Ambassador post by Annalisa Gennaro
When I embarked on my journey as a CNCF Ambassador, little did I know that it would lead to unexpected opportunities, personal growth, and a deeper connection with the cloud native community. In this reflection, I share my experiences, the reasons why others should consider becoming CNCF Ambassadors, the benefits, and the commitment required.
The Unexpected Path
Becoming a CNCF Ambassador was not part of my original plan. As a non-technical contributor, I wondered if my voice would matter in a space dominated by code and infrastructure. However, I soon realised that diversity of perspectives is essential for the success of any open source project (and it is fundamental in any social environment, if I may add). CNCF Ambassadors play a crucial role in bridging the gap between technical and non-technical audiences.
The Power of Storytelling
As an Ambassador, storytelling becomes your superpower. Whether through blog posts, conference talks, or social media updates, you weave narratives that resonate with the community. Sharing your personal experiences, challenges, and triumphs humanises the technology landscape. Remember, behind every line of code lies a story waiting to be told.
Navigating the Technical Landscape
While you don’t need to be a developer to be an Ambassador, understanding the technical terrain is essential. Dive into cloud native concepts, explore Kubernetes, and grasp the complexities of containerisation. Familiarise yourself with CNCF projects and their impact (well, more or less). The more you know, the better equipped you are to guide others on their cloud native journey. This doesn’t mean I managed, but I tried (and am still trying!).
Building Bridges
Ambassadors bridge gaps. You connect beginners with experts, developers with end-users, and diverse communities with shared goals. Embrace inclusivity. Reach out to underrepresented groups, encourage their participation, and amplify their voices. By building bridges, you create a stronger, more resilient ecosystem.
The Joy of Mentorship
Being an Ambassador means nurturing the next generation. Mentorship is not just about imparting knowledge; it’s about igniting curiosity and fostering growth. Offer guidance, answer questions, and celebrate small victories. Witnessing someone flourish under your mentorship is immensely rewarding, even if this means simply listen to people and see them for real.
Embracing Challenges (in other words, the commitment)
Ambassadorship isn’t always smooth sailing. Along this journey, you’ll encounter hurdles and obstacles. Here are some challenges to be aware of:
- Time Management: Balancing your Ambassador responsibilities with other commitments can be demanding. Whether it’s attending events, writing content, or mentoring, effective time management is crucial. I wasn’t that good, to be honest. I wish I could do better and I hope I’ll have the chance to improve.
- Staying Current: The tech landscape evolves rapidly. Keeping up with the latest developments in cloud native technologies, CNCF projects, and industry trends requires continuous learning. And a huge struggle. Still preparing for the KCNA here!
- Handling Diverse Perspectives: As an Ambassador, you’ll engage with people from various backgrounds, cultures, and skill levels. Navigating differing viewpoints and maintaining respectful conversations is essential. I believe in kindness.
- Advocacy vs. Bias: Strive for unbiased advocacy. While promoting CNCF technologies, remain open minded and consider alternative solutions. Avoid favouritism or pushing a single approach.
- Managing Expectations: People may look up to you for guidance. Set realistic expectations and acknowledge that you don’t have all the answers. It’s okay to say, “I’ll find out” or “Let’s explore together.” But this has been a mantra all my life long, with my sons as well – until they learned to reply “Mom, look it up on Google, it’s easier”.
- Dealing with Criticism: Not everyone will agree with your views. Constructive criticism is valuable, but negative feedback can be disheartening. Develop resilience and learn from both praise and critique. And still, be kind. To yourself too.
- Consistency: Consistency matters. Regularly sharing your insights, even in small doses, keeps the momentum going.
- Passion: Passion fuels your Ambassadorship. If you genuinely believe in the cloud native community (and technologies) and want to make a difference, this role is for you.
So why Should You Consider Becoming a CNCF Ambassador (that is to say, what are the benefits)?
Advocacy Beyond Code
As an Ambassador, you become an advocate for cloud native technologies. Your role extends beyond writing code; you inspire others, share knowledge, and promote the adoption of cloud native practices. How cool can this be?
Community Building
Ambassadors actively engage with the community. Whether through blog posts, talks, or workshops, you contribute to building a vibrant ecosystem. Your unique background and experiences enrich discussions and foster collaboration (even if you are a non-tech and non-native contributor).
Networking Opportunities
Being a CNCF Ambassador opens doors to networking opportunities. You connect with experts, thought leaders, and fellow enthusiasts. These connections can lead to exciting collaborations and career advancements.
Personal Growth
Stepping out of your comfort zone (gosh how I hate this expression! Ok, let’s rewrite this: stepping out your self-imposed personal boundaries) and taking on an Ambassador role challenges you to grow. You refine your communication skills, learn about new technologies, and gain confidence in sharing your insight. And you will experience new anxieties and will sweat immensely!
Visibility
As an Ambassador, your contributions are recognized globally. Your name appears alongside industry leaders, and your insights reach a wide audience.
Learning
You stay at the forefront of cloud native trends. Whether attending conferences, participating in webinars, or collaborating with project maintainers, you continuously learn and evolve.
Access to Resources
CNCF provides resources, including swag, event support, and access to exclusive content. These perks enhance your Ambassador journey.
Recognitions and Credibility
The CNCF Ambassador title is a badge of honour. It signifies your commitment to cloud native excellence and your ability to educate and inspire others. Employers recognize this dedication, and having “CNCF Ambassador” on your resume adds credibility. Whether you’re seeking new opportunities or building your personal brand, this recognition sets you apart.
Career Opportunities
Being a CNCF Ambassador opens doors. Companies actively seek professionals with cloud native expertise. Your role as an ambassador demonstrates your passion, knowledge, and willingness to contribute. Whether you’re looking for a job, consulting opportunities, or freelance gigs, your CNCF Ambassador status can be a game-changer.
Conclusions
My journey as a CNCF Ambassador has been transformative,both on a professional and a personal level. I’ve met incredible people, learned from experts, and contributed to a thriving community my own way. So, whether you’re a designer, a marketer, or someone passionate about cloud native, consider becoming a CNCF Ambassador. Your unique perspective matters, and together, we shape the future of cloud native computing.