Agile Coaching / Training

About David and Agile Aligned


Why did you call it Agile Aligned?

I figured "Agile" provides the focus, and I chose "Aligned" because it hints at the need for an organization to figure out if/how Agile/Scrum/Kanban/whatever fits.  No two companies implement Agile the same way -- it is an art rather than a science.  Coaching and training works to help align your organization with Agile concepts in a way that makes sense for your specific and unique culture.


Where have you worked?

I've had the opportunity to be part of well-known companies such as IBM, Microsoft, Novell, Symantec, and NetIQ, as well as smaller companies like Legato and Adaptive Computing.  I spent two years as a consultant with Seilevel, which is what brought me to Austin. For more detail, see my LinkedIn profile at https://www.linkedin.com/pub/david-gardner/0/91a/617


What sort of jobs have you held?

Hardware Engineer, Member Scientific Staff (applied research at IBM), Programmer, Technical Marketing Manager, Product Manager, Product Line Manager, Product Owner, ScrumMaster, Consultant, Scrum Coach, and Trainer.


Why did you go into Agile coaching / training?

I've been involved with delivering software for quite a while, and I've found that it is just more fun to use the Agile principles to do so.  There are times when Agile isn't the right answer, but it is often the case that you get more of the right thing, built right, using Agile.  I really enjoy the "aha" moment I see in people's eyes when they see something new that delights them. Being a coach/trainer lets me see that look in the eyes of the people I work with.


What is your education and training?

Here is my formal title/letters:

David L. Gardner Ph.D. IS, MCIS, MBA, BSEE, CISSP, CSP, CSPO, CSM