Blake McMillan
Improving
Languages
- English
United States
Reviews
What students say about Blake
Dec 20, 2024
Blake's style of teaching the PSM…
Blake's style of teaching the PSM course was very engaging and enlightening. He shared anecdotes that provided real insights and tips for supporting Scrum Teams as a Scrum Master.
I recommend taking this course with Blake.
Nov 15, 2024
PSPO with Blake was Awesome
The interaction was great and kept us all engaged. The material was reviewed thoroughly and prepared us for attaining our certification. Blake was an awesome instructor and kept the class interesting.
Nov 15, 2024
Fun and effective!
Great instructor- new things learned!
Nov 12, 2024
Definitely worth it!
The content in this class was very complete, yet easy to understand. Blake makes it a breeze, too, with his fun and engaging approach. I'll come back to take the EBM training with him too for sure!
Oct 15, 2024
Wonderful session
It was an awesome experience to have the training. It was fun, engaging and a very collaborative session
Oct 4, 2024
Excellent instruction
Blake was an excellent instructor who is passionate about the topic and delivers training with high energy.
Sep 3, 2024
Awesome Training
Awesome Training
this training as well as Blake deserve more stars. This 2 day training opened up my mind from the professional point of view. Coming from operations to this new role I am performing, would make me think that Scrum methodology should be used in different aspects of life, and when it comes to corporate this would fit perfectly to bring any product to another level and to optimize productive time that is very much needed
Aug 20, 2024
Blake made it easy to learn
Blake made it easy to learn. The class was fun and interactive. His energy is so great and contagious for sure. Content was presented in a very easy to understand manner. Loved it
Aug 16, 2024
Exactly what I needed to become PSM
Blake, the trainer is amazing. The cadence of the class is excellent, and his facilitation skills are exactly what I needed to get into the Scrum world. I will be coming back for another program.
Jul 19, 2024
Improving with the Win
Blake kept everyone involved and shared great stories that connected the content. We had an awesome class of Agile Leaders which made it easy to share ideas and common struggles.
Jun 25, 2024
Great instructor
Great instructor, highly recommended! Very energetic
Jun 18, 2024
Different principles and techniques of facilitation
Different principles and techniques of facilitation
Jun 13, 2024
Outstanding class and instructor
Blake is an outstanding instructor. He pours energy into delivering the content, the delivery timing is on point, and the interactions keep the students engaged. I recommend this to people who are either wanting to get started on Scrum, as well as those who may already be practitioners and appreciate refreshers.
Jun 6, 2024
The class was great
The class was great. I learned an abundance about EBM and how to apply it to my team & organization. It was great mix of theory and practical exercises. Highly recommend for anyone leading agile teams!
May 23, 2024
Highly recommended!
Blake did a fantastic job blending scrum theory with practical examples, all while drawing us out and keeping us engaged. His expertise, energy, and humor made the course both tremendously informative and enjoyable. The course content was invaluable in preparing for the PSM-I exam, and even more importantly, will help me level up my daily practice of scrum at work. Thanks for a great class!
May 21, 2024
Blake is an excellent instructor and…
Blake is an excellent instructor and used great tools to make learning more conducive.
May 17, 2024
very interactive and engaging
very interactive and engaging. looking forward to taking what i have learned into the office.
May 10, 2024
Captivating Content
The course offered numerous interactive elements, such as live discussions, group exercises, and hands-on projects, which facilitated a practical understanding of Scrum methodologies. The positive and collaborative learning environment fostered by the instructors encouraged participation and made the course enjoyable
May 9, 2024
The pacing of the class in 5 hours over…
The pacing of the class in 5 hours over 3 days allowed me time to be there to support my team. The content was easily digestible in easily consumed sections. I feel more confident in applying what I learned in class than I have in years of trainings.
May 7, 2024
"The 'Professional Scrum Product…
"The 'Professional Scrum Product Backlog Management Skills' class delivered an exceptional learning experience, with knowledgeable instructors and practical, engaging content that significantly enhanced my understanding of Scrum principles and product management. Through interactive sessions and comprehensive materials, this course provided invaluable insights and tools for improving backlog grooming, prioritization, and stakeholder management, making it an indispensable resource for both novice and experienced product owners."
May 7, 2024
is an exceptional course for both…
is an exceptional course for both beginners and experienced professionals in the field of Agile and Scrum methodologies. The course is meticulously structured, segmenting complex topics into digestible modules that progressively build upon one another.
May 7, 2024
Very enthusiastic trainer
Extremely enthusiastic trainer
Apr 19, 2024
Instructor was great!
The Teacher was great! Blake was outstanding and very engaging with us. You can tell he has a great knowledge of scrum and the scrum principles. Would 10/10 recommend any course that he teaches!
Apr 12, 2024
Great PSK Glass with Blake M
I loved how enthusiastic the instructor was and the kanban simulations were awesome!
Apr 8, 2024
Attending the 2 day
Attending the 2 day, in person course was truly valuable. The work group sessions worked well for me to enforce the learning. Additionally, I learned from collaborating with other attendees. The class is well structured and focuses on the most important topics. Blake has tons of industry knowledge and incorporates that into the training. Blake's training was interesting and I was engaged the entire time. I will definitely participate in other training opportunities that are offered.
Apr 5, 2024
Interactive reenforced learning
Interactive reenforced learning method that was used with Mural tool!
Apr 5, 2024
Blake did a phenomenal job expounding…
Blake did a phenomenal job expounding on the foundation, mindset and fundamentals of Agile/Scrum.
Apr 5, 2024
The course materials were up-to-datFive-Star Learning Journeye
The course materials were up-to-date, relevant, and presented in a way that was both informative and easy to understand. I particularly appreciated the hands-on approach that allowed us to apply Scrum practices in simulated project settings, which was invaluable for practical understanding.
Apr 4, 2024
Blake's expertise and engaging teaching
Blake's expertise and engaging teaching style make this course standout. His ability to simplify complex concepts and provide practical examples greatly aids my learning. His personalized guidance outside of class enhances comprehension. Overall, Blake's dedication to a supportive learning environment maximizes the course's effectiveness.
Apr 4, 2024
Blake (APS) was one of the best instructors…
Blake was one of the best instructors I've had the privilege of learning from. He was full of energy and didn't just read PowerPoint slides to our course. This made class participation easy. All of my classmates used all five of the Scrum values to maximize the learning experience for everyone. Thanks, Blake and AFP for the opportunity.
Eric Bailey
Apr 4, 2024
Amazing value in Blake’s APS course
If I could give more stars I would! Blake is a phenomenal instructor with amazing energy who packs a lot of information in just a couple days. As someone new to Scrum I worried I would feel overwhelmed, but now I feel even more prepared and empowered moving forward. 10/10 absolutely recommend
Apr 4, 2024
good people
good people
Mar 22, 2024
Lively course, extensive material, falls short of promise
A lively, well-informed facilitator who kept the course moving with tons of material. The activities/exercises/scenarios were very informative and worthwhile. The course leaned a bit heavily into Scrum and development; the description indicated it would have more emphasis on leadership support of Agile teams, and in this I feel the course gave short shrift. Also, the instructor, while knowledgeable and experienced, interjected a bit too much of his own experience/stories into the course. I would take this course if you are a Scrum Master or perhaps going through a transition to Scrum.
Mar 22, 2024
Great content and fun experience
Blake is a wonderful instructor. His energy, knowledge base, and genuine excitement for the content made classes fly by.
Jan 29, 2024
Engaging and Informative PSM training
Blake's energetic and engaging style made this class a great learning experience. I feel I am fully equipped with what I need to take the PSM exam and bring a solid and committed understanding of Scrum to a development team.
Dec 23, 2023
Great way to end the year with some PSK learning!
Blake is an engaging teacher that has a great way to pace the class and keep interest with the participants. The varied breakouts increased the learning by being paired with a variety of people (and opinions).
Dec 1, 2023
This class was great
This class was great! I learnt a lot of topics that can be directly applied to my day-to-day activities. It was full with useful examples that are directly connected to the industry. Last but not least, the instructor was awesome. He made the learning experience really fun!
Nov 27, 2023
In person class at Improving
I took this class in person at the Improving Office. It was an excellent experience with a great bunch of people. I learned a lot from the interactions during the training time as well as the down time with my fellow classmates. Blake is a super teacher. I hope to take the next level of PSM as soon as I am able.
Nov 21, 2023
Engaging and Entertaining
The instructor was very engaging and entertaining. He kept the class involved throughout the training.
Oct 31, 2023
Excellent Agile Professional Scrum Master Training: Interactive, Engaging, and Informative
I recently had the pleasure of taking an Agile Professional Scrum Master I training course with Blake and I was very impressed. The class was interactive and engaging, with plenty of exercises to help us learn and practice the material. Blake is very knowledgeable and he did a great job of explaining the concepts in a clear and concise way. He was also very patient and answered all of our questions thoroughly. Blake used a variety of teaching methods, including lectures, discussions, and group exercises, to keep the class engaged. He was also very responsive to our feedback and adjusted his teaching style as needed. I would highly recommend this course to anyone who is interested in learning more about Scrum or becoming a Scrum Master.
Oct 25, 2023
Interactive and engaging!
Presents a solid foundation for understanding scrum for everyone with and without prior scrum experience.
Oct 20, 2023
Excellent training by Blake McMillan…
Excellent training by Blake McMillan from Improving. The materials covered, the techniques to teach the class and keep all attendees engaged at the same time were commendable.
Oct 19, 2023
Improving PSM course review
Blake is a high energy and passionate instructor! He has a tremendous amount of knowledge and experience! Sharing his lessons learned made the class that more valuable. I would have loved to spend another day with Blake teaching me more, felt like the class was engaged the whole time. Improving great job on getting such a good instructor!
Oct 6, 2023
Good flow to the Kanban Course
The flow of the Kaban course was easy to follow. There was a nice mix of instructor-led discussions and group conversations.
Sep 6, 2023
i really enjoyed the training course
i really enjoyed the training course. The material was presented with energy and clearly articulated. It was a great learning experience.
Aug 25, 2023
Great class to understand the PO role
Blake does a great job keeping the class fun, loaded of valuable examples and sharply focused on ensuring we all learn, he is super knowledgeable and is able to address all the questions we asked.
Aug 11, 2023
Thanks!
Great job Blake!
Aug 3, 2023
Awesome Class and Fantastic Trainers Teaching Material Usable for the Real World.
Having energetic training that kept the course material interesting. The material taught were spot on what I was looking to get out of the class and take back to the real world for great improvement. Thank you for a fantastic experience and Gary and Blake you both are truly awesome.
Aug 2, 2023
Detailed and informative training
Detailed and informative training. Break room were great add in to involve with other members.
Jul 27, 2023
You wont get bored
You wont get bored
Jul 27, 2023
PAL-EBM course
The facilitator really made the class - Blake McMillian, his energy and knowledge made the course enjoyable and fun, along with the interaction with other's in the course.
Jul 26, 2023
Practicing the skills helps imprint the…
Practicing the skills helps imprint the learning. Not only is Blake an engaging facilitator, he was impactful at engaging learners. His understanding of the material makes the learning experience enjoyable, as he provides relevant examples from personal experience to support the learning objectives.
Jul 17, 2023
All Questions are Welcomed!
The class was very interactive. It was great to get rotated into different groups with different members of the class throughout the activities. It made learning/understanding much easier. Blake was a great Leader by answering all questions. He really made sure that we understood the concepts.
Jun 19, 2023
You can't go wrong with Blake
To start off, Blake was very professional, friendly, and personable. He gave his own personal experiences as a scrum master and using scrum, which I found to be great when explaining to someone who is new to this field. He allowed questions at anytime during his teaching. Some people make you wait until "the end" to address questions or tell you to "write them down" and we will "get to them at the end of the session/day". For someone with documented ADHD, that is not good for my learning. Blake made learning not only informative, but fun. Blake, thank for providing awesome training. I know I'm gonna pass my assessment because of you
May 25, 2023
Professional Agile Leadership Class Led by Blake
I recently attended a Scrum class led by an excellent instructor Blake McMillan. His deep knowledge, clear communication, and practical examples created an engaging learning environment. Interactive exercises reinforced key concepts, and his passion for Scrum was evident. Highly recommended!
May 24, 2023
Black was amazing trainer!
Black was amazing trainer!
May 22, 2023
Good Interactions!
I enjoyed learning the material and the interactions with the class in the breakout rooms. The instructor was energetic and knowledgeable.
May 19, 2023
This PAL-EBM class went beyond the…
This PAL-EBM class went beyond the Scrum.org guide. It covered much more topics that will be useful in the day-to-day work.
Apr 22, 2023
Excellent learning journey
It was a great exprience with the trainer, very good examples about projects and realistic approaches abour how to deal with the issues as scrum masters
Apr 20, 2023
PSM1 Course by Improving Training - Highly Interactive!
The PSM1 Course led by Blake McMillan at Improving Training is phenomenal! The course is highly engaging and interactive with real-world scenarios to apply the learning. This course has reinforced my knowledge in preparing for the PSM assessment and becoming an amazing Scrum Master!
Mar 30, 2023
Blake is a amazing
Blake is a vibrant, energetic trainer who puts the class at ease and creates an incredible learning space.
Mar 30, 2023
Blake is the best
Once again, I enjoyed a training with Blake. So much energy and fun. Great learning and explanations. Thank you, Blake!
Mar 6, 2023
Highly engaging
Blake's facilitation of this course was very successful, content was delivered in a meaningful way that made it very relevant and easy to understand.
Mar 1, 2023
Great class to enhance your skills in Scrum!
The delivery of the content was great and the way the class was structured and organized created an environment of trust and learning. I highly recommended this class for those looking to improve their practice as Scrum Masters and deepen their knowledge of Scrum.
Feb 10, 2023
It was a very interactive class
It was a very interactive class, and
I really learned a lot.
Feb 10, 2023
Blake is a fantastic teacher
Blake is a fantastic teacher. This is my second course with him and I will probably be back for a third when I feel ready for PSM II.
Feb 1, 2023
Great class
Great class!
The contents were presented in a dynamic way with a lot of on-hands activities. Moreover, there were real-life examples that matched the topics covered in this class.
The instructor kept the class focus all the time and all the contents were taught in time.
Jan 26, 2023
PSPO course assessment
Blake did an excellent session! Took note of our experience and expertise to incorporate examples from his past engagements in order to reinforce learning elements.
Jan 23, 2023
Love in person training
Love in person training! Blake know all aspects of Agile, simply spend 10 mins with him in class and you will see!
Class exceeded my expectations and was very engaging.
Thank you Blake!
Jan 18, 2023
Excellent Class
Great presenters, content, and classmates!
Jan 8, 2023
Good presentation and workshop
Good presentation and workshop
Dec 28, 2022
Amazing trainers and course content
Both trainers had an amazing energy through the course. They cleared doubts from all participants and where open to allow discussions between the attendees in order to provide a great outcome
Dec 21, 2022
The course was dynamic and complete
The course was dynamic, fun and the study material was excellent.
Dec 21, 2022
Class exercises were great!
Class exercises were great!! On hands training with excellent and very professional trainers
Dec 19, 2022
Great training session
Blake was very engaging, clear communicator and very patience answering questions and guiding the group. The journey felt long but we went thru the entire material without rushing.
Dec 17, 2022
Instructors and Course were amazing.
Instructors and Course were amazing.
Dec 16, 2022
Let's dive a little deeper
This course does deliver on what it promises to deliver, and the content is valuable and very helpful. However even though the class may offer the ability to take the PSPO II, the course is not directly aligned to teach the content covered in the PSPO II.
Dec 9, 2022
Excellent Instructor
Excellent Instructor
Blake was an fantastic instructor and facilitator. His energy and enthusiasm was infectious and kept the class fully engaged. I am confident in my readiness to take the assessment.
Nov 11, 2022
This was such a well organized class
This was such a well organized class. It’s very hard to keep a group of people attending a class virtually for 5+ hours but this class managed to do this. Blake was an awesome and funny instructor. He used his real world experiences to explain the concepts. I would recommend for anyone that’s looking to get a better understanding of what the role of a scrum master and a scum team is.
Nov 11, 2022
Wonderful learning experience
Blake did a wonderful job at taking the academics of the scrum guide and making it memorable.
Oct 13, 2022
Blake did an AMAZING job
Blake did an AMAZING job! You could tell he was excited to be back in the classroom and not virtual. I have felt his pain instructing during the start of COVID and not having quite the engagement you would with an in-person course. We learned a lot and he had amazing experiences he was able to share with the class that connected the course work.
Oct 7, 2022
Great Facilitator!
Blake did a fantastic job keeping everyone engaged as we upskilled in becoming Profession Scrum Masters. Greatly appreciated his energy and experience.
Oct 6, 2022
The class was fun and engaging!
The class was fun and engaging!
Sep 23, 2022
Amazing online PSM training
Had a great time during our PSM online training. I realized better ways to make use of the Scrum framework.
The instructor's knowledge, experience and presentation skills make the training super enjoyable and easy to follow.
The training captures what Scrum really means and how to apply it.
Sep 9, 2022
Blake is an excellent instructor
Blake is an excellent instructor. Great content.
Aug 19, 2022
This class was fantastic!
This class was fantastic! Blake is knowledgeable and passionate about Scrum which makes the class fun. I left feeling excited and full of ideas on how to help our organization get closer to true Scrum.
Aug 18, 2022
I had a great experience in the PSM I class
Blake is a very energetic, and passionate instructor know who is very knowledgable in the topics of scrum. He shared alot of real world examples from his experience as a PM & Scrum master.
Aug 18, 2022
Such an Informative Class
A very fun and inclusive class! Blake is a positive and well-educated instructor and was very supportive of everyone in the class. Very easy to talk to and was able to answer all questions!
Aug 6, 2022
This class was a blast!
This class was a blast!
Jun 7, 2022
I loved this class!
I loved this class, both for the content and concepts I learned in it and for the interactive delivery style that helped me learn from fellow classmates. Blake and Michael were awesome in their teaching and coaching techniques. It was fun and eye-openingly edifying.
Jun 1, 2022
Blake is an excellent instructor and…
Blake is an excellent instructor and made the class very enjoyable
May 21, 2022
Highly recommended class
A class with Michael and Blake is always refreshing. I loved the interactions created among other experienced Scrum Master. Lots of excercises and insights. Highly recommended.
May 19, 2022
Great PSM II course with Michael and Blake
I'm glad I chose the PMS II with Michael and Blake. They kept my attention, and the pace of the course was perfect. The two days flew by. The activities and attendee interactions helped increase my scrum knowledge.
May 19, 2022
Great Interactive class to learn all about scrum
It was a helpful session to brush up the scrum knowledge and got opportunity to interact with people across the world and got to learn from their experiences.
The trainers were very interactive and answered all the questions the group had.
May 12, 2022
Excellent Course
Blake's enthusiasm for the material and for Scrum was infectious. The quality of the lessons and the interactive nature of the training were excellent.
May 12, 2022
Diverse mix of backgrounds and…
Diverse mix of backgrounds and experience with SCRUM in the class. The differences were handled very well by the instructor which made the diversity helpful and allowed us to learn from each other's perspectives.
May 6, 2022
Great interactive class with plenty of…
Great interactive class with plenty of collaborative exercises to reinforce the topics.
Apr 22, 2022
Dynamic class and enjoyed the way it…
Dynamic class and enjoyed the way it was presented, with all participation and opinions
Apr 22, 2022
Interactive and dynamic
Interactive, dynamic, pleasant and fun learning experience.
Apr 15, 2022
Blake Delivered!
Blake, yours was easily the best in-person professional training I've ever experienced. Your knowledge of, and professional experience with, Scrum is inspiring! We covered an enormous amount of ground together in just two days. You embodied the Scrum values of Focus, Openness, Respect, Commitment and Courage - and did so with an undeniable passion for your subject and your students.
Engaging! Entertaining! Empowering! If I could give you a 6th star, I would. Thank you!
About Blake
Blake McMillan is a Trainer, Scrum Master, Agile Coach, and Consultant. With nearly 25 years of experience in the tech industry, Blake believes that we can make a positive impact on people’s lives and the organizations they work in when they experience the benefits of working on a self-organized, cross-functional team that delivers value frequently and learns to strive for continuous improvement.
Blake specializes in building trust and relationships with students, team members, and leadership through fierce positivity and a commitment to their long-term success.
Blake is passionate about sharing his knowledge and learning with others at conferences and events, creating and facilitating Agile Game sessions, and developing content for SoulofScrum.com.
Check out our full line-up of classes at Improving here:
https://www.improving.com/services/training/
We are featuring in-person public classes at our various offices and we can also come to your office for in-person private classes.
What students say about Blake
Dec 20, 2024
Blake's style of teaching the PSM…
Blake's style of teaching the PSM course was very engaging and enlightening. He shared anecdotes that provided real insights and tips for supporting Scrum Teams as a Scrum Master.
I recommend taking this course with Blake.
Nov 15, 2024
PSPO with Blake was Awesome
The interaction was great and kept us all engaged. The material was reviewed thoroughly and prepared us for attaining our certification. Blake was an awesome instructor and kept the class interesting.
Nov 15, 2024
Fun and effective!
Great instructor- new things learned!
Nov 12, 2024
Definitely worth it!
The content in this class was very complete, yet easy to understand. Blake makes it a breeze, too, with his fun and engaging approach. I'll come back to take the EBM training with him too for sure!
Oct 15, 2024
Wonderful session
It was an awesome experience to have the training. It was fun, engaging and a very collaborative session
Oct 4, 2024
Excellent instruction
Blake was an excellent instructor who is passionate about the topic and delivers training with high energy.
Sep 3, 2024
Awesome Training
Awesome Training
this training as well as Blake deserve more stars. This 2 day training opened up my mind from the professional point of view. Coming from operations to this new role I am performing, would make me think that Scrum methodology should be used in different aspects of life, and when it comes to corporate this would fit perfectly to bring any product to another level and to optimize productive time that is very much needed
Aug 20, 2024
Blake made it easy to learn
Blake made it easy to learn. The class was fun and interactive. His energy is so great and contagious for sure. Content was presented in a very easy to understand manner. Loved it
Aug 16, 2024
Exactly what I needed to become PSM
Blake, the trainer is amazing. The cadence of the class is excellent, and his facilitation skills are exactly what I needed to get into the Scrum world. I will be coming back for another program.
Jul 19, 2024
Improving with the Win
Blake kept everyone involved and shared great stories that connected the content. We had an awesome class of Agile Leaders which made it easy to share ideas and common struggles.
Jun 25, 2024
Great instructor
Great instructor, highly recommended! Very energetic
Jun 18, 2024
Different principles and techniques of facilitation
Different principles and techniques of facilitation
Jun 13, 2024
Outstanding class and instructor
Blake is an outstanding instructor. He pours energy into delivering the content, the delivery timing is on point, and the interactions keep the students engaged. I recommend this to people who are either wanting to get started on Scrum, as well as those who may already be practitioners and appreciate refreshers.
Jun 6, 2024
The class was great
The class was great. I learned an abundance about EBM and how to apply it to my team & organization. It was great mix of theory and practical exercises. Highly recommend for anyone leading agile teams!
May 23, 2024
Highly recommended!
Blake did a fantastic job blending scrum theory with practical examples, all while drawing us out and keeping us engaged. His expertise, energy, and humor made the course both tremendously informative and enjoyable. The course content was invaluable in preparing for the PSM-I exam, and even more importantly, will help me level up my daily practice of scrum at work. Thanks for a great class!
May 21, 2024
Blake is an excellent instructor and…
Blake is an excellent instructor and used great tools to make learning more conducive.
May 17, 2024
very interactive and engaging
very interactive and engaging. looking forward to taking what i have learned into the office.
May 10, 2024
Captivating Content
The course offered numerous interactive elements, such as live discussions, group exercises, and hands-on projects, which facilitated a practical understanding of Scrum methodologies. The positive and collaborative learning environment fostered by the instructors encouraged participation and made the course enjoyable
May 9, 2024
The pacing of the class in 5 hours over…
The pacing of the class in 5 hours over 3 days allowed me time to be there to support my team. The content was easily digestible in easily consumed sections. I feel more confident in applying what I learned in class than I have in years of trainings.
May 7, 2024
"The 'Professional Scrum Product…
"The 'Professional Scrum Product Backlog Management Skills' class delivered an exceptional learning experience, with knowledgeable instructors and practical, engaging content that significantly enhanced my understanding of Scrum principles and product management. Through interactive sessions and comprehensive materials, this course provided invaluable insights and tools for improving backlog grooming, prioritization, and stakeholder management, making it an indispensable resource for both novice and experienced product owners."
May 7, 2024
is an exceptional course for both…
is an exceptional course for both beginners and experienced professionals in the field of Agile and Scrum methodologies. The course is meticulously structured, segmenting complex topics into digestible modules that progressively build upon one another.
May 7, 2024
Very enthusiastic trainer
Extremely enthusiastic trainer
Apr 19, 2024
Instructor was great!
The Teacher was great! Blake was outstanding and very engaging with us. You can tell he has a great knowledge of scrum and the scrum principles. Would 10/10 recommend any course that he teaches!
Apr 12, 2024
Great PSK Glass with Blake M
I loved how enthusiastic the instructor was and the kanban simulations were awesome!
Apr 8, 2024
Attending the 2 day
Attending the 2 day, in person course was truly valuable. The work group sessions worked well for me to enforce the learning. Additionally, I learned from collaborating with other attendees. The class is well structured and focuses on the most important topics. Blake has tons of industry knowledge and incorporates that into the training. Blake's training was interesting and I was engaged the entire time. I will definitely participate in other training opportunities that are offered.
Apr 5, 2024
Interactive reenforced learning
Interactive reenforced learning method that was used with Mural tool!
Apr 5, 2024
Blake did a phenomenal job expounding…
Blake did a phenomenal job expounding on the foundation, mindset and fundamentals of Agile/Scrum.
Apr 5, 2024
The course materials were up-to-datFive-Star Learning Journeye
The course materials were up-to-date, relevant, and presented in a way that was both informative and easy to understand. I particularly appreciated the hands-on approach that allowed us to apply Scrum practices in simulated project settings, which was invaluable for practical understanding.
Apr 4, 2024
Blake's expertise and engaging teaching
Blake's expertise and engaging teaching style make this course standout. His ability to simplify complex concepts and provide practical examples greatly aids my learning. His personalized guidance outside of class enhances comprehension. Overall, Blake's dedication to a supportive learning environment maximizes the course's effectiveness.
Apr 4, 2024
Blake (APS) was one of the best instructors…
Blake was one of the best instructors I've had the privilege of learning from. He was full of energy and didn't just read PowerPoint slides to our course. This made class participation easy. All of my classmates used all five of the Scrum values to maximize the learning experience for everyone. Thanks, Blake and AFP for the opportunity.
Eric Bailey
Apr 4, 2024
Amazing value in Blake’s APS course
If I could give more stars I would! Blake is a phenomenal instructor with amazing energy who packs a lot of information in just a couple days. As someone new to Scrum I worried I would feel overwhelmed, but now I feel even more prepared and empowered moving forward. 10/10 absolutely recommend
Apr 4, 2024
good people
good people
Mar 22, 2024
Lively course, extensive material, falls short of promise
A lively, well-informed facilitator who kept the course moving with tons of material. The activities/exercises/scenarios were very informative and worthwhile. The course leaned a bit heavily into Scrum and development; the description indicated it would have more emphasis on leadership support of Agile teams, and in this I feel the course gave short shrift. Also, the instructor, while knowledgeable and experienced, interjected a bit too much of his own experience/stories into the course. I would take this course if you are a Scrum Master or perhaps going through a transition to Scrum.
Mar 22, 2024
Great content and fun experience
Blake is a wonderful instructor. His energy, knowledge base, and genuine excitement for the content made classes fly by.
Jan 29, 2024
Engaging and Informative PSM training
Blake's energetic and engaging style made this class a great learning experience. I feel I am fully equipped with what I need to take the PSM exam and bring a solid and committed understanding of Scrum to a development team.
Dec 23, 2023
Great way to end the year with some PSK learning!
Blake is an engaging teacher that has a great way to pace the class and keep interest with the participants. The varied breakouts increased the learning by being paired with a variety of people (and opinions).
Dec 1, 2023
This class was great
This class was great! I learnt a lot of topics that can be directly applied to my day-to-day activities. It was full with useful examples that are directly connected to the industry. Last but not least, the instructor was awesome. He made the learning experience really fun!
Nov 27, 2023
In person class at Improving
I took this class in person at the Improving Office. It was an excellent experience with a great bunch of people. I learned a lot from the interactions during the training time as well as the down time with my fellow classmates. Blake is a super teacher. I hope to take the next level of PSM as soon as I am able.
Nov 21, 2023
Engaging and Entertaining
The instructor was very engaging and entertaining. He kept the class involved throughout the training.
Oct 31, 2023
Excellent Agile Professional Scrum Master Training: Interactive, Engaging, and Informative
I recently had the pleasure of taking an Agile Professional Scrum Master I training course with Blake and I was very impressed. The class was interactive and engaging, with plenty of exercises to help us learn and practice the material. Blake is very knowledgeable and he did a great job of explaining the concepts in a clear and concise way. He was also very patient and answered all of our questions thoroughly. Blake used a variety of teaching methods, including lectures, discussions, and group exercises, to keep the class engaged. He was also very responsive to our feedback and adjusted his teaching style as needed. I would highly recommend this course to anyone who is interested in learning more about Scrum or becoming a Scrum Master.
Oct 25, 2023
Interactive and engaging!
Presents a solid foundation for understanding scrum for everyone with and without prior scrum experience.
Oct 20, 2023
Excellent training by Blake McMillan…
Excellent training by Blake McMillan from Improving. The materials covered, the techniques to teach the class and keep all attendees engaged at the same time were commendable.
Oct 19, 2023
Improving PSM course review
Blake is a high energy and passionate instructor! He has a tremendous amount of knowledge and experience! Sharing his lessons learned made the class that more valuable. I would have loved to spend another day with Blake teaching me more, felt like the class was engaged the whole time. Improving great job on getting such a good instructor!
Oct 6, 2023
Good flow to the Kanban Course
The flow of the Kaban course was easy to follow. There was a nice mix of instructor-led discussions and group conversations.
Sep 6, 2023
i really enjoyed the training course
i really enjoyed the training course. The material was presented with energy and clearly articulated. It was a great learning experience.
Aug 25, 2023
Great class to understand the PO role
Blake does a great job keeping the class fun, loaded of valuable examples and sharply focused on ensuring we all learn, he is super knowledgeable and is able to address all the questions we asked.
Aug 11, 2023
Thanks!
Great job Blake!
Aug 3, 2023
Awesome Class and Fantastic Trainers Teaching Material Usable for the Real World.
Having energetic training that kept the course material interesting. The material taught were spot on what I was looking to get out of the class and take back to the real world for great improvement. Thank you for a fantastic experience and Gary and Blake you both are truly awesome.
Aug 2, 2023
Detailed and informative training
Detailed and informative training. Break room were great add in to involve with other members.
Jul 27, 2023
You wont get bored
You wont get bored
Jul 27, 2023
PAL-EBM course
The facilitator really made the class - Blake McMillian, his energy and knowledge made the course enjoyable and fun, along with the interaction with other's in the course.
Jul 26, 2023
Practicing the skills helps imprint the…
Practicing the skills helps imprint the learning. Not only is Blake an engaging facilitator, he was impactful at engaging learners. His understanding of the material makes the learning experience enjoyable, as he provides relevant examples from personal experience to support the learning objectives.
Jul 17, 2023
All Questions are Welcomed!
The class was very interactive. It was great to get rotated into different groups with different members of the class throughout the activities. It made learning/understanding much easier. Blake was a great Leader by answering all questions. He really made sure that we understood the concepts.
Jun 19, 2023
You can't go wrong with Blake
To start off, Blake was very professional, friendly, and personable. He gave his own personal experiences as a scrum master and using scrum, which I found to be great when explaining to someone who is new to this field. He allowed questions at anytime during his teaching. Some people make you wait until "the end" to address questions or tell you to "write them down" and we will "get to them at the end of the session/day". For someone with documented ADHD, that is not good for my learning. Blake made learning not only informative, but fun. Blake, thank for providing awesome training. I know I'm gonna pass my assessment because of you
May 25, 2023
Professional Agile Leadership Class Led by Blake
I recently attended a Scrum class led by an excellent instructor Blake McMillan. His deep knowledge, clear communication, and practical examples created an engaging learning environment. Interactive exercises reinforced key concepts, and his passion for Scrum was evident. Highly recommended!
May 24, 2023
Black was amazing trainer!
Black was amazing trainer!
May 22, 2023
Good Interactions!
I enjoyed learning the material and the interactions with the class in the breakout rooms. The instructor was energetic and knowledgeable.
May 19, 2023
This PAL-EBM class went beyond the…
This PAL-EBM class went beyond the Scrum.org guide. It covered much more topics that will be useful in the day-to-day work.
Apr 22, 2023
Excellent learning journey
It was a great exprience with the trainer, very good examples about projects and realistic approaches abour how to deal with the issues as scrum masters
Apr 20, 2023
PSM1 Course by Improving Training - Highly Interactive!
The PSM1 Course led by Blake McMillan at Improving Training is phenomenal! The course is highly engaging and interactive with real-world scenarios to apply the learning. This course has reinforced my knowledge in preparing for the PSM assessment and becoming an amazing Scrum Master!
Mar 30, 2023
Blake is a amazing
Blake is a vibrant, energetic trainer who puts the class at ease and creates an incredible learning space.
Mar 30, 2023
Blake is the best
Once again, I enjoyed a training with Blake. So much energy and fun. Great learning and explanations. Thank you, Blake!
Mar 6, 2023
Highly engaging
Blake's facilitation of this course was very successful, content was delivered in a meaningful way that made it very relevant and easy to understand.
Mar 1, 2023
Great class to enhance your skills in Scrum!
The delivery of the content was great and the way the class was structured and organized created an environment of trust and learning. I highly recommended this class for those looking to improve their practice as Scrum Masters and deepen their knowledge of Scrum.
Feb 10, 2023
It was a very interactive class
It was a very interactive class, and
I really learned a lot.
Feb 10, 2023
Blake is a fantastic teacher
Blake is a fantastic teacher. This is my second course with him and I will probably be back for a third when I feel ready for PSM II.
Feb 1, 2023
Great class
Great class!
The contents were presented in a dynamic way with a lot of on-hands activities. Moreover, there were real-life examples that matched the topics covered in this class.
The instructor kept the class focus all the time and all the contents were taught in time.
Jan 26, 2023
PSPO course assessment
Blake did an excellent session! Took note of our experience and expertise to incorporate examples from his past engagements in order to reinforce learning elements.
Jan 23, 2023
Love in person training
Love in person training! Blake know all aspects of Agile, simply spend 10 mins with him in class and you will see!
Class exceeded my expectations and was very engaging.
Thank you Blake!
Jan 18, 2023
Excellent Class
Great presenters, content, and classmates!
Jan 8, 2023
Good presentation and workshop
Good presentation and workshop
Dec 28, 2022
Amazing trainers and course content
Both trainers had an amazing energy through the course. They cleared doubts from all participants and where open to allow discussions between the attendees in order to provide a great outcome
Dec 21, 2022
The course was dynamic and complete
The course was dynamic, fun and the study material was excellent.
Dec 21, 2022
Class exercises were great!
Class exercises were great!! On hands training with excellent and very professional trainers
Dec 19, 2022
Great training session
Blake was very engaging, clear communicator and very patience answering questions and guiding the group. The journey felt long but we went thru the entire material without rushing.
Dec 17, 2022
Instructors and Course were amazing.
Instructors and Course were amazing.
Dec 16, 2022
Let's dive a little deeper
This course does deliver on what it promises to deliver, and the content is valuable and very helpful. However even though the class may offer the ability to take the PSPO II, the course is not directly aligned to teach the content covered in the PSPO II.
Dec 9, 2022
Excellent Instructor
Excellent Instructor
Blake was an fantastic instructor and facilitator. His energy and enthusiasm was infectious and kept the class fully engaged. I am confident in my readiness to take the assessment.
Nov 11, 2022
This was such a well organized class
This was such a well organized class. It’s very hard to keep a group of people attending a class virtually for 5+ hours but this class managed to do this. Blake was an awesome and funny instructor. He used his real world experiences to explain the concepts. I would recommend for anyone that’s looking to get a better understanding of what the role of a scrum master and a scum team is.
Nov 11, 2022
Wonderful learning experience
Blake did a wonderful job at taking the academics of the scrum guide and making it memorable.
Oct 13, 2022
Blake did an AMAZING job
Blake did an AMAZING job! You could tell he was excited to be back in the classroom and not virtual. I have felt his pain instructing during the start of COVID and not having quite the engagement you would with an in-person course. We learned a lot and he had amazing experiences he was able to share with the class that connected the course work.
Oct 7, 2022
Great Facilitator!
Blake did a fantastic job keeping everyone engaged as we upskilled in becoming Profession Scrum Masters. Greatly appreciated his energy and experience.
Oct 6, 2022
The class was fun and engaging!
The class was fun and engaging!
Sep 23, 2022
Amazing online PSM training
Had a great time during our PSM online training. I realized better ways to make use of the Scrum framework.
The instructor's knowledge, experience and presentation skills make the training super enjoyable and easy to follow.
The training captures what Scrum really means and how to apply it.
Sep 9, 2022
Blake is an excellent instructor
Blake is an excellent instructor. Great content.
Aug 19, 2022
This class was fantastic!
This class was fantastic! Blake is knowledgeable and passionate about Scrum which makes the class fun. I left feeling excited and full of ideas on how to help our organization get closer to true Scrum.
Aug 18, 2022
I had a great experience in the PSM I class
Blake is a very energetic, and passionate instructor know who is very knowledgable in the topics of scrum. He shared alot of real world examples from his experience as a PM & Scrum master.
Aug 18, 2022
Such an Informative Class
A very fun and inclusive class! Blake is a positive and well-educated instructor and was very supportive of everyone in the class. Very easy to talk to and was able to answer all questions!
Aug 6, 2022
This class was a blast!
This class was a blast!
Jun 7, 2022
I loved this class!
I loved this class, both for the content and concepts I learned in it and for the interactive delivery style that helped me learn from fellow classmates. Blake and Michael were awesome in their teaching and coaching techniques. It was fun and eye-openingly edifying.
Jun 1, 2022
Blake is an excellent instructor and…
Blake is an excellent instructor and made the class very enjoyable
May 21, 2022
Highly recommended class
A class with Michael and Blake is always refreshing. I loved the interactions created among other experienced Scrum Master. Lots of excercises and insights. Highly recommended.
May 19, 2022
Great PSM II course with Michael and Blake
I'm glad I chose the PMS II with Michael and Blake. They kept my attention, and the pace of the course was perfect. The two days flew by. The activities and attendee interactions helped increase my scrum knowledge.
May 19, 2022
Great Interactive class to learn all about scrum
It was a helpful session to brush up the scrum knowledge and got opportunity to interact with people across the world and got to learn from their experiences.
The trainers were very interactive and answered all the questions the group had.
May 12, 2022
Excellent Course
Blake's enthusiasm for the material and for Scrum was infectious. The quality of the lessons and the interactive nature of the training were excellent.
May 12, 2022
Diverse mix of backgrounds and…
Diverse mix of backgrounds and experience with SCRUM in the class. The differences were handled very well by the instructor which made the diversity helpful and allowed us to learn from each other's perspectives.
May 6, 2022
Great interactive class with plenty of…
Great interactive class with plenty of collaborative exercises to reinforce the topics.
Apr 22, 2022
Dynamic class and enjoyed the way it…
Dynamic class and enjoyed the way it was presented, with all participation and opinions
Apr 22, 2022
Interactive and dynamic
Interactive, dynamic, pleasant and fun learning experience.
Apr 15, 2022
Blake Delivered!
Blake, yours was easily the best in-person professional training I've ever experienced. Your knowledge of, and professional experience with, Scrum is inspiring! We covered an enormous amount of ground together in just two days. You embodied the Scrum values of Focus, Openness, Respect, Commitment and Courage - and did so with an undeniable passion for your subject and your students.
Engaging! Entertaining! Empowering! If I could give you a 6th star, I would. Thank you!
Courses taught by Blake
Applying Professional Scrum
Professional Agile Leadership - Essentials
Professional Agile Leadership - Evidence Based Management
Professional Scrum Facilitation Skills
Professional Scrum with Kanban
Professional Scrum Master
Professional Scrum Master - Advanced
Professional Scrum Master and Professional Scrum Product Owner
Professional Scrum Product Backlog Management Skills
Professional Scrum Product Owner
Professional Scrum Product Owner - Advanced
Other Services by Blake
- Coaching/Consulting
- Immersion Classes
- Private Courses
Upcoming Classes by Blake
See all upcoming classes
Live Virtual
Date: Jan 14-16, 2025
Language: English
Class Format: Traditional
10:00 AM - 3:00 PM America/Chicago
Live Virtual
Date: Jan 21-23, 2025
Language: English
Class Format: Traditional
10:00 AM - 3:00 PM America/Chicago
Live Virtual
Date: Feb 4-5, 2025
Language: English
Class Format: Traditional
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM America/Chicago
Live Virtual
Date: Feb 6, 2025
Language: English
Class Format: Traditional
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM America/Chicago
In Person
Date: Feb 11-12, 2025
Language: English
Class Format: Traditional
Omaha, NE, United States
Live Virtual
Date: Feb 18-20, 2025
Language: English
Class Format: Traditional
10:00 AM - 3:00 PM America/Chicago
Live Virtual
Date: Feb 25-27, 2025
Language: English
Class Format: Traditional
10:00 AM - 3:00 PM America/Chicago
Live Virtual
Date: Mar 25-27, 2025
Language: English
Class Format: Traditional
10:00 AM - 3:00 PM America/Chicago
Live Virtual
Date: Apr 15-17, 2025
Language: English
Class Format: Traditional
10:00 AM - 3:00 PM America/Chicago
Live Virtual
Date: Apr 29-May 1, 2025
Language: English
Class Format: Traditional
10:00 AM - 3:00 PM America/Chicago
Latest Blogs by Blake
See all blogsBlake's Certifications and Licenses
Professional Scrum Trainer
Professional Scrum Master I
Professional Scrum Master II
Professional Scrum Master III
Professional Scrum Product Owner I
Professional Scrum Product Owner II
Professional Scrum Product Owner III
Professional Scrum Developer I
Scaled Professional Scrum
Professional Agile Leadership I
Professional Agile Leadership - Evidence-Based Management
Professional Scrum with Kanban I
Professional Scrum with User Experience I
Professional Scrum Facilitation Skills
Professional Scrum Product Backlog Management Skills
Classes Attended by Blake
Professional Scrum Product Owner - Advanced
Trainers:
Chris Lukassen, Robbin Schuurman
Partner:
Xebia
Date:
May 18-21, 2020
Professional Scrum Master - Advanced
Trainers:
Ryan Ripley, Todd Miller
Partner:
Agile for Humans
Date:
Sep 21-22, 2020
Professional Agile Leadership - Essentials
Trainer:
Pawel Mysliwiec
Partner:
Improving
Date:
Dec 17-18, 2020
Professional Scrum with User Experience
Trainers:
Gary Pedretti, Ty Crockett
Partner:
Improving
Date:
Aug 10-11, 2021
Professional Scrum Facilitation Skills
Trainers:
Todd Miller, Ryan Ripley
Partner:
Agile for Humans
Date:
Sep 23, 2022
Professional Scrum Product Backlog Management Skills
Trainer:
Michael Wallace
Partner:
Improving
Date:
Oct 23, 2023
Applying Professional Scrum for Software Development
Trainer:
Gary Pedretti
Partner:
Improving
Date:
May 21-23, 2024