Death, eulogy, canonization

Death marks the final boundary between life and whatever comes next. While some find comfort in the idea of an afterlife, I personally take solace in the notion that the afterlife is absolute nothingness. In that nothingness, all life and all our thoughts are united in total oblivion: the inescapable fate that awaits everything. I … Read more

The PSM III boss fight: how I prepared, wrote, and (eventually) passed

This has been quite some time in the making. After reattempting the assessment in December 2025, I can finally, finally say it: I’m a certified Professional Scrum Master III (PSM III)! And I’m not exaggerating when I say this was one of the hardest exams I’ve ever taken. PSM III is a stress test of … Read more

I will be your father figure: exploring modern masculinity, queer kinship, and the many meanings of ‘daddy’

Last year, I turned forty, and with that, I finally stopped flinching when someone called me “daddy.” In fact, I started encouraging it. It felt, strangely, like an arrival. I tell myself that this is a respectable age to claim the title. My partner agrees. He affectionately counts the grey hairs in my beard while … Read more

It’s just a tool, isn’t it?

It's just a tool, isn't it?

Speaking about nostalgia, my reel feeds of both YouTube and Instagram are tightly attuned to my preferences. It was no surprise I got a reel with a fragment of the 1999 Newsnight interview with David Bowie by Jeremy Paxman, about the rise of the internet and its impact on society. It urged me to look … Read more

The trap of nostalgia

The trap of nostalgia

More often now, my mind goes back to memories from decades ago. As I get older, I find myself daydreaming about the 80s and 90s when I was a kid. A time of CDs, video games, Saturday morning cartoons, and youth-defining songs. When I hear a familiar melody from 1999 (oh, what a year that … Read more

Past year, new year – and the continuous thirst for knowledge

This year has been, yet again, a wealth of lessons and discoveries. Every step forward seemed to reveal a new set of opportunities. Every turn offered something new—an endless stream of ideas, insights, and perspectives that kept my learning journey seem limitless. The year began with an investigation into integrating Scrum and Kanban—a combination of … Read more

Hello impostor syndrome, my old friend: leading in Agile with doubt and determination

Hello impostor syndrome, my old friend: leading in Agile with doubt and determination

Every day, I work with teams to sharpen how they collaborate, create real value, and adapt to whatever comes next. And I do it with confidence and conviction. Yet, at times, the mind behind the confident smile wavers. Factually, I should feel confident—I have the years of experience, the certifications, and the feedback from peers … Read more

See you after the summer holiday season!

Ipanema beach

In the fast-paced world of Agile, whether you’re a Scrum Master or an Agile Coach, certain traits are crucial to cultivating a high-performing, adaptable team. It’s about being proactive, staying alert, and constantly expanding your knowledge. But here’s the kicker! Don’t overlook the importance of balance in your own life. Carving out time for yourself, … Read more

Rekindling a long-lost love for UX

Rekindling a long-lost love for UX

Last week, I took a course on using User Experience (UX) practices in Agile, and I couldn’t help but feel nostalgic about the early days of my career. The course provided a meaningful reflection on the principles I first discovered during my university years, when I began to understand the interaction of technology and user … Read more

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