Dallas Jackson

As a single, working mum, it was my son who inspired me to live in an agile way. He had a picture-filled Kanban board before he could even read, and the techniques helped us plan and prioritise our days.

There is a principle in the agile manifesto about keeping things simple and maximising the amount of work not done. This philosophy is how I make sure that everything I do is connected to real value and purpose.

In my career, I started my agile journey as a developer, business analyst, project manager and agile lead at Whole Foods Market. My role was focused on bridging the gap between the information technology teams and the wider business by introducing a more collaborative, agile approach to working.

When I moved into a team coaching and scrum master role, I realised the importance of putting people first. Agile helped me understand that at the heart of every product, service, or solution are the people who use them and the people who create them. I am a strong believer that I coach people, not resources. So, to bring out the best in our teams, I had to combine my technical expertise with holistic practices and behavioural science.

This is something I've carried with me as an agile trainer and consultant. When I'm working and travelling internationally, connecting with people is what keeps me grounded.

When I'm not at work, agile helps me balance all of my interests. I love to cook, and I’m a trained chef. I'm on the board of the Institute for Transactional Philosophy, and I am an active supporter of non-profit groups that provide safe places for families and refugees.

My certifications:

• Certified ScrumMaster (CSM)^®, Scrum Alliance^®
• Certified Scrum Product Owner (CSPO)^®, Scrum Alliance^®
• Certified Agile Leadership Essentials (CAL-E)^®, Scrum Alliance^®
• Advanced Certified Scrum Developer℠ (A-CSD)^®, Scrum Alliance^®
• ISTQB^® Certified Tester Foundation Level (CTFL)
• Training from the BACK of the Room! (TBR) Certified Trainer
• Cynefin^® Foundations, The Cynefin Company
• Certificate in the Foundations of NeuroLeadership (CFN), The NeuroLeadership Institute
• Brain-Based Coaching Certificate^® (BBCC), The NeuroLeadership Institute

My education:

• Bachelor of Business Administration in Accounting, Texas Tech University