Last Updated on March 15, 2024 by Michael Morten Sonne
Intoduction
🎉 I am so thrilled to share a exciting news after long time! 🎉
I have been awarded the Microsoft Most Valuable Professional (MVP) in the category of Security and the categories Cloud Security and Identity and Access in febuary 2024. This recognition is a testament to the dedication and passion I have invested in the area – in the community and here on my blog you are right now! 😉😎
Today, as I opened my inbox, a wave of excitement surged through me. There it was, the email I had been eagerly waiting for – the announcement of my MVP Award. In that moment, all the late nights, countless hours, and unwavering dedication poured into the community felt validated. Join me on this journey as I reflect on the joy and fulfillment that comes with being recognized for my contributions.
In this small blog post, I want to express my gratitude, reflect on the journey that led to this honor, and outline my commitment to still support, help and create to the community! – I could not without you! 😍🤘
You can lookup my name on https://mvp.microsoft.com/en-US/search?target=Profile&program=MVP – it´s so crazy to be on that page together with my fellow MVP´s in Denmark and the rest of the world!
As of today – there on only 7 in this categories in Denmark:
What is the Microsoft MVP Award
For more than two decades, the Microsoft MVP Award is Microsoft´s way of saying “Thanks!” to outstanding community leaders. The contributions MVPs make to the community, ranging from speaking engagements, to social media posts, to writing books, to helping others in online communities, have incredible impact. Key benefits to MVPs include early access to Microsoft products, direct communication channels with our product teams and an invitation to the Global MVP Summit, an exclusive annual event hosted in our global HQ in Redmond. They also have a very close relationship with the local Microsoft teams in their area, who are there to support and empower MVPs to address needs and opportunities in the local ecosystem. Other benefits include an executive recognition letter, badges and stuff send to you, a Visual Studio technical subscription, and an Office 365 subscription, Azure credits and a lot of other I can´t share.
How to become an Microsoft MVP
There are 3 very simple steps: Be an expert, do lots of what you love, and let us know! Really, there isn’t a long checklist of things you need to do to become an MVP. The best MVPs really excel in step #2: they LOVE what they do. And we can tell! Whether you’re a recognized speaker, a technical content creator, technical community leader, recognized advocate on social media, a consistent GitHub contributor or have a totally different and cool way to share your passion for our products and services, we’d love to know more! Visit the Overview page to learn more about what do MVPs do.
(Credit: Microsoft)
Gratitude and the acknowledgments
First and foremost, I would like to express my deepest gratitude to Microsoft for giveing me the MVP award in Security! – I´m still in chok! 😆
This acknowledgment not only humbles me but also serves as a motivation to further contribute to the community and the realm of cybersecurity.
Thanks to the incredible individuals who have supported me throughout this journey, including friends at Microsoft, mentors, friends and fellow cybersecurity enthusiasts! 🤝
My journey to become a Microsoft MVP
My journey has been a dynamic and challenging one – and it takes time also – remember that! 😉
From early on, I love what I do – and many see it in my eyes – over the years, I have actively participated in community forums, contributed to open-source projects, and shared my knowledge through blogs etc. here on my own blog.
Receiving the Microsoft MVP award is a recognition of the collaborative effort within the community. It is a validation of the hours spent researching, testing, and sharing insights to enhance the overall security posture of digital environments. This award serves as a reminder that continuous learning and community engagement are pivotal in staying at the forefront of the ever-evolving landscape of cyber threats.
Just remember: Do what you love, be like you are and just continue!
While I am incredibly honored to receive the Microsoft MVP award in Security, it’s important to note that some of my contributions and engagement with etc. Microsoft goes beyond what is visible to the public eye. As a proud member of the Microsoft Customer Connection Program (in the top of the year of 2023 – see more about that here: Feed – LinkedIn), I have the privilege of being involved in confidential stuff under non-disclosure agreements (NDAs), providing me with exclusive insights into the future developments and features that shape the technologies we use today. We need to help eatch other to stay secure! 🔐
Participating in the Microsoft Customer Connection Program has also been an enriching experience, allowing me to engage closely with the development teams at Microsoft and make a lot of new friends also. The program has provided me with a unique point, enabling me to witness firsthand the innovative processes and methodologies employed by Microsoft in crafting the next generation of solutions.
Collaborating under NDA has fostered an environment of trust and confidentiality, encouraging open discussions and feedback that directly impact the direction of Microsoft’s products and services.
While I am unable to disclose any specific details due to the confidential nature of the program, I want to express my gratitude for the trust placed in me as a member of the Microsoft Customer Connection Program. The experiences gained through this collaboration have undoubtedly played a significant role in shaping my expertise and contributing to my recognition as a Microsoft MVP in Security.
The synergy between my involvement in the Microsoft Customer Connection Program and the Microsoft MVP award reinforces my dedication to advancing the field of security and staying at the forefront of technological advancements 😎🤘
If you will learn more about the Microsoft Customer Connection Program, take a look here and read more: https://aka.ms/JoinCCP
Commitment to continue
While this award is an incredible milestone, it also brings a heightened sense of responsibility. I am committed to leveraging this community and to amplify cybersecurity awareness, share best practices, and contribute to the collective efforts in making the digital world a safer place.
Moving forward, I pledge to continue engaging with the community, collaborating on projects, and staying abreast of emerging security trends. By fostering an environment of knowledge-sharing and collaboration, we can collectively address the challenges posed by cybersecurity threats and work towards creating a more secure online ecosystem.
Will you also? – do what you love and let other know! 😎
Conclusion
Receiving the Microsoft MVP award in Security is an immense honor, and I am grateful for the recognition of my contributions to the community. This accolade is not just a personal achievement but a celebration of the collaborative spirit that defines the landscape. As I reflect on this milestone, I am energized and inspired to continue my journey, contributing to the field of security, and making a positive impact on the digital world we all share in the best way I will and can!
Being part of the Microsoft MVP and Microsoft Customer Connection Program feels like having a second job that pays in secrets and insights instead of dollars.
My family still thinks I’m just a professional nerd 😆 When I told them about the time commitment, they said, ‘Sure, as long as you’re not secretly building a tech fortress in the basement!’ Note to self: always get the home approval first before signing up for a second life as a digital superhero 😂
Thank you for taking the time to visit my blog. Kindly share it with others if you find it helpful for them! 😉🔐👍
Stay tuned for the new post about something cool! 🥳
References
MVP Communities (microsoft.com)
MVP Communities – Overview (microsoft.com)
