Episode description

How can the lessons learned from a childhood of tinkering and a career influenced by tech visionaries like Bill Joy and Andy Bechtolsheim guide us toward a more sustainable future for technology? 

We’re joined today by Adrian Cockcroft, a trailblazer in cloud architecture at Netflix and a proponent of open source at Amazon Web Services, who is now channeling his expertise into the vital cause of sustainability in cloud computing. 

Adrian shares his journey from the early days of building computers to his influential roles in shaping the tech industry and how these experiences have informed his current focus on sustainability. 

Together, we can build a future that is not only technologically advanced but also environmentally responsible.

Early Career Experiences and Influence

Adrian shares the experiences that shaped his professional life, especially his time at Sun Microsystems, and the influence of visionaries like Bill Joy and Andy Bechtolsheim. He discusses the power of thinking into the future and anticipating trends. 

"It was clear [Bill] lived five years in the future... that was one of those inspiring moments." This experience alone highlighted the significance of forward-thinking and the impact it can have on shaping one's career trajectory. It serves as a reminder to embrace curiosity and explore emerging technologies and trends, as they can lead to groundbreaking opportunities and shape the future of industries.

The Power of Putting Ideas Out There

Sharing ideas can be transformational. Adrian and Barry, both authors, discuss the importance of writing and publishing, which goes beyond the unique experience of writing a book or the influence it has on the readers. It also shapes and influences their own organizations. Being open and vulnerable might be difficult, but the rewards are priceless. 

“Everyone should write a book. It's 10 times harder than you think." Putting your ideas out there helps you overcome self-doubt and fear of judgment and embrace the opportunity to contribute your unique perspectives and insights to the broader discourse.

Transitioning to a Focus on Sustainability

Adrian doesn’t just preach sustainability; he lives it. In addition to his current work, Adrian was also an early adopter of solar panels and electric cars. Professionally, Adrian shares his experience championing these values within AWS and helping his peers understand the importance of transparency and accountability in addressing environmental impact. 

Companies need to do more than give lip service to a better future. They must also align their actions to those values and actively seek ways to reduce their environmental footprint. Sustainability is not just a buzzword but a fundamental responsibility that requires commitment and action.

Challenges in Achieving Sustainability in the Cloud

Barry and Adrian delve into the challenges faced by companies in achieving sustainability in their technology infrastructure. It’s not enough to...