On Retiring from the Microsoft MVP Program

Over the past three years, I have had the immense privilege to be considered a Microsoft MVP for the Data Platform. With the next re-award cycle approaching, I’ve made the difficult decision to retire from the MVP program.

The MVP award opens many doors and is meant to recognize each MVP’s unique contributions to their technical community. There is no guarantee of being awarded again, so it has truly been uplifting to receive it multiple times. I’m grateful to Microsoft for the chance to represent them as an MVP.

As part of the re-award cycle from March 31 to July 1, the regional Microsoft CPMs evaluate the past year’s worth of contributions for each MVP in their region. Retiring saves my CPM and others involved at Microsoft the effort it would otherwise take to weigh a candidate during that process.

Why Retire?

As a father to a bevy of young children, I’ve made the decision to reallocate much of the time that I would have otherwise spent on MVP activities back to my family. My eldest daughter is now nine, and all the kids are aging faster than I had ever imagined. Being as present as possible for them during the day and evening as well as helping them succeed and grow will be the most rewarding work that I can perform over the next few years.

I’ve enjoyed so much about the Microsoft MVP program these past three years, and I plan to continue many of my core community contributions. Blogging, occasionally speaking, and social contributions will not cease. I’ll simply balance them intentionally alongside family and my work at BlueGranite.

MVP-specific activities are very rewarding but also consume time. The MVP recognition comes with many great opportunities and extra benefits. It’s difficult to freely give up events like MVP Summit, Product Group Interactions, reviewing emails from the MVP distribution lists, evaluating new features, and more. Each MVP activity has a trade-off of personal time though.

Recognition and Thanks

I’d like to thank everyone with whom I’ve interacted at Microsoft through the MVP program, the Power BI product team, Amir Netz, Charles Sterling, Kelly Kaye, my CPM Betsy Weber, all the Power BI MVPs, Matt Mace and Erik Roll at BlueGranite, Meagan Longoria and Rui Quintino for nominating me for my initial award, and the Power BI community at large.

Finally, there is no single path or explicitly published criteria for becoming an MVP (or remaining one). I’ve nominated people over the past few years, some of whom have been awarded and others I still hope to see join the MVP ranks. The Data Platform and Power BI are fulfilling to work with on a daily basis, and the products are only getting stronger. I would encourage anyone reading this to contribute when you can in whatever way you can to building Microsoft communities. You never know when someone might notice, and you may get your own chance to be a Microsoft MVP like I did.