Summary

In this episode of the Bigger Better Boulder IT podcast, Steve Woodard, Director of Cloud Transformation Services at Kyndrl, discusses the importance of certifications and staying up to date with the latest technology trends. He shares his process for keeping up with certifications, which involves mapping specific areas of improvement to certifications and setting a goal of achieving one certification per quarter. Steve also emphasizes the value of certifications when applying for jobs, particularly at companies like Amazon. He highlights the growing importance of artificial intelligence (AI) in the enterprise and predicts that AI adoption will continue to increase in the next five years. 

Takeaways

Certifications are a tried and true method of staying up to date and demonstrating proficiency in a specific technology.
Setting goals for certifications and creating a study plan can help individuals stay on track and achieve their certification objectives.
Artificial intelligence (AI) is expected to see significant adoption in the enterprise in the next five years, with organizations looking to streamline efficiency and enhance cybersecurity.
Web3, blockchain, and emerging technologies like NFTs and the metaverse are areas of curiosity and passion for many professionals in the industry.
Helping others and leaving a positive impact, whether through mentorship or contributing to disadvantaged communities, is a meaningful legacy to strive for.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Background
01:04 Keeping Up with Certifications
06:41 Working at Amazon
07:55 Adapting to Different Roles
09:55 Working in a Fast-Paced Environment
11:11 Getting a Job at Amazon
13:48 Balancing Meat and Potatoes with Dessert
16:32 Future Technologies in the Enterprise
26:06 Legacy