Tips-Tools

Technical tips and utilties that I found useful.

Guest on Code To Cloud Podcast – AI, Cloud, Career Resilience, and Farming

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I’m excited to share that I recently sat down again with former colleuage at Microsoft Kevin Evans on the “Code to Cloud” podcast for a conversation titled “AI, Cloud, and Career Resilience.” It has been a couple of years since I was on as a guest on his podcast. This discussion was super fun and goes all over the place from personal finance (Dave Ramsey we are coming for the top spot!), leaving tech to farm, to the recent layoffs at Microsoft, what AI means for all of us, and more.

You can listen on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or watch the full episode on YouTube.

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/episode/1jMf7mRZNxew6trsWt8e96

Apple Podcasts link: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/ai-cloud-and-career-resilience-with-steve-buchanan/id1788423999?i=1000729123487

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vmo7MdmGj-s

In this post, I wanted to share some of the highlights, key takeaways, and a few behind-the-scenes thoughts from recording.

On the podcast, Kevin and I dug into several topics, especially in today’s rapidly evolving tech landscape. Some of the themes we touched on are:

Leadership & owning your narrative
I shared lessons I’ve learned in leadership like how to set vision, how to manage through change, and how leaders can help their teams navigate ambiguity.
We also talked about taking control of your narrative rather than letting circumstances or others define it for you.

My journey in tech
We walked through my career path over the years. The ups, the challenges, the moments of uncertainty. And I shared about recently being laid off from Microsoft, pivoting roles, and how those moments shaped and continue to shape my approach to owning my career.

Career resilience and mindset
One of the things I emphasized is that resilience is not just bouncing back, it’s proactively preparing, adapting, and taking charge of your trajectory. We talked about strategies to stay relevant: continuous learning, building a network, personal branding, and leaning into uncertainty instead of resisting it.

AI + Cloud: Opportunities and disruption
We explored how AI is weaving into cloud-native infrastructure and application stacks, and what that means for technologists.
We also addressed how to stay grounded amidst hype and understanding what’s real, what’s emerging, and how to plug into it in a practical, impactful way.

Key Takeaways and Advice for You

If you are reading this, here are a few of the ideas I hope will stick with you:

Do not wait for perfect context. The ideal job or environment might not exist yet. Instead, start shaping it yourself. Build the skills, forge relationships, and create momentum where you are.

Be purposeful in how you show up. Your personal brand is not about vanity. It is a vector for opportunities, trust, and alignment. Share your journey, your thinking, your work, even when it feels vulnerable.

Stay curious with humility. In fields like AI and cloud, change is constant. Curiosity keeps you relevant and humility keeps you open to learning when you do not know the answer.

Focus on bridges, not walls. Whether you are navigating careers, organization changes, or technical disruption, build bridges between peers, between domains, and across teams. Avoid insulating yourself.

Your resilience is in your habits. It is not just how you react in a crisis. It is how you cultivate consistency, reflection, incremental growth, and adaptability.

Behind the Mic; A Few Reflections

Recording with Kevin is always fun. His questions push guests to think more deeply than just the “what happened” stories. It was gratifying to revisit earlier chapters in my career after recently being laid off and exploring themes like uncertainty, adaptation, and ownership recurred over time.
I always find it special when conversations like these inspire me as much as I hope they inspire listeners and the host as well! Preparing, sharing, and telling stories helps us all get a little more confident in this unknown tech market.

If you have 45 to 60 minutes to spare, I encourage you to give the episode a listen! You will find not just stories from me but hopefully a few ideas or sparks you can take into your own path!

You can also watch the episode right here:

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Im Speaking at BITCON 2025 – Easiest Way to Run LLMs Locally: Meet Docker Model Runner

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🎤 I’m excited to share that I’ll be returning to BITCON in a week! I will be speaking at BITCON 2025, a gathering focused on Black voices in technology, innovation, and community. You can check out the full speaker lineup here: BITCON 2025 Speakers. The conference this year is virtual and its free. You can check out the site here: https://bitcon.blacksintechnology.net

The conference has a ton of great speakers lined up from some of the largest tech companies such as Google, Microsoft, and more. And to top it off the keynote this year is Kelsey Hightower! You dont want to miss this one.

My Session: “The Easiest Way to Run LLMs Locally: Meet Docker Model Runner”
Docker Captain: Steve Buchanan DMR session

At BITCON, I’ll be presenting “The Easiest Way to Run LLMs Locally: Meet Docker Model Runner”. In this session, I’ll look at:

  • Why run LLMs locally? The benefits in terms of cost, privacy, latency, and control
  • How Docker Model Runner simplifies things — containerizing large models, managing dependencies, and lowering friction
  • Demo and walkthrough — showing you step by step how to get a model up and running on your own machine or server
  • Best practices, pitfalls, and tips — what I’ve learned building and deploying these systems
  • Q&A / hands-on help — to get you started with your own setup

My goal is that attendees leave with a concrete, reproducible process they can apply right away.

Why It Matters

Large language models (LLMs) are powerful, but running them locally has often felt out of reach for smaller teams, indie devs, or people in resource-constrained environments. With the right tooling (like Docker Model Runner), we can lower that barrier—unlocking more experimentation, more privacy, and more control over where and how inference happens.

I believe this aligns well with the mission of BITCON: elevating voices, demystifying advanced tech, and making it accessible. I hope this talk helps bridge a gap for folks who want to explore AI locally without getting lost in infrastructure.

I am excited to be speaking at BITCON again. To learn more about my session check it out here:

BITCon Session: The Easiest Way to Run LLMs Locally: Meet Docker Model Runner

BITCON is free! Be sure to register today: HERE

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Steve Buchanan on the SuperHuman Mindset Podcast

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I recently had the honor of being a guest on the SuperHuman Mindset Podcast, hosted by my good friend and respected CISO and Cybersecurity expert Felix Asare. I have always loved the name of this show because it perfectly captures its mission.

About the Podcast

The podcast dives deep into the minds of extraordinary people who break barriers, push limits, and achieve what many might think is impossible. Each episode uncovers the mindset, habits, and stories behind their success, with the goal of inspiring you to unlock your full potential and elevate every aspect of your life.

Felix is intentional about the guests he brings on. Past guests have included:

  • Former Ghanaian President John Kufuor
  • CISO Amy Bogac
  • Physician Dr. Kambiz Farbakhsh
  • Team USA Gold Medalist Chrissy Holm
  • Many more inspiring individuals

To be invited among such an incredible lineup is something I really consider an honor.

What We Talked About

In this episode, Felix and I went beyond tech and had a wide ranging conversation that touched on:

  • Where AI is heading and how to stay plugged in
  • Authoring books and creating courses including how I overcame imposter syndrome to publish my first one
  • The Modern Developer Experience and Cloud Native trends
  • What it takes to reach the next level in tech
  • What drives me personally and professionally
  • Advice for those working their way to the top

It was one of those conversations that flowed naturally, blending personal stories with big picture insights.

Watch or Listen

You can check out the full episode here:

SuperHuman Mindset Podcast – YouTube

If you are interested in tech, mindset, or just hearing stories of pushing past limits, I think you will enjoy this one.

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Tech Together Podcast: My Journey to Microsoft, Prince’s Studio, the Future of Tech, and Navigating AI

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I recently had the opportunity to be a guest on a new podcast series brought to you by Tech Together, a collaboration between CreateMPLS and Genesys Works Twin Cities. Hosted by Shannon Seaver and Allison Barman.

This is the third episode in the series and it’s titled: “Tech Together with Steve Buchanan: Navigating Careers and Embracing Change in Technology.”

This wasn’t just another podcast recording, it was an experience. 🎧 We recorded at a studio inside Urban Ventures in Minneapolis, a space funded by Prince himself. I even got to check out one of his guitars, signed by the legend.

In this episode, I sit down with Shannon and Allison to talk about my journey in tech, from my early days navigating bootcamps and building a network, to eventually landing at Microsoft. We unpack the highs and lows, the importance of persistence, lifelong learning, and what it takes to grow a career in today’s tech landscape.

We also dive into the future of tech, covering the impact of AI, the need for more collaboration across the industry, and why computer science education for all is more critical than ever. As I shared in the episode:
“Give 200%. Share knowledge. Stay ready for what’s next.”

We wrapped things up with a fun rapid-fire Q&A session. Shoutout to Shannon and Allison for making it such a thoughtful and enjoyable conversation. 🙌

🎙️ Check it out for insights and tips on how to elevate your tech journey and navigate the evolving AI-driven world:
👉 Listen here on Spotify

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Tekne Awards 2024 – Now on YouTube!

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The 26th Tekne Awards, held in November 2024, have officially landed on YouTube! If you missed the event, now’s your chance to experience Minnesota’s premier technology celebration, recognizing the incredible leaders and organizations driving innovation across Minnesota.

This event was hosted at the Minneapolis Convention Center. It was an unforgettable night, emceed by the radio host Angela Davis from Minnesota Public Radio. It brought together brilliant technology leaders shaping Minnesota’s business ecosystem and pushing the boundaries of tech excellence.

The full award ceremony has been split into three videos:
🎬 Part 1: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZzUH0WLtOAs
🎬 Part 2: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-HewwFJpV7E
🎬 Part 3: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ARfOCc9NCXY

I was incredibly honored to have won one of the Individual Achievement Awards, in the Exceptional Tech Leadership category! 🏆 A huge thank you to Hilary Rushe for announcing the award.

You can watch the Individual Achievement Awards in Part 2 (timestamp included):
▶️ https://youtu.be/-HewwFJpV7E?si=GBaa3B53b9RigiTy&t=1480

And the moment I received the award here (including my son handing me the award!).
📍 Watch it here:

It was truly a night to remember. Grateful to be part of such a vibrant and inspiring tech community!

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My 26th Pluralsight Course: “IT Concepts and Terminology for CompTIA Tech+” Published

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I’m excited to share the release of my latest Pluralsight course, “IT Concepts and Terminology for CompTIA Tech+”, marking my 26th course with the platform. This course is tailored to help newcomers to the tech industry grasp essential IT concepts and terminology, serving as a solid foundation for those preparing for the CompTIA Tech+ certification exam.

Navigating the vast landscape of IT can be overwhelming, especially when you’re just starting out. Understanding the core principles and language of the field is crucial for building a successful career in technology. This course aims to demystify these elements, providing clear explanations and practical insights to boost your confidence as you embark on your tech journey.

In this course, you’ll dive into fundamental IT concepts, explore key terminology, and learn how these components interconnect within the tech ecosystem. Whether you’re an aspiring IT professional or looking to refresh your existing knowledge, this course offers valuable guidance to support your learning objectives.

The course is a part of a path titled “CompTIA Tech+ (FC0-U71)” that aligns with the CompTIA Tech+ exam objectives, covering domains such as:

  • IT Concepts and Terminology: Grasp the basics of computing and IT infrastructure.
  • Infrastructure: Understand hardware, software, and network components.
  • Applications and Software: Learn about different types of software and their uses.
  • Software Development Concepts: Get introduced to programming and development methodologies.
  • Data and Database Fundamentals: Explore data management and database concepts.
  • Security: Understand essential security principles and practices.

By the end of this course, you’ll have a comprehensive understanding of these areas, equipping you with the knowledge needed to excel in the CompTIA Tech+ exam and your IT career.

You can access the course here: IT Concepts and Terminology for CompTIA Tech+

I hope this course serves as a valuable resource in your tech education. Thank you for your continued support, and Be sure to follow my profile on Pluralsight so you will be notified as I release new courses! 

Here is the link to my Pluralsight profile to follow me:

https://www.pluralsight.com/authors/steve-buchanan

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Rise & Future of AI & Its Benefits to Founders Panel

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✨✨ This past weekend, I had the incredible honor of participating as a panelist in the “Rise & Future of AI & Its Benefits to Founders“ session during BIPOC Startup Week 2.0. This session brought together a diverse group of innovators, thinkers, and entrepreneurs to explore the profound impact AI is having on the startup ecosystem and how founders can harness its power to drive success.

Sharing the stage with Mustafe Artan, MBA, CSM, was inspiring. Mustafe brought his deep expertise to the conversation, and together we unpacked the many dimensions of AI—its opportunities, its challenges, and the practical steps founders can take to embrace it. 🙌

The session was expertly hosted by Octavia Treadway, who ensured the discussion was engaging and inclusive. Octavia’s thoughtful moderation set the tone for a dynamic exchange of ideas, and I am grateful for her role in creating such a welcoming space for dialogue.

One of the highlights for me was engaging with the audience—fellow founders, technologists, and visionaries—about how AI can empower their businesses. Whether we discussed automating processes, uncovering actionable insights, or scaling operations efficiently, the energy in the room was palpable. 🤖✨

Returning to the University of St. Thomas – Opus College of Business campus 🏫 was a personal highlight. As a familiar and inspiring space for growth and learning, it served as the perfect backdrop for an event centered on innovation and the future of work.

A huge kudos to Charlotte ABiOdun Epée-WillSuN 🇳🇬🇨🇲🇬🇭🇹🇬🇺🇸 for her vision and effort in organizing this event. Her dedication to uplifting BIPOC founders and fostering collaboration within the tech and startup community is nothing short of remarkable. Events like these are essential to driving inclusivity and innovation in our industry.

As I reflect on the weekend, I am reminded of the immense potential AI holds for transforming businesses and lives. It’s not just about the technology; it’s about empowering people to solve problems, create opportunities, and shape a better future.

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Winner: Tekne Exceptional Tech Leadership Award

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Last week was the 26th Tekne awards. Here is the website for it: tekneawards.org. It is Minnesota’s Premier Technology Celebration honoring the leaders and leading organizations who are fueling Minnesota’s tech-driven economy, with 15 Tekne Awards across 3 categories: Business Impact, Community Impact, and Individual Achievement. It is a celebration of the excellence and innovation within Minnesota’s technology ecosystem.

The 2024 Tekne Awards event was nothing short of incredible! Held at the Minneapolis Convention Center and hosted by the amazing Angela Davis radio show host on Minnesota Public Radio, the event was filled with brilliant technology leaders who are shaping Minnesota’s business ecosystem.


I am beyond proud to share that we did it! We brought home the Tekne Award (glass flame) for Exceptional Tech Leadership!!! 🏆

I say “we” because this achievement is not mine alone—it’s a reflection of the support of my wife and family, mentors, the tech community, and all the people who inspire me every day. Together, we’re driving change, sharing knowledge, connecting people, and creating opportunities for those who traditionally haven’t had a seat at the table in tech.

What made the evening even more special was having one of my sons, present me with the award.

I also want to extend a huge shoutout to the other exceptional nominees in this category: Greg Larson, Michael G. Wulf, Ed.D., Yanina Grinberg, Justin Grammens, and Amy Patton. This was a fiercely competitive category, and it’s truly an honor to be recognized alongside such impactful leaders.

Many of you I’ve had the privilege of collaborating with, and I look forward to finding ways to work with the rest of you. Your work is inspiring—let’s keep pushing boundaries and making a difference!

Also a congrats to all the other winners throughout the night! Here is a video with more pics from the award night:


A heartfelt thank you to the Minnesota Technology Association and the incredible team behind the Tekne Awards, including Jeff Tollefson, Ismail Ali, Keegan Carda, Ama Asantewaa, Lonni Ranallo, Piper Cleaveland, and everyone else who makes this event possible. Your dedication to fueling Minnesota’s tech ecosystem and supporting the next generation of technologists is truly commendable.

The future of tech in Minnesota is bright, and I’m excited to continue contributing to this amazing community. Let’s keep the momentum going!

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My First Keynote: Session 0 at Minnebar 18

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I’m thrilled to announce that I’ll be delivering my inaugural keynote at Minnebar 18, an annual technology conference hosted in Minneapolis by the well known tech organization, Minnestar. My talk will explore the power of investment in shaping our collective future.

As an (un)conference, Minnebar provides a dynamic platform for tech enthusiasts to converge and share insights. Visit the site for full information on Minnebar 18: https://minnestar.org/ultimate-guide-to-minnebar18

Taking place on April 20, 2024, at Best Buy’s Corporate Campus, this Minnebar event will be an event to remember. I’m particularly honored to lead Session 0, also known as the keynote, marking not only my debut at Minnebar but also my first time engaging this vibrant community in the first session of the day.

My talk is titled “Let’s Invest: Building Strong Community and Empowering Our Future” here is the description of my talk: “

Explore the power of investment in shaping our collective future in this keynote talk. Hear about the speakers’ journey and the investments others made contributing to his success. Dive into the Minnesota computer science plan and its role in fostering youth talent, alongside the broader theme of community investment. Discover how organizations in the Twin Cities’ tech space are actively supporting individuals at all levels, from youth initiatives to professional development programs, and more.

Join us to uncover actionable strategies for investing in your own success and the success of others, strengthening our community fabric. Together, let’s ignite a collective commitment to investing in each other and our communities, forging a path for strong communities and empowered future for all.”

Here is sampling of some of the sessions you will see at Minnebar:

You can check out other sessions here:

https://sessions.minnestar.org/home

Mark your calendars for April 20, 2024, and join us at Minnebar 18—it’s free and open to all who share an interest. I look forward to connecting. See you there! Register here:

https://www.eventbrite.com/e/minnebar18-tickets-863048881437

***Update***

If you missed the Minnebar 18 event, no worries! My keynote was recorded and is available to watch here:

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From SysAdmin to Platform Engineer with Steve Buchanan on RunAsRadio

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I was recently a guest on the RunAsRadio podcast. This was the second time being on the show. The last time was 4 years ago. You can catch the old episode here: Terraform vs Bicep/ARM with Steve Buchanan.

This new episode is #924 and is titled: “From SysAdmin to Platform Engineer with Steve Buchanan“. On this new episode we talked about Platform Engineering and a bunch of other stuff.

Here is the description from the episode:

“Aren’t we all platform engineers? Steve Buchanan says yes!

But there’s more to it. Steve talks about the mindset of looking beyond individual products that we might have skills with and owning the entire problem of providing platforms for your organization to get work done.

The conversation dives into the many products that can help our applications function better and the challenge of making them secure and fast. Are containers the solution? Possibly!

It’s your platform; focus on the fundamentals and go further!“

I had a great time chatting with Richard and we didn’t even mention AI until 40 minutes in. haha

You can check out the episode here:

https://runasradio.com/Shows/Show/924

or here:

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