When Dave Chantry faced a career reset, he didn’t hesitate. He zeroed in on the skills that mattered, dove headfirst into Agility in Mind’s PSPO courses, and emerged with a certification that recruiters can’t ignore. The result? A surge in career opportunities and proof that even the toughest challenges can turn into success stories.

Before attending the PSPO and PSPO Advanced classes with Agility in Mind, what challenges were you facing in your product ownership journey? 

Between 2016 and 2023, my focus on Product Ownership fluctuated as my roles primarily revolved around partner management and client engagement within a Portuguese systems integrator. This often involved supplying time-and-materials Scrum teams to deliver core projects for major blue-chip organisations. Leveraging my prior product management experience, I was occasionally called upon to apply Product Owner skills within Scrum teams, particularly for strategic and critical programs. As this role approached its conclusion, I decided to re-focus on Product Ownership—a discipline I am passionate about. I evaluated my skills against market demands and identified the need to refresh and formalise my expertise. This led me to pursue certification as a Professional Scrum Product Owner (PSPO) through Scrum.org. 

What made you choose Agility in Mind for these classes?

Several Product Owners I worked with had taken the available courses and spoke highly of their value. Additionally, I have longstanding professional relationships with some of the team at Agility in Mind, who have been at the forefront of Scrum's evolution since its inception, making them a trusted source in my product management journey.

How would you describe your experience during the PSPO and PSPO Advanced classes? What stood out to you about the instructors, content, or delivery? 

The classes were well-structured, featuring engaging content, and were conducted at a pace that suited all attendees. I had the same instructor for both courses, and they demonstrated a high level of professionalism, extensive knowledge, and a very accommodating approach.

What specific outcomes have you achieved since completing the training? How has passing these certifications impacted your role or career? 

The skills I gained from the courses have proven to be highly valuable in my day-to-day engagement. Additionally, I've noticed a significant increase in engagement from business professionals and recruiters, particularly for Product Owner roles, as well as a notable rise in LinkedIn profile views compared to before..

How did React+ funding help make this journey possible for you? Would you recommend this funding option to others? 

Earlier this year, I faced a challenging period after being made redundant from my previous role. The funding provided by React+ was instrumental in allowing me to fully focus on getting back on track and enhancing my Product Owner skillset, which has been a pivotal step in my professional growth. Check if the funding is available and if it is, go for it. You can’t fail.

Would you recommend Agility in Mind to others pursuing similar goals? If so, what would you say to them?

I would wholeheartedly recommend Agility in Mind. No matter your current skill level, simply be clear about what you want to achieve from the training, and they will guide you every step of the way to help you reach your goals.