As we approach the end of 2024, I find it important to reflect on the milestones achieved this year and how they’ve shaped my journey as a software developer, technologist, and contributor to the Cloud Native ecosystem. This post is as much about sharing insights as it is about expressing gratitude for the opportunities and support I’ve received.
Embracing Community at Kairos#
Since 2023, I’ve been contributing to Kairos as a maintainer. This role has been a mix of technical problem-solving and building something larger than code—a community. In mid-2024, I decided to focus more on developer relations to strengthen Kairos’ ecosystem.
Here’s what this shift looked like:
- Conference Engagement: Over the year, I participated in 10 conferences across Europe and the US, including delivering a workshop and speaking on a panel. These opportunities allowed me to share Kairos’ story, introduce its features, and—most importantly—connect with the Cloud Native community.
- Community Growth: By fostering conversations at these events, I witnessed an increase in community engagement, feedback, and contributions to Kairos. It’s a reminder that great technology thrives when supported by an active and inclusive community.
This work reaffirmed my belief that building developer relationships is not just about promoting a product; it’s about creating an ecosystem where developers feel heard, valued, and empowered.
Progressing in the Cloud Native Space#
2024 has also been a pivotal year for my involvement in the Cloud Native Computing Foundation (CNCF):
- I became a co-host of the CNCF Belgian Chapter, collaborating with local developers to strengthen the Cloud Native community in Belgium.
- I was honored to be appointed co-chair of the CNCF Special-Purpose Operating System Work Group. This role allows me to help shape the future of operating systems in cloud-native environments, ensuring they are secure, efficient, and innovative.
These roles represent an evolution in my career—not just as a contributor but as a leader who helps drive meaningful change in the ecosystem.
Gratitude and Acknowledgments#
None of these achievements would have been possible without the incredible support system I’m fortunate to have. I want to express my heartfelt thanks to my boss and my team—your hard work and dedication make it possible for me to focus on community-building and technical advocacy. I’m equally grateful to my employer for supporting my growth and enabling me to take on these opportunities.
A special thank-you also goes out to the amazing people I’ve connected with this year—you know who you are. Whether through conferences, collaborations, or chance encounters, I’ve been genuinely delighted to meet and learn from so many talented individuals. These connections remind me that the Cloud Native community is built on the collective passion and generosity of its members.
Why These Achievements Matter To Me#
For most of my career, I saw myself as a tech person rather than a people person. I was comfortable focusing on code, systems, and solutions, but the idea of engaging with communities or building relationships felt outside my realm. This year, by stepping out of my comfort zone and putting in the hard work, I’ve realized that this is not only an important area but also one I genuinely enjoy.
Through these experiences, I’ve discovered that fostering connections and growing communities is just as rewarding as solving technical challenges. It’s helped me break my own paradigms and embrace the fact that building relationships is a skill worth cultivating—one that complements and enhances my work as a technologist.
Looking ahead, I aim to build on this foundation by continuing to contribute to open-source projects, share knowledge, and connect with like-minded technologists. If there’s one takeaway from 2024, it’s that growth happens when you step out of your comfort zone and embrace collaboration.
Here’s to another year of learning, building, and connecting!
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