Women in Cloud Annual Summit

Last weekend, I was able to attend the Women in Cloud Annual Summit in Seattle, WA through a Diversity and Inclusion Scholarship.

I learned about the technical and business impact of the cloud. It was energizing to see so many mid-career and senior-level women working in cloud. It made me think about my own cloud career and what direction it will take in 10+ years. There are many great possibilities – time to jump in!

Technical: I heard from Eduardo Kassner, Chief Technology & Innovation Officer at Microsoft explain about the need to understand security, compliance, identity access management and networking as it relates to cloud computing. He said the shift to cloud computing is based on cost, which in turn makes it more accessible and easier for technologists to experiment, truly living in to an agile mindset. (As I am part of agile transformation efforts in my current role, the ability for cloud computing to enable agile organizations is exciting).

Another important aspect of cloud is understanding and communicating value to the customer as “the solution has to be in the language of the person in front of you”. I find Eduardo’s quote relevant to me as someone learning cloud terminology and beginning to learn the language of cloud. My goal is to be able to articulate complex technical cloud concepts to others and in order to do that, I need to understand how to convey the message in a simple, shared language.

Business: Throughout the conference, I heard how cloud technologies can enable female entrepreneurship. Notable speakers were Thai Lee and Sage Levine, two inspiring female entrepreneurs.

Thai Lee focused on goals and gave the framework she used for her own professional development. Her advice? “Don’t let your fears inhibit you and focus on things you have control over!” In her 20s she’s focused on learning, 30s she focused on her startup business and 40s she focused on her family. She also linked her career with financial goals. Thai Lee’s advice was relevant to me because her goals focus on personal and business aspects. Personally, I feel it’s important to remember both, but easier said than done if they compete! As I am learning the cloud, I will also make sure to incorporate some personal life goals at the same time. (More info to come)!

Sage Levine focused on leading a purpose based business (and life). She emphasized that a purpose based business creates a message that is bigger than your customer. She encouraged leveraging your time, your message, money, marketing and digital life. Her speech make me think of my greater purpose in cloud and life. I have always enjoyed reading and analyzing information especially in libraries. Prior to my college, my dream job was a librarian or writer to help others understand and access information. In the modern era, cloud engineers, advocates and evangelists protect, educate and provide access to the world’s information, which is ultimately why I see myself in cloud.

The Women in Cloud Annual Summit was a great experience!

I’m ready to hit the ground running and have scheduled my AWS Certified Cloud Practitioner Exam for 2/5. I’m ready to accelerate my career with cloud in 2019!