Developer communities are more than just places to ask questions or share code. They are platforms where careers grow, ideas spark, and real impact happens. In this talk, I’ll draw on my experience building and contributing to global developer programs, including initiatives like GitHub Stars, Twilio Champions, and more to explore what makes a community truly thrive.
We’ll dive into how communities across platforms like Discord, Reddit, and Twitch create opportunities for learning, visibility, and connection, whether you’re just starting out or looking to level up. I’ll share practical ways developers can get involved, contribute meaningfully, and turn participation into career growth.
We’ll also unpack what separates a good community from a great one, from fostering psychological safety to encouraging collaboration and recognising contributions. Whether you’re a developer, advocate, or community builder, you’ll walk away with actionable insights on how to find your people, grow your presence, and help shape communities that give back as much as they give you.
I’m a multi-talented personality in the tech and gaming communities. I’ve worked in the technology space for the last decade and I have a tonne of experience in developer advocacy 🥑, community management, marketing, and content creation. I love creating fun, engaging, and authentic content. I’ve written over 1700 articles, delivered over 400 talks, including more than ten keynotes, and produced over 200 videos on technical topics, the importance of collaboration, community building, and the future of work. I’m also a respected leader in the hackathon community, having won, organised, and mentored at over 200 events. I’m a successful entrepreneur and founder, having co-founded several companies, including an artificial intelligence company. I’m the co-host of the Melbourne GitHub User Group, and you’ll often catch me at an event, speaking on stage, or on a live stream.
