The Microsoft Ignite tour rolls into Sydney this week.

Not only am I fortunate to attend, but like in Orlando in 2018, I am going to be sharing the stage not once, but twice with the Chief Ninja Cat herself – Dona Sarkar.

Both sessions are scheduled for Thursday, are back to back, and in the last two time slots of the conference.  I’m expecting some epic movement between rooms, not to mention some fast footwork as my flight home to New Zealand leaves not long after.

The first session is an important one for me.  Along with Dona, two Australian friends Mark Szili and Jess Dodson will also be up on stage sharing their insights.  The talk is on the #DiversityandTech stream championed by the amazing Shona Chee.   It is called HyperFocus on Microsoft Insider Programs: an ADHDers spin on doing side hustles to learn new things.

I was asked by Mark if I would like to contribute, and as the Father of a child with the Asperger’s superpower, I immediately accepted.

Microsoft’s investment in championing #DiversityandTech is a very powerful statement to me, a father of two amazingly diverse kids.  Knowing that a child with Asperger’s and a child who is transgender can be safe and happy to be who they are because of companies like Microsoft and its leader – Satya Nadella – is very reassuring.

The second session I’m speaking at has the word superpower in it, but this time rather than talking about my kids’ superpowers, I get to talk about my own… The Windows Insider for Business program.

It will come as no surprise to people who know me, how passionate I am about this program and the positive effects it has had on me and my organisation.

If you’re going to the event, check out the following sessions here

BRK1209 – HyperFocus on Microsoft Insider Programs: an ADHDers spin on doing side hustles to learn new things

BRK3458 – Why the Microsoft Insider Programs are your secret superpower

It’s a super early start tomorrow (03:30 anyone?), but hey, I can get a three-hour nap on the plane.

Looking forward to catching up with many old friends and making new ones too.

P.