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 methodologies that proved to be more than just another agile tool in the toolbox. Concepts like flow and Little’s Law added a new dimension to how teams can navigate their processes. Then came May, a month of intense focus on incorporating UX into Scrum. My goal was clear: to seamlessly incorporate user-centric design into Scrum. However, as is often the case, competing priorities in my organisation arose, and applying those plans had to wait. May continued to be a busy month, as I also honed my facilitation skills. Techniques such as Liberating Structures opened up new possibilities to transform team meetings into lively, productive sessions. These powerful tools proved invaluable, as I could apply them in my work as a Scrum Master and Agile Coach.
The summer months marked a shift in focus. I enrolled in a beta class focused on product discovery and validation. This approach, which is trending within the Scrum community, prioritises identifying user needs early on. It rang true with my education and experience in product development and co-creation. Seeing how these practices enhanced the agile mindset felt like reconnecting with old roots in a practical manner.
As autumn arrived, I embarked on a new challenge: the Agile Coaching certification (ICP-ACC). By December, I had earned the title of Certified Agile Coach. The course completely changed my perspective on coaching. Instead of being directive, maybe even a bit pushy (like a sports coach does), coaching in a professional setting means that you are less directive, but instead use active listening and asking powerful questions to let people come to insights and solutions to their problems.
Looking ahead to 2025, I feel compelled to further develop my coaching skills. There is a vast universe to discover—coaching not only individuals but entire teams, organisations, and interconnected systems. I’m eager to improve the quality of my coaching conversations, particularly my ability to listen and engage meaningfully. At the same time, other roles, such as facilitation and teaching, continue to appeal to me. These diverse aspects serve as integral parts, guiding me towards becoming a more well-rounded and agile professional.
Another milestone awaits me next year: I will turn 40 years old. As I enter my fifth decade, finding balance becomes increasingly important. I want to nourish both my professional goals and my personal well-being, putting equal emphasis on physical health, mental clarity, and time spent with loved ones. That rhythm, I believe, serves as the foundation for my long-term growth.
So, here’s to the coming year—a toast to progress and determination. I wish you a joyous holiday season and an extraordinary new year!
