Both Sides of the Desk: Burnout (The Engineer's Perspective)
The first in a new series examining critical issues from both engineer and manager perspectives. This post explores burnout from the network engineer's viewpoint - the relentless pursuit of the next certification, work overload, organizational chaos, and the exhausting disconnect between technical reality and management expectations.
What I Look for When Hiring Network Engineers: Beyond the Resume
A hiring manager's honest perspective on what really matters when evaluating network engineering candidates - from resume screening to technical validation. Learn how to stand out in the hiring process and avoid the common disconnect between interview performance and actual technical capability.
5 Things I Wish I Knew Before Becoming a Network Engineering Manager
Real talk from a new network engineering manager about the unexpected challenges, hard lessons, and things nobody tells you before you take on your first management role. If you're considering management or just started, these insights might save you some painful learning experiences.
AI for Network Managers: Leading Teams in the Age of Intelligent Automation
As AI tools become mainstream, network managers must navigate the opportunities and challenges of integrating artificial intelligence into their teams' workflows. This guide explores practical AI applications for network engineering teams, implementation strategies, and how to address concerns while maximizing benefits.
Leading Remote Network Engineering Teams: Why Location Shouldn't Matter in 2025
As businesses push for return-to-office mandates, network engineering remains one of the most location-independent technical disciplines. This post explores why network engineers can work effectively from anywhere, how to lead distributed technical teams, and why smart organizations are embracing remote-first approaches for technical talent.
Managing Up as a Technical Manager: Getting What Your Team Needs
As a technical manager, your success depends not just on managing your team downward, but on effectively managing up to secure resources, remove obstacles, and shield your team from organizational politics. This guide covers practical strategies for advocating upward and getting what your team needs to succeed.
Making the Business Case for Network Modernization: Winning Hearts, Minds, and Budgets
Building a compelling business case for network modernization requires more than technical arguments. This guide explores how to communicate network upgrade needs to business leadership, especially in traditional industries that historically under invest in IT, while addressing the critical challenge of having the right technical talent to execute successfully.
Building High-Performing Network Engineering Teams: Beyond Technical Skills
Creating a high-performing network engineering team requires more than hiring skilled technicians. This comprehensive guide covers hiring strategies, team dynamics, skill development, and the cultural elements that separate good network teams from exceptional ones
The Technical Manager's Dilemma: Staying Current While Leading People
The struggle is real for technical managers trying to maintain their technical edge while effectively leading people. This post explores why trying to be both the top technical expert and the manager usually leads to failure at both, and provides practical strategies for finding the right balance.
Implementing Cisco SD-WAN and Palo Alto Prisma SASE Together: A Real-World Implementation Guide
A comprehensive guide to implementing Cisco SD-WAN alongside Palo Alto Prisma SASE for a mid-sized organization. This practical walkthrough covers integration strategies, implementation phases, common challenges, and lessons learned from deploying both technologies together in a 75-office environment.
From Network Engineer to Network Engineering Manager: A First-Timer's Guide
Making the leap from individual contributor to manager is both exciting and nerve-wracking. Here's what to expect in your first management role, essential traits for success, common pitfalls to avoid, and practical advice for leading a network engineering team while maintaining your technical credibility.
AI/ML for Network Management: Beyond the Hype to Practical Implementations
This comprehensive guide explores practical applications of AI and ML in network management, moving beyond vendor marketing to examine real implementations, measurable benefits, and actionable strategies for network engineers looking to leverage these technologies effectively.
Cisco Live 2025 San Diego: Technical Deep Dives, Tacos, and The Killers
Just got back from Cisco Live 2025 in San Diego, and wow - what a week! Between converting DMVPN to SD-WAN, failing spectacularly at my CCNP attempt, and jamming out to The Killers at Petco Park, this conference delivered on every level. Here's the full breakdown of five days of networking (both kinds), learning, and way too much good food.
The Traditional Divide: Why Network Engineering and DevOps Often Exist in Separate Worlds
In this article, we explores the convergence of traditional network engineering with modern DevOps methodologies, providing practical strategies for organizations to break down silos and create more agile, reliable network infrastructure through automation, collaboration, and shared tooling.
My Journey as a Network Engineer: Lessons Learned, Milestones Reached, and Advice for the Next Generation
My passion for technology sparked in childhood, inspired by watching my dad tinker with computers at our dining room table. From early days spent chatting on AIM to mastering Cisco networking, my career as a network engineer has been shaped by curiosity, perseverance, and invaluable mentorship. Achieving certifications like the CCNA and CCNP opened doors and accelerated my growth, ultimately leading me to leadership roles and expertise in enterprise environments. Reflecting on nearly two decades in the industry, I've learned that continuous learning, mastering the basics, and staying adaptable are key to long-term success
Understanding Network-as-a-Service (NaaS): The Future of Enterprise Networking
Learn how Network-as-a-Service (NaaS) is transforming enterprise networking with increased scalability, security, and cost efficiency. Explore real-world use cases and adoption considerations.
Google's Notebook LM: A New Frontier for AI-Enhanced Note-Taking
Discover how Google’s Notebook LM is revolutionizing AI-enhanced note-taking. Learn about its features, practical use cases, and how it transforms workflows for busy professionals.
Implementing Cisco SD-WAN in Global Enterprises: Strategies, Best Practices, and Benefits
Unlock the full potential of your global enterprise network with Cisco SD-WAN. In this blog, we dive deep into technical deployment strategies and best practices for optimizing WAN performance, integrating cloud services, and ensuring robust security. Discover how Cisco SD-WAN's advanced features—from zero-touch provisioning and multi-region fabric designs to application-aware routing—can transform your network into a highly agile, cost-effective, and secure digital foundation. Join us as we explore the technical details and executive benefits that empower businesses to thrive in today’s dynamic, globally connected landscape.
Securing AI Traffic in Enterprise Environments: A Modern Network Security Approach
Discover strategic approaches to secure AI traffic in enterprise environments. Learn how to protect sensitive data, prevent adversarial attacks, and ensure robust network security with modern tools and best practices.
Burned Out and Betrayed: Lessons from My Toxic MSP Experience
Read about my personal journey with a toxic MSP, where unmet promises led to burnout and betrayal. Discover lessons on role clarity, workplace transparency, and prioritizing well-being in your network engineering career.