"From intern to team leader, Centric is a place where you can grow in any direction you choose."

Some careers follow a straight path. Others, like Riana’s, take unexpected turns that lead to new opportunities. Starting as a software developer intern, she discovered a passion for team collaboration, mentorship, and leadership—eventually growing into a Scrum Master and Team Leader at Centric. Here’s how she embraced every challenge and opportunity along the way.

Why did you choose Centric for your internship?

Honestly, it was a feeling. From the very beginning, I loved the vibe of Centric. The people, the culture, the mindset—it just clicked. I knew, even from intuition, that this was a place where I could grow and truly fit in. Looking back, I couldn’t have made a better choice.

You started as a software developer, but your career took a different direction. How did that happen?

It has been quite a journey! I started as a developer and worked in that role for about five years. But early on, I realized I was naturally drawn to Scrum, teamwork, and improving collaboration. About two years in, I started taking on Scrum Master responsibilities alongside coding—it wasn’t something I planned, but it felt right. Over time, I transitioned fully into the Scrum Master role, working with multiple teams and mentoring colleagues. Eventually, I stepped into a leadership position, where I now focus on guiding teams, helping people grow, and ensuring projects run smoothly.

What were some key moments that shaped your growth?

There were so many! A few that really stand out:

  • Working with five different Scrum teams—Each one had other challenges and ways of working, which taught me how to adapt and lead in different environments.
  • Mentoring colleagues and seeing them grow—That was incredibly rewarding and reinforced my passion for leadership.
  • Teaching Dutch professionals how to improve their workflow with TFS and dashboards—This pushed me out of my comfort zone and helped me develop my training and facilitation skills.
  • Conversations with inspiring mentors and leaders changed my perspective and helped me see the bigger picture of leadership.

All these experiences helped me grow, step by step, into the role I have today.

What opportunities at Centric helped you the most?

The Agile Club before the pandemic was an amazing experience—it was a space where ideas flowed and knowledge was shared freely. I also had a fantastic Scrum Master mentor who gave me invaluable guidance. But more than anything, the leadership conversations I had throughout my journey completely changed my mindset. Those talks helped me see my potential, and I’ll always be grateful for them.

How did Centric’s work environment and colleagues support your journey?

I’ve been lucky to work with so many inspiring and supportive colleagues. Centric has a great culture of collaboration, where people genuinely want to help each other succeed. Whether it was through knowledge-sharing sessions, mentorship, or just casual chats over coffee, I always felt like I was growing because of the people around me. That kind of environment is priceless.

What challenges did you face, and how did you overcome them?

One of my biggest challenges was working with different personalities and learning how to adapt. Every team had its own way of working, and every project had different needs. At first, this was overwhelming. I wanted to find a ‘one-size-fits-all’ approach, but that didn’t exist. Over time, I learned to listen more, observe team dynamics, and adjust my approach. Adapting to different people and situations has been my most significant growth area.

What advice would you give to someone starting at Centric?

Be curious, be open, and don’t be afraid to step out of your comfort zone. Centric is full of opportunities—you just have to be willing to grab them. Find mentors, ask questions, and most importantly, enjoy the journey!

What’s next for you? What opportunities are you excited about?

I’m really excited to continue growing as a Team Leader, take on bigger projects, and mentor more teams. I want to help strengthen collaboration at Centric, support others in their growth, and create an even bigger impact. There’s still so much to learn, and that excites me!