Session Abstract

Going from Miami Beach to Microsoft MVP wasn’t a straight line. It wasn’t even a ladder. It was more like a rollercoaster with no seatbelts — full of detours, surprises, and the occasional post-conference bratwurst at 3am. In this session, I’ll share how the Microsoft 365 community not only gave me a career boost but also gave me belonging, mentors who became family, and the courage to stop playing it safe. You’ll hear the honest story of how I went from sitting quietly in the audience to standing on stage, flipping the script on what it means to be “successful” in tech. This isn’t a highlight reel of accomplishments; it’s a real talk about showing up, being authentic, and finding belonging in a space that thrives on collaboration, not competition. Along the way, I’ll share the practical insights and steps that helped me earn the MVP award — and how you can set yourself on that same path, no matter where you’re starting from. Whether you’re new to the community or thinking “why would anyone care what I have to share,” this session is your permission slip to jump in. Because the community that changed my life can change yours too.

Note to event organizers

I will likely add another speaker or two so the abstract will be adjusted accordingly.

Diego Domingos da Silva

I’m a Microsoft 365 architect with a passport full of passions—on a mission to turn dry SharePoint sites into dynamic stories and help teams unsuck their workspaces. With over 20 years in web development, IT administration, and integration—and 15+ years in SharePoint, Teams, and Power Platform—I focus on improving collaboration, modernizing legacy apps, streamlining dev processes, and building governance that actually works. I’m also a Certified Scrum Master, a global speaker, and a bedroom DJ who mixes beats as effortlessly as I mix business with creativity.

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