The Certified Scrum Product Owner® (CSPO) was the world's first agile cert for product development. The Grow-Lean CSPO covers Product Owner (PO) behaviors, actions, and activities through the lens of the Scrum Framework. If you want to expedite your journey towards evidence-based product development, where data, not emotion, drives decisions, take a CSPO session. Our session is 100% hands-on, with zero slides, and it is an actual product development course, as compared to the requirements workshop offered by others.
This class is being delivered in a Grow-Lean / Xebia Academy partnership. Xebia Academy policies for registration, pricing, and cancellation apply.
Arlen was amazing, he took the time and effort to answer every question that I asked and others asked. I would definitely sign up for a course with him again.
Arlen was AWESOME in the CAL E & O course. I took away tons of stuff to try out with my organization. I will be back! I'll also send some colleges your way.
It was a great class and Arlen was an excellent instructor. He adapted and adjusted the focus of the course as we went to make sure that everyone in the class got the most they could out of it.
David Bulkin and Arlen (Grow-Lean) are great instructors! I've already taken part on three certifications provided by them, and am every time grateful that I took the time to do it. They have a lot of experience and thrive on teaching us how to use Scrum on an real-life Agile Environment! Would recommend to anyone!
Arlen is a wonderful instructor and comes prepared to coach up and down. He brings a wide variety of domain knowledge, practical shared experience, and remains open to ideas from students. A class is only as good as the instructor leading it. Thank you!
The entire course was well structured and started with asking attendees what they wanted from the course. Arlen made sure to check in multiple to make sure we were covering the topics we asked for from the beginning. I found the exercises to be very well thought out and beneficial to applying the techniques and topics reviewed.
This was an excellent class. There are several educational options out there, and I am glad I chose this one because Arlen's real-life experience and skill in designing this course made it valuable and fun. It was two days, and Arlen made it so relevant and interesting, I would be happy to spend many more days learning from him! Thank you!
Arlen is knowledgeable and clearly explained all the concepts
Great course. Interactive and very interesting. Arlen Bankston was a great instructor.
ARLEN IS A GREAT INSTRUCTOR! Scrum is about people > process, and Arlen made everyone feel like they were a part of the training! GREAT TRAINER!
Great course! The content was very relevant and the way it was presented made it immediately applicable. The collaborative nature of the course also enabled for more meaningful delivery of the concepts AND different perspectives on how to apply it. Arlen is great and I would definitely attend another session led by him in the future. Thanks!
Arlen is a skilled facilitator and brings a wealth of experience to the table. This enriches the experience significantly.
Great training with lots of additional, personalized material. Arlen was terrific.
Arlen was excellent and brought some excitement to the course. Perfect blend of practical exercises, class discussion and instructor lead information.
One of the better Agile courses I have taken. The content was very well presented, interesting, and useful. The format was engaging and interactive, and it moved at a smart pace (I didn't doze off once). The instructor (Arlen) clearly put a lot of effort into preparing the course material/resources. I would definitely recommend.
One reason I selected this course is it was completed without one PowerPoint slide. The instructor, Arlen Bankston, would facilitate the lesson and move the participants into break outs using a Mural board. It was beneficial to be hands on and partnering with others while learning.
The instructor did a great job of engaging everybody in the class and explained things well. The interaction with the class were great. I was concerned that an online class might not deliver the same benefits and I’m glad that was not the case. I would definitely take this class again. Highly recommend to anybody looking for a CSPO.
We had Dave as the instructor for the Product Owner course and his facilitation was wonderful. Super engaging and complete with current relevant experience. A good mix of lectures and and classwork kept me engaged throughout the course and his willingness to answer questions ( I ask a lot of questions) was so appreciated
Highly interactive two day course focusing on many of the pillars of the Product Owner role. Many of the skills being shared were not only communicated, but more importantly, demonstrated during the course. Would highly recommend for POs just getting started and in their first years within the role to hear other perspectives. Many of the exercises are usable tools for day to day work within the role, thank you!
Working Grow-Lean was a very professional company to work with. Their materials were informative and all of their correspondence was thorough and helped with learning the material.
The practice sessions, lecture material all very informative and very detailed. It would be good idea to provide how to's on MIRO software, but not critical. Whole class was very well instructed
Grow-lean mentors are very welcoming and always check on their students to make sure they are receiving they knowledge being transferred. I will definitely recommend it who ever try to enroll with Grow-lean
Had an informative and engaging time over these last two days learning all things Scrum! Grow-Lean definitely prepared me and I feel confident proceeding both into this exam as well as into my career! Any and all should come and take this course!
Loved the course, really interactive and with lots of useful exercises and examples on how to apply the practices we have been taught during the class. Would totally recommend it!
The class was very engaging, lots of discussion and fun as well. Instructor had a unique ways of explaining the concept. Loved it. The Mural board was a bit annoying in start and eventually got used to it.
Key Details
A unique CSPO course taught by a highly engaging agile product management expert with a workshop built by Arlen Bankston and David Bulkin, who combined, have just short of 50 years of agile product development experience.
Live and Interactive
Participate in an in-depth, hands-on, 100% live workshop with no slides and no PowerPoint. Improve your product development via exercises and scenarios, going from high level concept down to build ready details.
Along the way learn about the Story Mapping, Story Writing, Shift Left Testing, and other conceptual tools that all Product Owners should know.
Scrum from a PO Perspective
There are many Product Owner sessions that are delivered by trainers who have either never done, or have not recently been involved in, agile product development. So, if you want a Certified ScrumMaster packaged as a CSPO you have many options. If you want a deep course on actual agile product development, choose Grow-Lean.
We cover Scrum, but from the perspective of a PO, and we go well beyond the Scrum guide to help you apply techniques fit for your context.
Hands on and Deep
In this session you learn by doing. We will spend a considerable amount of time creating a Positioning Statement, Lean Canvas, Story Map, and Stories, for a realistic scenario.
We will also do exercises like the one shown where learn via a small case study.
As a result, you leave ready to apply what you have learned.
No Myths, Fluff, Filler, Videos, or Slides
Our session has over 30 exercises and deep discussion leaving no time for fluff, fillers, videos and other non-value added content.
We also avoid oversimplified answers, myths if you like. For example: stories.
- No, you don't have to write all the stories.
- No, you don't act as a courier between business and the developers.
- Etc.
Discounts
Discounts for your situation.
Request your discount on the session (a class on date/time with a trainer) you want. If more than one discount applies explain in your comments.
You can pay in up to 12 installments by choosing Splitit at checkout.
For Grow-Lean Alumni, log in or use your account email when registering, and receive an automatic discount. If you also qualify for another discount, request it, and, if your email matches, we know you are an alumni.
If you have a Visa or Mastercard credit card you can pay in up to 12 monthly installments. There are no fees or interest if you pay on time! Your available credit must be enough to cover the full cost and there is a hold on your credit card for the amount that you have not paid.
For example, if your final fee is $1,000 and you chose 10 installments:
- You would pay $100 today and have a $900 hold placed on your credit card.
- The following month your credit card would be charged another $100 and the hold would be reduced to $800.
- Each month you pay $100 and each month the hold is reduced by $100.
If you are not familiar with the term "hold" this is similar to what hotels do when you check in, to cover extra expenses you may incur including the mini bar.
The benefit to you is that you do not pay any interest or fees if all payments are on time.
After entering your request you may email us at Grow-Lean-Training@Grow-Lean.Com or call us +1.609.975.9294 for questions.
The carousel shows the discount options for this session. Use your mouse wheel, or finger (touch screen) to choose a discount, then click on it.
Trainer Arlen Bankston
Arlen Bankston, a pioneering figure in the agile movement, was one of the first to integrate lean systems thinking and user experience practices with agile software development methodologies. His innovative approach has left a lasting impact on the field.
Currently, Arlen is a sought-after coach and trainer, specializing in advanced courses such as the Advanced CSPO, Certified Scrum Professional PO, Certified Scrum Professional - ScrumMaster, Certified Agile Leadership Essentials and Team, as well as custom sessions including the Grow-Lean Remote and Hybrid Work. His expertise extends beyond the realm of software, exploring Lean, Six Sigma, BPM and other process management and systems thinking approaches to provide organizations with a comprehensive perspective.
Arlen's journey in the agile world began with his early involvement in the Scrum Alliance (member number 41) and as one of the first Certified Scrum Trainers . He further expanded his knowledge by becoming a Lean Six Sigma Master Black Belt during his six-year tenure leading a Lean-Agile practice. His entrepreneurial spirit led him to co-found the consultancy LitheSpeed, which he successfully led for fifteen years before joining Grow-Lean.
Known for his thought leadership and dynamic, entertaining, and practical training style, Arlen has trained and mentored thousands of ScrumMasters, Product Owners, team members and executives. He designed the Agile Leadership Academy to address the leadership and structural challenges that many successful companies still face.
Arlen's client list spans across every industry and includes notable names such as RBC, Monster, Marriott, NBC Universal, CNBC, NGA, Capital One, T. Rowe Price, Freddie Mac, Fannie Mae and the Armed Forces Benefits Association. His book “HR and the Agile Organization” provides valuable insights on how human resources departments can adapt to support organizations striving for adaptability while enhancing employee engagement and retention.
Upgrade and Expand Your Agile Toolbox
Go beyond basic and learn new mental models and approaches.
The Product Owner role is critical. Unfortunately, there is widespread misinformation about the role, as many trainers and coaches lack substantial, real-world product development experience. Using the toolbox as a metaphor, this often leads to the misapplication of approaches, like using a hammer to put in a screw.
Our Certified Scrum Product Owner (CSPO) classes are facilitated by actual product development experts with decades of real experience. Going back to the tool metaphor, perhaps you should learn to use an electric screwdriver, not a hammer, if you want to put screws in more quickly.
As this applies to being a PO, using "As a, I want to, So that" for all backlog items is the same as using a hammer to put in a screw. Take the CSPO with us and you'll be equipped with the mental models needed to use the right tool in the right context to maximize the quality of your outcomes while growing your career.
Learn approaches to become effective in the application of evidence based methods...
- Novice: generate requirements by yourself based on your understanding.
- Practicing: elicit and gather requirements from managers and experts.
- Competent: elicit and gather requirements from a wide variety stakeholders.
- Effective: Lead your team and stakeholders through learning loops, where you collaboratively discover what to build based on evidence from actual usage of your product with input from many stakeholders.
Learn how you delegate the "How" and collaboratively define...
- Why: clarify the vision and measurable goals.
- What: collaboratively and iteratively define the functionality.
- When: prioritize on value, including for the business, for users, and to grow learning).
- Done: determine when stories, features and releases are complete.
Create short cycles where items most likely to increase company ROI, add value for the customer, and maximize learning are built and rapidly and released. This....
- Generate data which is interpreted by the PO.
- Generate learning from the data.
- Adjust plans based on learnings.
- Maximize value by continuing to inspect and adapt.
Earning Your Certification
The Certified Scrum Product Owner (CSPO)
At present there is no examination required to achieve the Certified Scrum Product Owner (CSPO) Certification. Taking the session earns your CSPO if you participate in at least 14 hours of class time.
Grow-Lean covers the certification fees and you receive two years of Scrum Alliance Membership.
The certification will help differentiate you , but more importantly the learning will allow you to interview with more confidence and apply core product development techniques in the work place.
The CSPO also allows you to pursue the Advanced Certified Scrum Product Owner (A-CSPO) and Certified Scrum Professional Product Owner (CSP-PO) certification, to complete the Path to CSP. Grow-Lean offers both of these sessions so you can take advantage of your alumni discount.
Who Should Attend
The CSPO is often the launching point on an agile product development journey
Types of People that Often Attend...
Product development activities span the value stream , from product ideation to post implementation and the CSPO is an entry level session. As such a wide variety of roles often take Product Owner training.
If you want to improve your product outcomes this session can be appropriate for you.
Typical Roles that Attend...
- Product Managers
- Product Owners
- Quality Assurance / Testers
- Business Analyst
- Data Analyst
- Systems Analysts
- Scrum Masters
- Software Developers
- Tech Leads
- TPM's
- Project Managers
- PMO Staff
Will this Training Benefit You?
You have other options and not everyone will benefit.
Appropriate use of agile requires a mindset and approach which may be different from what you are used to. Read the points below to see if the session is right for you.
If You are a Continual Learner
Our Certified Scrum Product Owner (CSPO) course is designed for those who are ready to embark on a continuous learning journey in the field of Product and Systems Management. Securing a high-paying position in product development requires dedication and effort beyond the classroom. Our course provides a solid foundation from which to grow, not a final destination so you need continued hard work outside the classroom.
If You Think Critically
Agility is about adapting to the context, and the context often changed, thus requiring the approach to change as well. If you thrive in environments where flexibility and critical thinking are valued over following rigid, detailed instructions, our session will be a good fit for you.
If You Embrace Nuance
The principles of agile are universal, yet their application can vary across different industries. This session is ideal for those who can embrace nuance and apply agile thinking to their unique situations .
If You Appreciate Constructive Feedback
We believe in fostering a learning environment where constructive feedback is a cornerstone. Our trainers are committed to guiding you towards the correct answers, helping you learn and grow. This requires that you be open to accepting feedback which may not match your current mental models.
In Summary
If you are the type of person who is always learning, and you are willing to apply critical thinking, work through ambiguity, look at nuance, and question your own mental models, our CSM will likely be of benefit to you . If not, you may want to consider a different certification or training provider.
Why?
Taught by Arlen Bankston
Arlen Bankston has been a pioneer in agile methodologies since the late 1990s and was among the first Certified Scrum Trainers. As a co-creator of the first CSPO course for the Scrum Alliance, he delivers a dynamic, engaging, and visually compelling training experience.
Practical Theory
Oscillate between theory and application to illustrate the gap between what is possible versus what is most often done.
Blended Training Experience
Experience a blend of exercises, real-world case studies, custom-built tools, engaging games, and more. No bland slideware at all. No listenting to a trainer talk for 15 minutes.
Leave Ready
Leave ready to help your organization through pragmatic tips and stories from the instructor’s decades of consulting experience, as well as learning from often equally experienced fellow students.
Free Retake
Take again for free (within 120 days).
Real-Life / No Fake Stuff
We avoid fake approaches like using the "As a, I want to, So that" template for all items in your backlog and instead use studies and many real examples of agile product development.
Unique
Custom created training material and approach with the most interactive, visually appealing, interactive boards, in the industry.
Supported
Top notch support seven days a week.
100% Live
No videos! Don't pay to watch YouTube!
No Hidden Cost
No surprise fees when you register or certify (be careful of your training provider).
Small Class Size
We maintain a small class size to ensure focus on you. Beware of the 50 person class!
Immersive Classroom Experience
A mix of technologies and interactive approaches
Our in person events mix electronic and physical tools, and small group discussions, to create an interactive, fun, training experience. Virtual technology includes Mural (an infinite virtual board) and Mentimeter (word clouds, polling, quizzes).
