In today’s Agile landscape, certifications are booming, driven by employer demands and the pressure to stay competitive. Many professionals find themselves chasing one certificate after another, seeking validation and fearing they’ll be left behind. But does this trend truly foster growth, or does it create "paper experts"—individuals with credentials but lacking practical, real-world experience? 

This talk delves into the psychological aspects behind this phenomenon, focusing on how the pursuit of certifications often stems from deeper issues of self-esteem and the need for external validation. We’ll explore the balance between seeking qualifications and building genuine confidence and mastery through hands-on experience. 

Attendees will gain psychological insights on when further certification is beneficial and when it becomes a distraction from true Agile success, along with strategies to manage external pressures from employers and the market.

About the speaker:

Raminta Sunshine is an Inspirational Speaker and Transformation Coach who helps people worldwide pursue their dreams and unlock their true potential. Through conferences, workshops, seminars, media, and 1:1 CBT (Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy) sessions and coaching, she empowers individuals to find their path to purpose and passion. Raminta is a Certified Coach (ICF), Points of You® Certified Trainer, and holds a Bachelor’s and Master’s degree in Communication. She has studied Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy for 4 years and dedicates 80 days a year to learning and self-reflection with world-renowned teachers to better serve others.

With 10 years of experience in personal development and psychology, and 17 years in education, communication, and event organization, Raminta has honed her ability to understand the deep psychological factors that influence personal growth. Her work centers on helping individuals break free from self-doubt, perfectionism, and the need for external validation—key themes that resonate in her talks. She jokingly refers to herself as a "certified perfectionist" 😊, reflecting on her past tendency to seek validation through endless qualifications. Now, she uses this experience to show how people can move beyond the trap of chasing diplomas and embrace real-world confidence and growth

Now traveling the world as a digital nomad, Raminta continues to share her insights globally. In her latest talk, "The Agile Dilemma: Experience Over Certificates," she brings a fresh psychological perspective, exploring how the relentless pursuit of certifications, particularly in the Agile world, can mask deeper issues of self-esteem and external validation. Raminta empowers individuals to stop chasing diplomas and focus on real growth through hands-on experience, showing that true success and fulfillment start from within, not on paper.