Agile Gatherings invited an OSMS volunteer to share her unique experience at this successful Agile conference. Welcome Jennifer Joynt (JJ), our interviewed Agilist of the week!
What motivated you to become an OSMS volunteer in 2024?
JJ: I volunteered at the Online Scrum Master Summit because of my passion for continuous learning and my desire to give back to the community. During the organization of the event, I worked in various roles and understood the importance of staying connected with thought leaders and fellow practitioners. As a part of the summit, I immersed myself in the latest ideas & evolving practices. Besides, the opportunity to contribute to the growth of others while learning through my service as a volunteer inspired me. These events have a special energy, so I wanted to experience and share that colletctive spirit of innovation and collaboration.
What insights or new knowledge did you gain as an OSMS volunteer?
The summit highlighted that Agile is more than just a methodology. It’s a mindset that promotes adaptability, collaboration, and resilience. So, one of the most important takeaways: the significance of psychological safety within teams. Therefore, the speakers stressed the importance of creating a safe environment for open discussions, experimentation, and learning from mistakes as crucial to team success. Furthermore, I gained practical strategies for conducting Agile ceremonies in a remote setting. It’s especially valuable as virtual teams become increasingly common. During the event, hearing about shared experiences of overcoming common Agile challenges reminded me that no matter the obstacles, there’s always room for growth, as long as we stay flexible and open to change.
How do Agile events differ across various regions or countries?
I really appreciate the global Agile community for embracing both universality and local diversity. The core values and principles of Agile remain constant. Yet, their application is influenced by cultural, economic, and organizational contexts. In some regions, Agile events are more structured and formal, reflecting a disciplined approach to implementation. While in others, there’s a greater emphasis on flexibility, experimentation, and collaboration across time zones. In my experience, Agile events in South Africa have a strong community-driven focus, often integrating aspects of social upliftment & inclusion. In contrast, at international events, I noticed an increasing focus on cutting-edge digital transformation & innovation. The ability to adapt Agile to local needs while remaining true to its foundational principles is a testament to its versatility & power. This diversity makes each event a rich learning experience.
“I believe that cross-pollination of ideas from different regions strengthens the global Agile ecosystem.“
What is your final message for next year’s OSMS volunteers?
The Scrum Master Summit was more than just a learning experience—it was a reminder of the importance of community, shared purpose, and the constant evolution that Agile encourages. I am grateful for the opportunity to be part of this transformative event and to contribute to the wider Agile conversation.
By Jennifer Joynt
https://www.linkedin.com/in/jennifer-joynt-06a8581a/
