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 am a Microsoft 365 Solutions Architect, 2x Microsoft MVP, and MGCI Regional Leader helping organizations make Microsoft 365 less complicated and a lot more useful. With more than 20 years of experience in web development, IT administration, and systems integration, I specialize in SharePoint, Teams, Power Platform, Copilot, governance, and adoption, focused on getting more from the tools organizations already have. My work centers on modernizing legacy solutions, simplifying development practices, and building governance frameworks that are practical, sustainable, and human-centered. More recently, I have focused on Copilot readiness and adoption, helping organizations move beyond simply keeping the lights on and start using Microsoft 365 to work, collaborate, and create in better ways. Whether I am speaking at a conference, writing a blog post, or working with clients, my goal is always the same: make Microsoft 365 a little less confusing and a lot more useful. I spend as much time helping people navigate change as I do helping them navigate technology. Outside of client work, I am an international speaker, community builder, and author of UnsuckM365, where I share practical, no-fluff stories from real Microsoft 365 environments. I am also a bedroom DJ who believes music and technology have a lot in common. Both connect people, tell stories, and create new ways of thinking. More thoughts, field notes, and occasional rants live at UnsuckM365.com.

Back to speaker profile