DevOps Paradox

DOP 241: From Restaurant Server to KubeCon Keynote in Under 4 Years

Dec 13, 2023

Whitney Lee went from being a server in a vegetarian restaurant to speaking twice at KubeCon conferences in just over 4 years. In this podcast, she shares her unconventional journey and highlights that you don't need a CS degree to excel in tech. They also discuss the importance of soft skills, the process of landing a keynote at KubeCon, and their future plans and learning direction.

46:53

Creator website

Episode guests

Whitney Lee

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Episode notes

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Quick takeaways

Consistent learning and a strong work ethic are key to achieving success in tech, regardless of a CS degree.

Adopting a routine-driven approach, continuously asking questions, and explaining concepts clearly contribute to effective learning and growth in tech.

Deep dives

From Server to Six-Figure Salary

The podcast episode features a guest who shares their journey from being a server at a vegetarian cafe to working at IBM and earning a six-figure salary in less than a year. The guest discusses feeling insecure and behind compared to their experienced colleagues, but also highlights the importance of consistent learning and a strong work ethic. They talk about their deliberate study technique, using flashcards and spaced repetition to retain information. The guest also mentions their experience in making educational videos for IBM, their involvement in the CNCF, and their plans to write a book.

Introduction

2min

Whitney's Unconventional Career Journey

11min

Developing Soft Skills through Wedding Photography and Service Industry

3min

Earning and Delivering Keynotes at KubeCon

6min

Future Plans, Learning Direction, and 'You Choose'

23min

Casual Conversation and Thanking a Guest

2min

#241: On today's episode, we go in depth with one of our friends, Whitney Lee. You may know her from her Enlightening series on Tanzu.TV or maybe from the You Choose videos she does with Viktor.

But did you know just over 4 years ago, she was a server in a vegetarian restaurant and since that time she's spoken five times at KubeCon conferences - 2 of which were keynotes?

What'll you'll learn is that just because you don't have a CS degree doesn't mean that you can't do great things in tech.

Whitney's contact information:

Twitter: https://twitter.com/wiggitywhitney

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/whitneylee/

YouTube channel:

https://youtube.com/devopsparadox

Books and Courses:

Catalog, Patterns, And Blueprints

https://www.devopstoolkitseries.com/posts/catalog/

Review the podcast on Apple Podcasts:

https://www.devopsparadox.com/review-podcast/

Slack: