Being a Genuine Agile Coach is a Daily Choice with Jimena Saavedra

10/30/24 • 35 min

Join me for an enriching conversation with Jimena Saavedra, an Agile coach hailing from the beautiful shores of Montevideo, Uruguay. Jimena shares her journey of transformation within the world of Agile coaching, emphasizing the importance of authenticity and trust in driving meaningful change. As we bond over Uruguay's picturesque beaches, Jimena reveals the daily decisions that shape her role and the necessity of fostering genuine connections within teams. Through her candid insights, she highlights the challenges and sometimes isolating aspects of being an Agile coach, while underscoring the power of embracing discomfort to facilitate real growth.
Our discussion opens up further to examine the complexities and hurdles Agile coaches often encounter. From handling team dynamics to the delicate art of balancing professional distance with personal connections, we delve into experiences that test resilience and honesty. We recount a personal story of attempting to gather meeting time data, illustrating the importance of timing and transparency. Through shared anecdotes and mentor advice, we explore the significance of self-awareness and insightful questioning in an Agile coach's toolkit. Listeners are encouraged to stay connected with Agile communities, embrace challenges, and pursue continuous development, all while pushing teams toward accountability and growth, even when it means stepping into uncomfortable territory.
Connect with Jimena on LinkedIn:
https://linkedin.com/in/maria-jimena-saavedra
Connect with Jimena by Email:
[email protected]
Explore Jimema's website and YouTube channel (in Spanish at the moment):
www.disruptronix.com
https://www.youtube.com/@jimenasaavedra-agilistagenuina
Discover Uruguay and Punta del Este, the Miami Beach of South America:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xZC2lyuNAfo
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Punta_del_Este

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https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-agile-within

Support the show

Follow us on LinkedIn:
https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-agile-within

Previous Episode

Interculturality and Bridging Gaps with Yamila Solari

Discover the transformative power of interculturality with our guest Yamila Solari, co-founder of the software company, Scio, based in Mexico, as she takes us on her incredible journey from Peru to Mexico and the United States. Her experiences paint a vivid picture of how understanding and respecting cultural differences can bridge gaps and enhance collaboration within teams. We promise you'll come away with insights on how language is just one piece of the cultural puzzle, and how historical influences shape the way we work together. Yamila's personal stories illuminate the often-overlooked nuances that can make or break communication and teamwork, even when language barriers aren’t present.
Explore the intersection of cultural dynamics and workplace efficiency as we dive into implementing Scrum across American and German work cultures. We navigate the challenges posed by contrasting communication styles and cultural norms, emphasizing the value of intercultural training and open dialogue to craft inclusive environments. Real-life encounters with multicultural teams illustrate the importance of cultural awareness, as we unpack how understanding diverse perspectives can drive creativity and innovation while averting conflict. By tuning in, you'll gain a deeper appreciation for cultural adaptability and learn how to harness diversity as a key driver of personal and professional growth.
Connect with Yamila on LinkedIn:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/yamila-solari/
When in Morelia, Mexico visit Jardín de las Rosas:
https://g.co/kgs/9JzrY3v
"The Culture Map" by Erin Meyer:
https://erinmeyer.com/books/the-culture-map/

Individual Cultural Profile:
https://hbr.org/2014/08/whats-your-cultural-profile
Hofstede ́s Country Comparison Tool:
https://www.theculturefactor.com/country-comparison-tool

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Follow us on LinkedIn:
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Next Episode

The Effective Scrum Master with Gary Evans

What if mastering the art of Agile could transform your team's dynamics and boost productivity? Join me to uncover the insights of Gary Evans, a seasoned Agile Coach, Scrum Master, and author of "The Effective Scrum Master." Gary shares his journey of over thirty years in Agile methodologies and reveals the inspiration behind his latest book, filling crucial gaps in current Scrum Master literature. Tune in to explore his unique perspective on the evolving role of a Scrum Master and grasp practical guidance on navigating technical challenges and resolving conflicts within teams.
Discover the intriguing personas that Gary introduces—the Sherpa, Shepherd, Sheepdog, and Diagnostician—which illuminate the multifaceted role of a Scrum Master. These personas serve as a framework for understanding the journey from novice to expert, driven by experience, experimentation, empathy, and empowerment. Gary underscores the importance of community, humility, and mentorship in the path to becoming an effective Scrum Master. Through personal anecdotes, he illustrates how nurturing leadership and fostering self-reliance can empower Agile teams to thrive.
Join the conversation as we dissect the balance of authority and empathy required to protect and nurture Agile teams effectively. Gary candidly shares experiences that echo familial protectiveness, such as defending teams against unreasonable demands while maintaining sustainable work practices. By embracing both the nurturing and protective qualities akin to a shepherd and sheepdog, Scrum Masters can ensure their team's well-being and productivity.
Connect with Gary on LinkedIn:
linkedin.com/in/gary-k-evans-72167
Check out Gary's Book, "The Effective Scrum Master":
https://www.amazon.com/dp/098830113X
Visit Gary's website and subscribe:
https://www.effectivescrummaster.com/
When in Columbia, SC visit Lake Murray and the South Carolina State Museum:
https://www.lakemurraycountry.com/
https://scmuseum.org/

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Follow us on LinkedIn:
https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-agile-within