Ep 3. Part 3: Agile Method

The show Valley of the Boom revolves around the dot-com boom of the 1990s and the rise of companies like Netscape, TheGlobe.com, and Pixelon. In season 1 episode 3 titled Part 3: Agile Method, the focus shifts toward TheGlobe.com and its founders, Stephan Paternot and Todd Krizelman.

The episode starts with TheGlobe.com having completed its initial public offering (IPO) and become a publicly-traded company with a valuation of $1.2 billion. However, the founders soon realize that running a public company is not as easy as they thought it would be. They face pressure from shareholders to continue growing the company and generating revenue, which leads to conflicts with their original vision for TheGlobe.com.

To address these issues, Paternot and Krizelman decide to adopt a new management methodology called Agile, which emphasizes flexibility and collaboration. The episode explores the benefits and challenges of implementing this approach, as well as the impact it has on TheGlobe.com's culture and growth.

One of the key themes of the episode is the tension between creativity and business. Paternot and Krizelman are shown struggling to balance the artistic aspects of their website with the need to generate revenue. This tension is heightened by the pressure of being a public company, which forces them to prioritize profitability over experimentation and risk-taking.

Another important subplot of the episode involves the role of investors in shaping the direction of a company. TheGlobe.com receives a significant investment from a venture capital firm, and the founders must navigate the conflicting demands of their new investor and their own vision for the company.

As with previous episodes, Part 3: Agile Method uses a non-linear narrative structure, intercutting interviews with the main players and dramatized reenactments of key moments. This approach creates a fast-paced, dynamic storytelling style that keeps the audience engaged.

Overall, Part 3: Agile Method is a compelling exploration of the challenges faced by dot-com companies in the late 1990s. It offers valuable insights into the intersection of creativity, business, and technology, and demonstrates the importance of adopting flexible management practices in a rapidly-changing industry.