How to Build an IT Career from the Ground Up with Kevin Apolinario (KevTech)

In this episode of the PowerShell Podcast, we bring you a special double feature! First, we sit down with Lucas Allman live from the PowerShell + DevOps Global Summit, where he shares his journey from podcast listener to conference presenter. Then, we chat with Bogdan Calapod live from PDQ HQ, a seasoned security expert and co-founder of Coda, who reflects on his path from hackathon projects to helping organizations secure their environments. Key topics in this episode include: Finding Your Place in the PowerShell Community – How Lucas went from listening to the PowerShell Podcast to presenting at Summit. Overcoming Stage Fright and Imposter Syndrome – Lucas’s experience giving his first lightning demo to a room full of PowerShell pros. The Power of Personal Growth and Knowledge Sharing – Building confidence, contributing to internal user groups, and advocating for automation. Building Security from the Ground Up – Bogdan’s journey from hackathon developer to security co-founder, including the creation of Coda. Simplifying Security for the Real World – Lessons learned from building tools to automate vulnerability detection and remediation. Staying Curious and Always Learning – Why continuous education, knowledge sharing, and community engagement are essential for long-term success. This episode captures the spirit of learning, teaching, and growth that defines the PowerShell community. Whether you’re a newcomer or a seasoned pro, this double feature has insights for everyone.   Links: Connect with Lucas Allman on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lucas-allman-407a1055/ Follow Bogdan on GitHub: https://github.com/bogdan-calapod Follow Andrew: https://andrewpla.tech/links Join PowerShell Wednesdays every Wednesday at 2 PM EST on discord.gg/pdq The PowerShell Podcast on YouTube: https://youtu.be/Jhxr2GB9-Mg 

In this episode of the PowerShell Podcast, we sit down with Joshua Dearing, aka Fortress, to explore his personal and professional growth through PowerShell, community engagement, and saying yes to new opportunities. Fresh off his first PowerShell Wednesday presentation, Joshua shares the story of how he overcame imposter syndrome, started his blog, and found confidence by getting involved in the PowerShell community. Key topics in this episode include: Joshua’s journey with PowerShell and the community What it was like presenting at PowerShell Wednesday for the first time Starting a blog using GitHub Pages, Jekyll, and PowerShell to sync with Obsidian Navigating imposter syndrome Building a culture of feedback and open communication in the workplace The impact of community, mentorship, and putting yourself out there Joshua also discusses the value of small wins, how to advocate for yourself professionally, and the importance of being visible, even when you automate away the work. From scripting with style using Spectre Console to leaning into vulnerability and reflection, this episode is a heartfelt conversation about growth, kindness, and collaboration. Join the conversation:   Bio and Links: Josh is a help desk technician turned PowerShell enthusiast who transformed his career through automation—and he’s on a mission to help others do the same. With a knack for simplifying software and device setups, he’s all about making tech more accessible for end-users while fostering strong connections in the community. Leveraging PDQ products to streamline deployments and management, he’s passionate about helping IT pros work smarter, not harder. Follow Joshua on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/joshuadearing/ Josh’s BlueSky: https://bsky.app/profile/dearing.dev Check out his blog on GitHub pages: https://www.dearing.dev/posts/Building-a-Website-with-GitHub-Pages/ PwshSpectreConsole https://github.com/ShaunLawrie/PwshSpectreConsole View more PowerShell videos, including PowerShell Wednesdays, on the PDQ Youtube:  https://www.youtube.com/@pdq Join PowerShell Wednesdays every Wednesday at 2 PM EST on https://discord.gg/pdq Andrew video about WinUIShell: https://youtu.be/-aDWww5SWOs Connect with Andrew on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/andrewplatech/ The PowerShell Podcast: https://pdq.com/the-powershell-podcast

In this very special episode of the PowerShell Podcast, we sit down with two legends of the PowerShell world: Jeffrey Snover, the inventor of PowerShell, and Don Jones, bestselling author, teacher, and longtime PowerShell community builder. Recorded live at the PowerShell + DevOps Global Summit, this conversation is packed with personal insights, impactful moments, and the kind of storytelling that only Snover and Jones can deliver.  Key topics in this episode include:  The origin stories of PowerShell and how Jeffrey and Don’s paths crossed at a pivotal moment.  The evolution of PowerShell as a scripting language, community, and ecosystem.  The importance of storytelling in tech, from teaching to team-building to leadership.  The shift from individual contributor to leader and how both hosts navigated that path with intention.  The power of community: real stories from users whose lives were changed by learning PowerShell.  Career advice for the next generation of IT professionals and community contributors.  Along the way, we hear hilarious stories from the early days of PowerShell development, honest reflections on growth and failure, and powerful reminders that vulnerability, repetition, and kindness are core to success in any career. Whether you're new to PowerShell or a long-time community member, this episode is a true masterclass in leadership, learning, and legacy.  Bio and links:  Jeffrey Snover is the inventor of PowerShell, Microsoft Technical Fellow, and a legendary figure in the IT and DevOps communities. With a background in distributed systems, Jeffrey led the development of PowerShell to revolutionize system management and automation on Windows. Known for his visionary leadership and storytelling, Jeffrey has played a pivotal role in shaping modern IT practices. His work continues to inspire technologists around the world to build, share, and lead with intention and clarity.  Don Jones is a bestselling author, speaker, educator, and one of the most influential figures in the PowerShell community. With decades of experience in IT, Don has written numerous foundational books on PowerShell, including Learn Windows PowerShell in a Month of Lunches. He co-founded the PowerShell + DevOps Global Summit and has mentored countless professionals through his teaching, writing, and leadership. Don is a passionate advocate for storytelling in tech, career development, and building inclusive communities that empower the next generation.  https://www.linkedin.com/in/jeffreysnover/  https://www.linkedin.com/in/concentrateddon/  https://www.linkedin.com/in/andrewplatech/  https://www.powershellsummit.org/  The PowerShell Podcast: https://pdq.com/the-powershell-podcast  The PowerShell Podcast on YouTube: https://youtu.be/ooyO8GsHVTs   

In this episode of the PowerShell Podcast, we bring you another Summit Sessions special recorded live at the PowerShell + DevOps Global Summit 2025! This episode is a celebration of first-time attendees, newcomers to the PowerShell community, and those discovering their voice in tech. Andrew Pla sits down with passionate IT professionals who share their personal stories of growth, connection, and finding purpose through PowerShell and community. Whether you're just starting your automation journey or you're looking to reconnect with your "why," this episode is packed with inspiration, encouragement, and honest reflections on what it means to grow in public, contribute meaningfully, and be part of something bigger. Guests in this episode include: Adam Rivera – An IT manager turned PowerShell enthusiast, Adam shares his Summit experience, the joy of hands-on learning, and why he wants to empower his users with automation. His journey from podcast listener to Summit participant shows the real impact of showing up and taking a chance on growth. Asmar Fontenot – First-time Summit attendee who speaks passionately about soft skills, mentorship, and embracing a "jack of all trades" background. Asmar reflects on his career, the power of face-to-face connection, and why helping others and being authentic are his driving forces in tech. https://www.linkedin.com/in/asmar-fontenot/ Luis Orta – A cloud systems engineer serving rural health clinics across the Pacific Northwest, Luis brings a powerful sense of mission and purpose to his work. He shares how PowerShell helps enable critical care for underserved communities, and how creativity, through music and code, fuels meaningful progress. https://www.linkedin.com/in/luisrorta/ Links: https://www.linkedin.com/in/andrewplatech/ The PowerShell Podcast: https://pdq.com/the-powershell-podcast  The PowerShell Podcast on YouTube: https://youtu.be/ChItOJcsf48  

In this episode of the PowerShell Podcast, we bring you a special edition live from the PowerShell + DevOps Global Summit 2025 — the Summit Sessions! This episode is packed with energy, community stories, and career inspiration as Andrew Pla chats with community leaders, organizers, and first-time contributors about what makes this event and the PowerShell community so special. Guests in this episode include: Missy Januszko – Longtime content director of the Summit reflects on her years of shaping the conference, what makes a great CFP (Call for Papers), and her decision to pass the torch to the next generation of leaders. Leslie Brendible– Steps up in a big way to help lead this year's Summit, sharing her background in event planning, her love for connecting people, and her thoughts on community and representation. https://www.linkedin.com/in/lesliebrendible/ Hailey Phillips – PowerShell MVP and champion of soft skills, vulnerability, and personal development in tech. Hailey dives into mentorship, therapy, imposter syndrome, and how modeling behavior can shape the culture of teams and communities. https://www.linkedin.com/in/hailey-phillips-b1744882/  The PowerShell Podcast on YouTube: https://youtu.be/87axet9zvyQ The PowerShell Podcast: https://pdq.com/the-powershell-podcast  

In this casual bar-session chat recorded at the PowerShell + DevOps Global Summit 2025, host Andrew Pla sits down with David R, a first-time attendee with a passion for learning PowerShell. David shares how the PowerShell Podcast itself inspired him to attend and helped shape his scripting journey. What began as a work assignment turned into a powerful learning path, community connection, and a personal transformation.

In this episode of the PowerShell Summit 2025 Bar Sessions, Frank Lesniak makes a triumphant return to the podcast. Frank has taken the reigns In this two-sided interview, Frank flips the script and interviews Andrew, but only after we talk about how his week is going, fine dining, how to grow in your career and capitalize on opportunity, the value of empowering others, and more!   Links: The PowerShell Podcast: https://pdq.com/the-powershell-podcast  The PowerShell Podcast on YouTube: https://youtu.be/HoYKzgiJxkk  

In this episode of the PowerShell Summit Bar Sessions we talk with Steven Judd. We talk about Summit, Sean Kearney Spirit award, community, career, and more! Steven Judd is a 25+ year IT Pro Links: Get more updates from Summit from LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/andrewplatech/ https://blog.stevenjudd.com/My-Content-List/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/stevenjudd/ https://www.powershellsummit.org/ https://mvp.stevenjudd.com https://mydemoswork.com https://store.stevenjudd.com  all proceeds go towards buying more swag to give away (he has a lot, trust me) PowerShell Podcast on YouTube: https://youtu.be/6WTIsOnT5PU The PowerShell Podcast: https://pdq.com/the-powershell-podcast   

In this episode of the PowerShell Podcast, we’re joined by the legendary Jeff Hicks, PowerShell educator, author, speaker, and community pillar. With decades of experience shaping the PowerShell landscape, Jeff returns to the podcast to share insights from his latest projects, discuss the evolution of the community, and offer wisdom for both new and experienced PowerShell users. From PowerShell Summit to writing foundational books and building up new contributors, Jeff continues to play a critical role in shaping the PowerShell ecosystem.   Key topics in this episode include: The human side of scripting – Writing PowerShell that is usable, flexible, and considerate of others' needs. Behind the PowerShell Pipeline – Jeff’s new LeanPub book exploring deeper PowerShell principles. Fundamental PowerShell commands – Get-Help, Get-Command, Get-Member, and why every PowerShell user should master them. How to troubleshoot PowerShell like a pro – Why starting simple, verbose logging, and clear design make all the difference. Reflections on PowerShell Summit – The importance of community, hallway conversations, and building the next wave of contributors. Teaching as a path to mastery – Why giving back through mentorship, writing, and speaking strengthens both your skills and the community. Jeff also shares his advice for nervous first-time speakers and attendees, and why being kind is one of the most impactful things you can do - both in and outside of tech.   Bio and Links:  Jeffery Hicks is an IT Pro veteran with 35 years of experience, much of it spent as an IT infrastructure professional specializing in Microsoft server technologies with an emphasis on automation and efficiency. He has been a Microsoft MVP since 2007 for his work in PowerShell.   Jeff is a respected and well-known author, teacher, and consultant. He has taught or presented PowerShell content and the benefits of automation to IT Pros worldwide since its inception. He has authored, co-authored, and edited several books, contributed to numerous online sites, and, back when it was still a thing, several print publications. Jeff is a Pluralsight author and a frequent speaker at technology conferences and user groups.  Check out all of Jeff's links and follow him here: https://jdhitsolutions.github.io/  Check out his book Behind the PowerShell Pipeline on LeanPub: https://leanpub.com/behind-the-pspipeline  Join PowerShell Wednesdays at 2 PM EST on discord.gg/pdq  Connect with Andrew on LinkedIn and share your PowerShell story: https://www.linkedin.com/in/andrewplatech/  The PowerShell Podcast: https://pdq.com/the-powershell-podcast The PowerShell Podcast on YouTube: https://youtu.be/cdtxSI8Tq3E

In this episode of the PowerShell Podcast, we reconnect with Jess Pomfret, a PowerShell and SQL Server powerhouse, LinkedIn Learning instructor, and community advocate. From her early days in England to becoming a respected speaker and consultant, Jess shares her journey into tech, her passion for automation, and the importance of mentorship, curiosity, and community. Key topics in this episode include: Jess’s transition from footballer to DBA – How a soccer scholarship led her to a tech career in the U.S. The power of PowerShell and DBA Tools – How Jess leverages PowerShell to automate SQL Server tasks and save time. Finding a community in SQL and PowerShell – Jess reflects on how welcoming both communities are and the impact they’ve had on her career. Career growth through speaking and mentoring – Encouraging others to speak, contribute, and grow through conferences and collaboration. Working with Data Masterminds – The benefits of working in a high-level consulting team and tips for managing multiple clients and context switching. LinkedIn Learning and teaching at scale – Behind the scenes of her professional training content and what it’s like filming for LinkedIn Learning. Jess also shares her favorite DBA Tools command, productivity tips for conferences, and the story behind her podcast Finding Data Friends, which highlights voices in the data world.   Bio and links: Jess Pomfret is a Data Platform Engineer and a Dual Microsoft MVP. She started working with SQL Server in 2011, and enjoys the problem-solving aspects of automating processes with PowerShell. She also enjoys contributing to dbatools and dbachecks, two open source PowerShell modules that aid DBAs with automating the management of SQL Server instances. She has also contributed to the SqlServerDsc module, adding several new resources to use when configuring your SQL Servers. She grew up in the South West of England and outside of her DBA life enjoys Crossfit, cycling and watching proper football.  Connect with Jess on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jpomfret and Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/jpomfret.co.uk Watch Finding Data Friends on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@findingdatafriends/videos Check out her LinkedIn Learning courses: https://www.linkedin.com/learning/instructors/jess-pomfret Explore DBA Tools at dbatools.io Join PowerShell Wednesdays at 2 PM EST on https://discord.gg/pdq The PowerShell Podcast: https://pdq.com/the-powershell-podcast The PowerShell Podcast on YouTube: https://youtu.be/L4zABO526bM