After nearly ten years, I have stepped down as a Microsoft MVP due to unacceptable behaviour of some of my MVP peers both towards me and 'in passing' where I have been exposed to vile commentary. I cannot stay in a Program where it is not a safe space for me. Additionally, the silence of… Continue reading I have stepped down as a Microsoft MVP
In this post, I want to analyse the current PASS situation, explain some broader context, and give people a more data-driven view. I hope that this leads to a calmer discussion by providing additional information and data. I want to help by providing data and insights on the recent PASS stramash online. I also want to sound a few warning bells and I have the data to back it up.
Update: I have since learned that Paul J Swider was previously a Microsoft MVP but he is no longer part of the Program. None of my business and that's all I know. I woke up to this untrue accusation on Twitter made against me on Saturday morning. Credit: Paul J Swider, Twitter, 6th June 2020… Continue reading More Feathers: Responding to unfounded accusations against me
This is a personal blog and I'm sharing these details here to promote understanding and show empathy during these challenging times. I'm a Microsoft MVP, and have been one for nine years. I'm also a Microsoft Regional Director. I'm also a single mother, a daughter, a friend, and a sister. This past year has been… Continue reading What does burnout look like?
For the past couple of years, I've been trying to grow in different ways. I have been trying to step out of my 'techo' chamber, and grow into becoming more like people who inspire me. Masters of Business Administration I have completed all of the taught parts of the course, and I need to undertake… Continue reading Stepping outside my ‘Techo’ Chamber: Personal and Professional Goals for 2020
Dear Mark, I am sorry if this is an emotive post but here goes. I've just been sent a violent video of a man abusing a little girl. She is about a year old. It has a sexual component. I am not going to share it, but I would like to be able to report… Continue reading Letter to Mark Zuckerberg: Why is it so hard to report Facebook Messenger videos portraying violence, pornography and child pornography to the police?
Invisible voices of #diversity: being ignored, being hepeated, and what you can do to be heard and help others to be heard
On Thursday 27th September, I held an Unconference at Microsoft Ignite which was aimed at Diversity and Inclusion. I was incredibly lucky to be supported by the Diversity and Inclusion initiative by Microsoft, who have put it at front-and-centre of everything that they do. Although it is only one event, I was told that my event… Continue reading Learnings and Takeaways from my #Diversity and Inclusion Unconference at Microsoft Ignite #MSIgnite
Diversity myopia: what it is, and why it's wrong.
This is a personal blog and it is from the heart. This incident is separate from the MeToo incident that I wrote about previously. When I was 24, I moved to Aberdeen, in Scotland, to start a new postgraduate degree in Artificial Intelligence. On my last night in my home town before I left to go… Continue reading Why is it so difficult to report harassment, and what can you do to help?
As a follow up to my last post, I thought I'd share more details with you. Midnight As before, I'll start my day at midnight. I'm reading about motivation and reward, and it's role on organizational behaviour. If you're really interested, I'm reading Karabenick and Urdan's 2010 book, and specifically, it's chapter on expectancy theory.… Continue reading A Day in the Life of Jen Stirrup: Wednesday 25th July, 2018 #SQLCareer
I was inspired by Brent Ozar, Steve Jones and Iris Classon to write about my day. My work and life don't balance each other at all; my work is my life and I love what I do and I'm an unapologetic workaholic. I'm also a single Mom, so life crashes down around my ears on… Continue reading A Day in the Life of Jen Stirrup: Tuesday 17th July, 2018 #SQLCareer
