2024: It's a Wrap

Disclaimer: This post was written by Grok! (yes, testing Grok as well)-therefore the …wooden lingo. I don’t speak like that in real-life. Let’s see how this post flies…

As 2024 draws to a close, I’m filled with gratitude for a year that brought transformative milestones, meaningful connections, and opportunities to make a difference in the tech community. From earning prestigious recognition to launching my own venture, here’s a reflection on the moments that defined my 2024.

Becoming a Microsoft MVP

One of the proudest moments of 2024 was being named a Microsoft Most Valuable Professional (MVP) in Azure and IoT. This recognition is a testament to my commitment to sharing knowledge, contributing to the community, and advancing cloud technology. Joining this incredible group of professionals inspires me to continue pushing the boundaries of what’s possible with Azure and beyond. I will never be able to thank enough everyone who supported me on this journey, but if I must mention one, I will mention my friend and mentor, Michael Jonsson, who has been a constant source of inspiration and guidance. Thank you, Michael!

Launching Aristevin Consulting

A major highlight of 2024 was founding Aristevin Consulting, my own business dedicated to delivering innovative cloud solutions and empowering organizations through technology. Starting this venture has been both challenging and exhilarating, allowing me to combine my passion for solution design with a vision for impactful, client-focused outcomes. I’m thrilled about the opportunities ahead and the chance to shape the future of cloud architecture.

Teaching and Empowering .NET Developers

This year, I had the privilege of teaching a course on #Azure to a group of talented .NET developers. Guiding these professionals through cloud development concepts and watching their skills grow was incredibly rewarding. I shared my reflections on this experience in a blog post, emphasizing the value of continuous learning. Distributing my book, Learning Microsoft Azure, to students was a special moment that reinforced my commitment to education.

Earning New Certifications

My pursuit of lifelong learning continued in 2024 with the completion of additional Microsoft certifications, bringing my total to six. A standout achievement was earning the Sitecore certificate in under a month through self-study, a goal I tackled with determination. This milestone underscored the power of setting ambitious targets and staying focused, even amidst a busy schedule.

Engaging with the Global Tech Community

Community has always been at the heart of my work, and 2024 was no exception. I spoke at events like the Virtual Azure Community Day in Copenhagen, diving into Azure Functions and their role in scalable, event-driven applications. Connecting with developers at conferences like Foo Café’s Global #AI Bootcamp and Rome .NET Conference 2024 was invigorating, reminding me of the collective growth we achieve through shared knowledge.

Through my podcast Azure Triumphs and blog posts, I continued to share insights on cloud development and architecture. Hosting episodes, like the one with Judith Böhlert exploring her freelancing journey, highlighted the human side of tech success. I also maintained a repository of free technical mini-projects, a resource I’m excited to see grow with contributions from the community.

Personal Growth and Balance

Outside of work, I nurtured my creative side by exploring Unity coding, blending technical skills with imagination. This balance of professional drive and personal passion kept me energized and inspired throughout the year.

Looking Toward 2025

I will low-ball and say that my only goal for 2025 is to revive this blog ;)