My Story

I started my career as a professor at Loyola University Chicago. But even though I loved teaching, I couldn't resist the "call of the internet." First, I learned to write code. Then, I moved to project management, eventually getting my Professional Project Management (PMP) certification.

But I had this nagging feeling that there just had to be a better way. I was curious about Scrum but didn't know where to start or how to build experience. So I took the 3 day Scrum Master course with the Scrum Alliance, but realized I had a way to go. My blocker? Experience. I needed to feel more confident actually doing Scrum, plus, all the jobs I saw posted required hands-on experience.

So I practiced my Kanban boards on my refrigerator for my own projects, found ways to integrate Scrum into my current role (at the time, IT Project Manager), and volunteered to be a part of any initiative that "smelled" even slightly of Agile. Over time, I quadrupled my salary, got the Scrum Master job, found happiness at work, and became an Agile Coach.

I'm passionately committed to creating virtual learning for you that's practical, accessible and fun. I hold over ten industry certifications (including certified trainer and career coach) from the International Coach Federation, The Scrum Alliance, The Scaled Agile Framework, and IC Agile.

Now that I know what it takes, I've developed a program to help you shortcut your journey to Scrum Master. I train and coach Scrum newbies who want to bridge the gap between knowing some Scrum vs. getting the actual Scrum Master job. You are in the right place if: you've heard of Scrum, watched some YouTubes, or took a training, and now you want to become a high-performing, highly paid Scrum Master. What does this look like? It could be your roadmap to either "Scrumifying" your current job, or getting the actual Scrum Master job offer. Why work with me? I spent many years as a hiring manager for Scrum Masters, and also performed the Scrum Master role for over 100 global teams. I know what it takes, and I can tell you exactly what you need to do to get there.

Becoming a Scrum Master is like learning to speak Italian or to play the piano. It requires practice over time! It's not like learning to ride a bike, which is pretty fast by comparison. Going to a Scrum Master training just means that you, well . . . went to training, not that you can perform the job. So I've created practical programs that empower you to actually DO Scrum Mastering, vs. just "know" about Scrum Mastering.

If you're ready to blow past blockers and explore your best hopes, contact me at Coach_Kelly@EQAgileAcademy.com.