Who is Regina Martins?
Regina Martins was proposed as she presented at the South African Scrum Gathering in 2014.
What is something people usually don’t know about you but has influenced you in who you are?
I grew up in Mozambique for the first 9 years of my life and with the political instability breaking out prior to independence from Portugal in the 1970 my folks decided to emigrate to South Africa. At that time, like most kids in my situation I spoke not a word of English! I was put in a separate class called a “language clinic” and within 3 months had learnt enough English and Afrikaans to join the mainstream classes. Despite that I was put back 2 years from the level I was at in Mozambique. My folks spent a lot of time speaking with the school and education department to get me to a standard where I was actually learning something new, to no avail. I didn’t realise how this affected me until my 30s. When I fight tooth and nail not to be placed in a box; when people tell me I can’t do something I will take that as a challenge; and last but not least, I have little tolerance for people who follow rules blindly.
What would have become of you, if you were not doing the job you do today?
If I’d been a diligent university student I would have become a teacher! Since I enjoyed ‘varsity social life too much I went into IT. Seriously though, I did the first 2 years of my degree before realising that I had no idea what I was going to do with it. Teaching, by that stage, was not an option. So I left ‘varsity, went to work for a bank, and returned a decade later and finished my degree. I managed a full time job, a home and a marriage and my results were still better than when I was footloose and fancy-free. There’s something to be said for maturity, desire and focus.
What is your biggest challenge and why is it a good thing for you?
I wish I could hypnotise everyone into loving Agile. I have to keep reminding myself to take people on the journey. And that it is ok for them to opt-out…(I’m still working very hard on this one). This keeps me grounded and looking for new ways, new thinking, to make me a better coach.
What drives you?
Continuously learning and improving so that I can be a better version of myself tomorrow than I was today.
What is your biggest achievement?
I’ve had many achievements and it’s not easy to choose only one. To have been part of the Agile journey of “Team Mauritius” rates quite high on the list! What they have achieved and delivered in the last 5 years is astounding! With the Product Owner and business a 4-hour plane ride away! Without any virtual boards! Instant messaging, the telephone, great relationships, the occasional visit to paradise and heaps of TRUST!
Is there a piece of music that has a special meaning for you?
I walked down the aisle to Procol Harum’s “Whiter Shade of Pale”. Not exactly a wedding song, but it’s such a beautiful melody and infinitely better than the wedding march, for me at least.
What is the last book you have read?
Catching the Big Fish by David Lynch : Meditation, Consciousness, and Creativity. I’m a fan of David Lynch’s work and I found out sometime ago that he is also a Transcendental Meditator. Ideas are like fish and to catch a really big one you have to go deeper. Transcendental Meditation is a way to go deeper. I’ve experienced this - when I meditate regularly creativity just flows.
What question do you think we should also ask and what is the answer?
What is your favourite mixed metaphor (I love mixed metaphors and the cultural and linguistic nuances that come with them)? It’s time to take the bull by the tail and look him in the eyes… Can you picture that? I can, but I certainly don’t want to be the one doing it.
Whom do you think we should ask next in South Africa?
Rahul Sharma. He wears his Agile heart on his sleeve and he’s a great Test Analyst. He was exposed to Agile around 4 years ago and it’s changed his career focus. He achieved his CSM and CSP and is on the Joburg SUGSA committee. His passion for Agile is evident in his interactions. He’s played an influential role in sharing his experiences with testing in an Agile team to the greater testing community in a Joburg based bank.
Whom do you think we should ask next, not in South Africa?
Kent Beck. I attended his closing keynote at Agile Africa 2015 and thoroughly enjoyed what he had to say about personal accountability at Facebook. I also enjoyed his speaking style, he’s so funny. Sam and Karen told me that he does stand up comedy and I found a video on You Tube. I’m curious to read his answers to these questions :-)
How would you define your relation to the South African Agile community?
Sitting quietly in the background watching, listening and learning as much as I can and occasionally stepping out to do a talk or two. I love connecting with everyone at the gatherings and each time I get to know more people. I also love seeing people really blossoming because they have chosen to follow the Agile path fully instead of just “dabbling”. This has meant that they’ve changed the companies they’ve worked at and found new environments. That takes real courage.
Johannesburg, September 2015
How to connect with Regina
Twitter: @gianamar
Linked In: https://za.linkedin.com/pub/regina-martins/17/21/8b5