What My First Agile Class in Almost a Year Reminded Me

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On Wednesday, I facilitated my first formal training session in almost a year; not speaking engagement, consulting or strategic briefings.

The invitation came from Africa Agility Foundation , as part of the African Girls in Tech Bootcamp. The session was focused on Agile and Scrum for Product Owners and Scrum Masters; what many programs broadly label as “Product Management” to align with industry language.

The objective was simple: teach Agile product thinking and Scrum mastery in a modern context shaped by AI.

Preparing for a New Generation of Learners

I prepared differently this time.

I revisited old notes and materials. Updated examples and some resource vault. Reframed Agile for a world where AI exists, not as a crutch or replacement, but as leverage for speed, accuracy and better judgment not dependency.

I also made a conscious effort to adjust my language. Not to impress though, but to connect. Foundational learning only works when learners feel included, not intimidated.

The Moment That Shifted the Session

About 45 minutes into the class, I paused for questions and a quick activity. That’s when I noticed a comment in the live chat:

I’m very confused. This program has been confusing, and it’s just our second session.

Three others agreed to it as well.

For most facilitators, that might feel uncomfortable. For a product person, it was the most exciting and valuable moment of the session for me. Live, unfiltered feedback is rare, even your most loyal customers might not give you such. So I paused the class and asked who shared the comment and she identified herself.

I followed up with one question: What exactly feels unfamiliar?

It Wasn’t Confusion. It Was Fear.

She had joined the session late and missed the foundational framing. More importantly, she was completely new to tech. Not much prior digital experience or mental models and no reference points. What appeared as confusion was actually fear, the fear of starting something unfamiliar and feeling behind before you even begin.

That distinction matters.

Practicing Agile, Not Just Teaching It

I adjusted in real time, reduced my planned content; increased interaction. Rebuilt the foundations from first principles.

Then we talked about learning curves, career entry points and what “first time in tech” actually feels like. Suddenly the energy shifted, engagement improved, questions increased and confidence returned.

That was #Agile in practice not ceremonies or frameworks, but responsiveness to real human signals.

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A Familiar Pattern From My Mentoring Journey

That moment took me back to 2021, when I mentored my first product manager.

Two weeks into their first role, they came back worried because they were being asked to lead and they didn’t understand all the tools used and it made them feel unprepared.

I told them something my own mentor once told me:

The best professionals don’t know everything. They know how to learn fast.

Today, that same person is a senior product manager, contributing meaningfully to the ecosystem.

Everyone starts somewhere.

Why Beginner Support Matters More Than Ever

That class reinforced something I’ve been working on for months: resources for people entering product and tech roles with zero background.

Truth be told, not everyone needs advanced frameworks. Some people need understanding, direction, reassurance, and structure.

And sometimes, what unlocks progress isn’t more content, it’s confidence.

Gratitude for Those Who Made My First Steps Easier

The session ended with reflection, mine included.

I thought about the people who gave me my first opportunities; those who trusted me early; those who spoke my name in rooms I wasn’t in yet.

They didn’t just help my career, they shortened my learning curve; that kind of support compounds.

If you’re teaching, remember: adaptability is the real test of expertise. If you’re learning, remember: fear is often the first signal of growth. If you’re experienced, remember your own beginning.

And if you’re building learning programs, products, or teams in tech, especially in emerging markets; design for the beginner, not just the advanced user. That’s how ecosystems grow.

If you’re entering product management, transitioning into tech, or supporting early-career professionals, I’ll be sharing structured beginner resources soon, subscribe to my newsletter to stay informed

Follow along. Ask questions. And if you’re in a position to mentor or open doors, do it deliberately.

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