011: Interview with Elliot Fields

Explicit content warning

05/04/24 • 63 min

In this conversation, Elliott Fields discusses his journey starting out in IT, building a career, and the importance of staying relevant in the field.Elliott Fields discusses his transition from working with Exchange to Azure. He explains how he used Azure to build lab environments and learn about networking, security, and other related topics. Elliott emphasizes the importance of learning the cloud counterparts of on-premises products and the benefits of using Azure and AWS for lab work. He also shares his philosophy of practicing and gaining confidence in IT. Additionally, Elliott mentions the inspiration he derives from CT Fletcher and discusses the evolution of Exchange and the need to embrace AI and analytics in the future. He also touches on work-life balance and the representation and diversity initiatives at Microsoft. The conversation highlights the significance of mentorship and the various employee resource groups that promote diversity and inclusion within the company.
Takeaways

Starting out in IT can be challenging, but with determination and a willingness to learn, one can succeed.
Continual learning and staying up-to-date with technology are essential for maintaining a successful career in IT.
Work-life balance is a personal responsibility, and it may require trade-offs at times.
Representation and diversity in the workplace are crucial for fostering creativity and bringing different perspectives to the table.
Mentorship and employee resource groups play a vital role in supporting and empowering underrepresented groups in the IT industry.

Extras:
GitHub Link
Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/dem-tech-folks--5753456/support.

Starting out in IT can be challenging, but with determination and a willingness to learn, one can succeed.
Continual learning and staying up-to-date with technology are essential for maintaining a successful career in IT.
Work-life balance is a personal responsibility, and it may require trade-offs at times.
Representation and diversity in the workplace are crucial for fostering creativity and bringing different perspectives to the table.
Mentorship and employee resource groups play a vital role in supporting and empowering underrepresented groups in the IT industry.

Extras:
GitHub Link
Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/dem-tech-folks--5753456/support.

Previous Episode

010: Interview with the Gear Goddess

SUMMARY
DEM Tech Folks have a fun conversation with Ebony Pierce consisting of back and forth shots across the screen while mixing in some helpful tips and thought provoking "gems". Ebony, a former developer now turned cybersecurity expert, shares her journey into the tech industry and her experiences working in various roles. She discusses her early exposure to technology through a hardware program and her decision to pursue a degree in computer science. Ebony also talks about her first job in a casino as an overnight backup operator and the importance of understanding IT operations. She highlights the challenges in the cybersecurity field, including the need for qualified professionals and the prevalence of certification-focused training. In this conversation, Rico and Kenny continue their discussion with Ebony about her journey in the tech industry and her role as a Chief Cyber Security Officer. They explore the importance of passion and problem-solving in cybersecurity, the misconception of quick money in the field, and the lack of representation for women and minorities. Ebony shares her experiences of being the only woman and black person in many tech spaces and the challenges she faced. She also provides valuable advice for those interested in getting into cybersecurity, including volunteering at conferences and exploring different areas of interest.
KEY TAKEAWAYS

Early exposure to technology programs can spark an interest in the tech industry.
Understanding IT operations is valuable for software developers.
The cybersecurity field faces challenges with the lack of qualified professionals.
Certification-focused training may not always provide the necessary skills and experience. Passion and problem-solving are important in cybersecurity, and chasing money without a genuine interest in the field can create issues.
Representation of women and minorities in tech is still lacking, and many spaces lack diversity.
Volunteering at conferences like B-Sides and others can provide valuable networking opportunities and insights into different areas of cybersecurity.
The risk management framework is a useful tool for expanding understanding of cybersecurity policies and exploring different areas of interest.
Overcoming imposter syndrome and being comfortable with being uncomfortable are important for personal and professional growth in the tech industry.

Helpful Links:

Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/dem-tech-folks--5753456/support.

Next Episode

012: Interview with Toni Benson

In this conversation, the hosts celebrate Toni Benson's birthday and introduce her as a guest. Toni shares her background, including growing up in Dover, Delaware, and attending Delaware State University. She explains how she initially pursued computer science but switched to management information systems. Toni then discusses her decision to join the United States Air Force and her experience as a communications officer. She highlights the leadership skills she gained during her time in the military. In this part of the conversation, Toni Benson discusses the lack of representation she experienced in the Air Force and the workforce. She also shares her journey of becoming a speaker and the importance of authenticity and not conforming to fit in. Toni encourages women to enter the tech field and provides resources and networks to support their journey. She emphasizes the significance of mentors, coaches, and advocates in personal and professional growth. Finally, Toni introduces her consulting company, Envision, which focuses on leadership training and supporting young people in becoming leaders. In this conversation, the hosts and guest discuss various topics related to diversity in tech, the impact of conferences, investing in the next generation, the role of AI, security concerns with AI, big tech and security, individual responsibility and social media, and finding balance and decompressing. They also touch on imposter syndrome and the importance of taking responsibility.
Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/dem-tech-folks--5753456/support.