Cloud

I had the privilege of speaking at the Department of Computer Science at Virginia Commonwealth University’s College of Engineering on March 3rd, presenting “Cracking the Cloud: How AWS Certifications Can Launch Your Career” to a group of engaged Computer Science seniors. The Presentation My talk focused on how early-career technologists can differentiate themselves in an increasingly competitive field. Three themes anchored the session: strategic certifications — particularly AWS certifications as a way to validate cloud skills before you have the job title to back them up — self-directed projects that demonstrate practical problem-solving, and building genuine relationships in the industry. That last one always gets a laugh because I tell students it sometimes means getting away from the keyboard entirely and, as I like to say, “doing a little grass touching.” ...

For this episode of Data Pour, I sat down with Nimish Donde—Head of Cloud Platform and Security Engineering at Truist—at Amélie’s French bakery in Charlotte. It’s a place that’s been part of the city’s fabric since 2008, growing from a single 24-hour location in NoDa (that I used to frequent during college) to four locations across Charlotte. Like this bakery, Charlotte’s tech scene has grown and evolved—and Nimish has been part of that transformation for the past 16 years. ...

We filmed this episode of Data Pour at People’s Market in Myers Park, Charlotte—grabbed drinks, hit record, and got into the kind of conversation that happens when two people who grew up in “big data” start comparing notes on where AI is actually headed. Funny thing is—this bottle shop closed down a week after we filmed. Perfect metaphor for tech, honestly: everything feels stable until it isn’t. Why James James Barney is one of my closest friends and mentors. I’ve known him for a long time, and he’s been the person I go to when I want an AI take that isn’t hype and isn’t fear—just reality. ...

I was invited to speak at UNC Charlotte recently to the computer science programs, and I approached the session, Cracking the Cloud, with a very specific goal: to give students a realistic, actionable way to stand out in a job market that’s becoming more competitive every year. Companies are slowing early-career hiring. AI is reshaping workflows. Expectations for junior talent are rising, not shrinking. Students can sense this shift, but many don’t know what to do with that reality. That’s where the conversation begins. ...

I recently stepped into the role of host for Ippon’s Data Pour series, but before I officially took over, our CTO, Andy Lamora, sat me down at Wooden Robot Brewery in Charlotte and interviewed me on camera. It was a great atmosphere — good beer, good weather — and then a handful of cameras appeared, all pointed directly at me. I’m still getting used to public speaking, so the entire setup felt a little awkward. Beer helps, but only so much. ...