In this month’s colleague spotlight we introduce Tom Preval, a Senior Scrum Master who’s also been playing a key role across Leighton as a Community Lead.
Read on as Tom shares insights into his professional journey, what drives his passion for supporting agile teams and a few fun facts about his life outside of work.
As a Senior Scrum Master, I work on the British Airways account, working closely with teams across the online check-in project helping them to deliver value to key stakeholders and identify and remove any blockers that slow down team progress. My core responsibilities include leading sprint planning and working with product owners to remove any impediments, acting as a bridge between development teams and the wider business. As part of this role, I am often faced with challenges like shifting priorities and tooling and process overload, but ultimately my job is to create the space for teams to thrive, grow and deliver great outcomes. As the Delivery Community Lead, I focus on bringing together our incredible delivery professionals across Leighton. This role is all about driving consistency, sharing what works (and what doesn’t), and raising the bar for how we show up with clients. As Community Lead, I get to be the connector, coach, sounding board, and sometimes the one who dares to say, “maybe we shouldn’t do it that way again.”
I’ve been with Leighton for almost three years, which means I’ve been here long enough to know where all the good biscuits are hidden, or at least that was the case before the office move! Throughout the interview process I had the chance to meet with some of what are now my Leighton colleagues, and in those short conversations what really stood out was the openness to support for learning, new ideas and the investment put into its colleagues. I was drawn in by the promise of innovation, development, a great culture, great people, and the opportunities, and I have continued to work at Leighton for those same reasons.
My background has always been delivery focused. I studied Technology Science at university, before beginning my career in more traditional roles like Project Lead and Project Manager, where structure ruled, and predictability was the goal (even if the reality was anything but). It was during these roles I realised that what really energised me was the human side of delivery, the team dynamics, the leadership engagement, and the magic that happens when people, teams, and organisations are actually aligned and empowered. Scrum offered a way to bring all of that together, a space to focus on value, adapt quickly, and create high-performing teams without needing a Gantt chart the length of a novel.
Diplomacy, patience and the ability to smile when things might not necessarily be going your way. From a technical and process-oriented perspective, a key area of growth has been deepening my understanding of working at scale within organisations that use Scrum or similar agile frameworks. It’s one thing to understand Scrum at a team level, but quite another to apply those principles across large, complex teams or departments. Additionally, facilitating collaboration, aligning cross-functional teams, and supporting continuous improvement have all been essential in driving outcomes and maintaining momentum.
I first joined Leighton as a customer-focused Scrum Master, working across varied customer projects on the British Airways account. It was on these projects where I found myself promoted to a Senior Scrum Master. As part of this change in roles, I had to build on all my skills, but with greater strategic and cross-team responsibility. For example, coaching other Scrum Masters, guiding teams, and working closely with the product leadership. Not long after the opportunity of becoming a Community Lead became available and I jumped at the chance, since becoming the go-to person for delivery questions, agile coaching, and community building.
I’ve had several accomplishments that I’m proud of, like running start up teams across Brazil and the US to stepping into the Community Lead role at Leighton to help shape our delivery community. More recently I’ve gained my SAFe SPC certification which is all about helping organisations that are using Scaled Agile Framework to implement and adopt lean-agile practices. This opened the door for me to then run my first SAFe course, preparing participants to understand their role as Scrum Masters, support agile teams and agile release trains and to facilitate team-level and program-level events.
The people. Not just the individuals I collaborate with every day, but also the broader impact I can have on their teams. I find genuine satisfaction in helping to create an environment where people feel empowered to improve how they work. I get to work with great people, and helping them, their teams and organisations discover ways to improve and drive efficiencies is great. I’m passionate about continuous improvement at scale, helping organisations connect the dots between agile principles and real-world outcomes. It’s the blend of human connection, strategic thinking, and practical problem-solving that makes my role so fulfilling.
The genuine culture and the people I get to work with. We’re passionate about our work, our colleagues, and our growth. There’s a real sense of passion, not just for the work we do, but for each other’s success and wellbeing. What makes Leighton unique is the balance we strike: we can have honest, sometimes challenging conversations about serious topics, while keeping things light-hearted and fun. There’s no ego, just a shared commitment to doing great work and enjoying the process. It’s an environment that’s collaborative, inclusive, and full of mutual respect. And that’s not something you find everywhere.
One standout memory for me has been contributing to one of our partner’s adoptions of the SAFe (Scaled Agile Framework). As someone who strongly believes in the principles of SAFe and has seen first-hand how transformative it can be when implemented with intention, it was incredibly rewarding to play a role in supporting that journey. Being involved from the early stages gave me the opportunity to collaborate closely with stakeholders across different levels of the organisation, help build alignment and create a shared understanding of how SAFe could unlock value for their teams. What made it particularly meaningful was watching the mindset shift take place, seeing teams become more empowered, gaining visibility into their work, and improving their ability to deliver at scale.
I’d love to formally step into a senior leadership role where I can help shape strategy across an organisation. What motivates me is the combination of my lived experiences, the good, the challenging, and everything in between. And the belief that those insights can positively impact others. I’ve seen what works and what doesn’t across different contexts, and I want to bring that knowledge into a role where it can make a broader, lasting difference. Ultimately, I’m motivated by the potential to lead with empathy, make thoughtful, people-centred decisions, and help shape a culture and strategy that aligns with both business goals and human needs.
I had open heart surgery when I was born and as a kid my mum told me my scar was from a shark attack!
Food, friends, walking the dog, computer games, reading (Wheel of Time is my go-to recommendation for most people) and generally being active, or as some might say, pretending I know what I’m doing on a paddleboard.
I don’t just “run stand-ups” I act as a coach, mentor, and strategic partner to both individuals and teams. One of the most critical parts of my role is being a translator and connector, bridging the gap between stakeholders and developers to ensure there’s alignment, shared understanding, and clarity around goals. A big part of my role is supporting individual growth, I’m continually supporting team members to develop their agile mindset, improve communication, and build resilience.
“Always come from a position of strength” - It might not be the most conventional advice, but it’s the one that’s stuck with me. It was shared during a particularly challenging time in a not-so-great work environment during my relatively early days, and while the context wasn’t ideal, I took it to heart. Since then, it’s stuck with me, helping me move forward with confidence, own my value, and never look back.
Chaos is just waterfall with optimism. Be curious, stay humble, and never be afraid to ask “the stupid question” – you’d be surprised by how often that proves useful.
In this month’s colleague spotlight we introduce Tom Preval, a Senior Scrum Master who’s also been playing a key role across Leighton as a Community Lead.
Read on as Tom shares insights into his professional journey, what drives his passion for supporting agile teams and a few fun facts about his life outside of work.
As a Senior Scrum Master, I work on the British Airways account, working closely with teams across the online check-in project helping them to deliver value to key stakeholders and identify and remove any blockers that slow down team progress. My core responsibilities include leading sprint planning and working with product owners to remove any impediments, acting as a bridge between development teams and the wider business. As part of this role, I am often faced with challenges like shifting priorities and tooling and process overload, but ultimately my job is to create the space for teams to thrive, grow and deliver great outcomes. As the Delivery Community Lead, I focus on bringing together our incredible delivery professionals across Leighton. This role is all about driving consistency, sharing what works (and what doesn’t), and raising the bar for how we show up with clients. As Community Lead, I get to be the connector, coach, sounding board, and sometimes the one who dares to say, “maybe we shouldn’t do it that way again.”
I’ve been with Leighton for almost three years, which means I’ve been here long enough to know where all the good biscuits are hidden, or at least that was the case before the office move! Throughout the interview process I had the chance to meet with some of what are now my Leighton colleagues, and in those short conversations what really stood out was the openness to support for learning, new ideas and the investment put into its colleagues. I was drawn in by the promise of innovation, development, a great culture, great people, and the opportunities, and I have continued to work at Leighton for those same reasons.
My background has always been delivery focused. I studied Technology Science at university, before beginning my career in more traditional roles like Project Lead and Project Manager, where structure ruled, and predictability was the goal (even if the reality was anything but). It was during these roles I realised that what really energised me was the human side of delivery, the team dynamics, the leadership engagement, and the magic that happens when people, teams, and organisations are actually aligned and empowered. Scrum offered a way to bring all of that together, a space to focus on value, adapt quickly, and create high-performing teams without needing a Gantt chart the length of a novel.
Diplomacy, patience and the ability to smile when things might not necessarily be going your way. From a technical and process-oriented perspective, a key area of growth has been deepening my understanding of working at scale within organisations that use Scrum or similar agile frameworks. It’s one thing to understand Scrum at a team level, but quite another to apply those principles across large, complex teams or departments. Additionally, facilitating collaboration, aligning cross-functional teams, and supporting continuous improvement have all been essential in driving outcomes and maintaining momentum.
I first joined Leighton as a customer-focused Scrum Master, working across varied customer projects on the British Airways account. It was on these projects where I found myself promoted to a Senior Scrum Master. As part of this change in roles, I had to build on all my skills, but with greater strategic and cross-team responsibility. For example, coaching other Scrum Masters, guiding teams, and working closely with the product leadership. Not long after the opportunity of becoming a Community Lead became available and I jumped at the chance, since becoming the go-to person for delivery questions, agile coaching, and community building.
I’ve had several accomplishments that I’m proud of, like running start up teams across Brazil and the US to stepping into the Community Lead role at Leighton to help shape our delivery community. More recently I’ve gained my SAFe SPC certification which is all about helping organisations that are using Scaled Agile Framework to implement and adopt lean-agile practices. This opened the door for me to then run my first SAFe course, preparing participants to understand their role as Scrum Masters, support agile teams and agile release trains and to facilitate team-level and program-level events.
The people. Not just the individuals I collaborate with every day, but also the broader impact I can have on their teams. I find genuine satisfaction in helping to create an environment where people feel empowered to improve how they work. I get to work with great people, and helping them, their teams and organisations discover ways to improve and drive efficiencies is great. I’m passionate about continuous improvement at scale, helping organisations connect the dots between agile principles and real-world outcomes. It’s the blend of human connection, strategic thinking, and practical problem-solving that makes my role so fulfilling.
The genuine culture and the people I get to work with. We’re passionate about our work, our colleagues, and our growth. There’s a real sense of passion, not just for the work we do, but for each other’s success and wellbeing. What makes Leighton unique is the balance we strike: we can have honest, sometimes challenging conversations about serious topics, while keeping things light-hearted and fun. There’s no ego, just a shared commitment to doing great work and enjoying the process. It’s an environment that’s collaborative, inclusive, and full of mutual respect. And that’s not something you find everywhere.
One standout memory for me has been contributing to one of our partner’s adoptions of the SAFe (Scaled Agile Framework). As someone who strongly believes in the principles of SAFe and has seen first-hand how transformative it can be when implemented with intention, it was incredibly rewarding to play a role in supporting that journey. Being involved from the early stages gave me the opportunity to collaborate closely with stakeholders across different levels of the organisation, help build alignment and create a shared understanding of how SAFe could unlock value for their teams. What made it particularly meaningful was watching the mindset shift take place, seeing teams become more empowered, gaining visibility into their work, and improving their ability to deliver at scale.
I’d love to formally step into a senior leadership role where I can help shape strategy across an organisation. What motivates me is the combination of my lived experiences, the good, the challenging, and everything in between. And the belief that those insights can positively impact others. I’ve seen what works and what doesn’t across different contexts, and I want to bring that knowledge into a role where it can make a broader, lasting difference. Ultimately, I’m motivated by the potential to lead with empathy, make thoughtful, people-centred decisions, and help shape a culture and strategy that aligns with both business goals and human needs.
I had open heart surgery when I was born and as a kid my mum told me my scar was from a shark attack!
Food, friends, walking the dog, computer games, reading (Wheel of Time is my go-to recommendation for most people) and generally being active, or as some might say, pretending I know what I’m doing on a paddleboard.
I don’t just “run stand-ups” I act as a coach, mentor, and strategic partner to both individuals and teams. One of the most critical parts of my role is being a translator and connector, bridging the gap between stakeholders and developers to ensure there’s alignment, shared understanding, and clarity around goals. A big part of my role is supporting individual growth, I’m continually supporting team members to develop their agile mindset, improve communication, and build resilience.
“Always come from a position of strength” - It might not be the most conventional advice, but it’s the one that’s stuck with me. It was shared during a particularly challenging time in a not-so-great work environment during my relatively early days, and while the context wasn’t ideal, I took it to heart. Since then, it’s stuck with me, helping me move forward with confidence, own my value, and never look back.
Chaos is just waterfall with optimism. Be curious, stay humble, and never be afraid to ask “the stupid question” – you’d be surprised by how often that proves useful.
In this month’s colleague spotlight we introduce Tom Preval, a Senior Scrum Master who’s also been playing a key role across Leighton as a Community Lead.
Read on as Tom shares insights into his professional journey, what drives his passion for supporting agile teams and a few fun facts about his life outside of work.
As a Senior Scrum Master, I work on the British Airways account, working closely with teams across the online check-in project helping them to deliver value to key stakeholders and identify and remove any blockers that slow down team progress. My core responsibilities include leading sprint planning and working with product owners to remove any impediments, acting as a bridge between development teams and the wider business. As part of this role, I am often faced with challenges like shifting priorities and tooling and process overload, but ultimately my job is to create the space for teams to thrive, grow and deliver great outcomes. As the Delivery Community Lead, I focus on bringing together our incredible delivery professionals across Leighton. This role is all about driving consistency, sharing what works (and what doesn’t), and raising the bar for how we show up with clients. As Community Lead, I get to be the connector, coach, sounding board, and sometimes the one who dares to say, “maybe we shouldn’t do it that way again.”
I’ve been with Leighton for almost three years, which means I’ve been here long enough to know where all the good biscuits are hidden, or at least that was the case before the office move! Throughout the interview process I had the chance to meet with some of what are now my Leighton colleagues, and in those short conversations what really stood out was the openness to support for learning, new ideas and the investment put into its colleagues. I was drawn in by the promise of innovation, development, a great culture, great people, and the opportunities, and I have continued to work at Leighton for those same reasons.
My background has always been delivery focused. I studied Technology Science at university, before beginning my career in more traditional roles like Project Lead and Project Manager, where structure ruled, and predictability was the goal (even if the reality was anything but). It was during these roles I realised that what really energised me was the human side of delivery, the team dynamics, the leadership engagement, and the magic that happens when people, teams, and organisations are actually aligned and empowered. Scrum offered a way to bring all of that together, a space to focus on value, adapt quickly, and create high-performing teams without needing a Gantt chart the length of a novel.
Diplomacy, patience and the ability to smile when things might not necessarily be going your way. From a technical and process-oriented perspective, a key area of growth has been deepening my understanding of working at scale within organisations that use Scrum or similar agile frameworks. It’s one thing to understand Scrum at a team level, but quite another to apply those principles across large, complex teams or departments. Additionally, facilitating collaboration, aligning cross-functional teams, and supporting continuous improvement have all been essential in driving outcomes and maintaining momentum.
I first joined Leighton as a customer-focused Scrum Master, working across varied customer projects on the British Airways account. It was on these projects where I found myself promoted to a Senior Scrum Master. As part of this change in roles, I had to build on all my skills, but with greater strategic and cross-team responsibility. For example, coaching other Scrum Masters, guiding teams, and working closely with the product leadership. Not long after the opportunity of becoming a Community Lead became available and I jumped at the chance, since becoming the go-to person for delivery questions, agile coaching, and community building.
I’ve had several accomplishments that I’m proud of, like running start up teams across Brazil and the US to stepping into the Community Lead role at Leighton to help shape our delivery community. More recently I’ve gained my SAFe SPC certification which is all about helping organisations that are using Scaled Agile Framework to implement and adopt lean-agile practices. This opened the door for me to then run my first SAFe course, preparing participants to understand their role as Scrum Masters, support agile teams and agile release trains and to facilitate team-level and program-level events.
The people. Not just the individuals I collaborate with every day, but also the broader impact I can have on their teams. I find genuine satisfaction in helping to create an environment where people feel empowered to improve how they work. I get to work with great people, and helping them, their teams and organisations discover ways to improve and drive efficiencies is great. I’m passionate about continuous improvement at scale, helping organisations connect the dots between agile principles and real-world outcomes. It’s the blend of human connection, strategic thinking, and practical problem-solving that makes my role so fulfilling.
The genuine culture and the people I get to work with. We’re passionate about our work, our colleagues, and our growth. There’s a real sense of passion, not just for the work we do, but for each other’s success and wellbeing. What makes Leighton unique is the balance we strike: we can have honest, sometimes challenging conversations about serious topics, while keeping things light-hearted and fun. There’s no ego, just a shared commitment to doing great work and enjoying the process. It’s an environment that’s collaborative, inclusive, and full of mutual respect. And that’s not something you find everywhere.
One standout memory for me has been contributing to one of our partner’s adoptions of the SAFe (Scaled Agile Framework). As someone who strongly believes in the principles of SAFe and has seen first-hand how transformative it can be when implemented with intention, it was incredibly rewarding to play a role in supporting that journey. Being involved from the early stages gave me the opportunity to collaborate closely with stakeholders across different levels of the organisation, help build alignment and create a shared understanding of how SAFe could unlock value for their teams. What made it particularly meaningful was watching the mindset shift take place, seeing teams become more empowered, gaining visibility into their work, and improving their ability to deliver at scale.
I’d love to formally step into a senior leadership role where I can help shape strategy across an organisation. What motivates me is the combination of my lived experiences, the good, the challenging, and everything in between. And the belief that those insights can positively impact others. I’ve seen what works and what doesn’t across different contexts, and I want to bring that knowledge into a role where it can make a broader, lasting difference. Ultimately, I’m motivated by the potential to lead with empathy, make thoughtful, people-centred decisions, and help shape a culture and strategy that aligns with both business goals and human needs.
I had open heart surgery when I was born and as a kid my mum told me my scar was from a shark attack!
Food, friends, walking the dog, computer games, reading (Wheel of Time is my go-to recommendation for most people) and generally being active, or as some might say, pretending I know what I’m doing on a paddleboard.
I don’t just “run stand-ups” I act as a coach, mentor, and strategic partner to both individuals and teams. One of the most critical parts of my role is being a translator and connector, bridging the gap between stakeholders and developers to ensure there’s alignment, shared understanding, and clarity around goals. A big part of my role is supporting individual growth, I’m continually supporting team members to develop their agile mindset, improve communication, and build resilience.
“Always come from a position of strength” - It might not be the most conventional advice, but it’s the one that’s stuck with me. It was shared during a particularly challenging time in a not-so-great work environment during my relatively early days, and while the context wasn’t ideal, I took it to heart. Since then, it’s stuck with me, helping me move forward with confidence, own my value, and never look back.
Chaos is just waterfall with optimism. Be curious, stay humble, and never be afraid to ask “the stupid question” – you’d be surprised by how often that proves useful.
In this month’s colleague spotlight we introduce Tom Preval, a Senior Scrum Master who’s also been playing a key role across Leighton as a Community Lead.
Read on as Tom shares insights into his professional journey, what drives his passion for supporting agile teams and a few fun facts about his life outside of work.
As a Senior Scrum Master, I work on the British Airways account, working closely with teams across the online check-in project helping them to deliver value to key stakeholders and identify and remove any blockers that slow down team progress. My core responsibilities include leading sprint planning and working with product owners to remove any impediments, acting as a bridge between development teams and the wider business. As part of this role, I am often faced with challenges like shifting priorities and tooling and process overload, but ultimately my job is to create the space for teams to thrive, grow and deliver great outcomes. As the Delivery Community Lead, I focus on bringing together our incredible delivery professionals across Leighton. This role is all about driving consistency, sharing what works (and what doesn’t), and raising the bar for how we show up with clients. As Community Lead, I get to be the connector, coach, sounding board, and sometimes the one who dares to say, “maybe we shouldn’t do it that way again.”
I’ve been with Leighton for almost three years, which means I’ve been here long enough to know where all the good biscuits are hidden, or at least that was the case before the office move! Throughout the interview process I had the chance to meet with some of what are now my Leighton colleagues, and in those short conversations what really stood out was the openness to support for learning, new ideas and the investment put into its colleagues. I was drawn in by the promise of innovation, development, a great culture, great people, and the opportunities, and I have continued to work at Leighton for those same reasons.
My background has always been delivery focused. I studied Technology Science at university, before beginning my career in more traditional roles like Project Lead and Project Manager, where structure ruled, and predictability was the goal (even if the reality was anything but). It was during these roles I realised that what really energised me was the human side of delivery, the team dynamics, the leadership engagement, and the magic that happens when people, teams, and organisations are actually aligned and empowered. Scrum offered a way to bring all of that together, a space to focus on value, adapt quickly, and create high-performing teams without needing a Gantt chart the length of a novel.
Diplomacy, patience and the ability to smile when things might not necessarily be going your way. From a technical and process-oriented perspective, a key area of growth has been deepening my understanding of working at scale within organisations that use Scrum or similar agile frameworks. It’s one thing to understand Scrum at a team level, but quite another to apply those principles across large, complex teams or departments. Additionally, facilitating collaboration, aligning cross-functional teams, and supporting continuous improvement have all been essential in driving outcomes and maintaining momentum.
I first joined Leighton as a customer-focused Scrum Master, working across varied customer projects on the British Airways account. It was on these projects where I found myself promoted to a Senior Scrum Master. As part of this change in roles, I had to build on all my skills, but with greater strategic and cross-team responsibility. For example, coaching other Scrum Masters, guiding teams, and working closely with the product leadership. Not long after the opportunity of becoming a Community Lead became available and I jumped at the chance, since becoming the go-to person for delivery questions, agile coaching, and community building.
I’ve had several accomplishments that I’m proud of, like running start up teams across Brazil and the US to stepping into the Community Lead role at Leighton to help shape our delivery community. More recently I’ve gained my SAFe SPC certification which is all about helping organisations that are using Scaled Agile Framework to implement and adopt lean-agile practices. This opened the door for me to then run my first SAFe course, preparing participants to understand their role as Scrum Masters, support agile teams and agile release trains and to facilitate team-level and program-level events.
The people. Not just the individuals I collaborate with every day, but also the broader impact I can have on their teams. I find genuine satisfaction in helping to create an environment where people feel empowered to improve how they work. I get to work with great people, and helping them, their teams and organisations discover ways to improve and drive efficiencies is great. I’m passionate about continuous improvement at scale, helping organisations connect the dots between agile principles and real-world outcomes. It’s the blend of human connection, strategic thinking, and practical problem-solving that makes my role so fulfilling.
The genuine culture and the people I get to work with. We’re passionate about our work, our colleagues, and our growth. There’s a real sense of passion, not just for the work we do, but for each other’s success and wellbeing. What makes Leighton unique is the balance we strike: we can have honest, sometimes challenging conversations about serious topics, while keeping things light-hearted and fun. There’s no ego, just a shared commitment to doing great work and enjoying the process. It’s an environment that’s collaborative, inclusive, and full of mutual respect. And that’s not something you find everywhere.
One standout memory for me has been contributing to one of our partner’s adoptions of the SAFe (Scaled Agile Framework). As someone who strongly believes in the principles of SAFe and has seen first-hand how transformative it can be when implemented with intention, it was incredibly rewarding to play a role in supporting that journey. Being involved from the early stages gave me the opportunity to collaborate closely with stakeholders across different levels of the organisation, help build alignment and create a shared understanding of how SAFe could unlock value for their teams. What made it particularly meaningful was watching the mindset shift take place, seeing teams become more empowered, gaining visibility into their work, and improving their ability to deliver at scale.
I’d love to formally step into a senior leadership role where I can help shape strategy across an organisation. What motivates me is the combination of my lived experiences, the good, the challenging, and everything in between. And the belief that those insights can positively impact others. I’ve seen what works and what doesn’t across different contexts, and I want to bring that knowledge into a role where it can make a broader, lasting difference. Ultimately, I’m motivated by the potential to lead with empathy, make thoughtful, people-centred decisions, and help shape a culture and strategy that aligns with both business goals and human needs.
I had open heart surgery when I was born and as a kid my mum told me my scar was from a shark attack!
Food, friends, walking the dog, computer games, reading (Wheel of Time is my go-to recommendation for most people) and generally being active, or as some might say, pretending I know what I’m doing on a paddleboard.
I don’t just “run stand-ups” I act as a coach, mentor, and strategic partner to both individuals and teams. One of the most critical parts of my role is being a translator and connector, bridging the gap between stakeholders and developers to ensure there’s alignment, shared understanding, and clarity around goals. A big part of my role is supporting individual growth, I’m continually supporting team members to develop their agile mindset, improve communication, and build resilience.
“Always come from a position of strength” - It might not be the most conventional advice, but it’s the one that’s stuck with me. It was shared during a particularly challenging time in a not-so-great work environment during my relatively early days, and while the context wasn’t ideal, I took it to heart. Since then, it’s stuck with me, helping me move forward with confidence, own my value, and never look back.
Chaos is just waterfall with optimism. Be curious, stay humble, and never be afraid to ask “the stupid question” – you’d be surprised by how often that proves useful.