality and developer experience when velocity is being pushed to its limits—especially with AI tools accelerating the pace?
Here are a few of my favorite takeaways that resonated deeply:

🔍 Key Insights & Highlights

🌿 Orchestrating Tests in Cloud-Native Environments
Scaling test automation across Kubernetes and complex cloud infrastructures is no longer optional—it’s essential. We discussed patterns and practices that help achieve consistency and coverage without slowing things down.

🌿 Breaking Down Silos between QA, Platform, and Dev Teams:
Collaboration is critical. One recurring theme: embedding quality into every step, not isolating QA as a final gate. Cultivating shared responsibility ensures faster feedback loops and higher trust. LeadDev

🌿 Better Observability, Fewer Flakes:
Too often we drown in test noise. By improving observability—clearly distinguishing signal from noise—we can reduce flaky tests and focus on real quality signals. LeadDev

🌿 Developer Experience as a First-Class Concern:
Velocity is important, but not at the cost of a broken feedback loop. Optimizing for DX means tests must be fast, reliable, and integrated—so developers feel empowered, not burdened.

The depth of conversations, the invigorating questions, the connections made—all of it reaffirmed how powerful shared learning is.

A heartfelt thank you to the LeadDev team for inviting me and running such a seamless, high-impact event. And to my fellow panelists and everyone who joined the discussion: thank you for your insights, your challenges, and your curiosity. We grow by asking hard questions together!💡

Cheers,

Nishi

Speaking at DevOpsCon Berlin

What an Incredible Experience Speaking at DevOpsCon Berlin 2025! 🎉

Nishi Grover Garg1 Comment

Last week, I had the honor of speaking at DevOpsCon Berlin on June 17-18, 2025, and what an amazing experience it was!

From the moment I stepped on stage to deliver my session(s), I could feel the energy and curiosity in the room. The engagement, questions, and feedback I received were truly inspiring and reaffirmed why I love sharing knowledge and learning from the incredible tech community. 💡 (More about my sessions shared here earlier)

But this event wasn’t just about speaking—it was about connecting. I had the privilege of meeting some of the most passionate and brilliant minds in DevOps. Our chats were not only insightful but also a reminder of how collaborative and innovative this space is. Special thanks to @Simon , @Robert , and @Richa for some enriching conversations and the shared laughs that made these days even more memorable. It is always a pleasure to work with @Fabian and meeting in person was even more fun!

As I look back at these moments , I feel immense gratitude for the opportunity to contribute to this thriving community. Here’s to more connections, collaborations, and growth in the future! 🌟

A huge shoutout to the organizing team @Mirjam , @Nadia and the @S&S Conference team for hosting such a seamless and impactful event—it was no small feat, and you nailed it! 🙌

If you attended my session or would like to chat about any of the topics, feel free to reach out—I’d love to keep the conversation going. Let’s continue building and growing together! 🚀

Cheers,

Nishi

I am speaking at DevOpsCon Berlin (June 2025)

Nishi Grover Garg1 Comment

I am excited to share that I will be speaking at DevOpsCon Berlin next week, an event by devmio.

This event is known for its power workshops, practical learning avenues and networking with international community of Agile & DevOps enthusiasts, I am excited to be presenting not one but 2 sessions – one focused on No-Code Test Automation Revolution and another about Leading Scrum teams in dynamic environments.

The conference offers 4 full days of learning in the form of sessions, keynotes and workshops, with options to attend in-person or online – here is the full program https://devopscon.io/berlin/program-berlin/

As I prepare to travel to Berlin again, this will definitely be a new experience as a European native and having my family along with me! I am excited to meet some new people and reconnect with the amazing people I met in the past years.

Here are the details of my 2 sessions:

No Code Revolution: Redefining Test Automation for Speed and Simplicity

With numerous test automation tools and frameworks available today, many in the software testing industry are focused on learning them all. It is important to stay updated with new technology. But are testers losing something in the race to become more technical and equipped with automation skills? Is your test automation becoming so technical and code-intensive that it’s in danger of alienating the subject-matter expert testers who best know the core of your business?
Testing is a creative field and Test automation tools are the necessary technology that is meant to serve us.
Test automation is undergoing a paradigm shift with the rise of no-code platforms. This session dives into how no-code test automation tools are transforming traditional testing practices, enabling faster implementation, and making testing accessible to non-technical stakeholders.

Takeaways :
Attendees will discover:
>>What steps to take to not alienate your business testers and other key stakeholders from yoyr test automation.
>>How no-code platforms democratize test automation for Agile teams.
>>Techniques to reduce setup time and increase test coverage.
>>Practical insights into leveraging no-code tools for scalable, efficient testing

Mastering Scrum and Navigating Agility in Dynamic environments

Agile teams in startups can be in a constant state of flux, and creating harmony there requires mastering adaptive leadership techniques, relooking at processes and leaning them out to suit the needs of the teams. In this session, we will dissect the intricate dance of leading software delivery in startup agile teams, and discover actionable strategies for navigating the complexities of program management in fast-paced environments. 

Scrum masters, agile leaders and team members will gain valuable insights into aligning team efforts with business goals while maintaining agility and high-quality standards.

By the end of this session, you will:​

>Gain insights into adaptive leadership techniques tailored for startup agility.

>Learn practical approaches to balance speed and quality in software delivery.

>Explore effective methodologies managing scrum teams in dynamic startup ecosystems.

My experience Speaking at DevOps Amsterdam meetup

Nishi Grover GargLeave a comment

🎤 First Speaking Experience in Amsterdam: A Milestone to Remember! 🌍

Last week, I had the incredible opportunity to speak at the DevOps Amsterdam Meetup! As my first speaking experience as a native in Amsterdam, it was truly a milestone moment for me. Sharing insights with such an engaged and vibrant tech community was both inspiring and energizing.

The event was presented by the DevOpsDays Team including Lian Li , hosted by TerraTeam and my fellow speaker was the co-founder himself Malcolm Matalka.

The audience’s curiosity and passion for learning reminded me why I love being part of the tech world. It was amazing to connect with professionals who share a collective drive to innovate, collaborate, and grow. I loved meeting some amazing people and inspiring professionals at the event.

I’m deeply grateful to the organizers and attendees for making it such a memorable experience. This is just the beginning—I’m excited to contribute more to the local tech scene and continue learning and growing alongside this fantastic community.

Here’s to more opportunities, new connections, and shared knowledge! 🚀

#DevOps #AmsterdamTech #PublicSpeaking #GrowthJourney #Community #Grateful #DreamLifeUnlocked #SpeakerLife #DevOpsAmsterdam #DevOpsDays

My experience speaking at DevOpsCon, Singapore 2024 – Talks, Learning, and Inspiration

Nishi Grover GargLeave a comment

Last week, I had the wonderful opportunity to attend and speak at DevOpsCon Singapore, an event that brought together some of the brightest minds in the DevOps and agile communities. It was an experience filled with learning, sharing, and connection, all while revisiting the vibrant city of Singapore.

My Talks at DevOpsCon

I had the privilege of delivering two talks, each centered on topics I am deeply passionate about:

  1. Mastering Test Automation: Strategies for Maximum Efficiency and Impact
    In this session, I explored how teams can elevate their test automation game to ensure faster feedback, better quality, and smarter integration into CI/CD pipelines. We discussed practical strategies, real-world examples, and tools that can help achieve these outcomes. The engagement and thoughtful questions from the audience truly made this session a delight.
  2. Navigating the Agile Seas: Program Management in Startup Waters
    This talk was all about managing the unique challenges faced by agile teams in fast-paced startup environments. I shared insights and anecdotes from my own experiences, focusing on strategies for balancing speed with quality, fostering collaboration, and keeping teams aligned with business goals amidst chaos.

Both sessions were well-received, and I was deeply encouraged by the feedback and conversations they sparked. Knowing that my insights resonated with the attendees is always a humbling experience.

The Power of Learning and Collaboration

One of the highlights of the event was attending Ben Linders‘ workshop on Agile Teams Gamification. The session was not just informative but also incredibly interactive, showcasing how gamification can be a powerful tool to foster team collaboration and innovation. The exercises and insights were eye-opening, and I’m already thinking of ways to incorporate some of these ideas into my own work.

Workshops like these remind me of the endless possibilities for learning and the value of sharing knowledge within a community. It’s moments like these that inspire us to challenge conventional thinking and embrace fresh perspectives.

Reflections on the Event

Events like DevOpsCon are a testament to the power of tech communities. From engaging discussions with fellow speakers and attendees to exploring ideas that can reshape the way we work, the experience was nothing short of invigorating.

Beyond the technical learnings, it was also about connecting with people—whether it was hearing about their challenges, sharing stories over coffee, or simply realizing how much we all have in common in our pursuit of excellence.

Gratitude and Looking Ahead

I’m immensely grateful for the opportunity to represent my ideas on such a global stage, and for the chance to learn from some of the best minds in the industry. Sharing my knowledge, while also growing from the knowledge of others, is what drives me to keep pushing forward.

Here’s to more opportunities to learn, share, and grow together! If you attended the event or my talks, I’d love to hear your thoughts and continue the conversation.

#DevOpsCon #AgileLeadership #ContinuousLearning #Grateful #TechCommunities

I am speaking at DevOpsCon, Singapore

Nishi Grover GargLeave a comment

I am elated to share that I have been invited to speak at DevOpsCon, SIngapore – an event by devmio. This event is known for its power workshops, practical learning avenues and networking with international community of Agile & DevOps enthusiasts, I am excited to be presenting not one but 2 sessions – one focused on Agile Delivery and another on Test Automation Strategies!

The conference offers 4 full days of learning in the form of sessions, keynotes and workshops, with options to attend in-person or online – here is the full program https://devopscon.io/singapore/program-singapore/

As I prepare for the sessions and my travel, I am also looking for recommendations and ideas for things to include in these sessions. Please share your thoughts and suggestions on what you would like to be included in these topics – here are the details of my sessions:


Navigating the Agile Seas: Program Management in Startup Waters

Agile teams in startups can be in a constant state of flux, and creating harmony there requires mastering adaptive leadership techniques, relooking at processes and leaning them out to suit the needs of the teams. In this session, we will dissect the intricate dance of leading software delivery in startup agile teams, and discover actionable strategies for navigating the complexities of program management in fast-paced environments. Program and engineering leaders will gain valuable insights into aligning team efforts with business goals while maintaining agility and high-quality standards.

By the end of this session, you will:​

  • Gain insights into adaptive leadership techniques tailored for startup agility.
  • Learn practical approaches to balance speed and quality in software delivery.
  • Explore effective methodologies for orchestrating agile programs in dynamic startup ecosystems
  • Navigating the Agile Seas: Program Management in Startup Waters

Mastering Test Automation: Strategies for Maximum Efficiency and Impact

In today’s fast-paced development cycles, effective test automation is essential for delivering high-quality software at speed. This talk will guide you through selecting the most impactful test automation strategies by focusing on aligning with business goals, ensuring scalability, and optimizing test coverage. Attendees will learn how to prioritize which tests to automate, choose the right tools, and create a balanced approach that maximizes efficiency while minimizing maintenance overhead.

Grateful for the opportunity to share my word with the community, and looking forward to travelling the world!

See ya there!

Cheers,

Nishi

I am speaking at Testflix 2024

Nishi Grover GargLeave a comment

I am super excited to share that I will be speaking at Testflix 2024, being organized by The Test Tribe. With 15+ themes and more that 20,000 people signed up for it already, this is going to be a grand event with testers from 125 countries & from the world’s top companies in attendance!

I am going to be speaking on the theme of Leadership – and my session is specifically about Leadership in Agile. Here are the details of my talk:

Leadership in agile is not about command and control; it’s about empowering teams to collaborate, innovate, and adapt to change. From navigating shifting priorities to fostering collaboration and accountability, agile leadership is about enabling teams to deliver value continuously and grow in a sustainable, self-organizing environment. In this session, we will talk about the lessons in leadership and attendees will walk away with actionable leadership tips to inspire, motivate, and lead their own agile teams to deliver high-impact results.

Talk Takeaways

  • Lessons in Leadership from various hands on agile roles
  • Actionable leadership tips to inspire, motivate and lead agile teams.
  • How to lead agile teams to deliver high-impact results

It is a virtual event which is free to attend, so do sign up now to not miss out on the incredible opportunity for learning & networking at this vibrant community event!

My Session on HerKey Community platform

Nishi Grover GargLeave a comment

I had the pleasure of hosting a session on the HerKey Community Platform today, where we explored “The Power of Tech Communities.” It was inspiring to see so many enthusiastic participants join in for an open and engaging discussion.

Communities are more than just groups with shared interests—they thrive on the collective passion, willingness to share, and dedication to support one another. During the session, we delved into how tech communities can be powerful catalysts for career and personal growth. We also discussed the significance of Product Communities and how organizations can unlock the full potential of their user communities by empowering them with the right platforms for growth.

It was particularly rewarding to hear participants share their own experiences on how tech communities have positively impacted their careers and learning journeys. I’m grateful for the insights and energy everyone brought to the conversation.

I’m looking forward to hosting more sessions like this on the HerKey platform, and continuing to explore how we can harness the power of communities to drive success.

Cheers,

Nishi