On this episode of the CNL podcast, host Sedric chats with Jon Buhagiar, Director of IT Services at RareMed. Jon’s path into technology wasn’t a straight line, it started back in the mid-1980s with an Apple IIe and a fascination for 8-bit computing. After spending five years as a mechanic, a chance conversation with a customer steered him toward IT. That encounter sparked a decision to take the Microsoft Certified Systems Engineer (MCSE) exams, a move he says “changed his life,” transforming him from a muffler shop manager into a technology instructor. His career came full circle when he began writing books for Sybex, the same publisher whose guides helped him pass his MCSE exams. Today, he’s co-authored several works, including with Todd Lammle, the author of the CCNA book he once studied from. Jon reflects on the power of certifications, the mindset needed to succeed, and why preparation, composure, and a deep breath can be just as important as technical skill. He even draws inspiration from advice he’s given his son and from an MMA fighter’s philosophy of channelling nervous energy into focused performance. Jon’s current work at RareMed Solutions, a non-commercial pharmacy that helps patients with rare diseases access life-saving medications, has given him a new perspective on IT’s impact. During a tabletop exercise, a colleague reframed the conversation from technical recovery to patient care, underscoring how their systems can directly affect whether someone gets the medicine they need. For Jon, moments like that turn technical challenges into a mission with real-world stakes. To stay ahead in an ever-changing tech landscape, Jon leans on a mix of tools and habits: tapping into real-time insights on Reddit, joining webinars to explore emerging technologies like global secure access on Azure, and participating in professional groups like InfraGard for federal-level threat intelligence. He emphasizes staying open to new ideas, learning continuously, and maintaining a collaborative push-and-pull dynamic with trusted colleagues. In his view, passion is the fuel that makes it possible to keep up with the industry’s demands, and without it, burnout is inevitable. Follow us on Social 👇 Youtube ►www.youtube.com/@Cynexlink LinkedIn ► https://www.linkedin.com/company/cynexlink/