Ansu, Scrum Master

What were your thoughts when you first stepped out of the lift and into the Tic:Toc office?

When I started with Tic:Toc about 5 years ago, we worked out of our previous Adelaide office where the lifts would open up into a wide and bright space with hard wood-panelled floors and large windows that overlooked the beautiful and busy North Terrace. The first thing I noticed was the buzz of happy, engaged and empowered employees that greeted me as I walked through to my desk. I felt energised and excited with the new job, in a new country and with all the limitless possibilities it could bring into my life.

Is Adelaide your hometown, and what do you enjoy about working in the city?

I've been lucky to call a few places home before I came to beautiful Adelaide about five years ago. And my new home couldn’t be more perfect. Considering how much the pandemic has impacted us over the last two years, my view of coming into the city for work has really changed. It’s been bizarre, the last two years of working from home and just seeing my workmates online. While we have been able to adapt, we were really isolated in our homes, working quietly and repeating each day one after the other. The opportunity to come to the city and the office really showed how much we missed office banter and the occasional coffee and drinks with friends on a Friday.

Coming back to the office enabled us to see the power of human connection and face-to-face interaction. Luckily, we are in the city and we are really spoilt for choice when looking for a coffee or a place to grab a bite or share a beer.

Can you explain your current role?

My current role is that of a Scrum Master for our delivery team, which consists of Developers, Test Engineers and Product Owners. I’d like to think of the scrum team as a rock band and my role would be like the band manager. I support the band with arranging gigs, handling glitches, inspiring them, and ensuring the team has everything they need to shine and create “platinum records” consistently

How has your role changed since starting at Tic:Toc?

I started at Tic:Toc as a Home Loans Specialist. This was my first stint as a new immigrant and I was fortunate enough to have the opportunity to have been chosen by Tic:Toc. A few months into the role I was presented with the opportunity to move to a role that I had previous experience in which was that of a Test Engineer. As my experience grew, so did my aspirations. Once again, I couldn’t have asked for a more supportive workplace or group of leaders and colleagues which have all helped me assume my present role as a Scrum Master.

You can invite any four people to dinner. Who are you inviting?

Simon Sinek, Freddie Mercury, Bob Ross & Steve Irwin.

What do you find most rewarding about your role?

At Tic:Toc, I work with some of the most amazing and talented people I’ve known. I find it most rewarding when I see inspired individuals who are empowered, happy, and excited to do their best work, and when I know that I can play a key role in creating an environment conducive to personal and professional growth where each individual feels like they play an important role in developing something incredible every day.

How do you like your coffee?

Black with a side of silence or a hint of early morning jazz. 🎷

What motivates you to get out of bed in the morning?

Most days I look forward to my daughter’s smile, which to me is brighter than a thousand suns. And the fact I care about people and find a special kind of joy when I see people grow, discover and develop their true potential. Knowing that I can play a small part in that is what gets me out of bed before my alarm goes off.

What hobby are you into right now?

Origami because I found folding pieces of paper to perfection can be very therapeutic. I’ve been learning to play the ukulele too because my two-year-old daughter inspired me to learn by showing me that we shared a common love for music.

Do you have a general philosophy/ethos you try to live by?

It is always important to treat others as you would like to be treated: with respect, kindness and without judgment.