Lori MacVittie serves as the Principal Technical Evangelist for F5 Networks. F5 Networks has been her employer for 14 years. Currently, she focuses on how emerging technologies can be applied to industry change and the target market for F5 Networks. Lori’s blog, Will the Emerging Edge Fix my Digital Gaming Experience? is one of the most popular. This blog is a must-read for anyone who is interested in the changes that cutting edge technology brings to digital gaming.
Lori also recommends The Third Wave of Cloud Is Cresting and The Fourth Wave of Cloud Is Imminent as must-read blogs.
Follow Lori MacVittie via Twitter, LinkedIn, or Blog/Website
She was busy, so she took some time to answer questions for Whizlabs. Let’s get to learn more about our Cloud Thought Leader.
1. What was your first job?
My first job was as a software developer in a tax software company.
2. How would you describe your journey to becoming a Cloud Computing professional?
Lengthy. I was primarily focused on technology evangelism by the time cloud computing became available. I learn faster and better when I work with technology. The process took me longer than I expected because I had to re-acquaint myself with a lot more technology.
3. When did you realize your true love of Cloud Computing?
I don’t believe I have it yet. While I understand and appreciate the benefits of cloud computing in all forms, I still have a pragmatic view of cloud computing in general. My true passion for cloud lies in helping others to discover and leverage cloud’s value, and in discovering new and exciting ways to use it to empower developers, businesses, and consumers.
4. We want to hear about your journey towards becoming a cloud computing certified professional. How did you decide to do that?
Now, I am embarrassed to admit that the Java certification I have ever sought – and received — was my only certification. I don’t have the time nor the need to be certified. I do study certification materials for a wide variety of technologies, as they are one of the best ways of learning a technology.
5. Cloud thought leadership is a globally recognized role that comes with a lot of responsibility. What advice would you give your followers?
Know what you know, and what you don’t know. Accept that you may be surprised and astonished by the knowledge of others. Cloud security experts, cloud networking experts, and cloud storage experts are all available. It is a great way to be a thought leader by showcasing the work of domain experts.
6. Cloud computing is now the future, as everyone knows. What do you think?
This is a loaded question, isn’t? Cloud computing is not the future. Cloud computing is a key component of a larger, more distributed system. Edge computing opens up new possibilities for cloud’s core value. Many people refer to edge computing in a number of ways as “distributed clouds” and that is a very accurate moniker. However, “distributed clouds” doesn’t highlight the specific architectural and operational changes that are required to enable edge computing to be successful. Edge computing and cloud computing are essential for the future of distributed and data-driven computing.
7. Everyone who follows you wants to be like you (or better than) at some point. Many of them will be confused about where or how to begin. Can you share the challenges you faced and the solutions you found?
Criticism. Criticism can be a problem if you are constantly putting yourself out there, verbally or in writing. This can be a major obstacle for many people and can be frustrating. Keep trying. Even if your ideas are confident, there will always be someone who doesn’t like them and won’t hesitate to let you know – sometimes very rudely.
It is a waste of effort. Trust your instincts. I felt that the content I wrote wouldn’t go down well more than once. I have trusted colleagues with whom I can share such things and who don’t mind telling me “don’t post that.” Don’t be afraid of throwing out what you have created and starting over.
To be honest, my pride and fear have been the biggest obstacles that I have faced. To be a thought leader, one must believe in their ideas and not be afraid to fail or face resistance. Believe in yourself, have confidence in your knowledge and self-worth, and don’t allow anyone to take that away. Own your right to be right. If you are wrong, own it.
8. A leader who is always learning and a good leader is one who is never satisfied.