Becoming a Microsoft MVP isnโt about chasing a titleโitโs about embracing a mission.
As the community lead of Cloud Marathoner, Iโve had the privilege of walking alongside cloud engineers, architects, and passionate tech enthusiasts who are building, sharing, and growing together. Many of them ask me: โHow do I become a Microsoft MVP?โ
The answer is both simple and profound: do what you love and give back.
๐งญ What Is a Microsoft MVP?
The Microsoft Most Valuable Professional (MVP) award recognizes exceptional community leaders who share their expertise, uplift others, and contribute meaningfully to the tech ecosystem. Itโs not a certificationโitโs a celebration of consistent, authentic impact.
According to the official Microsoft MVP site, the MVPs are selected for their contributions across blogs, talks, open-source projects, user groups, and more. They are the spark that keeps the community thriving.
๐ค๏ธ My Journey: From Passion to Purpose
When I started Cloud Marathoner, it was just a blog. But it quickly became a movementโa space where cloud professionals could learn, share, and grow together. I didnโt set out to become an MVP. I set out to help others to succeed in their unique Cloud journey. And thatโs the secret.
As Betsy Weber, Microsoft Program Manager beautifully put it:
โDonโt follow the crowdโfind your gap and fill it with passion, creativity, and community.โ
๐ Celebrating Microsoft AWARD
This year, Iโm incredibly honored to celebrate myย 4th consecutive Microsoft MVP awardย recognition from Microsoft. Itโs a meaningful milestone that reflects the many community events, sessions, and contributions Iโve wholeheartedly delivered over the last year. My focus remains strong onย Infrastructure as Codeย andย Cloud Optimization, while I continue to explore and share innovations inย AIย andย GitHub Copilotย to empower and uplift our community of cloud engineers, architects, and tech enthusiasts.
๐งฉ Find Your Gap, Fill It with Passion
You donโt need to be the loudest voice. You need to be the most authentic one.
- ๐จ Like MVP Luise Freese, who turned technical content into sketchnotes that even Satya Nadella noticed.
- ๐ Like Sharon Weaver, who kept her user group alive through the pandemic.
- ๐ค Like Lee Englestone, who built a Visual Studio tips site that led to talks and a book.
Each of them found a unique way to give back. So can you.
๐งฑ actionable Steps to Becoming a Microsoft MVP
- Be an Expert
Master your craft. Stay current. Share what you learn. - Be a Leader
Start a user group. Mentor others. Create inclusive spaces. - Be an Advocate
Provide feedback to Microsoft. Champion tools that help others. - Be Consistent
MVP is a marathon, not a sprint. Keep showing up. - Be Visible
Blog, speak, stream, postโwhatever suits your style. Just share.
๐ฌ Final Thoughts: Your Spark โจ Matters
You donโt need permission to start. You donโt need a title to lead. You just need to care enough to contribute.
Whether youโre streaming your learning journey, launching a user group, or writing your first blog postโyouโre already on the path.
So go ahead. Share your knowledge. Be helpful. Look for gaps to fill.
The community is waiting for your spark. โจ