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The Art of Scrum Mastering with Syed Khalil – NeXT Innovators

Syed Khalil, Senior Manager at Publix, shares his transformative journey from marketing to Scrum Master, revealing insights on Agile practices at leading companies.

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In this enlightening episode of NeXt Innovators, we are joined by Syed Khalil, a Senior Manager at Publix, one of the largest food store chains in Florida, with over 1,360 stores across eight states. Syed's career journey is both inspiring and instructive, offering a deep dive into the world of Agile methodologies and their application in various high-profile companies. 

Syed begins by sharing his unconventional entry into the IT and Agile world, starting with a bachelor's degree in marketing and an MBA in e-commerce. Initially working in marketing, Syed transitioned to business analysis upon his vice president's suggestion, eventually finding his true calling in Agile practices. His first significant exposure to Scrum came in 2010 during a training session in Austin, which sparked his interest and set him on a path to becoming a Scrum Master. 

Throughout his career, Syed has worked with several Fortune 100 companies, including BP, Shell, USAA, Baker Hughes, Amazon, and Apple. Each organization offered unique challenges and learning opportunities. For instance, at Amazon, Syed learned about various Agile frameworks like SAFe, LeSS, and Scrum-of-Scrums, while at Apple, he navigated a blend of spiral and Agile methodologies. 

At Publix, Syed is part of a massive IT team that supports the company's extensive operations. He discusses the importance of aligning Agile practices with the company's culture and the necessity of gradual implementation to ensure team buy-in and long-term success. By integrating elements of both Scrum and Kanban, Syed has enhanced transparency and collaboration within his teams. 

A key takeaway from Syed's experience is the critical role of training and empowerment in Agile transformations. He emphasizes the need for continuous learning, having internal champions to advocate for Agile practices, and external mentors to provide guidance and support. Syed's approach to Agile is pragmatic and adaptable, focusing on what works best for the team and the organization rather than rigidly adhering to a single methodology. 

Syed also highlights the importance of creating a supportive and collaborative work environment. At Publix, his team has implemented various strategies to foster teamwork and continuous improvement, such as regular training sessions and incentives for knowledge sharing. 

This episode is a treasure trove of insights for anyone interested in Agile, from seasoned practitioners to those new to the field. Syed Khalil's journey demonstrates the transformative power of Agile methodologies and the importance of flexibility, continuous learning, and cultural alignment in achieving success. 

Tune in to hear Syed's full story, learn from his experiences, and gain valuable tips on navigating the complexities of Agile transformations in large organizations. Don't miss this opportunity to learn from one of the industry's most experienced Agile practitioners. 

 

 
 
 
 
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