As I enter my 9th year as a Nutanix Technical Champion (NTC), I find myself reflecting on what makes this program truly exceptional. Over the years, I’ve had the privilege of being part of a group that isn’t just about technical expertise—it’s about fostering collaboration, growth, and innovation between Nutanix, its employees, and the NTCs.
After all this time, one thing is abundantly clear: this is a program I’m deeply passionate about. It’s not just a badge or a title—it’s a cornerstone of my professional journey, and I am thankful every year for the opportunity that eGroup Enabling Technologies has given me to be in this position, and for Nutanix for the honor of participating.
I’m also incredibly proud to collaborate with my peer at eGroup Enabling Technologies, Dave Strum, who has joined me for another year in the program. Dave’s insights and expertise have been invaluable, and I’m thrilled to continue learning and growing alongside him as part of this amazing community, as well as our lunch trips.
And, of course, here’s hoping that next year, at this time, I’ll have the opportunity to write another post—celebrating a milestone 10 years as an NTC!
Collaboration at Its Core
One of the things I value most about the NTC program is how Nutanix actively cultivates partnerships between NTCs and Nutanix employees. This isn’t a passive, one-sided interaction; it’s a dynamic relationship built on enablement and content collaboration.
Programs like the Nutanix Community Podcast and Champions Tech Talk, spearheaded by the amazing Angelo Luciani, exemplify this collaboration. These platforms not only allow NTCs to showcase their talents but also create opportunities to work directly with the Nutanix team. Whether it’s sharing insights, presenting innovative ideas, or learning from each other, these sessions embody what makes the NTC program unique.
Looking Forward to 2025
What excites me most about 2025? It’s the same thing that’s driven my passion for the program over the last nine years: collaboration and evangelism.
• Collaboration: Continuing to work with Nutanix and peers to push boundaries, share knowledge, and inspire innovation. There’s something incredibly rewarding about being part of a community that’s driving real change in the IT landscape.
• Evangelism: I look forward to championing Nutanix not just as a platform but as a cornerstone for organizations embarking on their digital transformation journeys. Nutanix isn’t just infrastructure—it’s the foundation that enables agility, resilience, and growth.
Why the NTC Program Stands Out
After nearly a decade, it’s clear to me why the Nutanix Technical Champions program is a cut above the rest:
• Enablement: Nutanix empowers its champions with the tools, resources, and platforms to succeed, with private briefings on upcoming products, and as we saw a few months ago, flying all NTC’s out to San Jose for an immersive deep dive at Nutanix HQ.
• Community: The program is a thriving ecosystem of like-minded professionals who inspire and challenge each other.
• Opportunities: From podcasts to webinars, NTCs have countless chances to shine and contribute to the broader Nutanix vision.
How to Become a Nutanix Technical Champion
If you’ve been reading this and are intrigued by the NTC program, you might be wondering, “How do I join?” The good news is that becoming an NTC is an achievable goal for anyone passionate about Nutanix and eager to contribute to the community.
What Does It Take to Be an NTC?
Here are some key qualities that Nutanix looks for in its Technical Champions:
• Community Engagement: Are you active in IT communities, sharing knowledge, and helping others? Nutanix values those who give back.
• Technical Expertise: While deep knowledge of Nutanix is important, so is your ability to solve problems and innovate in the hybrid cloud space.
• Evangelism: Are you advocating for Nutanix, whether through blogs, presentations, or conversations with peers?
• Collaboration: The program thrives on teamwork and shared learning, so your ability to work with others is critical.
The Application Process
The NTC application period typically opens in October, giving you time to prepare. The application involves highlighting your contributions to the Nutanix ecosystem and the broader IT community. This could include:
• Blog posts or technical content you’ve created
• Participation in Nutanix Community forums or events
• Presentations or workshops you’ve delivered
A Personal Invitation to Connect
If you’re interested in becoming an NTC, I’d be happy to mentor and guide you through the process. Whether it’s refining your application, brainstorming ways to showcase your contributions, or simply sharing tips, I’m here to help.
The NTC program is an incredible opportunity to grow, collaborate, and make a real impact in the IT industry. If you’re passionate about Nutanix and ready to take your career to the next level, this is your chance.
To my fellow NTCs, here’s to another incredible year of collaboration and growth. And to anyone considering applying for the NTC program, I can confidently say it’s more than just a title—it’s an opportunity to grow, lead, and make an impact.
Feel free to reach out—I’d love to help you embark on this exciting journey. Together, let’s make 2025 the year you join the ranks of Nutanix Technical Champions!