The Next Chapter: Inspiring and Motivating

I’d like to start this post first by thanking everyone who sent well wishes, both public and private, about my decision to move on from Quest Software.  It was very uplifting and encouraging to hear from you!

So, again, the question of “Where am I off to?”  The answer is SQL Sentry.  I’m joining them as Director of Engineering Services, with a focus on technical sales and marketing, as well as a heavy dose of R&D design work.  (Read the press release here).

In case you haven’t encountered SQL Sentry before, they’re a small Southern company concentrating on the SQL Server market.  In anticipation of questions about why I might chose to work at SQL Sentry, I can sum it up in a word: potential.

SQL Sentry is loved by their customers.  Their products are strong.  Their R&D team is exceptionally talented, achieving master-level knowledge of SQL Server itself. Their internal processes are agile and direct.  Their strategies, priorities, and ethics are a direct match with my own.  That special, magical alchemy of great technology, inspired customers, and enthusiastic culture is exceedingly rare.  And the potential for new achievements is, in my mind, unmatched elsewhere in the industry.

 

Let’s (specifically, let US, not just me) move the ball forward…

The most effective technology evangelists not only paint a picture of how new technologies can improve the lives of their audience, they literally inspire their audiences to act on that vision.  (Sidebar: Would you like to see more blog posts and proscriptive guidance on how to be a technology evangelist, either internally-facing or external?  I’ve not really seen much content on that topic.)

SQL Sentry has empowered me to spread a simple message – that there are no IT projects; instead there are business projects which use IT to accomplish their goals.  That means you’ll still be seeing me in all the familiar venues – conferences, blogs, magazine columns, and such.  That means I’ll also be serving as your technology evangelist back into SQL Sentry around our internal R&D efforts!

I’ll be working hard to spread the word, not only about SQL Sentry, but also about SQL Server and the awesome community we have built around SQL Server.  Make no mistake – the SQL Server community didn’t happen by accident.  It was built up over years through conscious choice and repeated action of people like you.  And today, I want to encourage you to renew your mind and spirit.  Don’t just shuffle through the day.  Continue to add to our community.  Continue to make it better.

Wondering where to start?  Here’s the easiest thing in the world to do to start making our community better.  I ask you to commit to responding with a comment to those posts that you’ve enjoyed.  Just try it for one week.  Even if all you have to say was “I enjoyed that” or “You gave me food for thought” or “Here’s how I felt about what you said”.  If you don’t feel like you’ve added value after your week long trial, then stop.  But I think you’ll find it such a positive experience that you keep going.  We’re social creatures.  Sharing makes us feel better and be better.   To reiterate, communication is not a one-way street.  Only by providing your input can we elevate that most pedestrian form of communication, messaging, into the infinitely better form of communication called dialog.

Let’s start that dialog today!

Again, thanks so much for your support and encouragement.  Best regards,

-Kevin

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Comments

  1. I enjoyed that; you gave me food for thought. Heh.

    But yeah, actually, you’re right. I’ve been doing too much “shuffling through the day” for the last…too long.

    Good luck with SQL Sentry, Kevin. They’re lucky to have you!

  2. Congrats Kevin and Congrats SQL Sentry!

  3. How exciting! Happy for you Kevin.

  4. Welcome Kevin!

    I’m really looking forward to great things, and great times.

  5. Congrats to you and SQL Sentry!

  6. Congrats, Kevin!

    Great addition for SQLSentry as well as a great loss for a Dell/Quest.

  7. Wow, what a fantastic fit for you. SQL Sentry couldn’t have picked up a more dedicated and SQL Server focused individual. Congrats to both you and to SQL Sentry!

  8. Exciting!

    Glad to hear you’ll still be around at events and meetings. That’s what we want.

  9. I’ve enjoyed this post, as most of your other ones.

    Congratulations Kevin! Very happy to hear about this exciting new position, and also happier to hear will still see you at conferences etc.

    Take care, and keep healthy.

  10. Congratulations Kevine!

    It is always good to move forward with new opportunities.

  11. Congratulations! I look forward to seeing you this weekend in Louisville.

  12. Congrats Kevin!

  13. Basit Farooq says

    Wish you best of luck.

  14. Congrats Kevin! Glad to know you will still be around at the SQL events.

  15. I am so pleased for you and for SQL Sentry. And glad to know your new adventure will keep you involved in the SQL community!

  16. It sounds like this is a great opportunity for both you and SQL Sentry. I’m happy you are moving to a company and role where you can continue to be a leader of, and strong contributor to, our SQL Server Community.

    Thanks for the excellent post!

  17. Congrats on the new post. I know you will do well. I look forward to seeing you at events in the future.

  18. I still need to make up to your for missing the SQL Server user group presentations back in July. Let’s circle back around on that soon!

  19. Thanks Jonathan! I’m sure we’ll cross paths at a conference soon.

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