Technologies, tools and methodologies I work with:
Agentic AI
Developer Tooling
Cloud Application Development
Mass Refactoring
DevSecOps
Kubernetes
JVM Languages
Go
Build Tools
CI/CD
About
I’m a software engineer, consultant, and trainer with over 20 years of experience in enterprise software development. As the founder of Automated Ascent, I help organizations navigate the complexities of cloud-native application development, container orchestration, and CI/CD pipelines.
Highlights
AI-Augmented Software Developer
Helping developers and teams adopt agentic AI workflows, from AI-assisted coding and automated refactoring to orchestrating multi-step AI agents across the full software development lifecycle.
Embedded Consultant
Working side by side with engineering teams to understand their domain, identify their toughest challenges, and collaboratively build solutions that drive real impact. Combining deep technical empathy with hands-on problem solving to deliver outcomes, not just advice.
Prolific Author and Trainer
Author of 10+ books and video courses, and instructor of live online trainings with O'Reilly Media and LinkedIn Learning covering Kubernetes, Java, Go, and build automation. Known for breaking down complex topics into approachable steps and building up knowledge from the ground up.
CNCF Ambassador
Recognized by the Cloud Native Computing Foundation for contributions to the cloud-native community.
Kubestronaut
Earned all five Kubernetes certifications from the Linux Foundation: CKA, CKAD, CKS, KCNA, and KCSA.
Experience
May 2018 - Present
Consultant and Trainer · Automated Ascent
- Delivered high-impact, short- and long-term consulting engagements to a variety of enterprise companies with a focus on CI/CD, cloud-native application development, container solutions, and DevSecOps.
- Designed and conducted live and video-based trainings for 1000+ students on topics like Kubernetes, Docker, Gradle, Go, Java, and Groovy for O’Reilly Media, LinkedIn Learning, and privately-owned training organizations.
- Technical writing in the form of technology reports and books for O’Reilly Media.
- Created over 100 interactive learning experiences available on the O’Reilly Learning Platform.
Aug 2013 - Apr 2018
Principal Engineer · Gradle Inc.
- Implemented new features and bug fixes for the Open Source build tool Gradle with impact on millions of users.
- Engaged with the Gradle community as developer advocate by speaking at conferences, improving documentation and interacting with key contributors.
- Served as technical liaison for development partnership with Netflix for more than 2 years.
- Delivered consulting engagements for more than 20 industry leaders and Fortune 500 companies ranging from 1 to 4 weeks.
- Designed, developed and delivered in-person and online training courses to thousands of experienced professionals.
View Full Resume
Books
CKA Study Guide, 2nd Edition
Comprehensive study guide for the Certified Kubernetes Administrator exam.
CKAD Study Guide, 2nd Edition
In-depth preparation guide for the Certified Kubernetes Application Developer exam.
CKS Study Guide
In-depth guide for the Certified Kubernetes Security Specialist exam.
Gradle in Action
A practical guide to build automation with Gradle for Java and JVM projects.
97 Things Every Java Programmer Should Know
Collective wisdom from experienced Java practitioners on writing better code.
Getting Started with Bazel
A guide to building software fast and correctly with Bazel.
Video Courses
Automated Software Refactoring with OpenRewrite and Generative AI
Using OpenRewrite and AI to automate large-scale code refactoring with practical examples.
Learning Gradle
Core concepts and building blocks of Gradle, an open-source build automation tool.
Gradle for Java-Based Applications and Libraries
Covers typical tasks needed to work with Java projects using Gradle build tools.
Learning Groovy
Groovy fundamentals and advanced concepts including closures, collections, and file handling.
Certified Kubernetes Application Developer (CKAD) Prep Course
Learn about the ins and outs required to pass the CKAD certification exam.
Contact
Whether you need help with AI tooling and workflows, cloud-native architecture, or just want to connect - I’d love to hear from you.