Did you know Avanade is proud to be home to more than 70 Microsoft Most Valuable Professionals (MVPs)? These talented, dedicated colleagues are part of a global community of around 4,000 MVPs: technical experts and community leaders whose passion for knowledge and outstanding community spirit have been recognised by Microsoft.

In this blog, Jean-Pierre Riehl, Technology Innovation Lead in France, and Kevin Chant, Data Engineering Manager in the Netherlands, explain what the MVP award means to them – not to mention for Avanade and its clients.

Putting passion into practice

For three decades, Microsoft has awarded MVP status to tech experts who have gone above and beyond to share their knowledge and support others in the Microsoft user community.

“Becoming an MVP isn’t easy, and staying an MVP is even harder,” says Jean Pierre, who has been a Data Platform MVP for an impressive 15 years. “To keep the award year after year, you need to maintain a high level of personal investment. But I love the challenge! I’ve learnt a lot during my career, and I believe it’s important to give that knowledge back to others. I get a real buzz from presenting to an audience, whether it’s two people or 200, as well as from organising meetups and conferences for different parts of the community.”

“That’s what sets MVPs apart,” agrees Kevin, who holds the rare distinction of being an MVP in two categories: Data Platform and Developer Technologies. “We all enjoy the responsibility of contributing to the community. For me, that passion started with my involvement in an SQLSaturday back in 2012, and grew as I took on more speaking opportunities. In 2020, I saw many people in my network being forced to cancel events, so I helped to set up a virtual alternative for which I earned my first MVP nomination. Receiving a second award last year was a huge surprise, but I’m very proud of being a dual MVP!”

Forging a global knowledge network

As public figures in the Microsoft community, MVPs need to keep their finger on the pulse of change. “People expect you to have all the answers about the latest tech,” explains Jean-Pierre. “Microsoft Fabric, announced at last the Build conference, is one example of a big new product where we’re seeing lots of interest and getting plenty of questions.”

MVPs can even help others prepare for future developments: “As MVPs, we enjoy the privilege of insights into the upcoming pipeline,” Kevin says. “Of course, we have to be careful about what we share, but one of the benefits of the award is the early access it gives us to Microsoft products and even its development teams. In April, for instance, Jean-Pierre and I were lucky enough to go to the annual Global Summit at Microsoft’s Redmond campus, near Seattle.”

“It was great to be back in person after three years of online conferences,” Jean-Pierre adds. “It’s always exciting to connect with other MVPs from all around the world – and to learn more about what’s coming up on the Microsoft horizon!”

Avanade: A natural home for MVPs

The award recognises the hard work of individuals like Kevin and Jean-Pierre rather than Avanade itself. That’s why we’re extremely proud of our MVP employees, who represent just a small fraction of the talent, commitment and expertise our clients and partners rely on.

“The fact that we have so many MVPs demonstrates Avanade’s technological leadership and voice in the industry,” says Jean-Pierre. “Not only are lots of existing MVPs – including me – drawn to work for the company, but many employees are inspired to earn MVP status by building on their work here.”

“Avanade truly understands the value that comes from being an MVP,” Kevin explains. “The company gives us the support we need to stay at the top of our game and pass on our know-how to others. It’s great to feel part of a team where personal and professional development is a priority – and not just for us as MVPs but for other Microsoft product users, both within and beyond Avanade.”

Feeling inspired? Check out our careers page to see where a role at Avanade could take you!