Who is Nkululeko Masondo?
What is something people usually don’t know about you but has influenced you in who you are?
I have been fascinated by computers from a very young age, growing up to learn about most of what needs to happen before it beams up and start taking instructions has influenced me greatly in who I am. From the items that would mostly be in my space, my career choices and the type of content I consume.
What would have become of you, if you were not doing the job you do today?
I definitely would still be doing something around technology. Even if it was for the fun of it.
What is your biggest challenge and why is it a good thing for you?
Balancing out ideals from the realistic journey to reach them. This forces me to think of smaller attainable milestones that do not frighten me to a point where I am not motivated enough.
What do you currently do and how did you end up in your current role?
I am a Scrum Master. I was introduced to different agile ways of working while I was a Management Consultant, this interest me so much that I begin learning more about it, attending meetups and conferences.
What do you think is the one thing we can do to improve diversity in the Agile community?
I think one of the most impactful ways is to ensure representation in public gatherings (conferences, meetups, forums) and this will entice more diverse people to start participating in the community as they feel represented.
What additional question do you think we should ask and what is the answer to that question?
What keeps you going in your agile role? For me, it is the people I am able to touch base with and discuss with them when I encounter something I have not encountered before.
Who do you think we should feature next (in South Africa)?
Ambrose Betiku
What are some reasons that made you recommend the person above?
I met Ambrose a few years back, we have subsequently worked at Nedbank and Absa. We share the same passion, with the distinction that he can exercise more patience and calm is explaining it. Ambrose is also involved in the agile community through meetups and other conversations we have. He also volunteers on the SUGSA committee
How would you define your relationship with the South African Agile community?
I avail myself to people who I can journey with in agile community. This is one of the best thing I found about the community when I started being active back in 2015, that people are generally willing to assist, guide or figure out together what I may not be understanding.
What is the last thing you read, watched or listened to that inspired you?
The Remote Facilitator’s Pocket Guide by Kirsten Clacey & Jay-Allen Morris came just in time and has helped be much during the coronavirus epidemic period when we are all working from home.
Johannesburg, November 2020
How to connect with Nkululeko
Twitter: @masondo Linked In: za.linkedin.com/in/masondo