While tidying up my files this week, I stumbled across a video I recorded way back at the start of 2024. Talk about a blast from the past! Look at that hair! It’s interesting to catch a glimpse of where my mindset and focus were at that moment in time.
At the time, I was navigating new challenges, setting ambitious goals, and laying the groundwork for what I hoped would be a year of growth and contribution.
It’s also a great reminder of the importance of documenting those moments of inspiration or clarity. You never know when revisiting them might reignite a spark or give you a new perspective.
It’s funny, back then, I probably saw it as just another quick recording to be used in a bigger project. Now, it feels like a checkpoint, a moment frozen in time that shows how much progress is possible when you stay focused and committed.
Where has the year gone already?
So, here we are, already nearing the end of January 2025! Where has the month gone? It feels like a whirlwind, but for me, it’s been full of the usual challenges and rewards, working with large enterprise clients to deliver actionable insights that enhance their security posture. Ultimately, it’s all about making a tangible difference in their cyber safety, which, let’s be honest, is more critical than ever in today’s evolving threat landscape.
On a personal note, receiving my MVP recognition from Microsoft recently has been an incredible milestone. It’s made me pause and reflect—not just on my contributions to the community but also on how I approach my work and the industry as a whole. The MVP honour isn’t just a badge, it’s a reminder that what we do matters, and it’s driven me to think deeply about the best ways to make meaningful contributions moving forward.
If there’s one thing I’ve learned, it’s the importance of focus.
Microsoft Security is vast, truly vast. It can feel overwhelming to navigate the endless options, tools, and solutions, all while striving to excel. But through the guidance of some incredible mentors, I’ve come to understand that the key is honing in on specific vectors. Whether it’s studying a particular technology, sharing knowledge, or developing new skills, choosing the areas that align with my strengths, interests, and professional goals has been transformative.
After all, there are only so many hours in a day, and balancing work, family, and community commitments is a challenge we all share.
For me, this focus has crystallized around deepening my expertise in SIEM, Microsoft Defender, and Security Copilot. These areas are not only where my passion lies but also where I believe I can make the most impact. I’ve been channelling this energy into sharing insights through blog posts and speaking engagements, both of which are incredibly rewarding. There’s something special about helping others understand the nuances of these tools and seeing them apply that knowledge to secure their environments.
Educating the next generation to be empowered to protect tomorrow.
My Advice
If there’s one piece of advice I’d give to anyone looking to advocate for their passion or expertise, it’s this: be intentional and selective about where you invest your time and knowledge. It’s so easy to get caught up in the endless demands on our attention, but focusing on the areas where you can truly make an impact—that’s where the magic happens.
And if you’re sharing your journey through a medium like a video, blog post, or even a private journal, I’d encourage you to take a moment every now and then to reflect on it. Ask yourself: What’s driving my passion right now? What interests are sparking joy or curiosity? What’s fueling my growth and progression? Do I need a break?
And let’s be honest, a break is absolutely needed! So look after yourself!
Having something recorded—whether it’s public or private—can be a powerful way to track your evolution. It gives you the chance to revisit those pivotal moments, to see how your perspective has changed, and to reignite the fire behind your goals. It’s not just about documenting your journey for others; it’s about creating a resource for yourself, a reminder of where you’ve been and where you want to go.
So, advocate with intention, invest in what matters, and give yourself the space to reflect. You’d be surprised how much clarity and inspiration you can gain from revisiting those snapshots of your growth.
My personal reflection
Finding that video was such a great moment—it was a reminder to step back and reflect. Sometimes, in the rush of day-to-day life, it’s easy to lose sight of how far we’ve come or how our goals have evolved. That one video felt like a nudge to pause, reassess, and celebrate the journey so far.
Inspired by this, I’ve decided to make it a yearly tradition. In the next couple of months, I’m going to record a new video for 2025 and start building a collection of these reflections. It’s something I’m excited about—not just for tracking my own growth but also as a way to stay grounded in what truly matters.
On a personal level, this experience has sparked a new idea: I want to explore opportunities to connect with the education space and contribute to meaningful engagements that empower others. Whether it’s helping a student find their path or supporting someone just starting their career in IT, there’s so much potential to make an impact.
For me, this feels like the next step—not just sharing knowledge but using it to uplift and inspire others at the start of their own journeys. Who knows? Maybe one of these videos or initiatives will be the spark someone needs to find their passion or take that next big step.
A technical blog up next, for now, have a great week!
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