Retrospective 2023: Between Conferences, Cloud Certifications, and Recognitions
The year 2023 has been a dense chapter in my career as a Cloud and API architect, marked by challenges and accomplishments that fuel the drive to move forward. Throughout these twelve months, I delved into innovative projects with my clients, actively participated in international conferences and local events, and solidified my skills to consistently stay at the forefront of innovation.
One of the most enriching experiences was my participation in conferences I highly regarded, providing opportunities for exchange and sharing with other experts. Concurrently, I obtained several Google Cloud certifications, enhancing my proficiency in Google Cloud Platform.
However, what stands out from this eventful year is the recognition from Google, with the awarding of the title of Google Developer Expert for my contribution to the Google ecosystem. Being recognized as a “Partner All Stars” underscores my commitment as a technological partner, something that held particular importance to me.
Here is a sharing of my experience feedback.
Training
In parallel to my projects as a GCP Cloud architect or API architect, I wanted to maintain my role as a trainer in Google Cloud technologies. With 13 training sessions, I was able to enlighten 215 participants. I recommend everyone to experience this unique opportunity.
Another significant moment was the trust the Apigee Europe team gave to conduct Apigee training for Google partners. This opportunity not only helped me strengthen my training skills but also solidified my position as a trusted expert in the Google Cloud ecosystem.
Speaker & Event Participation
The year 2023 was marked by numerous on-stage engagements, but more importantly, by exciting exchanges and encounters, forming essential chapters for advancing in one’s professional journey.
Google Cloud Onboard, March 13, 2023
Participating in an onboarding day session on Google Cloud with the SFEIR Institute team for around a hundred participants eager to explore the power of Google Cloud through its various services and products.
Google Office, April 18, 2023
Co-deliver session with Simon Lebrun and Christophe Lalevée from Google, focusing on automation and API governance when using Apigee. This was followed by a feedback session (REX) from three prestigious French clients: Carrefour, L’Oréal, and Veolia.
Participation à Google Next’23
2023 was marked by the return to in-person organization of Google Next. I had the opportunity to attend Google Next with colleagues from SFEIR.
It was especially an opportunity to meet the Googlers with whom I have been working for months or even years without having had the chance to meet them in person!
It was also a joy to celebrate with the SFEIR team upon the announcement of being awarded Partner of the Year.
GDG Cloud Paris, September 14th
S3NS, Apigee, and Event-Driven/Serverless Architecture Use Case on GCP organized by GDG Cloud Paris.
Talk Title: Apigee Deep Dive and Common Pitfalls to Avoid During Apigee Installation.
DevFest Mons, October 5, 2023
I had the opportunity to speak at DevFest Mons in Belgium to present a talk on the various choices and solutions offered by Google Cloud for exposing APIs.
Talk Title: Which Google Cloud Service Should You Choose to Expose Your APIs?
APIGEE Summit, October 24, 2024
Google Apigee continues to place its trust in SFEIR as a reliable partner, especially on topics requiring sharp expertise and impeccable know-how. With SFEIR, I was actively involved in the Apigee Summit held at the Google office.
This meeting was an opportunity to meet in person Googlers I collaborate with almost daily, as well as former colleagues and customers with whom I share fond memories of projects we worked on together.
ApiDays, 6–8 December ’23
During the 2023 edition of Apidays, I had the privilege and merit to present two talks: one solo and another in collaboration with Matt Feigal from Google, covering two distinct themes:
- Safely Improve Your API “Design to Run” Cycles with AI Tools with Matt Feigal
- Demystifying OAuth2 and OIDC
Articles
Another way to share expertise is by writing articles. This year, I took the initiative to share my knowledge by writing several articles. Most of my articles are available on Medium:
- Article on “Application Integration” the new iPass service from Google CloudArticle on different ways to use service accounts https://medium.com/google-cloud/application-integration-the-new-google-cloud-product-all-you-need-to-know-to-start-using-it-a025313780cc
- Article on different ways to use service accounts https://medium.com/google-cloud/how-to-call-google-api-using-a-service-account-69e6231d959a
- Article on different ways to set up a CI/CD pipeline around Apigee https://medium.com/google-cloud/set-up-cicd-pipelines-for-apigee-proxies-and-configuration-the-complete-story-bd6f1f156589
Certifications
During this year, I managed to expand my GCP certifications, focusing particularly on infrastructure, bringing the total to 7 valid certificates on Google Cloud Platform. The certifications obtained this year are as follows:
Recognitions and Achievements
Google Developer Expert
After a significant journey, the time for recognition has arrived. One of the most beautiful messages received in recent months. All the efforts deployed to extend my influence beyond client interventions and my availability to the community have finally paid off.
I applied for the title of GDE (Google Developer Expert), a significant recognition from Google
A GDE is a person who, although not employed by Google, is distinguished for expertise in a specific Google technology. Google selects GDEs based on their experience, skills, and notable contributions to the community. This is a significant milestone that reflects the ongoing commitment to excellence and knowledge sharing in the technology field.
Google Cloud 2023 All Stars Partner in Solution Engineering
A few days before the end of the year, another recognition was bestowed by Google by designating me as the partner of the year. This distinction stems from my various interventions with Google clients, as well as the support provided to Googlers in the context of complex client situations. It is a meaningful recognition that highlights sustained commitment and contribution in the professional field throughout the past year.
