Sjoerd Nijland

In 2018, after over a decade of working with Scrum Teams, I attempted the PSM III exam, sparking a journey of deep learning and humility. Passing the exam revealed how much there was still to learn about Professional Scrum—characterized by empiricism, high standards, self-management, and the Scrum Values. Pursuing the path to becoming a Professional Scrum Trainer (PST) was challenging, requiring extensive preparation, peer reviews, and overcoming failures like rejected essays and a failed exam retake. Mentorship and collaboration played a crucial role, with peers and trainers offering invaluable feedback. The journey emphasized storytelling, feedback, and balancing empathy with instructional clarity. Key lessons included embracing humility, lifelong learning, and the courage to challenge students to foster meaningful change. The PST experience was transformative, demanding persistence, resilience, and a commitment to continuous growth. Aspiring Scrum Masters are encouraged to embrace failure, seek mentorship, and explore practical training to deepen their Scrum mastery.