I've known Stacia Viscardi for many years now, since the very beginning of my connection with the Agile software world. In fact, Stacia introduced me to that world and has guided me from (alas!) a distance ever since. I have marveled at her knowledge, her skills, and (rare in her field) her sly and generous wit. She's plenty nerdy, Stacia, but unlike most of her colleagues, she makes wonderfully unexpected connections between this and that; connections that always illuminate all sides of this, all the innards of that. These surprises, little time bombs of unforeseen pleasure, make her writing exceptional in a field not known for wit or surprise.

Stacia doesn't browbeat you with erudition or intimidate you with exotica. She simply sets her imagination to work on connections she sees that you may not have. Or, if you have seen them, she shines her light on a different facet than the one you may find familiar. That light has qualities rare in the software biz. It's warm, that light. It invites you to join, to include, and to enjoy. It makes no pushy effort to impress you with its brilliance. It illuminates her subject, the processes that create that subject, and her idiosyncratic, persuasive take on it.

When you read this book, you'll find yourself in wonderful company. If you know Stacia's work, this book will confirm your admiration and gratitude. If this book is your introduction to her, brace yourself!

You're in for a treat!

Lee Devin

Consultant, AgileEvolution,

Senior Consultant, Innovation Practice Cutter Consortium