Christiaan Brinkhoff

Christiaan Brinkhoff: Around 17 years ago, I discovered my interest in IT after replacing the existing case of my Pentium 3 personal computer for one with a transparent LED side-panel. From that moment, I found a new hobby, and I decided to study computer science to make from my hobby my job. After finishing my degree earlier than expected, I started my career as a system engineer. From the start of my career, I knew that this was the work I want to do for the rest of my life - and started to specialize myself in Server and Storage, Virtualization and Application and Remote Desktop solutions. I learned as much as I can, achieved as much as vendor certificates possible to gain in knowledge. I'm that type of guy that wants to know everything before I start something. Even when I buy something small in a regular shop, I always do my homework. Furthermore, during that path, I felt energized and challenging. However, after achieving all the accolades, such as MCSA, MCSA, CCIA, CCE-V, etc. Meanwhile, I changed roles in different companies and climbed up to positions such as, Senior Consultant / Cloud Solutions Architect. After that, I honestly was a bit bored, got stuck for a while and decided to work on a new personal project - to share the stuff I learned. One exciting moment in life I can remember before I started presenting was a barbeque with friends and friends from friends. I talked with people that I never met before, and you always receive the obvious question. What are you do for a living / where are you working? I usually answer the question with, I do something with computers for companies. This moment was different, I felt that this person was technical, so I explained to them how Desktop Virtualization works from a to z without any practice - resulted in an excellent conversation, with feedback as; why are you not starting as a trainer or professional presenter - you explain it so well even for people (like me) that are not educated in IT technology - that's an excellent quality you have there. Usually, I'm like, yeah let him talk... But now I took it seriously and considered to start presenting. "If you can't explain it simply, you don't understand it well enough." A great quote from Albert Einstein - which always reminds me to stay focused, understand the insights before we share them with others. Doing things to help others, without requiring something in return. You are not only helping others, but you will gain a higher level yourself. It gave me the confidence to speak publicly about passion and innovated technologies. Thus far, my career has led me to present to thousands of attendees at many international conferences and user groups. I've also been invited to join the Microsoft MVP, Citrix CTP, and VMware vExpert programs, which provides me with unique access these vendors and gives me an opportunity to shape their roadmaps. In fact, I am one of only five people in the world to hold all three acknowledgements at once After years of consulting, I decided to start my own consulting company. At the same time, FSLogix asked if I wanted to join the company as part of their global technology evangelist team in the EMEA region. This new role, combined with consulting work, gave me the opportunity to learn from customers, help FSLogix improve their products, and inform the community about all the things I've learned. At the end of 2018, Microsoft acquired FSLogix. this was a massive acknowledgment by the largest vendor in IT technology. How awesome was that? I still remember the phone call of FSLogix CEO - Kevin Goodman when he shared the intent by Microsoft to acquires us. I was devastated, a real honor, but as well a bit weird because I didn't know what to expect. Will this mean that our great team will fall apart? Right now, I know different. The acquisition changed our roles and we become Microsoft Windows Virtual Desktop global black belts. Where we are using all our knowledge that we gain as part of a startup company around desktop virtualization to position the product in the best way possible in the market. As part of the MVP community, I knew that Microsoft was working on a new Desktop-As-a-Service offering in Azure, however, although I never expected to be part of that same evolution in technology! As you can see, I'm pretty excited about what's going to happen in 2019. Looking in the rear mirror now, after being active in the community for around three years now, I honestly never imagined what (positive) rollercoaster ride it would be. I did not expect anything, the only real goal I had kept challenging myself and doing things I like, share experiences and gain in knowledge. The primary purpose of this book initiative is similar. We give people from the community an easy way to share their best practices, principles, recommendation or quotes that can help you and me to gain in knowledge and eventually your career as well. By the Community, For the Community... Today, I'm working as Principal Program Manager and Community Lead for Windows 365 at Microsoft, leading community initiatives while bringing his expertise to help customers imagine new democratizing virtualization experiences that go beyond Desktop-as-a-Service and will simplify the enablement for remote hybrid work. Again, taking all my experience into practice! "Do what you'll love, and you'll never work another day in your life." It sounds easy, right? When you are passionate about something and considering doing community work. Start doing it - it brings great things for you and the people around you! I also would like to thank everyone for supporting us in this initiative. I personally never expected to receive so much positive feedback and contributions from people that are active in the communities. THANK YOU!