Get To Know… Sander Dur

As you may have experienced yourself already, our trainers are at the heart of our company. Yes, we’re knocking on an open door here, but it’s good to acknowledge that without trainers, we wouldn’t have been a training company. Their expertise, enthusiasm, and teaching skills are vital to our—and your—success.

Continuing our “Get to Know…” series is Sander Dur, our dedicated Xebian who has transitioned from consultancy to full-time training and is passionate about Scrum and Agile methodologies. Get ready for a Q&A with our dynamic and authentic Scrum expert.

“My name is Sander Dur. I work as a professional Scrum and general Agile trainer at Xebia Academy. After a decade of consultancy, I made the switch to full-time training this year.”

“I hold all the Scrum.org certifications, and that’s been my main focus so far. About 90 to 95 percent of my work leverages these certifications. In the past, I was also an SPC (SAFe Program Consultant), but I’ve shifted focus to other scaling frameworks.”

“That’s an interesting story. About eight years ago, I experienced burnout. I was working as a PMO (Project Management Officer) and was driven by the wrong motivations, always trying to take the next step rather than focusing on what made me happy. Through therapy and coaching, I realized I wanted to be a Scrum Master. I enjoyed the teaching part and helping others improve.”

“The support from the Scrum.org community made it a logical step for me to become a professional Scrum trainer, giving back to the community that supported me.”

“I love when students ask critical questions and try to understand the ‘why’ behind what I’m teaching. This critical mindset ensures they truly grasp the concepts and can apply them effectively. It’s similar to how my kids constantly ask ‘why’ to understand things better.”

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Thank you to the students for the feedback. I think it’s because I stay true to myself. The way I am in class is the same as when I’m outside of work. This authenticity seems to resonate with people.”

“Xebia genuinely puts people first. I’ve worked for many companies that claim to do so, but Xebia is the first where I truly feel it. There’s immense support from the organization, from industry leaders to management, which makes it feel like home. This support translates into the training as well, as I can bring real-world examples and knowledge from various experiences, including consultancy and podcasts.”

“Most examples I use in training come from my consultancy work and podcasts. Xebia supports me in these endeavors, which helps me gather diverse knowledge and perspectives to share with my students. This ensures that the training is not just theoretical but proven in practice.”

“I have a podcast called “Mastering Agility” that takes up quite some time. I also have three kids and a very active Labrador named Ace, who keeps me busy. Besides that, I enjoy reading and playing Call of Duty.”

“I started it with my previous employer to differentiate myself and boost the company’s visibility. I aimed to connect with industry leaders to stand out. We’ve had guests like Formula One drivers, Dave Snowden, and Dave West from Scrum.org. The podcast has grown significantly, and we now have a Discord community, merchandise, and a Medium publication.”

Thank you for reading and watching the interview. We would love to share more about what motivates our trainers, what made them topic experts, what they do besides work, and why they are so passionate about their jobs. Keep an eye out for interviews with our other trainers.

Check Sanders’ trainer profile on our website for more information, content, and upcoming courses with Sander.