Professional Development (2012-2019)
This documentation captures the certifications and learning journey during the Cisco and Red Hat years. This was a period of intense re-skilling, moving from traditional infrastructure management to declarative, automated, and containerized workflows.
Certifications
The Bridge to Cloud: Converged Infrastructure & Fundamentals (2013–2014)
The Pivot: From Traditional IT to Cloud & Converged Infrastructure (2013–2014)
This period was about building the foundational knowledge to bridge the gap between traditional infrastructure and the cloud.
Key Achievements:
- VCE Certified Converged Infrastructure Associate (VCE-CIA) (May 2014): Validating expertise in the “Vblock” architecture (Cisco/EMC/VMware).
- VMware Certified Associate - Cloud (VCA-Cloud) (Jan 2014): Understanding cloud management and orchestration.
- Cloud Fundamentals: Vendor-neutral principles through CompTIA Cloud Essentials, EXIN, and CloudU.
- Brocade Accredited Internetworking Specialist (Jan 2014): Storage networking expertise.
Advanced Virtualization, Security & Cloud Defense (2014–2016)
Deepening the Stack: Virtualization, Security, and Advanced Cloud (2014–2016)
As the cloud matured, the focus shifted to securing the software-defined data center and mastering advanced virtualization.
Key Achievements:
- VMware VCA Portfolio: Completing the suite with Data Center Virtualization (Aug 2014), Workforce Mobility (Aug 2014), and Network Virtualization (NSX) (Mar 2016).
- Security Specialization: Palo Alto Networks ACE (Next-Gen Firewall), Certified AlgoSec Security User, and Dr.Web (Endpoint Security).
- CompTIA Cloud+ (Mar 2016): Advanced cloud infrastructure validation.
- Big Data & Analytics: EMC Data Lakes and Intel Retail Certified Professional.
Vendor Ecosystem & Specialized Sales (2016)
The Broader Ecosystem: Storage, Wireless, and Unified Comms (2016)
Rounding out the portfolio with specialized expertise across the broader IT ecosystem.
Key Achievements:
- Storage: Nimble Storage Sales Professional.
- Unified Communications: Polycom Microsoft Voice Endpoints.
- Wireless & IoT: Ruckus Sales Expert and Ubiquiti Solar Residential Specialist.
Chronological List (2013–2016):
| Date | Certification | Organization | Context |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jan 21, 2013 | CloudU Certificate | Rackspace | Early cloud literacy |
| Jan 22, 2013 | Microsoft Technology Associate (MTA) | Microsoft | OS Fundamentals |
| Apr 03, 2013 | Associate Membership | ACS (Australian Computer Society) | Professional Standing |
| Nov 07, 2013 | Cloud Computing Foundation | EXIN | Vendor-neutral cloud standards |
| Jan 2014 | Accredited Internetworking Specialist | Brocade | Storage Networking / Fabric |
| Jan 21, 2014 | VCA-Cloud (Certified Associate) | VMware | Cloud Management |
| Apr 04, 2014 | Cloud Essentials | CompTIA | Business/Technical Cloud alignment |
| May 21, 2014 | VCE-CIA (Converged Infrastructure) | VCE | The “Vblock” Era |
| July 29, 2014 | Big Data Certificate | CloudU / Rackspace | Data-intensive computing |
| Aug 04, 2014 | CloudU MOOC Certificate | CloudU / Rackspace | Solutions Architecture |
| Aug 19, 2014 | VCA-Data Center Virtualization | VMware | Server Virtualization |
| Aug 29, 2014 | VCA-Workforce Mobility | VMware | End-User Computing |
| June 2015 | Data Lakes for Big Data | EMC | Big Data Analytics |
| June 06, 2015 | Retail Certified Professional | Intel | Hardware/Processor Tech |
| Mar 13, 2016 | HawkEye AP Sales Training | Hexis Cyber Solutions | Cyber Security Sales |
| Mar 22, 2016 | Cloud+ | CompTIA | Advanced Cloud Infrastructure |
| Mar 24, 2016 | Certified User | Smartsheet | Project Management Tools |
| Mar 25, 2016 | VCA6-NV (Network Virtualization) | VMware | NSX / SDN Fundamentals |
| Mar 28, 2016 | Certified AlgoSec Security User | AlgoSec | Network Security Policy |
| Mar 28, 2016 | Certified User | Dr.Web | Antivirus / Endpoint Security |
| Mar 31, 2016 | Accredited Configuration Engineer (ACE) | Palo Alto Networks | Next-Gen Firewall (PAN-OS 7.0) |
| Apr 03, 2016 | Nimble Sales Professional (NSP) | Nimble Storage | Storage Solutions |
| Apr 08, 2016 | Microsoft Voice Endpoints Sales | Polycom | Unified Communications |
| 2016 | Ruckus Sales Expert (REx) | Ruckus Wireless | Wireless Networking |
| 2016 | Solar Residential Specialist | Ubiquiti Networks | Renewable Energy / IoT |
Internal Leadership & Cultural Impact (Cisco)
Internal Development: Digital Transformation, Security, and Leadership (2013–2016)
Beyond technical certifications, this period was defined by deep engagement with Cisco’s internal culture, focusing on digital transformation, security awareness, and leadership.
Key Achievements:
- Digital Transformation & Social Media: A progressive journey from Specialist (2013) to Digital Master (2015), recognizing expertise in social selling and digital marketing strategies.
- Security Ninja Program: Achieving White, Green, and Blue Belt status in Cisco’s internal security development lifecycle program, demonstrating leadership in product security.
- Business Transformation: Certifications in Cisco Business Transformation and Capital Operations, bridging the gap between technical solutions and business value.
Chronological List (Internal):
| Date | Certification | Context |
|---|---|---|
| Feb 25, 2013 | Social Media & Digital Marketing - Specialist Level | Digital Engagement |
| Jan 08, 2014 | Years of Service Recognition (1 Year) | Dedication |
| Apr 05, 2014 | Cisco Business Transformation Certifications (PIW) | Business Value |
| Jan 30, 2015 | CMCS - Specialist Level | Internal Specialization |
| Dec 02, 2015 | Digital Specialist | Social Ambassador Program |
| Dec 06, 2015 | Digital Strategist | Social Ambassador Program |
| Dec 09, 2015 | Digital Master | Social Ambassador Program |
| Dec 14, 2015 | Cisco Capital Operations - Positive Badge | Operational Excellence |
| 2015-2016 | Security Ninja (White, Green, Blue Belts) | Product Security Leadership |
| May 16, 2016 | Social Media for Sales | Social Selling |
Internal Development & Sales Engineering (Red Hat)
Internal Enablement: Sales Engineering, Compliance, and Leadership (2016–2018)
Upon joining Red Hat, the focus was on rapid enablement in the open source sales model and deep technical specialization.
Key Achievements:
- Sales Engineering Specialization: Achieving Accredited Professional status across the core portfolio: IaaS, Cloud Management, Storage, API Management, and Cloud Automation.
- Top Gun Award: Recognized as the Top Performer in the Sales Boot Camp, validating the ability to articulate the value of the open hybrid cloud.
- Foundational Skills: Certifications in Project Management and Red Hat Enterprise Linux Fundamentals.
- Corporate Compliance & Ethics: Completing the foundational training on business conduct, information security, and workplace ethics.
Chronological List (Internal):
| Date | Certification | Context |
|---|---|---|
| Feb 21, 2016 | Sales Specialist - Storage | Storage Solutions |
| Feb 24, 2016 | Sales Engineer Specialist - IaaS | Infrastructure as a Service |
| Feb 24, 2016 | Sales Engineer Specialist - Cloud Management | CloudForms / Management |
| Feb 24, 2016 | Sales Specialist - IaaS | Infrastructure Sales |
| Feb 24, 2016 | Certified Cloud Solution Provider (CCSP) | Partner Ecosystem |
| Nov 18, 2016 | Compliance & Ethics Training Suite | Corporate Governance |
| 2016 | Top Gun Award Winner | Sales Boot Camp |
| Jul 18, 2017 | RH066x: Fundamentals of Red Hat Enterprise Linux | Core OS Skills |
| Nov 13, 2017 | Delivery Specialist - Foundational Project Management | Project Delivery |
| Apr 30, 2018 | Sales Specialist - API Management | Middleware / 3scale |
| Apr 30, 2018 | Sales Specialist - Cloud Automation | Ansible / Automation |
Application Delivery & Multi-Cloud (F5 Networks)
Bridging NetOps and DevOps: F5 Sales and Technical Accreditations (2019)
During the transition to F5 Networks, the focus shifted to the application layer, understanding how to position and architect multi-cloud application services.
Key Achievements:
- F5 Sales Accreditation: Validating the ability to articulate the shift from hardware load balancers to software-defined application services.
- Technical Accreditation: Demonstrating technical proficiency in F5’s multi-cloud portfolio, including Big-IP Virtual Editions and the NGINX integration story.
Chronological List (F5):
| Date | Certification | Context |
|---|---|---|
| Feb 04, 2019 | 2018 F5 Sales Accreditation Assessment - Sales Roles | Application Services Sales |
| Feb 04, 2019 | 2018 F5 Sales Accreditation Assessment - Technical Roles | Technical Solution Selling |
Industry Certifications & Professional Memberships (2017–2019)
*Broadening the Horizon: Cloud, Agile, and Networking (2017–2019)*
Maintaining a broad perspective across the industry landscape, from public cloud platforms (AWS, Google) to agile methodologies and networking fundamentals.
Key Achievements:
- Professional Standing: Achieving Senior Member (MACS Snr) status with the Australian Computer Society (ACS) and Certified Practicing Member (CPM) with ITPA.
- Public Cloud & Digital: Certifications in AWS (Machine Learning, Innovate), Google (Mobile Sites, Digital Sales), and Scrum Fundamentals.
- Networking: Deepening networking expertise with Juniper Networks certifications in Advanced Network Infrastructure and Contrail.
Chronological List (Industry):
| Date | Certification | Organization | Context |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mar 2017 | Senior Member (MACS Snr) | ACS | Professional Membership |
| Jun 05, 2017 | Mobile Sites Certification | Mobile Web Optimization | |
| Jul 19, 2017 | AWS Innovate 2017 | AWS | Cloud Architecture |
| Nov 14, 2017 | Scrum Fundamentals Certified | SCRUMstudy | Agile Methodology |
| Feb 22, 2018 | AWS Innovate 2018 - Machine Learning | AWS | AI/ML Fundamentals |
| Jun 25, 2018 | Sales Specialist - Advanced Network Infrastructure | Juniper Networks | Enterprise Networking |
| 2018 | Sales Associate - Contrail | Juniper Networks | SDN / Network Virtualization |
| Feb 27, 2019 | Digital Sales Certification | Digital Marketing | |
| Aug 19, 2019 | Certified Practicing Member (CPM) | ITPA | Industry Leadership |
Learning Arc
The progression during this era was distinct:
- Network Programmability: Moving from CLI to API (Cisco).
- Linux & Open Source: Mastering the OS that runs the cloud (Red Hat).
- Containerization: Understanding Docker and the shift to immutable infrastructure.
- Orchestration: The deep dive into Kubernetes and OpenShift.
Professional development documentation during the Cloud-Native Transformation era.