Jim Simmons

I spent the first 20 years of my career designing video games. I worked as a producer, program manager, and UX practice lead for companies such as Hasbro, Disney, Electronic Arts, and Unlimited Realities.

In 2005, when I was working as a Producer at PikPok, my boss gave me a 'How-To' book about agile. Given the gaming industry's need to prioritise new features, juggle tight deadlines and be laser-focused on the end user, agile was a perfect match.

At the time, I was leading large teams of designers, artists, programmers, and audio designers. Agile leadership, to me, is all about facilitating close collaboration and communication across and between every business domain - including the end users. Everybody has a voice to be heard and a part to play in delivering the best quality products.

It was my passion for engaging people and giving them the tools they need to innovate that drove me to take the leap into training. I've been a qualified agile trainer for three years now, and I love it! I created the Design Sprint Planning and Service Design Workshops at SoftEd, and it's always a thrill getting to teach people how to tackle complex design challenges.

When I'm not working, I enjoy the countryside where I live, north of Wellington in New Zealand. I'm also a lover of architectural photography.

My certifications:

• ICAgile Certified Professional (ICP)
• ICAgile Certified Professional - Agile Coaching (ICP-ACC)

My education:

• Bachelor of Fine Arts, California Institute of the Arts
• Graduate studies in Fiction Screenwriting, Stanford University