AutoCon4: Keeping Automation Weird AutoCon 4 showcased the maturity of network automation, emphasizing its importance for businesses. The conference featured dual tracks on advanced technology and leadership, highlighting the need for engineers to align automation with business value. Discussions…

"The Courage to Be Disliked," based on the psychological theories of Alfred Adler, offers a path to true freedom and happiness by challenging the idea that our past determines our present.

“Sonny Boy” – Al Pacino Al Pacino's autobiography, Sonny Boy, chronicles his journey from a turbulent Bronx childhood to Hollywood stardom, highlighting his deep love for acting. The book offers candid reflections on creativity's struggles, personal relationships, and the transformative power of…

Brent Gleeson’s book, "Embrace the Suck", uses Navy SEAL stories to illustrate that facing adversity builds mental toughness. He shows how a growth mindset turns struggles into opportunities, making the book a guide for turning life's challenges into personal and professional growth.

Brené Brown's "Dare to Lead" redefines leadership by emphasizing empathy, vulnerability, and trust. It introduces the BRAVING framework, outlining trust's seven elements. In this blog, I break down her work along with my key takeaways.

iz Wiseman's book "Multipliers" distinguishes between two types of leaders: Multipliers, who enhance team capabilities, and Diminishers, who inadvertently stifle talent. Multipliers attract talent, foster safe environments, challenge teams, encourage debate, and invest in ownership.

NANOG 94 in Denver welcomed over 800 network engineering professionals for discussions on AI, security, and automation, featuring keynote speaker John White. The conference emphasized collaboration, with a Hackathon and the usual Beer N Gear. Check out my latest blog for more details.

Autocon3 was an amazing network automation conference featuring workshops, keynotes, and discussions on design-driven automation, evolving tools, and practical applications. The event fostered community engagement and underscored automation's transition to a core competency.

Mel Robbins' "The Let Them Theory" teaches you to release the urge to control others' lives. By accepting that you cannot dictate others' choices, you reduce anxiety and redirect your energy toward personal well-being. Embracing this theory leads to greater personal freedom.

Peter Thiel's "Zero to One" challenges conventional business ideas by advocating for radical innovation over incremental improvements. It distinguishes between horizontal and vertical progress, emphasizes the importance of monopolies, and highlights the necessity of uncovering hidden truths.

ChiNOG 12 recently took place, gathering networking experts to present on various topics. Highlights included talks on AI, high-frequency trading, and network automation. The event fostered valuable networking opportunities and offered insights into current challenges in networking.

Knowledge 2025, hosted by ServiceNow, highlighted AI advancements in IT operations and workflow automation. Key themes included AI integration, innovative solutions from partners, and enhancing customer and employee experiences, all driving organizational efficiency.

“Stillness Is the Key” – Ryan Holliday Ryan Holiday's "Stillness is the Key" advocates for cultivating inner quiet amid modern chaos. Drawing from Stoic philosophy and psychology, he emphasizes stillness in mind, spirit, and body as essential for clarity, resilience, and effective decision-making.…

Rand Fishkin’s "Lost and Founder" presents an unvarnished view of startup life, contrasting typical success narratives. It combines personal experiences with practical advice, addressing the emotional toll and challenges of entrepreneurship.

I had the honor or speaking at the last #APRICOT25 on BGP Flowspec best practices. This blog is an overview of that topic. blog.apnic.net/2025/04/04/b...

“The Six Habits of Highly Effective Sales Engineers” – Chris White Sales engineering plays a vital role in B2B sales, requiring a blend of technical knowledge and effective communication. Chris White's book outlines six habits for success: Partner, Probe, Prepare, Practice, Perform, and Perfect.…

In a world filled with noise, expectations, and self-doubt, finding inner peace can feel like an impossible quest. Don Miguel Ruiz, in his book The Four Agreements, offers a simple yet profound path to personal freedom.

“High Output Management” – Andrew S. Grove Taking Management Output to the Next Level Andy Grove's High Output Management isn't just a business book; it's a management philosophy distilled into actionable principles. Decades after its initial publication, its lessons remain remarkably relevant,…

In my latest blog, I review Courage Beyond the Game: The Freddie Steinmark Story by Jim Dent. If you have never heard the story of Freddie Stinemark, I highly recommend checking this one out.

🚀 NANOG 93 wrapped up with big insights on the future of networking! Catch the key takeaways in @justinryburn.bsky.social's latest blog. 👇 www.kentik.com/blog/nanog-9... #NANOG93 #Networking

NANOG 93 in Atlanta: From Automation to AI Introduction The North American Network Operators' Group (NANOG) just wrapped up its 93rd meeting in Atlanta, Georgia, and it was a whirlwind of innovation, collaboration, and forward-thinking discussions. From February 3rd to 5th, 2025, network…

"The Hard Thing About Hard Things" - Ben Horowitz ryburn.org/2025/02/15/t...

"The Nvidia Way" - Tae Kim ryburn.org/2025/01/27/t...

In my latest blog, I review The Lean Startup from Eric Ries. This was a great read for any founders looking for a framework to apply agile principles to building and scaling a business. Reis' concept of the Build-Measure-Learn feedback loop is great. ryburn.org/2025/01/14/t...