As organizations scale agility, many focus on setup and process, but overlook a crucial enabler: the people. The intended benefits of SAFe’s Dual Operating System are frequently undermined by a poorly defined boundary between its hierarchical and network structures, causing uncertainty, friction, unclear guidance, and a proliferation of unnecessary meetings.

This session explores a critical yet underutilized leadership lever: the People Developer. Now formally recognized in SAFe’s newly extended Transforming People Development competency, this role acts as a hinge, connecting the organizational hierarchy with the dynamic value stream network.
Drawing from real-world experiences across industries, we’ll explore how leaders can activate the dual operating system by investing in People Developers who grow others, shape culture, and unlock enterprise flow.

This session is ideal for executives, transformation leaders, and Agile champions seeking to go beyond process and structure, to truly lead an agile enterprise by developing the people who develop the system.

Michael P. Stump,
Global Transformation Advisor, Publik Speaker and SAFe® Fellow

Michael P. Stump is a global transformation advisor, public speaker, and SAFe® Fellow who inspires leaders and organizations to thrive in times of uncertainty. With deep consulting expertise and C-level experience across public and private sectors, Michael helps organizations build adaptive, value-driven cultures rooted in shared leadership and Business Agility.

A pioneer in the field, Michael is one of the first SAFe SPCTs and SAFe Fellows worldwide. He has guided executive teams through large-scale enterprise transformations, shifting siloed leadership toward unified, cross-functional collaboration. His work is grounded in real-world experience, from mentoring executives and shaping global rollout strategies to advising boards on scaling across continents.

Michael co-developed the People & Culture framework and brings cutting-edge practices like Lean Agile Procurement into the heart of agile transformations. His thought leadership has influenced key elements of the Scaled Agile Framework, including contributions to the Talent Enablement Guide, the People Runway of the ART, and the Transforming People Development Competency.

Over the years, Michael has supported hundreds of change agents, SPCs, SPCTs, and transformation leaders, through coaching, mentorship, and deeply engaging keynotes on Business Agility, Shared Leadership, and building future-ready organizations.

Originally from Zurich and now living between Houston, New York City, and Switzerland, Michael brings a truly global perspective to every conversation. He’s also a passionate helicopter pilot, living his belief that navigating complexity, whether in the air or in business, requires calm focus, trust, and adaptability.