Who We Are
Our Mission
Our mission is to enable enterprises, agencies, and their people to rapidly adapt to market changes, deliver predictably, and achieve their strategic outcomes faster.
Our Values
At Ascendant Agility, our core values are integrity, transparency, collaboration, and impact. We meet our clients where they are, build strong relationships, and empower them to achieve greater success long after our work together concludes.
Our Team
Phil Gardiner | Founder
Michael Robertson | Principal Consultant
Michael Robertson | Principal Consultant
Phil Gardiner is dedicated to helping enterprises, agencies, and their people achieve strategic outcomes by evolving their ways of working. With expertise spanning product management, process improvement, and technology leadership, Phil has served as both an internal change agent and an external executive consultant. He has guided organiz
Phil Gardiner is dedicated to helping enterprises, agencies, and their people achieve strategic outcomes by evolving their ways of working. With expertise spanning product management, process improvement, and technology leadership, Phil has served as both an internal change agent and an external executive consultant. He has guided organizations ranging from Fortune 10 corporations to the U.S. Department of Defense, equipping executives, leaders, and change agents with the strategies needed to navigate complexity, enhance efficiency, and deliver value at scale.
As a SAFe Fellow, Phil is recognized as a thought leader in Lean Portfolio Management. He actively contributes to the SAFe community as a speaker, mentor, strategic advisor, SAFe® contributor, and trusted partner to organizations seeking lasting impact. While best known for his work with SAFe, Phil has experience implementing a variety of scaling frameworks and tailoring approaches to fit each organization’s unique needs.
Michael Robertson | Principal Consultant
Michael Robertson | Principal Consultant
Michael Robertson | Principal Consultant
Michael is a SAFe® SPCT, experienced Release Train Engineer (RTE), and an active contributor to the global Scaled Agile community. Recognized by Scaled Agile, Inc. as a subject matter expert in Implementing SAFe and Leading SAFe, he brings deep expertise and a hands-on approach to driving Lean-Agile transformations.
With over 35 years of
Michael is a SAFe® SPCT, experienced Release Train Engineer (RTE), and an active contributor to the global Scaled Agile community. Recognized by Scaled Agile, Inc. as a subject matter expert in Implementing SAFe and Leading SAFe, he brings deep expertise and a hands-on approach to driving Lean-Agile transformations.
With over 35 years of experience in software engineering, technical leadership, and general management, Michael has successfully guided organizations through complex Agile and technical challenges. As a trusted advisor, engagement manager, and principal consultant, he has led high-impact SAFe transformations across both government and commercial sectors. His leadership as an Agile Coach and RTE played a pivotal role in a successful Lean-Agile transformation for a joint U.S. Army and Air Force program.
Michael specializes in adapting Lean-Agile transformations to meet each client’s unique needs, ensuring flexibility, alignment with strategic goals, and lasting impact. His practical, client-centered strategies empower change agents and leaders to navigate transformation with confidence.