Who is Jerry Weinberg (@JerryWeinberg?)

The next person in the “who is” serie is Jerry Weinberg. Jerry was proposed by Don Gray
Writing Jerry introduction feels like the hardest of all.  It feels like Jerry does not need an introduction, as he had so much influence by all of his books. Even people that have not read one book of him, are using idea’s like the orange juice test he made famous.
He might not need it, I still think it’s important to introduce him. And that is my problem. I have never met Jerry. Oh yes I read lot’s of his books.  In his books he uses examples of what is happening around him, then goes to meta level and distracts a rule out of that. I love it, when I am coaching I’m doing the same thing. The problem with reading Jerry’s books, is they give me the impression I know who he is. Which I don’t. Ok enough disclaimer.
Jerry is a person who has written a few books that were disruptive for what he was writing about. So disruptive publishers -knowing his track record- were too afraid to follow him.
Next to that, I think he is also a pretty humble man. On a few occasions I have send him a mail asking for help. In all cases he answered, and he answered quicker than most people I ask for help out of the blue. Jerry is behind two initiatives I still want to go to. The Aye conference and PSL . At the end of this month I will finally going to AYE.
At Lean & Kanban Benelux 2011 I have been discussing AYE & PSL . It seems that people in Europe are interested in PSL. If you are from Europe and interested in PSL, shoot me an e-mail and I see if I can convince PSL trainers come to Europe one more time. We could do it at the wonderful location of Koningsteen.
(Update: already 4 people are interested.)
(Update2: In April 2013, I was on PSL in Albuquerque. Jerry can’t take a plan anymore.)
Jerry has almost written more books then the whole agile community together, and for sure he has influenced more people. (If only by influencing a lot of the so called agile leaders.
What is something people usually don’t know about you but has influenced you in who you are?

I had a brother who lived only three days, and I never saw. He was the only brother I ever had.

If you would not have been in IT, what would have become of you?

I would have been a billionaire protege of Warren Buffett, and died at an early age. Really.

What is your biggest challenge and why is it a good thing for you?
To act in a way that’s congruent with my beliefs. It’s a good thing for me because if I don’t, I feel really crappy.

What drives you ?

Nothing drives me. I’m not a driven person.

What is your biggest achievement?

Staying alive.

What is the last book you have read?

I don’t believe I’ve read my last book yet.

What question do you think I should also ask and what is the answer?

What is the meaning of life? I don’t know the answer, but seeking it seems a good thing to do.

Who do you think I should ask next?

Yves Hanoulle
Update: if you liked this, please buy the “Who is agile” book. It contains similar answers from other agilists. And Jerry’s answer to the question: If you could have any super power, what would it be?