Barcelona Power BI User Group
Reza Rad, a Microsoft MVP and Regional Director, has journeyed across the globe, visiting myriad cities and interacting with over 800 community members as he teaches them about Microsoft Fabric and Power BI. His story is one of vision and passion and his relentless schedule speaks volumes about his dedication to spreading knowledge and fostering global community spirit.

Reza’s travels have taken him to 15 cities this year alone, with more planned in his busy world tour schedule. “This year I think I have been in 15 cities so far, and there are at least 10 more for the rest of the year to come. I did not have a course in each city though, some were courses, some were user group presentations, some conferences,” he shares.

Reza Rad visiting community in the USA

Reza’s journey is not just about imparting technical knowledge and helping people upskill in Microsoft Fabric and Power BI; it’s about building global bridges amongst leaders and their community and creating lasting personal connections. “I like to thank the community leaders and MVPs in each of the cities. They are the people who host the user group sessions, Data Saturdays, and conferences and building the community over there, they are doing the most important job,” he acknowledges. These leaders and MVPs are the community champions who work tirelessly behind the scenes to make these interactions possible, and Reza’s gratitude towards them is evident.

One constant companion on Reza’s travels, although in spirit, is his wife, and inspirational MVP Leila Etaati. “I also like to mention Leila as she is the most missed person in all these travels, I know she would have enjoyed being with the community in every city,” Reza reflects. Leila, a prominent figure in the tech community, is forever remembered by her fearless leadership in Data and AI and vision for building strong community.

Hamburg PASS Data Platform User Group

Despite the busy schedule and the demands of his role as CEO of RADACAD, Reza finds a way to integrate work, community leadership, and personal wellbeing, allowing him to recharge and bring his best self to each community interaction. “That is hard to balance. I am probably spending more time in my day doing work and community activity than personal wellbeing. However, I am also trying to have a day before or after my courses or conferences just to explore the city a bit too, so giving a bit more space to pleasure part this way,” he admits.

The second half of 2024 promises to be equally exciting for Reza. “A lot of things are happening such as PASS Data Community Summit, Microsoft Ignite, I have still four more cities in the tour, and Difinity Conference dates are also approaching towards end of the year. There are still a lot to look forward to,” he says with anticipation. These events are not just milestones in his calendar; they are opportunities to continue his mission to help people to get upskilled and learn how to use the tools and services in their data analytics projects.

Reza takes the stage at the Microsoft Power BI & Fabric User Group at the Microsoft Reactor, Sydney

As Reza travels from city to city, his journey is not just about the destinations; it’s about the people he meets along the way, the communities he helps build, and the connections he fosters. “I love to see others succeed in their projects and career and I play my small part in it,” he says.

To connect with Reza and the data community, check out the upcoming events Reza has mentioned in his schedule. These include:

PASS Data Community Summit: November 4-8, 2024, in person in Seattle, US.
Microsoft Ignite: November 19–22, 2024, hybrid.
Difinity Conference: November 28, 2024, in Auckland, New Zealand.

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