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Interview with Lori MacVittie

by | Mar 18, 2020 | Interviews,

Lori MacVittie

Lori MacVittie

Principal Technical Evangelist, Office of the CTO at F5 Networks

Key Topics:Cloud, DevOps, App services and delivery
Location:Green Bay, WI
Bio:

Lori Mac Vittie is a technologist and principal evangelist in F5 Networks’ Office of the CTO with an emphasis on emerging architectures and technologies including cloud and edge computing, network automation and orchestration, microservices, and containers. Mac Vittie has over twenty-five years of industry experience spanning application development, IT architecture, and network and systems’ operation. Prior to joining F5, Mac Vittie was an award-winning technology editor at Network Computing Magazine. She holds an M.S. in Computer Science from Nova Southeastern University and is an O’Reilly author. As a Wisconsin native she has very strong opinions about cheese and beer.

How did you get to become an expert in your key topics?

I learned the fundamental concepts of computing through education – both undergrad and graduate studies. From there, experience across development and architecture provided insights into how far theory can take you before practice is required. Working for Network Computing Magazine as a technology editor required the ability to learn new technologies and concepts quickly and to apply critical analysis based on data and testing. All that, combined with an insatiable curiosity lead naturally to delving into topics from a variety of angles that lead to broad expertise. I am not a practical expert; that is, I’m not the person you call up to fix your cloud deployment or consult on how to put into place a transitory plan to adopt DevOps. But I am the person who sees the trends, understands the challenges with people, process, and technology, and is unafraid to have and voice an opinion that reflects an understanding of the implications of the adoption of or forbearance from a given technology.

What topic areas are you most passionate about?

Yes. Seriously, I am still, to this day, truly passionate about the foggy area where infrastructure meets development. Where applications merge with the network. Where APIs and algorithms can change the course of a packet or transaction and resound throughout the business. Most of my focus – whether in cloud or related to DevOps – falls heavily on the operational and functional side of infrastructure and application ecosystems.

Which influencers influence you within those key topics?

James Urquhart, Mark Thiele, Tim Crawford, Caroline McCrory, John Willis, Jennifer Minnela, David Linthicum.

Outside of your key topics who else influences you?

My husband. A small set of close friends who all happen to also be in technology (analysts, press, etc…). The other members of F5’s Office of the CTO, who are all brilliant in their own domains and offer new insights every day.

How would you describe your offline influence?

I believe the word most people use is “prolific.” I write, constantly. I speak, often. I share, liberally.

If a brand wanted to work with you, what offline/online activities would you be most interested in?

Podcasts and webinars are always welcome. Speaking opportunities depend on location and timing. Video interviews are okay, but I’m partial to writing opportunities.

What’s your best source of information for getting ahead of a story?

Twitter. LinkedIn. HackerNews. Connections.

What brands have you worked with?

Tripwire, BMC, Cisco, 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
  • Participate in online chat (e.g. Twitter chat, Crowdchat, Google Hangout)
  • Create video content

What are your passions outside of work?

Family. Video games. Digital art. Church. Fishing. Reef keeping.

What would be the best way for a brand to contact you?

(Ordered by preference)

 

 

 

 


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