About The Job Hackers
Who We Are
The Job Hackers was founded in 2017 as a nonprofit with the aim of providing free training in Agile, the Scrum framework, and a shift to a growth mindset for people looking to improve their careers and seeking new opportunities.
Our mission is to provide individuals with the knowledge and experience needed to navigate the complex world of knowledge work.
What We Do
We provide free educational programs and resources to increase the available opportunities to people of all backgrounds and skill levels to get hired and develop their careers in knowledge work. To date, we have trained over 5500 people in Agile, Scrum and modern behavioral theories through our Agile MBA™ program.
We also organize monthly Meet-ups bringing past and present students together to hear updates and trends from keynote market leaders and host regular resume review sessions. All classes and Meet-ups are held remotely by Zoom or in donated space.
Our Teachers
Mike Russell
Mike Russell is not a typical “agile coach.” He has extensive leadership experience “in the trenches,” including personally serving as a C-level executive leading over 1,000 people and with budget above $100 million. As a coach and management consultant, he has helped leaders from startup to Fortune™ 20 level improve individual and organizational results.
He has spoken internationally and written on many subjects, including transformation and business agility in his book Wrong Until Right – How to Succeed Despite Relentless Change. He also co-authored the industry guidance on the use of agile approaches in medical device software development and is a former Lean Startup Week mentor.
Mike Russell is not a typical “agile coach.” He has extensive leadership experience “in the trenches,” including personally serving as a C-level executive leading over 1,000 people and with budget above $100 million. As a coach and management consultant, he has helped leaders from startup to Fortune™ 20 level improve individual and organizational results.
He has spoken internationally and written on many subjects, including transformation and business agility in his book Wrong Until Right – How to Succeed Despite Relentless Change. He also co-authored the industry guidance on the use of agile approaches in medical device software development and is a former Lean Startup Week mentor.
Jim Schibler
Jim Schibler has excelled in product management and marketing for over 25 years. He led development and marketing of multiple generations of innovative laboratory software, and has mentored many professionals on product management, marketing, and strategy throughout his career. He has also coached hundreds of professionals on job search and career management, and published dozens of original articles that demonstrate his thought leadership.
Since 2020, Jim has been part of the core leadership team of The Job Hackers; he teaches parts of the Agile MBA course, leads the Friday Discussion Sessions, and organizes the Monthly Agile Meetup.
Jim Schibler has excelled in product management and marketing for over 25 years. He led development and marketing of multiple generations of innovative laboratory software, and has mentored many professionals on product management, marketing, and strategy throughout his career. He has also coached hundreds of professionals on job search and career management, and published dozens of original articles that demonstrate his thought leadership.
Since 2020, Jim has been part of the core leadership team of The Job Hackers; he teaches parts of the Agile MBA course, leads the Friday Discussion Sessions, and organizes the Monthly Agile Meetup.
Kyle Aretae
Kyle is now, and has been for 40 years, a software geek. In 1998, he shifted his attention to the question of “how to build software to handle the inevitably changing needs of the users”. In 2001, that approach got a shiny new name: “Agile software development”. Kyle’s focus hasn’t changed much.
Since 1981, Kyle has been a developer, a math teacher, a technical lead on a billion dollar software rewrite, a springboard diving coach, an Agile coach, a programming educator, CIO of the Inc #1 Startup, a dad for 5 kids, a Technical coach, an ESL teacher overseas, an Agile transformation lead / manager, and a Master’s student in Org Change Management.
Kyle is now, and has been for 40 years, a software geek. In 1998, he shifted his attention to the question of “how to build software to handle the inevitably changing needs of the users”. In 2001, that approach got a shiny new name: “Agile software development”. Kyle’s focus hasn’t changed much.
Since 1981, Kyle has been a developer, a math teacher, a technical lead on a billion dollar software rewrite, a springboard diving coach, an Agile coach, a programming educator, CIO of the Inc #1 Startup, a dad for 5 kids, a Technical coach, an ESL teacher overseas, an Agile transformation lead / manager, and a Master’s student in Org Change Management.
Our Volunteers
Our Board
Edward Gordon
Edward found his first cofounder at a poker game while looking to help fund local farmers and went on to produce a new retail product line for an iconic San Francisco Bay Area food truck. But he felt a calling beyond food and finance and moved into the tech industry – driven to work in spaces with more reach and a greater positive impact on the world. He is dedicated to providing insight and support to those who may need encouragement to embrace their unique advantages and get a leg up in their career.
Edward found his first cofounder at a poker game while looking to help fund local farmers and went on to produce a new retail product line for an iconic San Francisco Bay Area food truck. But he felt a calling beyond food and finance and moved into the tech industry – driven to work in spaces with more reach and a greater positive impact on the world. He is dedicated to providing insight and support to those who may need encouragement to embrace their unique advantages and get a leg up in their career.
Jim Schibler
Jim Schibler has excelled in product management and marketing for over 25 years. He led development and marketing of multiple generations of innovative laboratory software, and has mentored many professionals on product management, marketing, and strategy throughout his career. He has also coached hundreds of professionals on job search and career management, and published dozens of original articles that demonstrate his thought leadership.
Since 2020, Jim has been part of the core leadership team of The Job Hackers; he teaches parts of the Agile MBA course, leads the Friday Discussion Sessions, and organizes the Monthly Agile Meetup.
Jim Schibler has excelled in product management and marketing for over 25 years. He led development and marketing of multiple generations of innovative laboratory software, and has mentored many professionals on product management, marketing, and strategy throughout his career. He has also coached hundreds of professionals on job search and career management, and published dozens of original articles that demonstrate his thought leadership.
Since 2020, Jim has been part of the core leadership team of The Job Hackers; he teaches parts of the Agile MBA course, leads the Friday Discussion Sessions, and organizes the Monthly Agile Meetup.
Liz Garcia
Liz is a passionate advocate for diversity and inclusion, particularly within the Agile community. As a dedicated volunteer, she invests her time and energy in uplifting others and nurturing collaboration and empowerment.
She is a strong believer in creating a level playing field, ensuring that everyone’s voices are heard and have a chance to shine in their chosen field. Liz’s involvement in the tech industry spans various sectors, showcasing adaptability and unwavering commitment to fostering positive change.
Liz is a passionate advocate for diversity and inclusion, particularly within the Agile community. As a dedicated volunteer, she invests her time and energy in uplifting others and nurturing collaboration and empowerment.
She is a strong believer in creating a level playing field, ensuring that everyone’s voices are heard and have a chance to shine in their chosen field. Liz’s involvement in the tech industry spans various sectors, showcasing adaptability and unwavering commitment to fostering positive change.
Our Founders
Dave Rawlings
Before cofounding The Job Hackers, Dave served in a variety of leadership and sales positions at Pareteum, Nexmo, Talk Free, Sygate, Healthline, Blue Titan, Mindfabric, and PeerLogic.
Dave began his career at Barclays Investment Bank in NYC covering tech and telecom. Dave has a BA in Business Administration from Miami University and an MBA from Tulane University.
Before cofounding The Job Hackers, Dave served in a variety of leadership and sales positions at Pareteum, Nexmo, Talk Free, Sygate, Healthline, Blue Titan, Mindfabric, and PeerLogic.
Dave began his career at Barclays Investment Bank in NYC covering tech and telecom. Dave has a BA in Business Administration from Miami University and an MBA from Tulane University.
Larry Apke
Larry cofounded The Job Hackers and has been working in software development for over 20 years with the last 10+ years involved with Agile software development. His consulting experience includes time with Oracle, Apple, American Express, USAA and many other organizations.
His past includes stints as a Director of Software Development, licensed nursing home administrator, entrepreneur and high school teacher to name just a few. He received his BA from Kenyon College.
Awards & Recognition
Best Coding Bootcamp
The Agile MBA has been recognized as one of the top 10 coding bootcamps in San Francisco
Gold Seal of Transparency
The GuideStar Gold Seal is awarded to nonprofits that show a commitment to transparency, accountability, and inclusivity
Jefferson Awards Silver Medal
The Job Hackers received a Silver Medal for outstanding public service in 2021
Support the Job Hackers
Our mission is to provide affordable global access to education and experiences that develop the skills and mindset needed to navigate the professional world of knowledge work.