In this episode, host Shon Harris interviews Andrew Brown, CEO and founder of ExamPRO, a platform offering “Cloud Obsessed Certification Training”! Andrew shares his journey of creating ExamPRO and discusses the changing landscape of certifications in the tech industry. He emphasizes the importance of practical knowledge and building projects, rather than solely relying on certifications.

Andrew also talks about his collaboration with cloud providers and the challenges of staying up to date with the rapidly evolving cloud industry. He highlights the need for transparency and improvement in certification testing processes. Also discussed is the impact of AI on cloud operations and education and Andrew shares his thoughts on the future of cloud professionals and certifications. Finally, he shares his approach to content creation and the importance of community feedback in shaping his content.

Spot by NetApp is a leading provider of software that empowers CloudOps teams to get the most out of their cloud. Our solutions help organizations optimize and automate their cloud use to maximize the value and availability of their cloud infrastructure while minimizing waste. LEARN MORE: https://spot.io

Guest: Andrew Brown, CEO of ExamPro https://www.linkedin.com/in/andrew-wc-brown/ https://www.youtube.com/@freecodecamp

Host: Shon Harris, Developer Relations Lead, Spot by NetApp @inkedtater / swharr

Click to listen on your favorite podcast platform? https://linktr.ee/cloudcontrolpodcast

Timestamp Chapter Summary

00:00 - Introduction to Andrew Brown and his background

01:18 - Andrew discusses the evolution of AWS certifications and their impact on his career.

02:45 - The challenge of distinguishing skills in the saturated boot camp market.

05:09 - How AWS certifications opened doors in the top companies in Toronto.

07:28 - Transition to creating ExamPro to address the gap between certifications and actual job requirements.

10:37 - Discussion on the generative AI certification and the frustration with AWS's communication.

15:03 - Accessibility of cloud education globally and its impact.

18:25 - Andrew’s approach to creating practical, hands-on learning experiences in cloud education.

21:08 - Strategies for balancing learning across different cloud platforms and foundational knowledge.

24:20 - Role of AI in operational efficiency and the future of cloud education.