Looking back to 2023 – and forward to 2024

Looking back to 2023 - and forward to 2024

As I look back to 2023, one word captures the essence of my journey. ‘Growth’. It’s been a year brimming with learning, from the plethora of courses completed, to the myriad of texts devoured. Yet, I feel like I have just begun an incredible adventure. The more I learn, the more I realize there is … Read more

The shadow and the mask

The shadow and the mask

In my quest for personal growth, I have found that true growth comes from embracing all of my facets. These days, self-discovery has a starring role in my adult life. The older I become, the closer I feel to becoming a complete person. Life experiences have coloured what used to feel like a blank slate. … Read more

Scylla and Charybdis

Scylla and Charybdis

“Know thyself”, the age-old saying reminds us. It beckons us to explore our desires, motives, strengths, and even our deepest vulnerabilities. I recently took a short break, during which I penned a few articles. One titled “The State of Discomfort” examines how discomfort can catalyze positive personal and professional transformation. These writings flow from me … Read more

Shades of identity

Shades of identity

I have often heard the term ‘white-passing’ used to describe me. People look at my build and complexion, and they see a European, perhaps with a touch of Mediterranean. Yet, I have always identified as someone of mixed heritage. Upon closer inspection, there’s a hint of something else. A round face that tans a bit … Read more

Even a Kingmaker needs a holiday!

Scheveningen

Last year was a whirlwind of new experiences for me – a new job, three courses and writing a lot for this blog. Despite the challenges, I persevered and made significant progress in my personal and professional life. As summer approaches, I am excited to take a step back, unwind, and focus on my personal … Read more

No Man is an Island

Member of the Order of Orange-Nassau

No man is an island entire of itself; every man is a piece of the continent, a part of the main; – John Donne I want to open up about a topic that means a lot to me. For over a year now, I’ve been reflecting on the phrase “no man is an island”. This … Read more

Happy birthday, Kingmaker!

Happy birthday, Kingmaker!

Today marks the one-year anniversary of my blogging adventure. I found my interest for Scrum a few years ago, and one year ago I decided that starting a blog would be a wonderful opportunity to share my knowledge. Despite the fact that I only received two (!) comments on my blog entries, I am appreciative … Read more

Reasons to adopt Scrum

There are valid reasons why a company would want to implement Scrum. Scrum is widely used in many businesses, particularly in IT. However, why would a company want to implement Scrum? Are there any misunderstandings? And what is the reason that resonates with me the strongest? Adopting Scrum for invalid reasons (and its dangers) Scrum … Read more

New Year’s Resolutions for 2023

Happy New 2023

As we are in the final days of 2022, I can’t help looking back to this eventful year. It’s the year that I made great leaps and bounds as a Scrum Master and Agile professional. I started this blog in April this year, documenting my journey of growth; I continued on teaching my peers essential … Read more

Moving ever forward

Moving ever forward

So today marks the last day of work at the digital agency that has been my employer for the last three years. I have found a new challenge as a full-time Scrum Master at an international software company, with multiple Scrum Teams in the Netherlands, Portugal and Australia. That’s right, I’m stepping out of the … Read more

The power of No

The Power of No

Let me tell you a little story about assertiveness as a (digital) project manager. Don’t underestimate the power of No. Although this topic is not really related to Scrum, I would like to share a life lesson that I’ve been thinking about a lot lately. In my career as a digital project manager, I have … Read more

Don’t go chasing waterfall(s): stay away from the fixed scope

Why I never want to go back to Waterfall again

One of my favorite activities is teaching (potential) Product Owners about their roles and responsibilities in the Scrum Team. One of the most important things I try to help them understand, is “time is rigid, scope is flexible”. And it’s true, in the (Scrum) projects I have been working on at a digital agency for … Read more