Agile leadership across borders: A journey from Baghdad to team empowerment
Growing up in the bustling streets of Baghdad, I never imagined that my journey would lead me to the forefront of agile project management in the business world. Yet, as I reflect on my experiences, I realize that the values and lessons instilled in me during my Iraqi upbringing have shaped my approach to leadership and teamwork in profound ways.
The agile mindset: drawing parallels with Iraqi culture
In the chaos of daily life in Iraq, adaptability was not just a skill but a necessity. The resilience of the Iraqi people in the face of adversity mirrors the core principles of agile methodologies. As my community banded together to overcome challenges, agile teams collaborated and iterated to achieve success. I recall a particular instance during my childhood when a sudden power outage plunged our neighbourhood into darkness. Without skipping a beat, neighbours rallied together, sharing resources and solutions to navigate the blackout. This spirit of collective problem-solving and resourcefulness mirrors the agile concept of organising teams and cross-functional collaboration.
Transitioning to agile: lessons learned from Iraq
As I embarked on my career in project management, I encountered my fair share of challenges, the uncertainty and rapid pace of change often felt reminiscent of the turbulent environment I grew up in. However, it was precisely these challenges that allowed me to draw upon the lessons of my Iraqi upbringing where plans were often disrupted by unforeseen circumstances, forcing us to adapt and innovate on the fly. Similarly, in the agile world, the ability to pivot quickly and embrace change is paramount to success. My experiences as an Iraqi taught me the importance of flexibility, improvisation, and the willingness to embrace uncertainty which serves me well as a Scrum Master, and one of the main reasons I became so passionate about agile methodologies.
Becoming a scrum master: bridging worlds
As I transitioned into the role of a Scrum Master, I found myself bridging the worlds of my Iraqi heritage and the business/IT landscape. Drawing upon the values instilled in me by my upbringing and culture, I approached leadership with empathy, humility, and a deep respect for diverse perspectives.
One of the most rewarding aspects of my role has been witnessing the transformative power of agile methodologies in action. By fostering a culture of collaboration, continuous improvement, and self-management, I’ve seen teams overcome seemingly unconquerable challenges and deliver exceptional results.
In a world marked by uncertainty and rapid change, the principles of agility have never been more relevant. My journey from Baghdad to the leadership circle has taught me that innovation flourishes when diverse perspectives converge. By embracing the lessons of my Iraqi upbringing and applying them to agile project management, I’ve discovered a newfound appreciation for the power of collaboration, adaptability, and resilience.
As we navigate the complexities of the modern business landscape, let us remember that diversity is not just a buzzword but a source of strength. By embracing our unique backgrounds and experiences, we can unlock new possibilities and drive meaningful change in the world around us. This was one of the main motivations for me to switch my career and start my journey as a scrum master, a decision that changed my life in a very positive way.
Maryam Ameer
Working Machines
An executive’s guide to AI and Intelligent Automation. Working Machines takes a look at how the renewed vigour for the development of Artificial Intelligence and Intelligent Automation technology has begun to change how businesses operate.
