Software and Game Dev Leaders
Is Your Focus On Running the Business Actually Killing Your Career?
If your team is late delivering, depends on heroics to get work done, or needs too much time to produce results - your reputation as a leader is paying the price.
Every Missed Deadline Is Killing Your Margins - and Your Reputation
The last several years have seen more layoffs, studio closures, and outright bankruptices in the software and game dev industry than at any time since the dot-com bubble burst in 2001. What's going on?
Partly, it's the fact that interest rates have risen, making it more expensive to borrow money. However, this has exposed a huge number of "marginal projects" that absolutely have to deliver on time and on budget to have any hope of making a profit. And guess what? Most can't do it.
In fact, a recent study cites that 52.7% of software projects exceed their budgets, and by an average of 43% - with one in six averaging 189% over budget. These are staggering numbers in the abstract, but what do they mean for you?
Well, if you're running an 80-person team with an average $150k staff cost (incl. salary, tax, benefits etc), that's a $12 million annual payroll. That means every month you're late delivering burns an extra $1 million in staff costs. Even worse, this delays your ability to sell your product and generate revenue. Now, what if you're 2 months late? Or 6?
In some cases, this means your cash flow suffers. But when there are competitive pressures or short launch windows, this could mean an outright loss of the revenue that is even possible to earn. In good times, this might be recoverable. But in tough times? We're back to the layoffs, closures, and bankruptcy scenarios.
And don't think this affects only large organizations. If your org is smaller, the same math still applies. An 8-person team burns an extra $100k each month they're late delivering. Small companies can sometimes be more nimble, but they can be put out of business just as easily. Maybe even more easily.
So regardless of the size of your remit, your reputation as a leader is being measured daily by your ability to lead through these challenges and come out successfully on the other side.
The Situation Is Serious, But You Don't Have Time To Re-Tool. How Are You Supposed to Drive Delivery Improvements?
This is the classic conundrum. You need to improve some aspect of your operation, but nobody has the luxury of stopping work for a month or two to fix it. So, you need to change the proverbial wings in mid-flight.
Hi - I'm Jason Jantzi. For the past 25+ years, I have led small and large software and game development organizations, and been responsible for the smooth operation and delivery of every size of project, product, or service they had to offer.
When it comes to upgrading operational process - "changing the wings in mid-flight" - I've seen this movie too - more times than I can count. This is why I built the solution I wish I'd had during the 25+ years I was leading large software and game dev teams.
The Strategic Delivery System Virtual Workshop Solves this Dilemma
The Strategic Delivery System Virtual Workshop delivers 12 integrated yet stand-alone virtual workshop sessions leading you through the upgrade of every major operational component of a software or game development organization.
Each session provides a clear picture of how the component needs to work, what it looks like when it's running properly, and how to set it up and tune it so it works effectively in your distinct organization.
It's designed so that the smart leaders on your team can readily implement improvements (or entirely new processes) in any given area of your operation and do so as time permits.
No reinventing the wheel. No trial and error. Instead, they can follow tried-and-proven models that work reliably.
What Operational Improvements Does the Virtual Workshop Deliver?
The Strategic Delivery System Virtual Workshop gives you the tools to upgrade your operations from end-to-end - with 12 powerful workshop sessions. Each one is offered online, so you can consume it whenever it's convenient for you, as many times as you want - and in any order you choose.
Each session is 1-2 hours in length, and includes exercises that move you closer to a complete design ready to be implemented in your organization.
Best of all, the Virtual Workshop is designed to be implemented one piece at a time - allowing you to choose which upgrades to make when, so you maximize quick wins and long-term impact.
These are the sessions:
Direction and Alignment - to ensure leadership is clear on what is most important to deliver, and everyone in the organization is aligned on delivering that, and only that.
1. Strategic Priorities - focuses the organization on the most important outcomes to eliminate distraction and align execution
2. Green Light Process - filters and approves work before it begins, so only strategic, feasible initiatives make it onto the roadmap
3. Roadmap Creation - sequences initiatives over time and across teams, making work visible, realistic, and coordinated
Teams and Ownership - to ensure everyone is clear on who owns which responsibilities, and teams are structured and resourced appropriately for their remit.
4. Resource Allocation - matches team capacity to commitments up front, avoiding burnout, overload, and under-delivery
5. Organizational Planning - aligns roles, teams, and ownership with real workflows to reduce friction and clarify accountability
Delivery Methodology - to ensure your delivery methodology is well-defined, robust, and universally followed. It brings valuable structure to the delivery process and the business.
6. Execution Framework - establishes a repeatable cadence for delivery (e.g. Stage/Gate, Scaled Agile, Hybrid), reducing inconsistency and boosting cross-functional rhythm
Change Control - to ensure legitimate opportunities and risks are evaluated and addressed to balance responsiveness with diligence and commitment.
7. Change Control - manages mid-flight changes without chaos, preventing scope creep and protecting delivery timelines
Business Cadence - to ensure the overall rhythm of meetings, events, and deliverables is clear and efficient, and communication is effective throughout the organization.
8. Stakeholder Communication - keeps key stakeholders informed, aligned, and engaged - minimizing confusion and friction
9. Management Operating System - creates a structured rhythm of meetings and reports that drive accountability and decision-making at scale
Planning and Execution - to ensure plans are efficient and cost-effective, and execution is consistent and reliable. Work is delivered on time, on budget.
10. Planning Process - aligns strategic goals with tactical plans across levels and timeframes, ensuring teams know what to do - and when
11. Progress Review - surfaces early warnings, and drives action through regular, structured check-ins - not just status updates
12. Risk Management and Contingency Planning - proactively identifies and mitigates fragility, reducing last-minute surprises and delivery failures
Who This Is For
If you are responsible for leading projects, products, or operations - this Virtual Workshop was built for you. If your success depends on efficient, timely, reliable delivery - and you need better results than you're currently receiving - YOU are the reason I put this Virtual Workshop together.
For years - decades - I went through the challenge of retrofitting processes in my software and game dev organizations. Much of the time, I felt like I was exploring uncharted territory - the wilderness - inventing ways of doing things as I went. Deep down, I was sure these problems had been solved by someone, somewhere before - but I had no idea how to find the models to copy.
The Strategic Delivery System Virtual Workshop solves that problem. Pretty much every operational delivery problem has indeed been solved by someone, somewhere before. What the workshop gives you is the tried-and-proven models and the step by step methods to customize them and apply them to the unique character of your organization.
If you're the head of the team, this workshop will give your leaders the guidance to make improvements quickly and confidently. If you're one of the leaders on the team, this workshop will accelerate your ability to deliver career-advancing results.
Producers & Project Leaders
This will help you quickly implement the key processes and operational functions to enable your organization to deliver at its optimal level: fast, efficient, and consistent.
Product & Creative Leaders
This will help you design and influence how the organization operates - so your creative ideas come to life quickly and reach your users with impact.
Operational Leaders
This will enable you to quickly organize and simplify your operational routine by laying the groundwork for how your org needs to run - at its current size, and as it scales.
How the Virtual Workshop Works - and Why It's the Right Choice
It's worth asking the question: why did I create this Virtual Workshop in the first place? I already mentioned that I built it because it was the tool I wish I'd had back in the day. But, why a Virtual Workshop exactly? Why not a course? Or for that matter, why not just offer consulting engagements? Or coaching?
Well, as it happens, I've done all of the above - still do, in fact.
But one thing I've come to realize in recent years, is "one size does not fit all" - and the right choice is very much a subjective decision. For instance:
- If you're a medium-to-large organization, spending $30k-$50k - or in some cases even over $100k - in order to get faster results with a minimal lift from internal staff is a worthwhile investment. If so, a consulting engagement is likely the way to go.
- If you're encountering unfamiliar territory and looking for ongoing guidance or capability development in your leaders, well then a coaching engagement is probably the right fit.
But neither of those two situations represent many of the people who are most in need of operational upgrades. For one thing, smaller organizations might never be able to afford the price tag of a consulting engagement. Even larger organizations are experiencing cutbacks - and while they normally could afford it, they now have no budget to make even much-needed operational improvements.
So, how do I make my experience and expertise available to everyone?
One answer is through a course - but there is a very particular reason why I think a course is the wrong answer (or at least, an insufficient answer) in this case. And the reason is - the problem we need to solve is operational: the things you are actually doing on a daily basis in your organization.
The gap is not strictly knowledge. If it was, a course would be the answer.
No, the gap is also action. It's the implementation of that knowledge in the unique and specific environment that is your organization. If you were to take a course, and then have the new knowledge you gained get stale because the busy-ness of your daily grind prevented you from implementing it for months - or even years - what good would it do? None, that's what. I've seen that movie too.
So, what is the solution? It's a way to take my specific insight and expertise, package it into a clear set of improvement areas, and deliver them on demand, and in a way that is like having me sitting across from you, helping you actually design the implementation that will work - not generically, but in your particular organization. And that is what the Virtual Workshop delivers - but at a tiny fraction of the cost of the engagements we spoke about earlier.
Here's When and How To Use the Virtual Workshop
When you recognize there are areas within your organization that need tightening up, look through the 12 systems that the workshop covers. Find the one or two that are most related to the issue you want to solve, then pull together the leaders who will be involved in making the improvements, and watch the videos and do the exercises together. That way, by the time you've finished each workshop, you'll actually have an implementation plan in hand, and the leaders bought-in to it.
Who is Jason Jantzi - and Why Work With Him?
Since I just mentioned that the Virtual Workshop is the next best thing to having me sitting across from you, guiding you forward - that begs the question: just who am I, and why would you be interested in having me help you in the first place?
Well, earlier I told you I've been in software and game development over 30 years - since 1987, in fact - though the first 8 years was as a developer, before moving into project and team leadership.
Over the past 18 years, I have worked at Electronic Arts and Epic Games, overseeing the development and delivery process for numerous releases of FIFA, Frostbite, and Fortnite - along with many other products and teams, large and small.
In 2023, I founded Tech Leader Advance with the intention of helping software and game dev organizations from small mobile teams right up to massive triple-A franchises deliver more efficiently and predictably, while still retaining the flexibility to respond to a creative and dynamic environment.
So, that's my resume. But the better question is, what do others have to say about working with me? Here are a handful of testimonials from leaders in similar positions to you:
Jason has vast experience in interfacing with teams of many sizes and the ability to adapt to the current needs of an organization. I have been impressed in how Jason can identify weak links in process and quickly help teams address these issues, all the while working with other stakeholders, to implement sustainable solutions.
Brett Bourbin
Director of Engineering, Electronic Arts
Jason is very knowledgeable about the gaming industry and the processes used in game development. I found him easy to work with: he is professional and personable, and could readily advise on both people and technical topics.
Eugene van der Meulen
Sr. Director of Operations, Electronic Arts
Jason is a deep thinker and brings broad experience to issues and challenges. He listens, probes, asks questions and has a genuine desire to make things better at individual, team and organisational levels.
Harvey Wheaton
Senior Director, Epic Games
Jason possesses a remarkable depth of knowledge and experience in managing teams of varying sizes, demonstrating a rare understanding of the human element within the professional realm. His adeptness at navigating the intricacies and challenges inherent in leading large, highly technical teams is truly commendable.
Daniel Martin
Director of Engineering, Electronic Arts
Jason is a highly skilled professional who has the experience and the precision necessary to help assess and monitor big scale software development across different disciplines.
Alain Tascan
EVP Game Development, Epic Games
Jason has experience shipping some of the industries biggest games. Jason’s depth of experience consistently helped the team make effective decisions while respecting the values and cultures of sub teams. He understands the complexities of building teams, managing budgets, bringing organizational change while building high quality games against a tight timeline. Any advice he provides is always rooted in what really happens and not theoretical environments.
Grace Yen
Development Director, Electronic Arts
What the Virtual Workshop Includes
The Strategic Delivery System Virtual Workshop includes 12 x 1-2 hour video and text-guided workshop sessions (~16h total) covering each of the 12 systems I described earlier:
Workshop sessions:
- Strategic Priorities - focusing the org on the most important outcomes to eliminate distraction and align execution
- Green Light Process - filtering and approving work before it begins, so only strategic, feasible initiatives make it onto the roadmap
- Roadmap Creation - sequencing initiatives over time and across teams, making work visible, realistic, and coordinated
- Resource Allocation - matching team capacity to commitments up front, avoiding burnout, overload, and under-delivery
- Organizational Planning - aligning roles, teams, and ownership with real workflows to reduce friction and clarify accountability
- Execution Framework - establishing a repeatable cadence for delivery (such as Stage/Gate, Scaled Agile, or Hybrid methodologies), reducing inconsistency and boosting cross-functional rhythm
- Planning Process - aligning strategic goals with tactical plans across levels and timeframes, ensuring teams know what to do - and when
- Progress Review - surfacing early warnings, and driving action through regular, structured check-ins - not just status updates
- Risk Management and Contingency Planning - proactively identifying and mitigating fragility, reducing last-minute surprises and delivery failures
- Change Control - managing mid-flight changes without chaos, preventing scope creep and protecting delivery timelines
- Stakeholder Communication - keeping key stakeholders informed, aligned, and engaged - minimizing confusion and friction
- Management Operating System - creating a structured rhythm of meetings and reports that drive accountability and decision-making at scale
There is actually a 13th session included in the "Advanced" and "VIP" options (see below), that focuses on integrating all 12 of these systems together so they interact seamlessly. It also leads you through creating a 30-60-90-day implementation plan for your chosen areas. This is the fast-track to highly-effective implementation.
The Strategic Delivery System Virtual Workshop is structured as an annual user license. However, a "user" in this case is essentially analogous to an entire team or department. In other words, if you have a number of leaders on the team - all working on the same set of improvements for the organization - that counts as a single user.
Also, since this is delivered online, you will automatically receive the improvements and enhancements we make to the Virtual Workshop throughout the year at no extra charge.
I have prepared several different options to give you control over how you wish to engage:
100% Satisfaction Guarantee
This workshop is backed by a 100% money-back guarantee. You can receive a full refund for up to 6 months after purchasing the Virtual Workshop. This gives you plenty of time to plan and implement your first few upgrades to your organization.
* The Game Changer Assessment (from the VIP package) is a self-guided assessment that leads you through a diagnostic of where your organization would best benefit from process improvement.
Once the assessment is complete, we will review it, and deliver a customized Strategic Playbook with suggestions about where to focus first. We will then meet with you via Zoom to walk through the assessment and suggest next steps.
Frequently Asked Questions About The SDS Virtual Workshop
How is the Virtual Workshop delivered?
The Strategic Delivery System Virtual Workshop consists of a series of video modules, accompanied by a written guide and series of exercises in PDF format. It is delivered in an online format from our "members area" at TechLeaderAdvance.com.
If you purchase the ADVANCED or VIP versions, you will also have access to the live 1-on-1 coaching sessions (via Zoom) that you can schedule at mutually convenient times at any time during the year.
What time commitment is required?
The workshop is delivered online via our website, and can be consumed on a timeline of your choosing. However, the total workshop material runs approximately 16 hours. Each individual workshop runs 1-2 hours in length.
There are optional (but highly recommended) exercises, which are really about you applying the concepts you have learned to your own organization so you can drive meaningful improvements. How much time this takes is up to you. It would be reasonable to budget 1-2 hours of working time per individual workshop - in addition to the video time - just to get the ball rolling.
In practice, once you decide to implement changes in your organization, you'll want to take the implementation plan from the workshop, and invest appropriately to drive lasting change in your organization.
What if I already have a PMO or Delivery team in place?
Perfect. The SDS Virtual Workshop strengthens what your PMO is already doing, and gives them a common language and system to improve reliability across departments.
Does this apply to service or support teams too - or just projects and products?
The SDS Virtual Workshop includes systems for operations, change control, end-to-end execution, stakeholder management, and more - all of which apply just as much to service and support teams as they do to project and product teams.
More Questions?
How is the Virtual Workshop different from Agile, Scrum, or SAFe training?
The Strategic Delivery System does not replace your delivery methodology - it enhances it. Think of it as the operating infrastructure that makes Agile or Waterfall plug properly into your business so it delivers results consistently and reliably.
Can I start with just one or two modules, or do I need to go through the full program?
You can start anywhere. Each module is self-contained and actionable. Start with your most urgent pain point - or follow the sequence for a full end-to-end install.
If you have purchased the VIP package, the Game Changer Assessment and accompanying Strategic Playbook will give you a strong indication of where you'll receive the best benefit from starting.
Additionally, the Advanced and VIP options include live 1-1 coaching, and we would be happy to use one of your sessions to help point you in the right direction so you get the best result possible.
Can my whole team use this, or is it a solo license?
Yes, as long as your whole team is working together to solve the same problem, a single user license is sufficient. This often means that one team buys one license, and they work on one process upgrade at a time.
If you have more than one team, each addressing different problems, then each team should have its own user license.
What kind of outcomes can I realistically expect?
Teams making these sorts of process improvements report faster delivery, clearer priorities, and reduced burnout within weeks. Many unlock 20-30% efficiency gains within 1-2 quarters.
What if I'm not satisfied or don't see results?
No problem. You're covered by our 6-month money-back guarantee. If you don't find it useful for any reason, let us know and we'll refund your investment, no questions asked.
When Is Your Next Project Scheduled to Begin?
It Doesn't Have to Be a Fire Drill
You can finally stop running on heroics and hope. Breathe a sigh of relief that you no longer have to burn your "A" players just to get the product out the door so the company can survive. The Strategic Delivery System Virtual Workshop is your path to faster, more predictable, and more confident delivery.
You have the opportunity to make a difference in the next project and every one that comes after. But don't let this sit. The sooner you get started, the sooner you'll see results. You know the old saying - nothing changes until something moves. Well, this is your move. Make it now, and I'll help you make it succeed.
100% Satisfaction Guarantee
This workshop is backed by a 100% money-back guarantee. You can receive a full refund for up to 6 monhts after purchasing the Virtual Workshop. This gives you plenty of time to plan and implement your first few upgrades to your organization.
