When Queen Bey Met Agile

Published on September 20, 2023
Written by, Tana Marshall

Hey fam, buckle up! I'm about to school y’all on the epic collision of Queen Bey's Renaissance World Tour and Agile principles. Now, I've been a Bey fan since the Destiny’s Child days. But sis, who knew my 9-5 in the Agile world would ever collide with the iconic stage performances of our beloved Beyoncé? Let's break it down:

1. Iteration & Innovation

From "Crazy in Love" to "Lemonade", Beyoncé has shown us time and again how she reinvents herself. Each album feels like a new sprint, introducing fresh vibes and energy. Just as Agile processes emphasize iterating and innovating, Beyoncé’s Renaissance World Tour was filled with fresh takes on old classics, new choreography, and aesthetics that screamed avant-garde. Remember that LED dress during her "Freedom" performance? Pure innovation!

Beyonce's Lemonade album cover.

2. Daily Stand-Ups & Checking In

Behind the scenes, it’s not all glitz and glamour. It takes hard work and coordination. While Beyoncé might not hold daily stand-ups, her behind-the-scenes footage shows how she consistently communicates with her crew. Lighting, sound, choreography – it's all discussed in detail. Much like our Agile stand-ups, it’s all about aligning the team towards a common goal.

3. Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion (DEI)

During her Coachella performance, Beyoncé highlighted Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs). It was more than just a show; it was a statement of inclusion and representation. The diversity of her crew, from dancers to backup singers, reiterates her commitment to DEI, echoing the same ethos Agile teams champion for richer outcomes.

4. Continuous Feedback

Recall the "Life is but a Dream" documentary? We saw Beyoncé watching her performance clips and giving feedback. Every twirl, note, and beat is scrutinized. Agile is about refining the process and product continuously, and Beyoncé's commitment to perfection mirrors this principle brilliantly.

5. Customer Focus (aka The Beyhive)

Beyoncé’s intimate moments with her fans, her surprises, the nods in her music videos – they’re all shoutouts to her loyal Beyhive. She crafts her art with her audience in mind. Similarly, in Agile, we emphasize user stories, ensuring that the end-user’s perspective isn't lost amidst technical jargons and timelines.

6. Flexibility & Adaptability

From the surprise drop of her self-titled album "Beyoncé" to her shift in genre with "Daddy Lessons", Queen Bey keeps us on our toes. She's a master of adaptability, changing her set based on the vibe of the audience. In Agile, we pivot based on feedback and changing requirements. It's about dancing to the rhythm of the moment.

Now, let's get real for a sec. As a woman in the professional sphere, I've seen my fair share of challenges. But, like Beyoncé, I persevere. Our culture, our resilience, our passion—it all infuses the work we do, making it unique and impactful. So, next time you're breaking down a sprint or jamming to "Energy", remember there’s a whole lot of Agile in Beyoncé and a whole lot of Beyoncé in Agile.

Alright, Beyhive, I’ve spilled the tea. Now, I want to hear from you. Drop your thoughts below and let's get into formation in this discussion. Remember, if you ever find yourself questioning the power of agile or Beyoncé, just ask yourself, "What would Beyoncé do?"