Awarded for a 3rd year as a Microsoft MVP (Thank you!)

On July 1st I had the great pleasure of being awarded for a third year as a Microsoft Most Valuable Professional (MVP). It is truly a great honor to be awarded for another year.

I want to give a special shout-out to everyone who supports this blog. Your comments, your follows, your likes and your shares–they have all got me to this point. Thank you.

I would like to offer special thanks to my family, friends, colleagues, and employer. Thank you for your continued support and for challenging me to the best I can be.

For me, the MVP program grants two fantastic benefits.

The first is being able to interact directly with the Microsoft product groups. Not only does this allow early access to new features but it also provides a forum for feedback and feature requests. As an MVP you get to help shape Microsoft products and services.

The second benefit is being able to collaborate with MVPs from all across the globe. I have had the great pleasure of becoming friends with MVPs from many different countries and cultures. It is truly an amazing experience and its always a pleasure to catch up with them at the MVP Global Summit.

Gareth at Microsoft's Redmond Campus during the 2018 Global MVP Summit — Gareth at Microsoft’s Redmond Campus during the 2018 Global MVP Summit

What is an MVP?

If you are completely new to what an MVP is, I would recommend checking out mvp.microsoft.com and this video by Lisa Anderson.

In addition, to quote Microsoft:

Microsoft Most Valuable Professionals, or MVPs, are technology experts who passionately share their knowledge with the community.

They are always on the “bleeding edge” and have an unstoppable urge to get their hands on new, exciting technologies. They have very deep knowledge of Microsoft products and services, while also being able to bring together diverse platforms, products, and solutions, to solve real-world problems.

MVPs make up a global community of over 4,000 technical experts and community leaders across 90 countries and are driven by their passion, community spirit, and the quest for knowledge.

Above all and in addition to their amazing technical abilities, MVPs are always willing to help others – that’s what sets them apart.Microsoft

If you would like to nominate someone for the MVP award, including yourself, check this link. You can find my MVP profile here.

Changes to the MVP program

In prior years MVPs were awarded and renewed on a quarterly cycle. However, this year was different. Microsoft has reorganized the program so all MVPs are renewed in July. This meant July 1st was renewal day for everyone. I was originally a July awardee so my renewal has always come up on July 1st. It was definitely an anxious day with fingers crossed, to say the least.

That said, I want to congratulate all MVPs who were awarded and renewed today. Your contributions and commitment to helping others are inspirational. If you were not awarded or renewed then keep trying. MVPs are now being awarded on a monthly basis. So, there are 12 opportunities to become an MVP versus 4.

For a break down of MVPs by skillset or country check out this post by Michel de Rooij.