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Becoming a First-Time Author and Pivoting in Your Career
Life often takes us on journeys we never planned.
If you’d asked me a few years ago whether I’d become a published author, I would have laughed.
Yet, here I am, reflecting on my experience co-authoring the second edition of the Microsoft Cybersecurity Architect Exam Ref SC-100
This milestone is the result of a unique opportunity and a lot of hard work, but more importantly, it’s been a journey of growth and transformation.
From Blog Posts to Book Chapters
For years, I’ve used blogging as a way to share knowledge, explain concepts, and connect with others in the tech community.
Writing a book, however, was never on my bucket list–it wasn’t even something I’d considered.
That changed when a project manager from Packt Publishing reached out to me on LinkedIn in early 2024 about contributing to the second edition of the SC-100 exam guide.
I’ll admit, I was skeptical at first. Was this a scam? I wasn’t sure until I reached out to the original author, who confirmed it was genuine.
Once I realized the opportunity was real, I thought: Why not?
This felt like a logical next step in my mission to help others succeed, not just through certifications, but by deepening their understanding of cybersecurity.
Transitioning from writing informal, conversational blog posts to creating structured and highly technical book chapters was a big leap.
An exam study guide demands precision, adherence to strict guidelines, and the ability to balance depth with clarity.
But I love a good challenge, and I approached it with the same mindset I encourage in others: learn as you go, seek feedback, and stay persistent.
Pivoting from Expertise to Learning
Before I stepped into cloud and cybersecurity in 2020, I spent many years working with Unisys mainframes.
I was confident in that space, even comfortable calling myself an expert.
But pivoting into a new discipline meant starting over in many ways.
I found myself surrounded by colleagues with decades of experience in cloud and security, and I held myself to impossible standards.
Imposter syndrome crept in. I often felt like I needed to know everything immediately to “deserve” my place.
It took time–and a lot of reflection–to realize that not knowing everything isn’t failure; it’s an opportunity to grow.
A phrase I often use now is: “It’s okay to say, ‘I don’t know, but I’ll find out.’”
That simple mindset shift has been transformational.
The process of writing this book mirrored my career journey.
It required both the confidence to share what I knew and the humility to acknowledge what I didn’t.
To ensure the content was accurate and valuable, I dove deep into Microsoft’s updated curriculum, refreshed my knowledge with hands-on practice in my own tenant, and leaned heavily on resources like Microsoft Learn.
Writing the book wasn’t just about sharing knowledge; it was a chance to solidify my own understanding.
Lessons from the Journey
Whether you’re thinking about writing a book, pivoting your career, or stepping outside your comfort zone in any way, here are a few lessons I’ve learned along the way:
- Believe in yourself. It’s easy to underestimate your own experience, especially when you’re surrounded by experts. Trust that you bring unique value to the table.
- Set boundaries. Saying yes to every request can lead to burnout. A helpful question to ask yourself is: “By saying yes to you, am I saying no to me?” It’s okay to prioritize your well-being.
- Admit your mistakes. No one is perfect. Owning up to errors and learning from them is far more valuable than pretending you never make them.
- Be kind–to others and to yourself. Growth is hard, and it’s easy to be your own harshest critic. Give yourself grace and celebrate your progress.
The Road Ahead
Receiving my first copy of the book, with my name on the cover, was a surreal moment.
It was the first time I truly felt like a published author, and it’s a reminder of what’s possible when you embrace new challenges.
Beyond the book, this journey has given me the confidence to take on new opportunities, including public speaking–something I’d avoided for years.
Writing and publishing this book wasn’t just about the technical content; it was about growth, connection, and giving back to the community that has supported me throughout my career.
I hope my story encourages you to take the leap, whether that’s writing your first book, pursuing a certification, or pivoting into a new field.
You might just surprise yourself with what you’re capable of achieving.
As ever, thanks for reading and feel free to leave comments down below!
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