We recently connected with Julia Furst Morgado and have shared our conversation below.

Julia, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today We’d love to hear the backstory behind a risk you’ve taken – whether big or small, walk us through what it was like and how it ultimately turned out.

There have been two pivotal risks in my life that reshaped my trajectory both personally and professionally. The first daring move was leaving behind the familiarity of my home country, Brazil, and embarking on a solitary journey to the United States. As a successful lawyer in Brazil, I decided to challenge myself and venture into uncharted territory by pursuing a business education at Berkeley. The decision was daunting; I was entering a completely unfamiliar landscape, devoid of any acquaintances or support network. The initial stages were undeniably challenging, navigating a foreign culture and educational system with no safety net. However, driven by determination and an unyielding resolve, I persevered through the hardships. Eventually, my resilience paid off, leading to a rewarding and triumphant career in the US.

The second risk I embraced was a bold departure from the security of a stable role as a marketing manager. At the age of 30, I made the audacious choice to pivot towards the dynamic realm of technology. Fully aware that this transition meant starting from scratch yet again, I committed myself to rigorous study at a coding BootCamp. The nine months of intensive learning demanded dedication and persistence as I absorbed a new language, mastering technical skills from the ground up. Despite the uncertainty and the prospect of beginning anew in a competitive field, I remained steadfast in my pursuit.

A year into this challenging yet exhilarating journey, I achieved a remarkable milestone by securing a technical position. The fulfillment I found in this role surpassed any apprehension I initially harbored. The satisfaction of conquering the obstacles, learning a new discipline, and contributing meaningfully to the tech industry validated the risks I had courageously taken.

Both instances epitomize pivotal moments where I wagered security for growth, comfort for opportunity. These risks were not just about changing careers or countries; they were transformative leaps that reshaped my understanding of resilience, adaptability, and the sheer power of embracing the unknown. They taught me that calculated risks, albeit daunting, can lead to the most rewarding and fulfilling chapters of our lives.

Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.

I’m Julia, a catalyst for change and growth in the tech realm, known for my remarkable journey transitioning from law, then marketing to becoming a global technologist. My entry into this dynamic field stemmed from a deep hunger for learning and an unyielding spirit to conquer challenges head-on.

My forte lies in Cloud and Cloud Native technologies, leveraging my expertise as a Global Technologist at Veeam. Beyond my corporate role, I’m a passionate advocate for inclusivity and community empowerment within the tech sphere. I’ve earned recognition from industry giants as an AWS Community Builder, CNCF Ambassador, Google Women Techmakers Ambassador, Civo Ambassador, and Girl Code Ambassador, actively fostering diverse communities and knowledge sharing.

What truly sets me apart is my multifaceted approach to making an impact. I wear many hats—from organizing influential tech gatherings like the NY Code & Coffee Meetup and KubeHuddle conference to serving as a content creator. I produce impactful YouTube videos (in four different languages), write insightful blogs, and engage actively on social media. The feedback I receive underscores the positive impact on others’ learning journeys, which in turn fuels my personal growth and helps me overcome challenges, like shyness.

My participation in global tech conferences is about embracing unpredictability, pushing boundaries, and continuously evolving. I’m also deeply committed to fostering communities and easing transitions for aspiring tech professionals, especially women. I aim to mirror my own transformative path and empower others to navigate similar shifts successfully.

What I’m most proud of isn’t just my professional accomplishments; it’s the impact I’ve had on others’ lives. I’m here to make a difference. I am a testament to the power of resilience, determination, and continuous learning, and I’m dedicated to illuminating the path to success in the ever-evolving tech landscape.

Can you share a story from your journey that illustrates your resilience?

During my transition into the tech industry, especially as a woman and a minority, I encountered moments where doubts crept in. The rapid pace of technological advancements and the expertise of those around me sometimes made me question my own abilities. Every morning, waking up with a tinge of doubt and grappling with the feeling of not being “enough” was a constant struggle.

Impostor syndrome had a way of making me feel like an outsider in an industry where I was trying to establish myself. There were days when I questioned whether I truly belonged, whether I had the skills and knowledge to excel, and whether I was making a mistake by venturing into this new territory.

However, despite these persistent doubts, I refused to let them dictate my path. Instead of succumbing to the feelings of inadequacy, I used them as fuel to push harder. I sought out mentors, absorbed knowledge voraciously, and leaned on supportive communities to navigate through these moments of self-doubt.

I realized that impostor syndrome was something many in the tech industry, including seasoned professionals, grappled with. It wasn’t a sign of incompetence but rather a byproduct of being in a constantly evolving field. Embracing this understanding allowed me to reframe my doubts as part of the journey rather than limitations.

Through perseverance and determination, I achieved milestones that initially seemed beyond my reach. Each small victory became a reminder that overcoming impostor syndrome was possible. While the doubts may not vanish entirely, I learned to acknowledge them without letting them hold me back.

My journey through impostor syndrome taught me the power of resilience. It’s not about eradicating self-doubt entirely but learning to navigate through it, pushing forward despite its presence, and realizing that success is achievable even in the face of uncertainty. This ongoing battle has made me stronger, more empathetic towards others facing similar challenges, and more resilient in pursuing my goals in the tech industry.

We’d love to hear the story of how you built up your social media audience?

When I embarked on my tech journey, I made a conscious decision to document and share my experiences, struggles, and triumphs online. I didn’t present a perfected, polished facade; instead, I chose to showcase the authentic, unfiltered journey of learning and growth.

I realized that people resonate more with authenticity. They want to see the real person behind the screen—the one facing challenges, making mistakes, and overcoming hurdles. This vulnerability builds connections and fosters a sense of relatability. By openly sharing my learning process, the hurdles I encountered, and the solutions I discovered, I invited others to join me on the learning journey.

Sharing my journey as I learned allowed me to connect with my audience on a deeper level. It created a community where people felt comfortable sharing their own struggles and seeking advice. It wasn’t just about broadcasting information; it was about fostering a supportive environment where learning and growth were celebrated.

My advice for those starting to build their social media presence is simple: be authentic. Don’t be afraid to showcase the real you—the one with flaws, insecurities, and moments of uncertainty. Embrace the learning process and share it openly. You’ll find that people appreciate the authenticity and are more likely to engage and connect with your content.

Moreover, consistency is key. Regularly share your progress, insights, and experiences. Engage with your audience, respond to comments, and participate in discussions. Building a social media presence is about building relationships, and genuine interaction goes a long way in fostering connections.

Remember, your audience isn’t seeking perfection; they’re seeking authenticity and value. Share your journey, be genuine, and create a space where learning is celebrated. This approach will not only help you build a solid social media presence but also a thriving community centered around shared experiences and growth.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.juliafmorgado.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/juliafmorgado/
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/juliafmorgado/
• Twitter: https://twitter.com/juliafmorgado
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/juliafmorgado
• Other: KubeCon NA Talk – From Non-Tech to CNCF Ambassador: You Can Do It Too! – Julia Furst, Veeam : https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rqtENN7iveQ