Who is Yogini Moodley?
What is something people usually don’t know about you but has influenced you in who you are?
My parents are teachers. They instilled the need for education and continuous learning and the value of the collective. I also see them as servant leaders at their schools and the community at large. They help unlock potential of those they work with. I see this as great influence to my coaching now.
What would have become of you, if you were not doing the job you do today?
I really don’t know. There are so many options. There was was time I wanted to be what was then called an air hostess (I couldn’t meet the height requirement so that was short lived), a singer, a dancer, a model - I never tried any of this. I started my studies in Actuarial Science, ended up in Finance, hated working there. I wanted to quit and become a teacher. I began to enjoy work once I joined IT, it was then that I began learning about agile and found my passion in coaching.
What is your biggest challenge and why is it a good thing for you?
My biggest challenge is being a great mom to my three kids. I often feel that I’m failing them and not good enough. This has become a good thing as its made me more self aware. I’m continuously looking for ways to improve. I’m learning, reading, trying new things to get better every day. Something I’ve learnt recently (after 7 years of momming) is to take care of myself and prioritise myself too. I used to focus on them and their needs without taking any time for me and my needs, which led to burn out and frustration and feelings of incompetence. When I take care of myself, I’m able to take better care of them
What do you currently do and how did you end up in your current role?
I am an agile coach at Growing Agile. Growing Agile was the company helping the organisation I was in, on our agile journey. Sam and Karen coached and mentored me over the years, and Growing Agile was the first place I looked to when it was time to find a new job
What is the last thing you read, watched or listened to that inspired you?
That would have to be Lean Coffee this morning. Every month we host a Lean Coffee session over Zoom to bring agilists together to connect. There are always good nuggets to take away, ponder and try.
What do you think is the one thing we can do to improve diversity in the Agile community?
Consciously seek out new people and encourage them to participate actively in the community. Make space for them, partner with them and take accountability of promoting diversity. I remember when I started out I was afraid to contribute, I didn’t think I was good enough, I didn’t know enough to contribute, but with support I was able to grow and share. Be the person that you need to encourage you.
What additional question do you think we should ask and what is the answer to that question?
What is your favourite agile principle and why is it your favourite?
My favourite agile principle is #10 Simplicity - the art of maximizing the work not done - is essential. I often fall into the perfection trap, I want to get everything done perfectly. More often than not, that results in not getting things done. So now I go with ‘Done is better than perfect’. I’ve found that this is also a difficult principle for teams to embrace, they’re not used to not doing work or having work not done. This leads to discussions regarding time and value.
Who do you think we should feature next (in South Africa)?
Oz Chiwayi
What are some reasons that made you recommend the person above?
Oz has been part of the South African agile community for many many years. He has been instrumental in my growth and many others. I always feel better and inspired after every interaction with Oz.
How would you define your relationship with the South African Agile community?
It feels like home, I have a sense of belonging, I feel safe to be me
Johannesburg, October 2021
How to connect with Yogini
Website : www.growingagile.co.za
LinkedIn: @yoginimoodley
Twitter: @yogini_zn