Random Thoughts on the IT Journey
Stephen M. R. Covey's "The Speed of Trust" emphasizes trust as a vital, measurable economic driver in business. It presents trust tax and trust dividend concepts, highlighting how high-trust environments enhance efficiency. Covey outlines four cores of credibility and thirteen practical behaviors for leaders to build trust, stressing that trust is a skill to develop, not an inherent trait.
Ron Whitson's book, A Friendly Human in Presales, redefines the role of Presales professionals by emphasizing the importance of empathy and relational dynamics over mere technical expertise. He advocates for strong partnerships between Sales and Solutions Engineers, urging a focus on understanding customer needs and building trust through authentic communication and storytelling.
NANOG 96, held from February 2-4, 2026, at the Hyatt Regency Embarcadero in San Francisco, highlighted the transformative impact of Artificial Intelligence on network infrastructure. Key discussions included the transition to AI Centers, emphasizing the need for advanced cooling solutions and network automation. The event underscored a shift towards integrating AI in network operations while maintaining essential routing security and foundational protocols.
Brent Gleeson's Taking Point emphasizes that effective leadership during change requires resilience, accountability, and culture. By adopting principles from Navy SEALs, leaders can foster trust, preparation, and inclusion, allowing teams to navigate challenges. Continuous improvement through reviews ensures adaptability, empowering organizations to thrive amidst uncertainty and change.
NANOG 94 in Denver welcomed over 800 network engineering professionals for discussions on AI, security, and automation, featuring keynote speaker John White. The conference emphasized collaboration, with a Hackathon and community-building efforts such as the Women in Tech mixer. Attendees gained insights on improving internet infrastructure and security practices.
Autocon3 in Prague, held from May 26th to 30th, 2025, was a pivotal network automation conference featuring workshops, keynotes, and discussions on design-driven automation, evolving tools, and practical applications. Claudia de Luna emphasized the need for clear design requirements. The event fostered community engagement and underscored automation's transition to a core competency.