For Christian Mohn, the journey with VMUG Norway has always been about building a local home for collaboration. Over twelve years ago, he saw the potential for a dedicated community in Norway and worked closely with the VMware team to get the first chapter off the ground. Today, that vision has grown into a thriving community that spans three cities and has become a cornerstone of his professional life.
"I don't think I would be where I am today at ProAct if it wasn't for the VMUG involvement I had over the years," Christian shares. But while he has been a leader for over a decade, his focus isn't on the past; it’s on the new members who are just starting to dip their toes into the water.
Christian knows that the idea of standing in front of a crowd can be daunting. But he views the local VMUG chapter as the ultimate friendly environment. It is a place where everyone is rooting for you to succeed, whether you are presenting a deep dive into security or just a ten-minute talk on something that didn't work in your lab.
"Just get involved," Christian advises. "It is low hanging fruit. It is local people, they speak your language, and everyone wants you to succeed. You do not have to be an expert in everything. All you have to do is share your own experience."
That local experience often serves as a springboard for something much bigger. At VMUG Connect Amsterdam, Christian is co-presenting a session on ESXi security and ransomware techniques. But for him, the real success story isn't just the technical content; it is the journey of his co-presenter.
A colleague of his began as a VMUG member, attended local meetings, and eventually started giving small presentations in Norway. Now, Christian is helping her take the international stage for the first time, presenting in English to a global audience. For Christian, seeing a member grow from the local audience to a global stage is what the community is all about.
Christian is quick to point out that contributing to VMUG doesn't always mean standing at a podium. Sometimes, the most important thing you can do is simply show up and take part in the conversation. The community thrives on new inspiration and fresh perspectives to keep the ecosystem moving forward.
"If your contribution is just being there and taking part in the conversation, that's a contribution in itself. Show up, support your local community, and you're good to go."
Watch the full video with Christian Mohn to hear more about the growth of VMUG Norway and why sharing your experience is the best way to help yourself and the community.
