"The only thing we can be certain of is change. So, we need to respond to the world around us, not force a fixed plan."

For most of my early career, while working at companies like Boeing Australia Limited and Suncorp, I managed projects to implement payroll systems. I loved untangling the problems people were experiencing within a system to find the best solution.

When agile was introduced into mainstream projects, I quickly learned that it aligned with how I work. For me, it provided all the principles and practices needed to support collaborative problem-solving.

As a project manager and a business analyst whose role relies on planning and documentation, I was intrigued by how the agile principles prioritise working solutions over comprehensive documentation and responding to change over following a plan.

Today especially, we live in a state of constant change. So, by the time you have a project plan, the requirements have changed. This is where 'just enough' planning comes in handy for fast decision-making.

I'm also a strong believer in using the power of data to make the best business decisions. In a recent project for a public transport provider, I helped transform their data into valuable insights.

My working experience has helped me see that behind all the data, technology and systems are real people. The human nature of agile and the importance of understanding people - whether they're your leaders, teams or customers, is what I'm most passionate about.

I like to live my life agile. We have a Kanban board on our fridge, and the first part of our family dinner time conversation could be mistaken for a stand-up meeting. In my spare time, I am a practitioner of Shotokan Karate and instructing students in their black belt preparation is a joy of mine.

 

My certifications:

  • ICAgile Authorised Instructor
  • ICAgile Certified Professional (ICP)
  • ICAgile Certified Professional – Agile Product Ownership (ICP-APO)
  • ICAgile Certified Professional – Agile Coaching (ICP-ACC)
  • Certified Scrum Product Owner (CSPO)®, Scrum Alliance®       

My education:

  • Bachelor of Commerce in Accounting and Business Management, Deakin University
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John Ruppel

Knowledge Engineer
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