In this episode, we engage in an enlightening conversation with Graham Gilbert, a leading figure in the MacDevOps community, about his journey in technology and the evolution of IT practices over the years. Our discussion kicks off informally, as we share stories about trips to familiar British shops and the nuances of life back home. This casual setup quickly shifts to the core of the conversation, exploring Graham’s experiences and insights from attending various tech conferences, including the recent MacAdUK.

Graham reflects on his background, recalling his entry into the tech world through theme creation for RapidWeaver, which he humorously describes as ‘awful’ by today’s standards. This initial endeavor led him to an Apple IT consultancy role in London, an experience that laid the groundwork for his lengthy career in IT. As we delve into his journey, he emphasizes the importance of learning from each project, noting how drastically the tech landscape has changed, particularly with the rise of Mobile Device Management (MDM) technologies.

The conversation seamlessly transitions into Graham’s current role, where he serves as a Senior Tech Lead Manager. He outlines the challenges and rewards of balancing management responsibilities with technical contributions, giving insight into what a typical day looks like in his dual role. We discuss the dynamics of leading a team, advocating for their needs, and the delight of occasionally getting back to coding—the balance of management and engineering being a central theme in his narrative.

We also touch upon the significance of community within the IT realm. Graham encourages budding technicians and developers to ask questions and listen actively, sharing anecdotes about how the Mac Admin Slack and community events have fostered an environment for knowledge sharing and mentorship. He highlights the value of attending conferences as a means of sparking inspiration and growth—demonstrating how beginners and seasoned pros alike can benefit from these interactions.

As our conversation progresses, Graham shares his latest projects, including his work with open-source tools such as MDM Director and his enthusiasm for Terraform providers. The importance of open-source contributions is a recurring point, emphasizing that sharing knowledge and resources can significantly impact the community’s progress. We celebrate the spirit of collaboration that permeates the MacDevOps ecosystem.

Before wrapping up our discussion, we dive into a lighter segment where Graham shares his recent foray into retro gaming, highlighting how this nostalgic venture provides a much-needed escape amid his busy life as a parent and professional. We conclude with a note on the opportunities available at the upcoming MacDevOps 2025 conference in Vancouver, inviting listeners to engage, network, and participate in this thriving community.

Throughout the episode, Graham’s genuine passion for technology, community engagement, and mentorship shines through, making this not only a retrospect of his career but also an inspiring message about the importance of collaboration and continuous learning in the ever-evolving landscape of IT.

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