On September 1st, 2024, I reached a milestone that feels both humbling and exhilarating: 30 years in the IT industry. What began as a shift from seven years in Mechanical and Production Engineering – including a five-year apprenticeship – has become a lifelong journey of learning, growth, challenges, and transformation.

My first step into IT in 1994 was as an assistant to the IT manager at a globally recognised lock 🔑 and safe organisation. That role opened doors I hadn’t even imagined.

In 1997, I joined Capgemini, one of the world’s top five IT companies, where I spent 13 incredible years as an IT consultant and project manager across a multitude of business sectors. I delved into service desk management (for 4 years) and embraced ITIL best practices in change management.

2007 to 2010 – I immersed myself in Microsoft technologies (still at Capgemini), focusing on on-premises solutions like SharePoint, Exchange, SSRS, Active Directory, Windows Server, and migrations. This period was transformative, setting the stage for my future endeavours.

2010 – I continued this path at SCC as an IT consultant, further honing my skills and expanding my horizons. Returning to Capgemini in 2011, I began exploring the burgeoning Microsoft Cloud ecosystem.

Life after 2007 has seen me collaborate with seven amazing companies (one company twice), all centred around the ever-evolving Microsoft landscape – both on-premises and cloud-based technologies.

If you ask about my specialisms, I will proudly mention SharePoint, Teams, Automation, Azure, Security, Compliance, and Digital Transformation (incl. migrations). My proficiencies also include Power Platform, PowerShell, Document Management, and Solution Design. Oh yeah, I am a little pedantic🧐, especially when it comes to high-quality deliverable expectations.

Looking back, the only constant has been change. Information Technology moves faster than any other industry and keeping pace has been both a challenge and a thrill. I have learned that continuous learning isn’t just beneficial, it is essential.

To everyone I have met and worked with along the way:

Thank you ❤️

Your support, collaboration, and camaraderie 🤣 have made this journey worthwhile. I challenge myself every day to learn something new, and I understand deeply how well-being and mental health can impact every facet of life – not just us, but our friends, families and colleagues.

These challenges can make or break us, but they also define us.

For those embarking on their own challenging careers whether in IT or any other field, remember!

The only person who can stop you from achieving your dreams is yourself.

Here is to the next chapter and the adventures that await.

Thank you for being part of my journey ❤️.

#WorktoLiveNOTLivetoWork