About Me

Welcome.

This blog is a place for me to share thoughts and interesting news from AWS as I continue my journey into learning the cloud.

Background

I am a Senior Cloud Engineer with 15 years of IT experience in Operational Management, Transition, and Change Management.

I specialise in Solutions Assurance and Service Management and have built this knowledge working in a highly complex enterprise-level process-driven environment. I demonstrate commercial awareness and can communicate with all levels of stakeholder seniority to deliver mission-critical services.

Experience

My IT experience spans on-prem Full-stack infrastructure, comprising Microsoft Windows Server, VMware, and NetApp technologies as well as working with the cloud hyperscalers. In previous business roles, I have worked in 1st, 2nd, 3rd, and 4th line positions and spent five years in a tech lead position before moving to a new field as a Senior Cloud Engineer.

I champion knowledge transfer within any organisation and am always seeking ways to streamline processes to improve both internal business functions and the overall experience for our customers.

Journey from on-premises to cloud

In January 2023, on a self-led basis, I decided to delve into cloud technologies and began a steep learning curve into my chosen hyperscaler: AWS.

I joined the AWS Training and Certification program, which included live Twitch sessions from the talented and energetic AWS Partner Enablement Managers. They kept me engaged throughout the many challenges I faced!

More can be read on the vast available training here: AWS Training and Certification.

In late 2023, it came as a complete surprise when AWS reached out to me directly to advise I was one of their most successful graduates of the associate-level pathway and their enthusiastic marketing team scheduled a call to write a success story on my journey. I jumped at the chance!

The finished article can be seen here: Stepping into AWS!

I am extremely pleased to share that I now hold these AWS certifications:

I also must compliment the fantastic AWS Cloud Quest, with its epic game-based learning and outstanding hands-on labs. Without these, I could not have passed the certifications as I am a firm believer in hands-on experience.

Community Builder

In March 2024, I was thrilled to be selected as an AWS Community Builder within the Cloud Operations category!

Joining this group of AWS experts and community leaders is a wonderful opportunity for me to learn and share many of the great things happening in this fast-moving industry!

The AWS Community Builders program supports AWS enthusiasts who have demonstrated a passion for both growing and sharing knowledge. I will have the opportunity to collaborate with people from all over the world who share the same enjoyment of learning about the AWS technology stack.

If you are interested in joining the program, more can be read about it here: AWS Community Builder.