Busy, busy, busy.
A lot of the work around PASS currently is getting ready for Summit. I’m prepping my part in the keynotes. I’m involved in lots of community discussions including SQLSaturday, Chapters and Regional Mentors. We’re setting up the Community Zone for all sorts of activities throughout the week. We’re also going to have one of our few in-person board meetings at Summit. Putting on the single largest gathering of data professionals around the Microsoft Data Platform is actually labor-intensive. The majority of the work is done by the amazing individuals at Christianson & Company, but the board is involved in the necessary decisions and, being the guy who handles finance, I’m in on a lot of those decisions.
Personally, I think we’re putting together, say it with me, THE BEST SUMMIT EVER. I won’t be upset if you withhold judgement until things are actually delivered, but I’m sure I’m right.
I’ve been pushing forward on getting momentum in the Global Growth committee. Tons of help from Wendy Pastrick and Tim Ford has helped me establish what we’re going to be doing. I’ve posted the general goals before, but I’ll reiterate them quickly. We want to maintain the momentum we’ve established in LATAM and reinvigorate momentum in EMEA over the next 9 months or so. In addition to talking to individuals all over the world on this topic as I travel around for work, I’ve also organized and held several meetings with the Regional Mentors for their feedback. All this is an effort to understand what problems people are seeing locally, regardless of what country they are living in. I’ve collected enough information that I think I can write up some SMART goals and deliver them to the board and you in the next week or so.
I’m committed to seeing a global focus in this organization. I know the organization is also committed to having a global focus. We already are doing so much globally. We’re just going to get better and expand the areas where we can help.
A big part of this job entails meetings. Many meetings. There is just so much to discuss. And spreadsheets. Blech. However, that’s what I signed on for when I agreed to move to the Exec.
Don’t ever make the mistake of believing that joining the board won’t involve labor. It will. However, it’s extremely rewarding labor and I know that taking part has improved me as an individual. I’m very honored to be able to help out.
Oh, and make sure you vote in the PASS election. The polls close today. Tim Ford has a very good assessment of what makes a good Director for the board, as well as another call for you to get your votes in. It’s worth a read whether you’ve already voted or not.