People, Purpose & Cloud: Reflections on 2.5 Years at Microsoft

It’s Funny How Fast Time Moves…

If you’d told me a few years ago that I’d be sitting here reflecting on 2.5 years at Microsoft — I’m not sure I would have believed you.

Like many of us in tech, I’ve always loved solving problems, learning new things, and (if I’m honest) geeking out over shiny new technology. But what I didn’t fully appreciate back then was just how much of this journey would be about people.

Technology is powerful — no question.

But it’s the people we work with, the customers we serve, and the relationships we build that really shape everything.

Looking back on the last 2.5 years, that’s been the biggest lesson of all.

Working With The Best In The World

One of the absolute joys of working at Microsoft is the opportunity to work alongside — and learn from — some of the world’s best software companies, partners, and businesses.

Every day I get to speak to people building incredible things.

Sometimes it’s a small team doing big things with limited resources. Sometimes it’s a global organisation transforming how they operate at scale.

But in every conversation, the passion, creativity, and curiosity people bring to the table is inspiring.

And I don’t take that for granted for a second.

It’s a real privilege to get a front-row seat to innovation — to see how businesses are using cloud technology not just to drive efficiency, but to solve real-world problems.

Learning & Growing in the Cloud

When I first stepped into my role at Microsoft, I knew it would be a learning curve.

Cloud technology moves fast. Every day there’s something new to understand, explore, or experiment with.

But that’s exactly what I love about it.

The last 2.5 years have been a journey of continuous learning — not just about technology, but about people, problem-solving, and how to really add value in a world that never stands still.

It’s not about having all the answers.

It’s about asking the right questions, being curious, and staying open to learning.

What I’ve Learned Along The Way:

Cloud isn’t just about tech — it’s about outcomes. Simplicity wins every time. People don’t buy products — they buy solutions to problems. Listening is more powerful than talking. Community matters more than ever.

Helping Others Navigate The Cloud

One of the best parts of my role is getting to help others on their cloud journey.

That might be advising on architecture. It might be exploring new ideas. It might simply be listening to the challenges they’re facing.

Whatever the scenario, my goal is simple:

Make things easier. Help people move forward. Be a trusted voice in a noisy world.

Because technology should be an enabler — not a blocker.

That’s what gets me out of bed in the morning. The chance to take something complex and make it simple. To help people connect the dots. To share what I’ve learned (often the hard way!) so others can avoid the same pitfalls.

And let’s be honest — there’s nothing better than seeing the lightbulb go on for someone when it all clicks.

The Other Side of Life: Family & Real Priorities

Of course, while all of this has been happening professionally… life has been just as busy (and just as rewarding) at home.

I’m incredibly lucky to have a wonderful wife and three amazing kids who keep me grounded, entertained, and on my toes daily.

There’s nothing quite like shifting from a customer call about cloud strategy… straight into helping with homework, refereeing sibling squabbles, or watching another episode of Bluey.

Parenthood has a funny way of reminding you what really matters.

It teaches you patience. It teaches you empathy. And most of all, it teaches you that life is messy, unpredictable, and beautiful all at the same time.

Balancing Work & Life (Kind Of)

Like many people in tech, I’m still figuring out the whole “balance” thing.

Work can be intense. Life can be chaotic. But I’ve found that being fully present — wherever you are — makes all the difference.

When I’m at work, I try to give it my best.

When I’m with my family, I try to unplug and show up fully.

It’s not always perfect (spoiler: it rarely is). But that’s real life. And I wouldn’t have it any other way.

Looking Ahead

As I look to the future, I don’t know exactly what the next 2.5 years will hold.

Cloud technology will keep evolving. The world will keep changing. And there will always be new challenges to face.

But here’s what I do know:

I want to keep learning.

I want to keep helping people.

I want to keep building relationships that matter.

And I want to keep showing up — as a technologist, a storyteller, a dad, a husband, and a human.

Because at the end of the day, that’s what this is all about.

Final Thought: People First, Always

Whatever you’re working on… whatever technology you’re using… whatever goals you’re chasing…

Don’t lose sight of the people at the heart of it all.

Technology will keep changing.

But kindness, empathy, and human connection never go out of style.

That’s what I want to build my career on.

That’s the legacy I want to leave.

Not just building things.

But building people up.

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