Meet Our CEO

Mark Palmer, CST, CTC, CAL

Years experience

THE “FORMAL” BIO

Mark Palmer is a seasoned Scrum Alliance Certified Scrum Trainer (CST) and Certified Team Coach (CTC) with over 25 years of experience in business and technological innovation. As the founder of Great Fish Agility, Mark has been at the forefront of transforming Fortune 100 companies, government agencies, and nonprofits through Agile methodologies.

Mark’s expertise extends far beyond Agile. His technical mastery includes web and lean software development, enterprise coaching, consulting, and the cultivation of executive leadership skills. He has played pivotal roles at industry giants such as Anthem, Phillips 66, and State Street Corporation, where his work has led to substantial cost efficiencies, revenue growth, and team performance improvements.

A dynamic keynote speaker and thought leader, Mark’s insights have been featured in various industry conferences and publications. His dedication to Agile and Lean Systems Thinking principles has made him a beacon for those seeking transformative excellence in their organizations.

Leadership Stats

Developing Leaders And High-
Performance Creative Teams

With over 25 years of experience, we specialize in transforming organizations by developing exceptional leaders and cultivating high-performance creative teams. Our proven methodologies and dedicated approach have led to significant achievements across various industries.

Certified Agile Practitioners
We’ve trained and certified over 10,000 Agile professionals, empowering them to lead with agility and drive innovation within their organizations.
Oil & Gas Project Rescued
Successfully turned around a critical $10 million project in the oil and gas sector, delivering results on time and exceeding stakeholder expectations.
Fortune 500 Global Agile
Transformations

Partnered with over 20 Fortune 500 companies to implement global Agile transformations, enhancing efficiency and competitive advantage on a worldwide scale.
Years Experience
Leveraging more than a quarter-century of expertise to provide unparalleled insights and strategies in leadership development and team performance.

My Story

My passion for technology and innovation has been a driving force throughout my career. Early on, I realized that the key to success in any organization lies in its ability to adapt, collaborate, and continuously improve. This belief led me to embrace Agile methodologies, and I have since dedicated my career to helping organizations realize their full potential through Agile transformation.

From my early days programming interactive websites to leading major Agile initiatives at Fortune 100 companies, my journey has been one of constant learning and growth. I have faced numerous challenges, from streamlining costs for the Federal Bureau of Prisons to boosting online revenues for Prison Fellowship, and each experience has reinforced my commitment to Agile principles.

In 2018, I founded Great Fish Agility to share my expertise and passion for Agile with a broader audience. My mission is to empower organizations and individuals to navigate the complexities of today’s business landscape with confidence and agility. Whether I’m coaching teams, consulting with executives, or speaking at conferences, my goal is always the same: to drive meaningful, lasting change.

Agile team collaborating on a project
Big Room Agile Planning Session
Road leading towards sunrise representing Agile transformation
A journey of continuous learning and growth
Mark Palmer Playing Drums at Journey Christian Church
Sunday drumming at Journey Christian Church

My Values

What I am most proud of about my career is not just the successful transformations I’ve led, but the impact I’ve had on the people I’ve worked with. I believe that true success comes from understanding our core values and acting on them with integrity.

Family and faith are at the heart of everything I do. The flexibility my career affords me means I can spend quality time with my loved ones and make meaningful memories. It also allows me to start each day in reflection and prayer, grounding me in my purpose and guiding my work.

I believe that everyone has the potential to achieve greatness, and that greatness comes from living a life aligned with our values. If you’re committed to making a difference and eager to unlock your potential through Agile transformation, I would be honored to work with you.

Join me on this journey, and together, we can reshape the world of work and create a future filled with innovation, collaboration, and success.

Clients We Serve