Portfolio Stephan Schwab

Overview of Client Engagements

2024

Caimito Services LLC: Develop an agroforestry planning and design tool.
Caimito Agile Life: Promote ecosystem restoration with an e-commerce and ERP solution.

2021

Mercedes-Benz: Improve engineering practices and advise on network and information security.
GranjaEU: Develop an integrated e-commerce and ERP platform for farm management.

2020

PH7: Provide consulting on agile practices and software development.

2019

Raiffeisen: Implement a new software development process.

2018

Alfa Insurance: Enhance software development practices and security measures.

2016

Thales: Advise on agile practices and software development.
Alfa Bank: Improve software development processes and security.
Deutsche Bank: Provide consulting on software development and security.
Walz: Implement agile practices and improve software development.

2015

Otkritie: Enhance software development processes and security.
AXA: Provide consulting on agile practices and software development.
Virtual Solution: Improve software development practices and security.

2014

Huawei: Advise on agile practices and software development.

2013

Webtrekk: Implement a new software development process.
OBI: Enhance software development practices and security measures.

2012

Independent Health: Provide consulting on agile practices and software development.

2009

Nationwide: Improve software development processes and security.

2008

Serials Solution: Implement a new software development process.
Nationwide: Enhance software development practices and security measures.

2007

Caimito Development: Establish a software outsourcing company and develop agile tools.
Cloud9: Provide consulting on agile practices and software development.

2006

Real World: Improve software development processes and security.

Client: Caimito Services LLC

Duration: 2024
Objective:
Develop a tool to assist in the planning and design of agroforestry systems, enabling efficient research and visualization of plant species properties for optimized layouts.

Solution:

Extensively utilized ChatGPT for research on plant species, properties, and ecosystem compatibility to inform application functionality.
Integrated GitHub Copilot in VS Code to rapidly prototype and iterate on the tool’s development tasks.
Adopted trunk-based development, pushing commits and changes directly to the production environment to ensure continuous updates and delivery.
Built the backend with Spring Boot for processing and business logic.
Designed a lightweight, efficient frontend using Thymeleaf templates combined with htmx for dynamic interactivity without requiring a full JavaScript framework.

Outcome:

Successfully delivered an agroforestry planning tool to support informed decision-making for planting strategies.
Accelerated development cycles with the combination of AI tools (ChatGPT, GitHub Copilot) and trunk-based development.
Improved performance and simplicity by using an HTML5/CSS3 approach with htmx, eliminating the need for heavy frontend frameworks.

Technologies Used:

Backend: Spring Boot
Frontend: Thymeleaf, htmx, HTML5/CSS3
AI Tools: ChatGPT for research and development acceleration
Code Assistance: GitHub Copilot in VS Code
Development Practice: Trunk-Based Development

Key Contributions:

Researched plant species and optimized application functionality using ChatGPT.
Rapidly prototyped the tool’s features with GitHub Copilot, significantly reducing development time.
Built a robust backend with Spring Boot and an interactive, lightweight frontend using htmx.
Established a continuous delivery workflow with trunk-based development practices.

Client: Caimito Agile Life

Duration: 2024 Objective:
Develop an IoT sensor dashboard to visualize real-time data and enable monitoring for operational insights.

Solution:

Designed a cloud-based dashboard application to display real-time data from IoT sensors.
Implemented a backend service in Spring Boot to process and store sensor data.
Developed a frontend using React.js for interactive data visualization and real-time updates.
Deployed the solution on AWS for scalability and reliability.

Outcome:

Provided a reliable dashboard to monitor IoT sensor data in real time.
Improved operational insights through interactive visualizations.
Enabled faster decision-making by offering real-time alerts and trend analysis.

Technologies Used:

Backend: Spring Boot
Frontend: React.js
Cloud: AWS
Data Storage: PostgreSQL

Key Contributions:

Architected the system for real-time IoT data ingestion and visualization.
Implemented backend data processing and frontend visualizations.
Ensured a scalable deployment on AWS infrastructure.

Client: Mercedes-Benz

Duration: 2021-2022
Objective:
Simplify the management and operations of SonarQube and GitHub Enterprise for software development and DevOps teams across multiple international locations.

Solution:

Designed and implemented a backend system using Java (Quarkus) to automate and streamline administrative tasks.
Built a frontend application with Vue.js for an intuitive user interface to manage configurations.
Deployed the solution on Azure Kubernetes Service (AKS) with CI/CD pipelines to ensure continuous integration and smooth updates.
Focused on a robust, scalable design to handle multi-location usage and ensure reliability.

Outcome:

Improved administrative efficiency for managing SonarQube and GitHub Enterprise configurations.
Enabled faster deployments and updates through a streamlined CI/CD pipeline.
Enhanced developer productivity by reducing manual intervention and simplifying access management.

Technologies Used:

Backend: Java (Quarkus)
Frontend: Vue.js
Containerization: Kubernetes (AKS)
CI/CD: GitHub Actions
Infrastructure: Azure Cloud

Key Contributions:

Designed the system architecture for automation and scalability.
Implemented both backend and frontend components.
Integrated deployment pipelines for seamless CI/CD.

Client: Caimito Agile Life

Location: Andalusia, Spain
Duration: 2021 - 2023

Objective:

Develop an ecosystem of applications to support an Andalusian restoration project by enabling:

A frontend platform (CaimitoEU) for promoting packaged products and fresh Iberico meat.
A backend system (GranjaEU) serving as a small-scale ERP for daily farm operations.

Solution:

CaimitoEU - Frontend Platform

Frontend Development:
- Built using JavaScript (Vue.js 3) with clean HTML5/CSS3 styling.
- Styling was redone entirely in pure CSS3 after a failed experience with TailwindCSS.
Multi-Language Support:
- Implemented using vue-i18n with Vue Router tricks for language-specific content.
- Languages supported: English, German, and Spanish.
API Integration:
- Consumes secured REST endpoints from the GranjaEU backend.
- Uses Keycloak for OAuth2-based authentication with service accounts.
Payment Integration:
- Integrated PayPal for processing payments seamlessly.
Deployment:
- Packaged as a Docker container with an NGINX reverse proxy for SSL encryption.
- Build and deploy managed via GitHub Actions multi-stage pipelines, running:
  - Cypress UI tests and smoke tests before production readiness.
- Supports feature flags to test complex features in staging before production.

GranjaEU - Backend and ERP System

Backend Development:
- Built with Java (Spring Boot) exposing secured REST APIs for the CaimitoEU platform and future applications.
- Integrates user management via Keycloak for OAuth2-based security.
Data Management:
- Structured data stored in PostgreSQL; documents stored in MongoDB.
- Flyway used for database migrations.
ERP Features:
- Supports farm workers for daily operations with a Vuetify-based UI.
- Provides email notifications to customers via JavaMail and Google SMTP.
- UI supports English and Spanish.
Testing and Deployment:
- Test-Driven Development and Rapid Prototyping with real farm worker feedback.
- Built with Maven, running extensive JUnit tests (unit and integration).
- Cypress tests for UI and smoke testing critical functionality.
- Packaged into Docker containers, stored in GitHub Container Registry, and deployed via SSH to Docker Compose.
Server Maintenance:
- All servers running Docker Engine on Debian Linux were maintained directly.

Outcome:

Delivered a seamless, integrated ecosystem enabling product promotion, online sales, and farm management.
Achieved multiple deployments per day using trunk-based development, ensuring rapid delivery of new features and fixes.
Improved collaboration between developers and farm workers by incorporating early feedback.
Enhanced scalability and maintainability of the infrastructure with Docker and automation pipelines.

Technologies Used:

Frontend: JavaScript, Vue.js 3, CSS3, Vue Router, vue-i18n
Backend: Java (Spring Boot: REST, Data, Mail, Thymeleaf, Security), Flyway
Testing: Cypress, JUnit
Authentication: Keycloak (OAuth2)
Data Storage: PostgreSQL, MongoDB
Containerization: Docker, Docker Compose
CI/CD: GitHub Actions
Web Server: NGINX
Email: JavaMail with Google SMTP
Tools: Maven, SSH

Key Contributions:

Architected the integration between CaimitoEU and GranjaEU for seamless operation.
Developed a lightweight, secure frontend with Vue.js and API-backed data.
Implemented robust backend APIs with Spring Boot and secure authentication via Keycloak.
Streamlined deployments with CI/CD pipelines and automated testing.
Maintained and optimized Docker-based production servers.

Client: PH7

Location: Japan, USA, Europe
Duration: 2020

Objective:

Develop and maintain a NodeJS-based API to orchestrate external services efficiently, ensuring scalability and robust testing for a globally distributed application.

Solution:

Implemented the API using NodeJS and a functional programming style with Promises and lodash/fp for cleaner, modular code.
Integrated external services such as OneSignal for notifications and Firebase for backend support.
Established a robust testing strategy:
- Unit Testing: Conducted with Jest for fast, isolated tests.
- Acceptance and Smoke Testing: Automated using Cucumber.js and Chai to ensure end-to-end reliability.
Collaborated within a geographically distributed team, coordinating across time zones with team members in Europe, Japan, and the USA.

Outcome:

Successfully delivered a scalable and reliable API to orchestrate external services.
Improved code quality and maintainability through functional programming principles.
Ensured high software reliability and reduced deployment risk with automated unit, acceptance, and smoke testing.
Enabled seamless collaboration among globally distributed team members.

Technologies Used:

Backend: NodeJS, JavaScript
Programming Style: Functional Programming, Promises, lodash/fp
Testing: Jest, Cucumber.js, Chai
Integrations: OneSignal, Firebase

Key Contributions:

Developed and maintained the API using modern NodeJS practices.
Wrote comprehensive unit tests with Jest and automated end-to-end tests using Cucumber.js and Chai.
Applied functional programming techniques to improve code clarity and maintainability.
Collaborated effectively within a distributed international team to ensure project success.

Client: Raiffeisen Bank

Locations: Sarajevo (Bosnia-Herzegovina), Belgrade (Serbia), Pristina (Kosovo)
Duration: 2019

Objective:

Conduct comprehensive assessments of IT processes and systems for the executive boards of Raiffeisen Bank subsidiaries, with plans to establish a new development center.

Solution:

Performed detailed on-site assessments of IT processes, infrastructure, and development systems in three key locations: Sarajevo, Belgrade, and Pristina.
Delivered assessment reports with clear recommendations for improving IT systems and workflows.
Advised executive boards on opportunities to enhance operational efficiency and align IT processes with strategic business goals.
Prepared to transition into an embedded Developer Advocate role to help establish and lead a new development center.
The engagement was cut short due to the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Outcome:

Provided actionable insights and recommendations to the executive boards for improving IT processes and systems.
Laid the groundwork for the creation of a new development center to drive innovation and local talent development.
Built trust and alignment with stakeholders across multiple subsidiaries before the engagement was interrupted.

Key Contributions:

Conducted on-site IT process and systems assessments at three subsidiary locations.
Presented findings and recommendations directly to executive boards.
Planned to transition into a leadership role as an embedded Developer Advocate for the creation of a development center.

Challenges and Adaptation:

The planned long-term engagement was stopped due to the COVID-19 pandemic, requiring adaptation and future planning.

Client: Alfa Insurance

Location: Moscow, Russia
Duration: 2017 - 2018

Objective:

Uplift engineering practices, improve software architecture, and establish a DevOps structure to enhance collaboration and productivity across development and operations teams.

Solution:

2017 - Initial Assessment and Coaching

Conducted a comprehensive audit of the software development and operations groups to identify areas for improvement in processes, skills, and team structures.
Delivered findings and recommendations to prepare for a larger coaching and transformation engagement.
Laid the groundwork for future coaching by providing initial coaching to two development teams, focusing on foundational XP (eXtreme Programming) practices.

2018 - Coaching and Engineering Improvements

Team Coaching:
- Worked directly with multiple teams and senior management to uplift engineering practices, focusing on XP methodologies.
- Introduced XP-style testing practices by involving a former coachee to support test-driven development at the team level.
Security Consulting:
- Advised on best practices for network security and information security, ensuring teams aligned with organizational goals.
Architecture Consulting:
- Consulted on transitioning to Self-Contained Systems (SCS) architecture using Docker containers to improve modularity and deployment flexibility.
Technology Integration:
- Supported teams in leveraging technologies such as Java, JavaScript, Vaadin, and SQL for application development and delivery.

Outcome:

Conducted a detailed audit that enabled executive leadership to plan a long-term DevOps transformation.
Teams adopted improved engineering practices with a focus on XP methodologies and testing, resulting in better collaboration and code quality.
Successfully introduced architectural improvements through Self-Contained Systems (SCS) using Docker containers, enhancing scalability and maintainability.
Strengthened team alignment with network and information security standards.

Technologies Used:

Languages: Java, JavaScript
Architecture: Self-Contained Systems (SCS)
Containerization: Docker
UI Framework: Vaadin
Data: SQL

Key Contributions:

Conducted a full audit of development and operations teams to identify improvement opportunities.
Coached teams and leadership on XP practices to uplift engineering culture.
Introduced Self-Contained Systems architecture using Docker for improved modularity.
Advised on network and information security to align with organizational standards.
Facilitated collaboration by involving a former coachee to support XP-style testing practices.

Client: Thales Transportation Systems

Location: Stuttgart, Germany
Duration: 2016

Objective:

Coach key team members to successfully adopt Scrum roles and introduce Test-Driven Development (TDD) practices to improve software quality within the Axle Counter Group.

Solution:

Role Coaching:
- Coached the Project Manager and Solution Architect as they transitioned into the roles of Scrum Master and Product Owner, respectively.
- Provided tailored guidance on the responsibilities, mindset, and processes required to succeed in their new roles.
Technical Coaching:
- Introduced technical team members to Test-Driven Development (TDD) to improve code quality and reliability.
- Delivered hands-on training and examples using Cantata, a specialized TDD tool for C programming.
- Focused on creating a culture of incremental testing and quality-driven development.

Outcome:

Successfully established a foundation for agile processes with well-prepared Scrum Master and Product Owner roles.
Enabled the technical team to adopt Test-Driven Development (TDD), improving code quality and confidence in C-based projects.
Strengthened alignment between roles and processes within the Axle Counter Group.

Technologies Used:

Programming Language: C
TDD Tool: Cantata

Key Contributions:

Coached team leadership on adopting and excelling in Scrum roles (Scrum Master and Product Owner).
Provided hands-on technical training to introduce TDD practices using Cantata.
Fostered an agile mindset focused on quality and collaboration within the team.

Client: Alfa Bank

Location: Moscow, Russia
Duration: 2016 - 2017

Objective:

Transform the organization by creating a DevOps culture within Alfa Bank’s development divisions, including a comprehensive restructuring to improve collaboration, delivery, and operational efficiency.

Solution:

2016 - Initial Assessment and Proposal

Conducted an anamesis (in-depth assessment) with multiple development groups over the course of one week.
Analyzed team workflows, processes, and bottlenecks to identify opportunities for improvement.
Created a detailed proposal for management, outlining:
- Steps to introduce a DevOps culture.
- Recommendations for organizational restructuring to foster collaboration between development and operations teams.
Presented findings and gained approval from leadership to proceed with the transformation plan.

2017 - DevOps Implementation and Organizational Restructuring

Worked with management and development teams to implement the approved plan for establishing a DevOps culture.
Collaborated with leadership to guide the restructuring of the organization, aligning roles, teams, and workflows to DevOps principles.
Focused on breaking down silos between development and operations to improve communication, delivery pipelines, and release cycles.
Facilitated cultural change by introducing best practices, coaching teams, and aligning processes with DevOps methodologies.

Outcome:

Successfully initiated the creation of a DevOps culture within Alfa Bank’s development division.
Gained leadership buy-in for organizational restructuring to align with DevOps principles.
Laid the groundwork for long-term improvements in delivery efficiency, collaboration, and team autonomy.

Key Contributions:

Conducted a comprehensive assessment of development groups and presented an actionable proposal to management.
Led the initial implementation of DevOps culture and practices.
Collaborated on the restructuring of teams to align with DevOps workflows.
Established a foundation for sustainable cultural and process improvements.

Client: Deutsche Bank

Location: Frankfurt, Germany
Duration: 2016

Objective:

Empower Product Owners and team members from various vendors by teaching the fundamentals of Scrum, introducing User Story Mapping, and incorporating Kanban elements to enhance collaboration and efficiency within the organization.

Solution:

Scrum Training:
- Provided comprehensive training to Product Owners and team members on the basics of Scrum, ensuring a solid understanding of roles, ceremonies, and artifacts.
- Focused on fostering an agile mindset and aligning teams with Scrum principles.
User Story Mapping Introduction:
- Introduced the technique of User Story Mapping to help teams visualize the product backlog and prioritize features based on user needs and business value.
- Conducted interactive workshops to practice creating user story maps.
Three-Day Learning Week:
- Organized an immersive three-day learning week to delve deeper into agile practices.
- Introduced Kanban elements to complement Scrum practices, emphasizing workflow visualization and continuous improvement.
- Taught the concept of “3 Amigos” (collaboration between Business Analyst, Developer, and Tester) using paper prototypes to enhance communication and shared understanding.
Consultation on Team Structure and Agile Adoption:
- Advised management on optimal team size and composition to maximize efficiency and collaboration.
- Consulted on how Scrum and agile methodologies could be effectively integrated into the organization’s existing processes.
- Provided recommendations for scaling agile practices across multiple teams and vendors.

Outcome:

Successfully equipped Product Owners and team members with the knowledge and skills to implement Scrum effectively.
Enhanced collaboration and communication among cross-functional teams through User Story Mapping and the 3 Amigos approach.
Introduced Kanban elements that allowed teams to visualize workflows and identify bottlenecks, leading to process improvements.
Provided strategic insights on team structure and agile adoption, assisting Deutsche Bank in leveraging Scrum for organizational benefits.

Key Contributions:

Delivered tailored training sessions on Scrum fundamentals to diverse teams.
Facilitated interactive workshops on User Story Mapping and Kanban practices.
Introduced innovative learning methods, such as paper prototypes, to teach the 3 Amigos concept.
Consulted with management on aligning Scrum practices with organizational goals and team dynamics.

Client: Walz Mail-Order House

Duration: 2016
Objective:
Migrate a legacy desktop application to a web-based solution, providing a modern, scalable interface for employees to interact with business workflows.

Solution:

Analyzed the legacy system and refactored the core business logic for a web-based architecture.
Designed and implemented the backend using Spring Boot to handle business processes efficiently.
Created a clean, user-friendly frontend with Vue.js, offering a responsive and intuitive user interface.
Deployed the application in a containerized environment using Docker and managed with CI/CD pipelines for continuous delivery.

Outcome:

Successfully replaced the outdated desktop application with a scalable and maintainable web-based solution.
Improved employee productivity through a modern, intuitive interface.
Reduced system maintenance costs by consolidating workflows into a streamlined application.

Technologies Used:

Backend: Spring Boot
Frontend: Vue.js
Containerization: Docker
CI/CD: Jenkins

Key Contributions:

Refactored legacy code and optimized workflows for modern web-based architecture.
Designed and implemented the backend and frontend.
Ensured smooth migration with minimal downtime.

Client: Bank Otkritie

Location: Moscow, Russia
Duration: 2015

Objective:

Facilitate the formation of effective development teams, provide coaching to management, and create a Coaching Map as a guiding tool for future organizational improvements.

Solution:

Team Formation Workshops:
- Conducted initial workshops focused on team formation and collaboration strategies.
- Helped management and team members understand the principles of self-organizing teams and effective communication.
Team Coaching for Management:
- Delivered team coaching sessions with management to align leadership practices with agile principles.
- Focused on building trust, fostering team autonomy, and improving leadership support for teams.
Organizational Anamnesis:
- Performed a comprehensive organizational anamnesis to analyze the current state of teams, workflows, and management structures.
- Identified key challenges and opportunities for improvement in team dynamics and organizational processes.
Coaching Map Development:
- Created the first version of a Coaching Map, outlining tailored solutions and strategies to guide future team coaching efforts.
- Provided actionable recommendations for management to support teams in achieving agility and productivity.

Outcome:

Successfully initiated team formation through focused workshops and management coaching.
Delivered a comprehensive Coaching Map to serve as a strategic tool for guiding organizational improvement.
Provided leadership with insights and solutions for fostering a culture of collaboration, team autonomy, and continuous improvement.

Key Contributions:

Facilitated workshops on team formation to establish strong foundations for collaboration.
Coached management to align their practices with agile team dynamics.
Conducted an organizational anamnesis to identify challenges and improvement areas.
Developed a Coaching Map as a practical, strategic tool to guide ongoing coaching and transformation efforts.

Client: AXA Groupsolutions

Location: Cologne, Germany
Duration: 2015

Objective:

Introduce Acceptance Test-Driven Development (ATDD) practices to project leaders and team members to improve collaboration, testing processes, and product quality.

Solution:

Workshops on ATDD:
- Designed and conducted introductory workshops to teach project leaders and team members the fundamentals of Acceptance Test-Driven Development (ATDD).
- Explained the ATDD process, focusing on collaborative requirements gathering, writing tests before implementation, and verifying outcomes.
- Demonstrated how ATDD fosters shared understanding among developers, testers, and business stakeholders.
Hands-On Training with Cucumber:
- Provided practical training sessions using Cucumber to write acceptance tests in a readable, behavior-driven format.
- Introduced Ruby as the scripting language for creating executable acceptance tests.
- Delivered examples and exercises to help participants gain confidence in creating and automating ATDD scenarios.

Outcome:

Equipped project leaders and team members with a solid understanding of Acceptance Test-Driven Development.
Enabled teams to write executable acceptance criteria using Cucumber and Ruby.
Improved collaboration between stakeholders, developers, and testers by aligning requirements and testing practices.
Laid the groundwork for adopting ATDD to enhance product quality and reduce defects.

Technologies Used:

Testing Framework: Cucumber
Scripting Language: Ruby

Key Contributions:

Designed and delivered ATDD workshops tailored to project leaders and team members.
Provided hands-on training on creating acceptance tests with Cucumber and Ruby.
Fostered understanding of ATDD as a collaborative process to align testing, development, and business requirements.

Client: Virtual Solution

Location: Munich, Germany
Duration: 2015

Objective:

Enhance team capabilities in test automation, clean code, and architecture while improving intra-team collaboration and introducing Specification by Example for iOS and Android platforms.

Solution:

Workshops in Code Retreat Format:
- Conducted immersive workshops, structured as code retreats, to focus on:
  - Test automation strategies for mobile platforms.
  - Writing clean code and improving architectural design.
  - Enhancing collaboration between team members to foster effective teamwork.
  - Introducing Specification by Example to align testing and development through shared understanding.
Platform-Specific Focus:
- Tailored sessions for development on both iOS (Objective-C) and Android (Java).
- Demonstrated tools and frameworks for mobile testing and automation, including:
  - Appium for cross-platform mobile test automation.
  - Cucumber for behavior-driven development and executable specifications.
Hands-On Exercises:
- Facilitated practical exercises to allow participants to apply clean coding practices, test automation techniques, and Specification by Example in real-world scenarios.
- Encouraged knowledge sharing and teamwork through pair programming and group discussions.

Outcome:

Improved team proficiency in test automation using Appium and Cucumber.
Enabled teams to write cleaner, maintainable code for iOS and Android applications.
Fostered better intra-team collaboration through hands-on exercises and team-building practices.
Equipped teams with a solid understanding of Specification by Example to align requirements and automated tests effectively.

Technologies Used:

Languages: Java, Objective-C
Platforms: Android, iOS
Testing Tools: Appium, Cucumber

Key Contributions:

Designed and delivered workshops using the code retreat format to enhance technical and collaborative skills.
Introduced Specification by Example as a method to align testing and development.
Taught test automation techniques with Appium and behavior-driven development with Cucumber.
Improved team collaboration and clean coding practices through hands-on sessions.

Client: Huawei Technologies

Locations: Munich, Germany (2015) and Several Cities, China (2014)
Duration: 2014 - 2015

Objective:

Support Huawei Technologies in managing complexity in software product development by introducing agile practices such as Acceptance Test-Driven Development (ATDD), Situational Kanban, and coaching middle management on agile principles.

Solution:

2014 - Agile Coaching and ATDD Implementation

ATDD Introduction:
- Introduced Acceptance Test-Driven Development (ATDD) after a previous failed attempt, ensuring teams understood the process of writing tests collaboratively before development.
- Delivered hands-on coaching to development teams, teaching them to implement ATDD effectively using tools such as:
  - Cucumber and Behave for writing executable acceptance tests.
  - Appium for automating tests on Android applications.
- Demonstrated the value of ATDD in improving communication between developers, testers, and business stakeholders.
Situational Kanban:
- Implemented Situational Kanban to help teams manage workflows, identify bottlenecks, and adapt to changing priorities.
- Tailored Kanban practices to suit the team’s unique challenges and context.
Middle Management Coaching:
- Worked closely with project managers and department leaders to teach agile principles and best practices.
- Focused on fostering a mindset shift to support team autonomy, iterative delivery, and value-driven development.

2015 - Management Report on Complexity

Conducted an analysis of organizational and human factors contributing to complexity in software product development.
Produced a detailed management report outlining:
- Key challenges faced in managing complexity.
- Recommendations for improving organizational processes, team structures, and leadership approaches.
- Strategies for applying agile practices to mitigate complexity and improve product development outcomes.

Outcome:

Successfully introduced ATDD and Situational Kanban practices to multiple teams, leading to improved testing processes and workflow management.
Coached middle management to adopt agile principles, enhancing their ability to support agile teams effectively.
Delivered a comprehensive management report providing actionable insights for addressing complexity in software product development.
Enabled teams to align better on goals, improve collaboration, and deliver higher-quality software.

Technologies Used:

Languages: Java, Python, Ruby
Platforms: Android
Testing Tools: Appium, Cucumber, Behave

Key Contributions:

Rescued a failed attempt at adopting ATDD by coaching teams on its effective implementation.
Introduced Situational Kanban to improve workflow management and adaptability.
Coached middle management on agile principles to align leadership practices with team needs.
Delivered a management report analyzing organizational challenges and proposing strategies for managing complexity.

Client: Webtrekk

Location: Berlin, Germany
Duration: 2013 - 2014

Objective:

Support Webtrekk’s transition to agile practices by coaching leadership and Scrum Masters, and introducing Acceptance Test-Driven Development (ATDD) to improve collaboration and product quality.

Solution:

Coaching the CTO:
- Provided tailored coaching to the CTO on agile principles, emphasizing iterative development, team autonomy, and continuous delivery.
- Guided the adoption of testing strategies to ensure product quality and alignment with agile processes.
Introduction of ATDD:
- Introduced Acceptance Test-Driven Development (ATDD) as a collaborative method to align developers, testers, and stakeholders.
- Delivered practical workshops using tools like:
  - Cucumber for writing human-readable, executable acceptance tests.
  - Ruby for scripting and test automation.
Scrum Master Coaching:
- Paired with resident Scrum Masters to coach them on facilitating agile ceremonies and supporting team success.
- Helped Scrum Masters build strong foundations for fostering agile collaboration and continuous improvement within their teams.

Outcome:

Equipped the CTO with the knowledge and strategies to lead agile transformations and support testing improvements.
Enabled teams to adopt ATDD, improving collaboration and ensuring product requirements were well-tested and validated.
Enhanced the effectiveness of Scrum Masters through hands-on coaching, helping them better serve their teams and drive agile adoption.

Technologies Used:

Languages: Java, Ruby
Testing Framework: Cucumber

Key Contributions:

Coached the CTO on agile principles and testing practices to align leadership with agile goals.
Successfully introduced ATDD using Cucumber and Ruby to improve requirement validation and test automation.
Paired with and coached Scrum Masters to enhance their facilitation and agile leadership capabilities.

Client: OBI Smart Technologies

Location: Wermelskirchen, Germany
Duration: 2013 - 2014

Objective:

Lead a development team as an Interim Scrum Master, improve team processes, and coach department heads on agile values and principles to foster organizational agility.

Solution:

Scrum Master Leadership:
- Served as the Interim Scrum Master for a development group, facilitating agile ceremonies (Daily Standups, Sprint Planning, Retrospectives) and ensuring smooth sprint execution.
- Acted as a servant leader to remove blockers, improve team focus, and foster self-organization.
Improved Team Structure:
- Added testers to the development team to ensure product quality and align testing practices with agile workflows.
- Supported the integration of testers into the team to improve collaboration and feedback loops.
Requirements Gathering:
- Improved the requirements gathering process by introducing structured methods to refine user stories and align them with team priorities.
- Enhanced communication with stakeholders to clarify expectations and reduce misunderstandings.
Coaching Department Heads:
- Provided coaching to department heads on agile values and principles, focusing on:
  - Iterative development and delivery.
  - Collaboration and transparency between departments.
  - Fostering a culture of continuous improvement and team empowerment.
Improved Collaboration:
- Strengthened intra-departmental collaboration by breaking silos and encouraging shared ownership of deliverables.
- Introduced practices to improve alignment between development teams and other departments.

Outcome:

Led a development group effectively as an Interim Scrum Master, enabling improved sprint execution and team cohesion.
Enhanced product quality by integrating testers into the development workflow.
Improved the requirements gathering process, leading to better-defined user stories and reduced rework.
Fostered organizational agility by coaching department heads on agile principles, resulting in improved collaboration and leadership alignment.

Key Contributions:

Led a Scrum team as an Interim Scrum Master, improving team performance and delivery.
Added testers to the team to align testing with agile workflows and improve quality.
Enhanced requirements gathering processes for better clarity and focus.
Coached department heads on agile values and principles to drive organizational agility.
Strengthened intra-departmental collaboration and communication.

Client: Independent Health

Location: Buffalo, New York, USA
Duration: 2012

Objective:

Coach SOA teams on adopting Acceptance Test-Driven Development (ATDD) and deliver a technical tool to automate testing for IBM MQ Series.

Solution:

ATDD Coaching for SOA Teams

Coached team leaders and SOA teams on adopting Acceptance Test-Driven Development (ATDD) to align development with business requirements.
Provided hands-on sessions and examples to demonstrate the benefits of writing acceptance tests before implementation.
Enabled teams to integrate ATDD practices into their workflows, improving collaboration and software quality.

Development of rmq

Identified a need for a testing tool to interact with IBM MQ Series for automated testing within ATDD processes.
Developed rmq, a lightweight Ruby wrapper around the MQ Series client API, enabling teams to:
- Send and receive messages programmatically for automated testing.
- Validate message flows and integration points within the SOA architecture.
Delivered the tool as part of the engagement, ensuring it was simple to use and effective for testing IBM MQ Series integrations.

Outcome:

Successfully enabled SOA teams to adopt ATDD, leading to improved test coverage and reduced integration issues.
Delivered rmq, a custom-built Ruby tool for testing IBM MQ Series, which simplified and automated message testing.
Equipped teams with practical tools and techniques to improve their testing workflows and integration reliability.

Technologies Used:

Languages: Ruby
Integration Tool: IBM MQ Series
Custom Tool: rmq (Ruby wrapper for MQ Series API)

Key Contributions:

Coached SOA teams on adopting Acceptance Test-Driven Development (ATDD) to improve software quality.
Created rmq, a custom Ruby wrapper for IBM MQ Series to enable automated message testing.
Delivered practical tools to solve client-specific challenges and support ATDD adoption.
Streamlined testing processes for MQ Series integrations within the SOA architecture.

Client: Nationwide Insurance

Location: Columbus, Ohio, USA
Duration: 2009 - 2011

Objective:

Support an agile transformation across 23 teams by providing technical and organizational coaching while solving a specific client need for automating Windows desktop applications.

Solution:

Agile Transformation Coaching

Served as a Senior Developer Advocate / Scrum Coach supporting a large-scale agile transformation involving 23 teams.
Provided technical and organizational coaching to:
- 6+ teams directly, impacting about 80 individuals.
- Iteration Managers and Application Development Leaders to improve leadership practices.
Focused on improving team collaboration, agile workflows, and technical delivery through:
- Agile practices (Scrum, XP).
- Continuous integration and delivery improvements.
- Enhanced communication between teams and leadership.

RAutomation Tool Development

Addressed a specific client need to automate Windows desktop applications as part of adopting Acceptance Test-Driven Development (ATDD).
Conducted experiments and identified a solution by collaborating with another developer on an open-source project on GitHub.
Contributed to the creation of RAutomation, a small and easy-to-use library for automating Windows controls and applications, with the gracious support of the client.
Ensured the tool met the requirements for automating ATDD workflows efficiently and reliably.

Outcome:

Enabled the agile transformation of 23 teams, improving delivery processes and collaboration.
Personally impacted 6+ teams and coached around 80 individuals on agile practices, technical delivery, and leadership alignment.
Delivered RAutomation, a widely usable open-source library that solved the client’s need for automating Windows desktop application testing.
Facilitated ATDD adoption by providing teams with practical tools and techniques for automated acceptance testing.

Technologies Used:

Languages: Java, Ruby
Testing Tools: Cucumber, RAutomation
Frameworks: Spring Framework, Spring Batch
Application Servers: IBM WebSphere
Databases: SQL

Key Contributions:

Supported an agile transformation spanning 23 teams with direct coaching for over 6 teams and 80 individuals.
Coached Iteration Managers and Application Development Leaders to align leadership with agile values and technical practices.
Created and contributed to RAutomation, solving a client-specific challenge and providing a reusable tool for automating Windows application testing.
Facilitated the adoption of ATDD by integrating automated acceptance testing into team workflows.

GitHub:

RAutomation Source Code

Client: Serials Solutions

Location: Seattle, Washington, USA (Geographically Distributed Team)
Duration: 2008 - 2009

Objective:

Collaborate within a self-organizing, geographically distributed team to co-create the Summon product, a discovery service for academic and research libraries.

Solution:

Worked as part of a 6-person international team to design and develop core features of the Summon product.
Focused on building a scalable and performant search platform leveraging Apache Solr and Apache Lucene for indexing and querying large volumes of library metadata.
Developed robust data pipelines using:
- Apache Camel for integration and routing of XML data.
- ActiveMQ for reliable messaging and event-driven workflows.
Implemented XML-based data transformations to process and normalize content from various sources into a searchable index.
Ensured high performance and search accuracy through iterative development, testing, and optimization.

Outcome:

Successfully co-created the Summon product, providing libraries with a powerful, scalable search and discovery tool for their collections.
Delivered a performant search platform capable of indexing and querying large-scale metadata efficiently.
Enabled seamless integration of diverse data sources using messaging and routing technologies.
Contributed to a self-organizing, geographically distributed team, demonstrating effective collaboration and autonomy.

Technologies Used:

Languages: Java
Search Technologies: Apache Solr, Apache Lucene
Data Integration: XML, Apache Camel
Messaging: ActiveMQ

Key Contributions:

Co-developed core components of the Summon product as part of an international 6-person team.
Built scalable search functionality using Apache Solr and Apache Lucene.
Designed and implemented data processing pipelines using Apache Camel and ActiveMQ.
Enabled seamless integration of XML-based data sources into a unified search index.

Client: Nationwide Insurance

Location: Columbus, Ohio, USA
Duration: 2008

Objective:

Coach software architects and development teams on adopting agile development practices, including Test-Driven Development (TDD) and Continuous Integration (CI), to improve software quality and delivery efficiency.

Solution:

Agile Development Coaching:
- Delivered targeted coaching sessions to software architects and team members, focusing on:
  - Test-Driven Development (TDD) to improve code quality, maintainability, and early defect detection.
  - Implementing Continuous Integration (CI) pipelines to automate builds, tests, and deployments.
- Demonstrated agile best practices to integrate testing into the development process seamlessly.
Hands-On Training with Tools and Technologies:
- Conducted practical sessions using:
  - Cucumber for acceptance testing.
  - Spring Framework for backend development.
  - IBM WebSphere for application server deployment.
  - SQL for database integration.
- Enabled participants to apply TDD concepts using Java and Ruby, showcasing the benefits of fast feedback loops and iterative development.
Architectural Guidance:
- Provided architectural recommendations to align development processes with agile principles.
- Ensured software architects could lead teams effectively while maintaining technical excellence.

Outcome:

Successfully coached software architects and development teams on agile development practices, improving code quality and team efficiency.
Enabled the adoption of TDD and Continuous Integration as core practices, reducing defects and accelerating delivery cycles.
Strengthened the teams’ ability to integrate testing into development workflows using tools like Cucumber and Spring Framework.

Technologies Used:

Languages: Java, Ruby
Testing Tools: Cucumber
Frameworks: Spring Framework
Application Server: IBM WebSphere
Database: SQL

Key Contributions:

Coached software architects on leading teams with agile development practices.
Taught Test-Driven Development (TDD) and Continuous Integration (CI) to improve software quality.
Delivered hands-on training with tools like Cucumber, Spring Framework, and IBM WebSphere.
Enabled development teams to integrate automated testing and CI into their workflows.

Client: Caimito Development

Location: Panama City, Panama
Duration: 2007 - 2009

Objective:

Design and develop an agile lifecycle management tool to support distributed Scrum teams in managing their workflows effectively.

Solution:

Product Design and Development:
- Conceptualized and developed Caimito One Team, a tool specifically designed to address the needs of distributed Scrum teams.
- Designed features to support:
  - Sprint and backlog management.
  - Team collaboration across geographically distributed locations.
  - Tracking user stories, tasks, and sprint progress.
Focus on Agile Principles:
- Ensured the tool adhered to Scrum and agile values, enabling teams to self-organize, visualize their work, and continuously improve.
- Integrated user feedback loops to refine the product iteratively.
Technical Implementation:
- Developed the tool with a focus on simplicity, usability, and scalability to meet the needs of teams operating in different time zones.
- Provided core functionality for managing agile lifecycles, including task boards, sprint planning, and progress tracking.

Outcome:

Delivered Caimito One Team, a dedicated agile lifecycle management tool that improved the productivity and collaboration of distributed Scrum teams.
Enabled teams to manage their agile workflows efficiently, regardless of geographic location.
Demonstrated the value of purpose-built tools for supporting agile methodologies in distributed environments.

Key Contributions:

Designed and developed Caimito One Team from concept to deployment.
Focused on features that support distributed Scrum teams, including sprint management and task tracking.
Ensured the product embodied Scrum principles to foster team collaboration and transparency.

Client: Cloud9 Analytics

Location: San Mateo, California, USA
Duration: 2007

Objective:

Lead the development of Cloud9 Messenger, a web application designed to enhance sales forecasting and pipeline management by delivering key sales reports directly to sales managers’ mobile devices.

Solution:

Role and Collaboration:
- Served as Software Developer and Senior Developer Advocate / Scrum Coach, collaborating closely with the Project Manager and CEO.
- Employed Scrum methodology to manage the project from inception through deployment, ensuring iterative development and continuous feedback.
Development and Implementation:
- Designed and developed the Cloud9 Messenger web application, focusing on user-friendly interfaces and seamless integration with existing CRM systems.
- Implemented features to automatically generate weekly “What’s Changed?” reports, detailing changes in forecast and pipeline, and calculating percent pipeline coverage for each team member.
- Ensured compatibility with mobile devices to provide sales managers with real-time access to critical sales data.
Technologies Used:
- Languages: Java, Ruby
- Frameworks: Spring Framework
- Testing Tools: Cucumber
- Application Server: IBM WebSphere
- Database: SQL

Outcome:

Successfully launched Cloud9 Messenger, enabling sales managers to receive timely and actionable sales insights on their mobile devices.
Improved sales forecasting accuracy and pipeline visibility, contributing to more informed decision-making and enhanced sales performance.
Demonstrated the effectiveness of Scrum methodology in delivering a high-quality product within a collaborative environment.

References:

Client: RealWorld Systems

Location: Panama City, Panama
Duration: 2006 - 2007

Objective:

Coach the development team on Scrum and Extreme Programming (XP) practices to enhance software development processes and improve product quality.

Solution:

Agile Coaching:
- Provided hands-on coaching to team members and collaborated with the CEO to implement Scrum and XP methodologies.
- Conducted workshops and training sessions to introduce agile principles, emphasizing iterative development, continuous feedback, and team collaboration.
- Guided the team in adopting practices such as Test-Driven Development (TDD), pair programming, and continuous integration.
Process Implementation:
- Assisted in establishing Scrum ceremonies including daily stand-ups, sprint planning, reviews, and retrospectives.
- Helped define clear roles and responsibilities within the Scrum framework to ensure effective team dynamics.
- Supported the creation of a product backlog and prioritized user stories to align development efforts with business goals.
Technological Guidance:
- Advised on the use of appropriate technologies to support agile practices, including:
  - C and Java for system development.
  - Ruby and Cucumber for behavior-driven development and automated testing.
  - Spring Framework for building enterprise applications.
  - SQL for database management.

Outcome:

Successfully transitioned the team to agile methodologies, resulting in improved development efficiency and product quality.
Enhanced collaboration between team members and leadership, fostering a culture of continuous improvement.
Enabled the team to deliver software solutions more aligned with client needs and market demands.

Want to leave me a comment? Please write to sns@caimito.net. Thanks!