1) Tell us about yourself and your background. What aspects of your role do you enjoy most, and what have been some of your key successes and challenges?

I had the privilege of working and growing professionally in South Africa for ten years before relocating to the Netherlands. My extensive background in engineering applications and software, coupled with my experience in product ownership, makes me a valuable asset. I have a strong foundation as a full-stack developer and software architect, specializing in cloud and application solutions. Over time, my big-picture outlook, communication skills, and ability to prioritize from a business perspective naturally steered me from technical roles toward product ownership and Agile Scrum management. For the past nine years, I have leveraged my development, engineering, and product management expertise to perform at a high level as a Product Owner.

My role is focused on prioritizing tasks, understanding the business landscape, and aligning with client needs. I enjoy building new teams, helping existing ones thrive, and creating frameworks and structures that add real value to clients. My key success lies in understanding the business case and minimizing wasted effort by prioritizing effectively. Challenges I face include continuously learning new technologies, earning trust, and adapting to new company cultures to lead teams successfully.

2) In your opinion, what makes a great Product Owner?

A great Product Owner seamlessly balances strategic vision with practical execution. Key qualities of an exceptional PO include:

• Understanding People: Building strong relationships with the team and stakeholders is essential. A good PO naturally earns trust, creating an environment where people feel confident in their leadership.
• Gaining Trust and Leading with Confidence: It’s important to lead in a way that encourages others to trust your guidance, which allows you to steer the team effectively.
• Grasping the Business Case and Value: Understanding the true business value of a feature or project helps a PO prioritize tasks that bring real impact and avoid unnecessary work.
• Aligning with Management and Technical Feasibility: A great PO knows how to bridge what management wants with what the technical team can realistically deliver, ensuring that everyone is working towards achievable and valuable goals.

Ultimately, a great Product Owner is someone who leads with both insight and empathy, ensuring that the product adds genuine value and the team is engaged and aligned.

3) How do you feel about your experience at Agap2 so far? Which aspects of your work do you enjoy most?

My experience at Agap2 has been incredibly positive. I highly value the diversity within the team and organization, which brings fresh perspectives and fosters a collaborative environment. The strong emphasis on training and support has been instrumental in my personal and professional development. I particularly appreciate the structured yet adaptive approach offered by the company, which allows us to meet our challenges while continuously improving. These elements create a dynamic, engaging, and productive work environment where I feel my skills and contributions are well-utilized. In short, this is great family to join.

4) What career goals have you set for yourself over the next few years?

In the next few years, I aim to grow into a role where I can lead multiple teams, building on my product ownership and management experience. I am especially interested in leveraging AI to enhance product capabilities and drive data-informed decision-making. My goal is to transition into a product management and directorship role, enabling me to influence strategic direction on a broader scale and deliver impactful solutions that meet evolving market needs. Additionally, I am eager to manage larger teams and projects, expanding my experience with global-scale budgets and initiatives.

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