Meet Michael Hines
Micheal is a Scrum Master, serving as a leader not only for his engineering teams in Experian Consumer Services, but also other business units as we embrace the Agile transformation across the organization. We spoke with Michael to learn more about his career journey, role at Experian, and the impact of Experian’s Agile transformation.
Tell us your story and career journey that led to your current role.
I have been working in the technology industry since being hired at Capital One in 2012. I was fortunate enough to be a part of their Agile transformation and received plenty of hands-on experience that has helped me as I continue my Agile journey. My family and I moved to Texas in 2014 where I continued to pursue servant leadership positions as a Scrum Master that eventually landed me at Experian. Since 2016 my primary position has been as a Scrum Master, acting as a servant leader for not only my engineering teams but also other business units as we embrace the Agile transformation across the organization.
What is the most exciting part of your role?
As a Scrum Master, I wear a myriad of “hats” that compliment my position. Within any given day, I can take on various roles that are needed to help keep those around me motivated and successful with their work. Helping others to achieve something greater together than they could alone is an amazing feeling!
What makes Experian stand out from other tech companies?
The people at Experian are what make it stand out from other tech companies. The sense of community and culture that we all embrace make it possible for us to be one of the top-tier innovation companies in the world.
How has Experian’s Agile transformation impacted your role and experience?
As we continue to evolve within our Agile transformation, everything from the way our teams are structured to how other business units within the organization operate has a potential impact on my role. An Agile transformation is about so much more than just engineering teams working within the Scrum framework. As an Agilist and servant-leader, it is an outstanding and humbling experience to help teams throughout the business understand the values and principles of Agile along with its practices, such as Scrum, so they can succeed and thrive. I’m glad I have the opportunity to help facilitate such an incredible journey!
What’s one piece of advice you’d give to your younger self?
Find people, interactions, or opportunities that help challenge you to be the best version of yourself you can be. Don’t worry about mistakes or failing, because if you’re always successful in everything you do you aren’t challenging yourself enough. Use those learnings to better yourself so that you can then help others around you be the best versions of themselves as well.
