2025-09-15 –, Bierstadt Lagerhaus Stage
In DevOps, we interact with networks through concepts like ingress/egress, routers, subnets, and firewalls. Can we apply these same principles to build more effective professional networks? In this age of layoffs and AI, ensuring we are authentically connected to our communities is more important than ever. Let's transform what we've learned from systems networking into practical strategies for professional networking that enhance our careers and give us greater agency.
Many DevOps professionals excel at designing technical systems but struggle with intentionally designing their professional networks. Some find networking overwhelming or inauthentic. Others maintain relationships only with their immediate circle. Some become "takers" rather than "givers," while others fear asking for anything. When AI can write your Terraform configs, what makes you invaluable is your ability to influence, collaborate, and navigate complex human systems.
I'll demonstrate how to apply systems networking concepts to professional relationship-building through three key phases:
1. Define & Segment
2. Firewall & Automate
3. Monitor & Adjust
From film to engineering, Annie's career has seen many iterations. She is a keen observer of what works and what doesn't, striving always to make the right thing to do the easy thing to do. Annie and her husband, Michael, are raising their three teenagers in Boulder, CO. She's currently working on a project to make doing the right thing with your career the easy thing to do. Find out more at people-work.io.