- What’s your role here at Nerdio? What do you do on a day to day basis and how do you help partners and customers?
As EMEA Field CTO I am responsible for the day to day business in my region, though I try to help out where I can. I’m part of the Enterprise team, however, you could say I wear multiple hats as I focus on the MSP side of the business as well.
This includes various sales and marketing activities as well as interacting with customers and partners daily discussing their Azure and AVD challenges and, or needs. I showcase Nerdio where and whenever I can, answer questions, as well as signing up new Nerdio partners and welcoming them to our Enterprise and MSP programs.
I present on a regular basis, visit events (in-person and virtual) as well as customers / partners locally to do workshops and / or evangelize Nerdio in-person. I also like to write and generate as much content as possible (blog posts, helping w/ our KB library, exam curriculums, social posts, tech comparisons, whitepapers, etc.).
A bit of support here and there, but nowhere near as sophisticated as some of the other guys and girls part of our support team (always learning)! I run the Nerdio NVP program, come up with (general) ideas every now and again, and I’m trying to stay as interactive as possible.
- What’s a fun fact about you that most people don’t know/couldn’t guess?
I’m not sure if it’s fun, but a couple of years ago I finished the Burpee Mile, three times. One of the hardest and fun things I’ve done, sports-wise.
- What’s one technology advancement you hope to see or think we will see in the next ten years?
It has nothing to do with the business we are in currently, though I am interested to see how different blockchain technologies, and the crypto currencies that come with will find their way into modern society. I mean, it feels like crypto/blockchain has been around forever, but we’re just getting started and scratching the surface of what is possible.
World-wide financial markets and regulations will play a major role in all this, and of course with everything going on globally (conflicts, inflation, pandemic(s), shortages, interest rates, etc.) there is a lot of uncertainty currently, financially and otherwise. Let’s hope things will get back to “normal”, whatever that means exactly. And not just for the sake of the above, of course!
- What are three movies you’d bring with you to a deserted island?
The Shawshank Redemption, Star Wars (the originals from the 70’s and 80’s), and The Negotiator.
- In your opinion, what’s the most rewarding part of working for Nerdio?
At Nerdio we solve real-word (IT/Cloud) problems. Every day companies come to us for help and advice, even if they do not end up “buying” Nerdio we are able to point them in the right direction and help them on their way. It is great to see our customers and partners be successful and the appreciation they show in return. I think it’s fair to say that I’ve made many new friends along the way. Being able to contribute to their and our success in general is what drives me. There’s no better feeling.
- What sitcom family or friend group would you choose to be a part of?
Friends. Have seen it over and over, and over, etc… “We were on a break!!!”. Love it.
- Besides a standard computer, what is the earliest piece of technology you remember owning? A Walkman, I think. I’m a bit older 😊 so it’s getting harder to recall these kinds of things. It could be a digital watch of some sort.
- You’ve been with Nerdio for a while now. What’s motivated you to stick around?
The people, the team, the vision, ambition, technology, our partners, the success – it’s a long list to be honest. The vision of our leadership team and the way the company is run is remarkable. Though, lines are extremely short and doors are always open to anyone. We all “sweep the floor” no exceptions, which is amazing to see and unique mindset to have. Being able to contribute to the growth of Nerdio over the years has been, and still is, extremely satisfying and hopefully I will be able to do so for many more years to come!
- What’s the most valuable thing you’ve learned while working in tech?
Be yourself and believe in yourself, share your thoughts and ask questions. Don’t focus too much on, or copy others. It’s something I tried/did many years ago, and I know of many others who did and still do today, in the end it just doesn’t work. I realize all this can be hard, and for some it might take many years before it comes to that, same here, as I am quite an insecure person by nature – like many (IT professionals) are. Keep pushing, you’ll get there in the end.
Getting things done, don’t just talk or “dream” about them. I certainly do sometimes, I think we all do, but taking action and putting an idea into practice is a great feeling, successful, or not. At least you tried.
- What’s a current technology trend you’re passionate about?
AVD and cloud, obviously. I am lucky to be where I am, being able to see the constant change that cloud brings to organizations of all sizes, in a good way, is exciting to be part of. But just as with blockchain/cryptocurrencies, like I mentioned previously, we’re just getting started. The way Nerdio keeps disrupting the market is another trend I’m passionate about. Being able to do what we do requires a special team of people, mindset and drive, It is by far the best and most exciting job I have ever had!
