Rob has been creating software to automate infrastructure for over 20 years. His latest startup, RackN, focuses on providing continuously integrated data center capabilities for both Edge and Enterprise. He has been involved in numerous open source efforts including LF Edge (Board), CNCF (SIG Chair) and OpenStack (Board). He is also co-host of the L8ist Sh9y podcast. Rob received degrees from Duke University and Louisiana State University.
How did you get to become an expert in your key topics?
During my time on the OpenStack Board (2012-2015), I become widely known for cloud, automation, and open source.
What topic areas are you most passionate about?
IT infrastructure automation, public vs private cloud, edge infrastructure, DevOps and IT culture
Which influencers influence you within those key topics?
Mary Poppendieck, Eric Ries, Mark Thiele, Tim Crawford, Gene Kim
Outside of your key topics what other topics are you interested in?
Electric Cars and Power Systems, Human Factors for Complex Scale Systems
How would you describe your offline influence?
Speaking and Writing
If a brand wanted to work with you, what offline/online activities would you be most interested in?
Speaking and video interviews
What’s your best source of information for getting ahead of a story?
In person networking events with industry experts
What brands have you worked with?
Dell, VMware
Which non-paid activities would you be keen to take part in if the opportunity raised your profile or delivered value to your audience?
- Co-Create long form content (blogs, white papers, ebooks, research
- Provide a quote for content or news article
- Share / create a social post
- Speak at or attend an event
- Participate in a podcast or webinar
- Write a product review
- Participate in online chat (e.g. Twitter chat, Crowdchat, Google Hangout)
- Create video content
What are your passions outside of work?
Social and economic equity
What businesses/organisations are you affiliated to?
LF Edge
What would be the best way for a brand to contact you?
E-mail me at rob@rackn.com