The Veeam Journey Begins
Before I dive into my experiences with the Vanguard Program, I want to share the backstory of how I got here. My Veeam journey played a pivotal role in shaping the pathway that eventually led me to the Vanguard Program.
The foundations were laid nearly 15 years ago at the very start of my IT career, when I first began exploring the world of data protection. Working for a Managed Service Provider, I gained exposure to a wide range of backup technologies – this included my first experience with Veeam all the way back in version 6! As time passed, it soon became clear to me that Veeam was emerging as an industry leader in the data protection space. With a good amount of hands-on experience by this point, I could see why.
As Veeam’s upward trajectory continued, it began to influence business decisions, with many of the services and solutions I helped build and support gradually shifting towards a Veeam-centric approach. By this point, I was fully immersed in the Veeam ecosystem. I wasn’t just working with the products day to day – I was working towards becoming a subject matter expert, attending webinars and building strong relationships with the regional Veeam team.
In 2022, Veeam invited me as a VIP guest to attend VeeamON in Las Vegas – widely regarded as the premier data protection event of the year. The experience was unforgettable and the chance to connect with people who shared the same passion for data protection left a lasting impression on me. Looking back, I realise that this was more than just a memorable trip, it was the spark that ignited me on my journey toward becoming a Vanguard.
The Road to Vanguard
Despite the Vanguard Program being founded back in 2015, I wasn’t aware of its existence until 2023 when I was encouraged to consider applying.
In a nutshell, the Vanguard Program is a globally recognised community of experts and advocates, united by a passion for data resilience and all things Veeam.
Here are some of the exclusive benefits that makes the program stand out:
- Early access to previews and beta versions of Veeam software
- Direct engagement with Veeam’s Product Strategy and Development teams
- Event invitations including exclusive product briefings, Q&A sessions and the in-person Veeam 100 Summit
- Collaborate with a global network of Veeam experts within the Veeam 100 community
The chance to join a community of like‑minded professionals really motivated me to push on in 2023 – a year that saw me launch my own blog, publish community content and achieve my VMCE certification.
As 2023 drew to a close, I applied for the Vanguard class of 2024 and waited with bated breath. With membership into the program highly selective and kept intentionally small, the anticipation was intense.
When the news finally arrived, I was thrilled to be selected and equally excited for the journey that lay ahead!
Career Growth
As we fast forward to the end of 2025, it marks almost two years since I was inducted into the program.
During that time the program has been a catalyst for both professional and personal growth, giving me access to cutting‑edge knowledge and innovation in data protection while opening doors to opportunities I never imagined.
Through the program, I’ve built lasting connections with the global Veeam 100 community, attended in‑person events around the world and amplified my industry presence. These experiences have all contribututed to elevating my technical expertise, providing valuable and exclusive insights that continue to shape my professional growth.
Final Thoughts
Being part of the Vanguard Program has been such an amazing ride. It’s given me the opportunity to learn, grow and challenge myself in ways I never expected.
While the program is seen by many as a recognition, I see it as more than that. It’s about belonging to a group of passionate professionals who inspire and support one another. That sense of community has been one of the most rewarding parts of my journey.
I’m excited to continue contributing, sharing knowledge, and building on this momentum as the community evolves and I look forward to playing a role in shaping the future of data protection.
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