Why did you decide to become a mentor?
I decided to become a mentor because I firmly believe in the transformative power of guidance and shared experience. Throughout my career, I’ve been fortunate to have mentors who played pivotal roles in shaping my professional journey, and I wanted to pay that forward. The satisfaction of seeing someone grow, overcome challenges, and achieve their goals under your guidance is incredibly rewarding. I also view mentoring as a way to continually sharpen my own skills and perspectives, teaching others often leads to deeper insights and fresh approaches to complex problems. When I signed up as a mentor, my goal was to help others navigate the often complex world of Azure and cloud computing, but what I’ve gained in return—new connections, the joy of seeing mentees succeed, and a deeper understanding of my own field—has far exceeded my expectations. Mentoring has become an integral part of my career, enriching both my professional and personal life in ways I hadn’t anticipated.
How did you get your career start?
My career began in a straightforward, hands-on manner, deeply rooted in the basics of IT support—configuring PCs, setting up printers, and troubleshooting daily issues. I was very much a "boy by the book," steadily working my way up from IT Support to System Administrator, and then to Network Administrator. My path took a significant turn around 2014/2015 when cloud computing started making waves in the industry. Curious about this emerging field, I signed up for a basic Azure training course. It was a far cry from the polished platform we know today—back then, the portal was rudimentary, and resources were few and far between. But something about it captivated me. I’ll never forget applying for my first Cloud Administrator position. Ironically, everything in that role was still on-premises—it was amusingly misnamed—but it marked the true beginning of my cloud journey. A few months later, as the industry began to take cloud migrations more seriously, I moved to a company that was genuinely focused on transitioning to the cloud. This was in early 2016, a year that remains engraved in my memory. It was a tough period, filled with long days—sometimes 18-hour marathons—immersed in Azure, trying to figure out how to migrate production systems with barely any documentation and only a few training videos to guide me. The challenges were immense. I still remember our first major migration attempt. The documentation made it sound so simple—"click, click, click, and you’re done"—but reality quickly proved otherwise. After a few minutes, we hit an error, and with no results from Google, our only recourse was Microsoft support. Despite these early struggles, the experience was invaluable. It taught me resilience, the ability to adapt swiftly, and the importance of continuous learning. As more resources became available, my expertise grew, setting the stage for the career I have today. This journey from the basics to becoming a cloud expert, Microsoft Trainer and Azure MVP is one I cherish, and I share it to remind others that even the toughest challenges can be overcome with perseverance and passion.
What do mentees usually come to you for?
Mentees come to me for a wide array of guidance, reflecting the extensive scope of my experience with Microsoft technologies. In summary, most seek my expertise in three primary areas. First, they come to learn and grow their skills in Azure, eager to understand its vast ecosystem and adopt best practices that can help them excel in this rapidly evolving field. Second, there’s a strong demand for mentorship in Azure DevOps and DevSecOps, where I guide them on how to integrate security into their DevOps processes and optimize their workflows within Azure environments. Mentees look for career guidance—whether they are seeking to enter the cloud computing field or aiming to transition to a more specialized role. I often help them by creating tailored roadmaps that outline the specific skills and certifications they should focus on, along with strategies for job searching and career development. Another critical area of support I provide is in enhancing the security of their projects, especially those fully deployed in Azure. I work with mentees to identify vulnerabilities and implement robust security practices, ensuring they are well-equipped to handle real-world challenges. In my mentorships, mentees can expect a structured yet flexible approach, with personalized guidance tailored to their individual goals. My aim is not just to share knowledge, but to empower my mentees with the confidence and skills needed to navigate their career paths successfully and securely.
What's been your favourite mentorship success story so far?
My favorite mentorship success story? Honestly, it’s all of them. I know that might sound like a bit of a cliché, but it’s genuinely how I feel. My life’s motto is simple: KEEP Learning and NEVER STOP. This philosophy is not just something I live by, but something I strive to instill in each of my mentees. What makes every mentorship experience special for me is seeing my mentees take that courageous step out of their comfort zones, driven by a genuine desire to grow and improve. Each mentee comes with unique challenges and goals, but the common thread is their willingness to embrace change and push their boundaries. Whether it’s mastering Azure, integrating DevSecOps practices, or navigating a career transition, watching them evolve and achieve their goals is incredibly rewarding. It’s not just about the technical skills they acquire, but the personal growth they experience along the way. Every success story, big or small, reinforces my belief in the power of continuous learning and the impact of mentorship. This is why I consider every mentorship a success, as each one reflects the incredible potential that emerges when someone decides to step beyond their limits and embrace growth.
What are you getting out of being a mentor?
Being a mentor has been an incredibly enriching experience, offering far more than just the satisfaction of helping others succeed. It’s opened up a world of new connections and networking opportunities that I never anticipated. Each mentee brings a unique story, background, and set of challenges, making every mentoring relationship a fresh and engaging experience. This diversity not only keeps me on my toes but also broadens my own perspectives, teaching me as much as I teach them. Mentorship has also profoundly impacted my career and leadership skills. Guiding others has strengthened my ability to communicate complex ideas clearly, adapt my approach to different learning styles, and lead with empathy and understanding. The process of mentoring has boosted my confidence, not just in my technical expertise, but in my ability to inspire and motivate others. It’s a reminder that learning is a two-way street—while my mentees gain from my experience, I’m constantly learning from their questions, insights, and the unique ways they approach problems. This continuous exchange of knowledge and ideas has made mentorship an invaluable part of both my professional and personal growth.