Tanya Akin
Agile Coach / Team Coach
Experience
Excellence Lead / Collaboration Coach
EnBW AG
- Successfully transformed an established support/ITSM team into an agile product development team.
- Realigned a formerly cohesive DevOps team that had drifted apart by developing a shared strategy and improving collaboration with a more data-driven mindset.
- Took on the role of Product Owner during the extended absence of the original Product Owner while guiding the team toward self-organization and adopting a customer-centric perspective.
- Designed, developed and implemented an AI initiative to systematically tap into artificial intelligence potential within the business unit.
- Managed stakeholders and developed and conducted an AI Design Thinking workshop, including AI fundamentals and insights.
- Trained the excellence cluster (UX/strategy/agile methods) on artificial intelligence as a methodological competency in team coaching.
- Provided strategic consulting and coaching to the Demand & Innovation team on process optimization, focusing on efficiency gains and improved prioritization mechanisms.
- Developed and delivered tailored training to promote agile mindsets and practices for various audiences, from development teams to leadership levels.
- Facilitated large-group workshops to foster cross-department collaboration and improve communication structures.
- Introduced OKR methodology for strategic team alignment and to promote transparent performance measurement.
- Provided conflict coaching and mediation in critical team situations to create a trusting and productive work atmosphere.
- Supported change management with a focus on the Prosci methodology for the sustainable embedding of new ways of working and digital transformation.
- Member of the Leading X leadership team.
People Team Lead
LichtBlick SE
- Took over leadership responsibility for a B2C accounting and billing team during the long-term team lead's sabbatical.
- Guided the team through a phase of structural transformation, including integrating new team members.
- Identified and addressed systemic productivity challenges to optimize team performance.
- Implemented strategies to improve workflows and increase efficiency in a changing corporate environment.
- Introduced an OKR concept within the customer service department.
- Promoted a positive team culture and supported employees during the change process.
- Addressed fears, overload and employee dissatisfaction.
- Ensured continuity in accounting processes for the energy provider's B2C division.
- Guided the leadership team in adopting a human-centered leadership approach and in applying the Prosci change concept.
Leadership & Team Coach
EWE AG
- Supported a team of exceptional leaders assembled for a mission-critical IT migration project in effective collaboration.
- Promoted the alignment of individual strengths of the leaders to act as a coherent and effective team.
- Analyzed the team's composition and identified existing conflicts.
- Conducted individual and group coaching sessions to improve communication and conflict competence.
- Designed and facilitated multiple workshops to optimize collaboration.
- Coached individual leaders in their leadership roles.
- Delivered intensive training on “Conflict Competence for Leaders.”
Culture & Change Consultant for Organizational Development / Agile Coach
Senec GmbH
- Analyzed and assessed the current corporate culture, identifying cultural differences and potential conflict areas between locations.
- Introduced agile ways of working and supported product owners in backlog refinement and maintenance.
- Coached employees on meeting efficiency, time management, conflict resolution and onboarding of new international staff.
- Coached leaders and product owners.
- Developed integration strategies and measures to promote intercultural understanding and collaboration.
- Optimized communication processes and adapted internal communication structures to the needs of a multicultural team.
- Conducted training and workshops to impart knowledge and skills for successful intercultural collaboration.
- Led the intensive “Conflict Competence for Leaders” training.
- Supported change management processes and assisted in introducing new working methods and processes.
- Established conflict management mechanisms for constructive conflict resolution.
- Monitored and reported progress regularly to management.
- Promoted team spirit and employee engagement by initiating activities to strengthen a sense of belonging and motivation.
- Advised management with expertise and recommendations for continuous improvement in organizational development.
Agile Coach / Scrum Master
DB Vertrieb GmbH
- Agile coach and trainer, teaching agile practices and principles to development teams and leaders.
- Provided communication coaching between leaders and team members.
- Integrated multiple development teams into an existing Agile Release Train.
- Served as Scrum Master and Kanban coach for development teams.
- Participated in the change project for SAFe implementation, took on the role of Release Train Engineer (RTE) and facilitated large-group workshops as part of the DB change project.
- Trained and implemented Objectives & Key Results (OKR) at the department level, acting as OKR coach for the leadership team as well as implementation, hardware, testing and marketing teams.
- Introduced various knowledge transfer formats, e.g. Open Space.
- Provided coaching and training in conflict resolution and team building at team and leadership levels.
- Conducted training in intercultural communication.
- Applied Management 3.0, ADKAR, SAFe, Liberating Structures and other agile methods.
- Supported the leadership team in the strategic growth of the unit, forming new teams and designing organizational structures and processes.
- Delivered team training on psychological safety, communication and conflict management.
- Served as a trusted advisor for the entire department.
- Acted as interim product owner for two Scrum teams.
- Provided consulting during the transformation of Deutsche Bahn's IT department based on the Prosci method.
Agile Coach
HIMA Paul Hildebrandt GmbH
- Supported about 150 employees in a company that had rolled out a critical agile transformation initiative with no prior communication or accompanying measures.
- Analyzed the starting situation: lack of communication about the upcoming transformation, high uncertainty and resistance from employees, and need for a fast and effective intervention to stabilize the situation.
- Developed a change concept based on the ADKAR model (Awareness, Desire, Knowledge, Ability, Reinforcement) and iteratively linked it with the agile transformation according to the SAFe Framework.
- Guided and carried out the agile transformation according to the SAFe Framework.
- Worked as an Agile Coach and trainer, teaching agile practices and principles to development teams and leaders.
- Trained internal Scrum Masters, Product Owners and shared services coordinators (over 150 people).
- Coached Scrum Masters and Product Owners and optimized team collaboration and self-organization.
- Provided leadership coaching on strategic direction during and after the transformation.
- Provided strategic coaching including training and support for introducing OKRs.
- Ran the intensive "Conflict Competence for Scrum Masters" training.
- Delivered training in communication, facilitation and entrepreneurial thinking.
Agile Coach
Edeka IT GmbH
- Designed and led an agile transformation project based on the Prosci methodology.
- Worked as an Agile Coach and trainer, teaching agile practices and principles to development teams and leaders.
- Ran workshops, including "5 Dysfunctions of a Team" for multiple teams.
- Served as Scrum Master and Kanban coach for development teams.
- Delivered the intensive "Conflict Competence for Leaders" training.
- Overcame strong team resistance after several failed attempts to introduce agile methods and successfully implemented Kanban in two months.
Agile Coach / Trainer
Palmer Hargreaves
- Trainer within the internal agile transformation.
- Agile Coach teaching agile practices and principles to around 150 employees.
- Designed and conducted workshops on agile working.
Scrum Master / Trainer
Client in the financial sector
- Ran Scrum introduction workshops with around 15 participants.
- Provided communication training and feedback training.
- Guided and supported Scrum processes.
- Taught agile values.
- Delivered the intensive "Conflict Competence for Leaders" training.
Consultant / Trainer / Coach
Synnput GmbH
- Provided consulting, training and coaching in communication, public relations, corporate culture, education, diversity & inclusion and unconscious bias.
- Developed and implemented training concepts on corporate culture, leadership, agility, communication, diversity & inclusion and intercultural competence.
- Supported organizations in agile leadership and transformation.
- Developed diversity & inclusion strategies, including executive coaching, training and transformation support.
Agile Coach / Trainer
Client in the media industry
- Conducted a two-day workshop with about 15 participants.
- Taught the Scrum processes.
- Taught the agile values.
- Created the concept and set up the workshop format.
- Conducted communication and conflict-resolution training.
Agile Coach
Client in the insurance industry
- Supported international communication within a global Scrum team.
- Carried out communication measures and conflict interventions.
- Conducted intercultural communication training.
Trainer
Client in the finance industry
- Conducted two two-day workshops with about 15 participants.
- Taught the Scrum processes.
Agile Coach / Trainer
Flowedoo GmbH
- Served as Scrum Master and Agile Coach for multiple clients across various industries.
- Conducted team coaching to implement agile concepts and practices in designing and delivering trainings, workshops, and seminars.
- Provided coaching and training in change management, diversity & inclusion, and conflict coaching.
- Offered training in inclusive and agile leadership.
- Delivered coaching and training in intercultural communication to support international Scrum teams.
Trainer / Technical Writer / Linguist / Software Localizer
CSB-System AG
- Localized user interfaces and created technical and user documentation.
- Conducted software localization and user documentation, and provided intercultural and linguistic services.
- Delivered employee training programs for junior staff and managers.
- Served as Scrum Master for development teams.
- Facilitated conflict resolution and coached teams to develop their own solutions.
- Established a stable Scrum rhythm to create optimal working conditions.
International Buyer
Serpaco GmbH
- Establishing and supporting a supplier base in Asia, especially in the People's Republic of China.
- Developing and implementing global purchasing and logistics processes.
Summary
Experienced change agent and agile coach with a proven track record supporting transformation processes, fostering collaboration and continuous improvement in diverse, distributed and international teams. Specialist in handling resistance, developing leadership skills and embedding agile mindsets to accelerate organizational development. Passionately committed to empowering teams and leaders through individual coaching, conflict resolution and strategic change support to unleash their full potential.
Thank you for taking part in my journey!
A few introductory words about what really matters to me.
People & Communication
Dialogue, connection and trust are at the heart of my work. I'm fascinated by how people interact and collaborate.
Building and nurturing relationships lays the foundation for shaping a team from a mere collection of individuals into a powerful unit that can achieve great things together. My goal is to create spaces where true connection happens, where people open up, understand each other and together unlock their best potential.
Leadership & Achieving Results
As a seasoned leader, coach, trainer and entrepreneur, leadership for me is much more than just managing processes or making decisions. It's the art of inspiring and empowering people and bringing a vision to life together. Successful leadership creates clarity, provides direction and fosters a culture where each individual takes responsibility and can realize their full potential.
And as a “horsewoman,” I know that just like in a herd of horses leadership doesn't come from just one person but is situationally shared. True strength in teams comes from trust, adaptability and a shared awareness of the greater good.
And otherwise... I'm just curious
I'm naturally curious (and maybe a bit playful) and I love constantly learning. Change and challenges drive me to discover new paths and grow. For me, it's especially important to really get to know people – their stories, backgrounds and experiences.
This deep understanding creates connection and allows me to guide individually and authentically. My curiosity has taken me from the USA to many countries, where I've experienced diverse cultures, organizations and stories – experiences that have shaped my work and thinking in lasting ways.
Skills
Change & Transformation: I Guide Companies Through Complex Change Processes And Ensure The Lasting Embedding Of New Ways Of Working. I Use Proven Methods Like Adkar/prosci And Behavioral Design To Overcome Resistance And Actively Shape Change. My Goal Is To Make Organizations Fit For The Future And Establish A Culture Of Continuous Improvement.
Agile Methods, Lean & Design Thinking: With Solid Expertise In Safe, Scrum, Kanban As Well As Lean And Design Thinking Approaches, I Support Teams In Adopting And Continuously Improving Agile Practices. I Foster A Customer-centric Mindset And Help Make Processes Leaner And More Efficient To Create Sustainable Value.
Leadership & Team Coaching: I Foster Leadership Development And Strengthen Collaboration Through Individual Coaching And Targeted Team Development. With An Iterative Approach, I Guide Teams To Continuously Reflect On And Improve Their Ways Of Working To Achieve Better Results Together. This Supports The Creation Of Self-organized, Resilient And High-performing Teams.
Conflict Management & Mediation: I Help Teams Resolve Conflicts Constructively And Create A Trusting Work Environment. Through Targeted Interventions And Mediation, I Promote Open Communication And Understanding Of Different Perspectives, Sustainably Improving Collaboration. My Focus Is On Using Conflicts As Opportunities For Growth And Development.
Intercultural Communication & Inclusion: Through Focused Coaching And Training, I Promote Cultural Understanding And Diversity As Success Factors. I Support Teams And Leaders In Valuing Cultural Differences And Using Them As Assets For Collaboration. This Creates An Inclusive Work Environment That Strengthens Innovation And Engagement.
Workshop Moderation & Facilitation: I Design And Facilitate Tailored Training Sessions And Workshops That Support Sustainable Learning And Change Processes. I Rely On Interactive, Participatory Methods And Professional Facilitation To Actively Engage Participants And Ensure Transfer Into Daily Work. My Aim Is To Create Learning Formats That Inspire And Drive Real Change.
Languages
Education
Applied Psychology · Cologne, Germany
Philosophy / Social Behavioral Sciences · Aachen, Germany
Certifications & licenses
CERTIFIED CONFLICT MANAGER
MANAGEMENT AND STRATEGY INSTITUTE
CERTIFIED KANBAN PRACTITIONER
KANBAN UNIVERSITY
CERTIFIED MANAGEMENT 3.0 FACILITATOR
CERTIFIED PROSCI CHANGE PRACTITIONER
TIBA BUSINESS SCHOOL
CERTIFIED SAFE 5.1 AGILIST
CONFLICT MANAGEMENT, NEGOTIATION, MEDIATION
LOUVAINE UNIVERSITY
DESIGN THINKING
ROCHESTER INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY
EXPERIENCED AGILE MASTER
FLOWEDOO GMBH
HORSESENSE® Training & Coaching, Certified Horse-Assisted Coach (HORSESENSE® Method)
ITIL 4 FOUNDATIONS
PROFESSIONAL SCRUM MASTER PSM I
SCRUM.ORG
Systemic Coach
Institute for Applied Psychology, Cologne
TRAINING FROM THE BACK OF THE ROOM CERTIFIED FACILITATOR
Transactional Analysis – TA 101 Certification
DGTA
Similar Freelancers
Discover other experts with similar qualifications and experience
Interim Change Manager
Managing Partner
Managing Partner, Transformation Consultant
Senior Product & Agile Transformation Coach
Senior Agile Coach/Principal Consultant
MSFT Copilot Champion (AI) - DACH
Agile Coach & Senior Scrum Master
Overarching Project Coordinator
Instructor/Trainer
Marketing Consultant // Strategy & Campaigning
Senior Project Manager Post Merger/ERP/IT
Project and Product Manager, Consultant and Trainer
Candidate for Mayor of Bottrop
Agile Coach & Scrum Master, Project “ScanToFHIR” – Chekov Enterprise
AI Coach and Consultant
Agile Coach & Partner
Head of the Individualization Initiative
Senior Scrum Master
Systemic Strategist for Software Vendors | I build product organizations – portfolio, roadmap, operating model
Project Manager Modern Workplace
Agile Team Coach
Scrum Coach
Partner
Senior Manager / Program Manager
Flight Levels Professional®
Process Consultant, Project Manager, and Change Management Specialist
Managing Consultant - IT Outsourcing-Services (IT, Voice, Data)
Interim Executive for Digital Strategy, Product Management and Transformation
Independent Consultant & Manager
