#vExpert,  VMware

vExpert Pro Announcement

So yesterday a very special announcement came out and I am very honour to be one of the selected VPRO’s for the vExpert sub program of which the reasoning behind the program can be found here http://blogs.vmware.com/vexpert/2018/10/10/vmware-vexpert-pro-program-launch/

I am fully aware this has caused some noise amongst the community, I know for myself anyway all I would love to achieve from this program is being able to spark/ignite the passion of someone out there and get them into the vCommunity.

The reason I say this is I know around a decade ago I would have been the very silent type sneaking into a conference or community event like a VMUG and barely would have interacted with anyone as I was stupidly shy. That is one thing the community has provided me is the ability to open up and actually not be afraid to speak to people. The whole concept of doing speeches I will cover in another post!

So firstly I certainly would not be here if it was for the continued support of my fellow co-hosts on the OpenTechCast and some of them were the spark of all this passion that got me here today.

There are also some other special mentions of which they know but the London VMUG crew new and previous, with a special mention to Jane Rimmer as her phase of ‘you won’t know if you don’t throw your hat in the ring’ is still with me today. I still refer to that if I doubt myself in any applications for things or even roles over the last few years as you will never know if you don’t try.

There are also others who might not know it but I also look up to and aspire even from our brief chats but to name a few Erik Bussink, Andy Nash, Rob Bishop, Mike England, Ryan Harris, Angelo Luciani, Eric Wright, vmiss33 and I have to mention Ariel Sanchez as it was his kind email that got me engaged when I first became a vExpert.

Also a few key others who I believe had some belief in me and their guidance is why I am pushing myself harder this year are Rebecca Fitzhugh, René van den Bedem, Chris Porter, Kyle Jenner

Again it’s so hard to name everyone and I am sure I have missed people and it is not supposed to be that way but in this the point I am trying to make is the community is a powerful thing. Every single little interaction with others and colleagues in the past help you grow and if I can assist, help or mentor someone I will. Sometimes it just that first conversation or belief that drives the passion.

I of course can not forget to thank the hard work from Corey, Elsa, Valdecir, Julia, Katie and Erik who have all helped me along the way.

The other thing that I think stops people is the have the expectation that you have to be an expert in everything especially VMware and every discipline. Please do not think this, I can assure you this is not the case and yes there are plenty of experts out there in some of the specialisms but that is what makes this group great. If you have no idea ask someone! I have also found sometimes being a generalist is better as this can work well and help build bridges. I am by no means a networking expert or a SQL expert but if I can sit these people down and explain to them how the hypervisor works along with the storage background I have (unless you are running VSAN of course) you have a chance to get everyone on the same page especially when you are having issues with your systems.

So finally take that first step by say Hi to someone new at your next event or even try doing a presentation to your peers. Also if you do want a chat if you are worried about your first talk do feel free to reach out as I know for myself along with others we would happily help guide you.

 

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