Who is Samantha Laing?
Sam was proposed by Aslam Khan.
Here is what Karen has to say about Sam:
I met Sam when I interviewed her for a ScrumMaster position. I walked straight out of the room and made the offer. I knew she “got” agile. A few years later we started a business together. I love the fact that she gives me constant feedback on things she observes, and I know it is always intended to help me improve.
What is something people usually don’t know about you but has influenced you in who you are?
I’m a dog person. I have 3 dogs and 1 cat. The dogs remind me to always forgive quickly (5 minutes!) and then be wagging my tail again. And should I forget - my wife reminds me to wag my tag.
On a more serious, vulnerable note. I worry. A lot. About everything. I’m a control freak by nature. Especially around time. I need to be 5 minutes early to everything - otherwise I feel like a total failure. Karen and my wife tease me about it all the time. I’m getting better … I think … :)
Oh, and in case you missed the above references - I’m gay and happily married to a woman. While I don’t hide this, some people are really suprised when they realise it - so perhaps less people are aware than I think.
What would have become of you, if you were not doing the job you do today?
Sjoe! Its hard to think about not doing the job I’m doing now. I think I would probably have become a Software Dev Manager at a little company somewhere. Or a school teacher.
What is your biggest challenge and why is it a good thing for you?
My fitness level and smoking. Both are with me sporadically. I work hard on both - in spurts. Its a continuous give and take that hopefully oneday will find calm and balance.
What drives you?
My curiosity. I always wonder if there is a better way, an easier way, a more fun way. I don’t believe life needs to be difficult - its us that makes it difficult. (Well, us and computers).
What is your biggest achievement?
Thus far its having “BeBrave” as a resolution for a year and vowing to always take the path I don’t know. It led me to my job, my wife and so much more!
Is there a piece of music that has a special meaning for you?
Not really. I love breaking into song - just a sentence or two at usually weird times :) I never remember all the words to a song or the artists or anything - I’m really bad with things like that.
What is the last book you have read?
mmm some romance pulp whilst on honeymoon ;) I am currently reading The Peoples Scrum by Tobias Mayer.
What question do you think we should also ask and what is the answer?
My favourite dessert is Tirumisu.
Whom do you think we should ask next in South Africa?
Joanne Perold - a Scrum Master in Johannesburg who amazes me with her insights.
Whom do you think we should ask next, not in South Africa?
Geoff Watts - A Coach and trainer in the UK that has a similar (to me) fun outlook on life.
How would you define your relation to the South African Agile community?
Symbiotic. I strive to give as much as I have received over the last few years. Its the reason Growing Agile started Agile Breakfasts, and things like the agile bookswap. We have such a rich community and we can all learn so much from each other.
Cape Town, April 2013
Mmm not sure I have much of a relationship anymore. I keep in touch with a few people in the community and support them via retweeting things or having zoom chats. Mostly I am trying to create a community in NZ that is as awesome as the SA community. It is a rare and beautiful thing. Covid has brought a deeper connection to the worldwide community as most events are happening online still - so that has been a great way to mix and mingle with people you might only see at large international conferences. I like that the global community has become richer because of this crisis. I wonder how we can keep the excitement and energy of large international community events in an online format whilst supporting and encouraging local in person group events.
New Zealand, October 2020
How to connect with Sam
Twitter: @samlaing
Linked In: za.linkedin.com/in/samlaing