DaShaun Carter, Spring Developer Advocate, VMware Tanzu Division, Broadcom

DaShaun is a husband, father of four, youth coach, struggling triathlete, Raspberry Pi enthusiast, Testcontainer Champion, former professional cheerleader, keynote speaker, and Spring Developer Advocate at Broadcom. DaShaun is deliberately practicing to build, run, and manage, better software, faster.

Connect with DaShaun Carter
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5 Questions with DaShaun Carter

1. What would you say is the #1 reason someone should attend Explore?

Easy!  It’s fear of missing out (FOMO).

Explore is more than just an event; it’s an opportunity to be part of amazing, vibrant, and dynamic communities. The excitement is palpable, and it’s a fantastic time to connect with peers from around the globe, share a meal, and collaborate on cutting-edge projects.

The content is consistently amazing, packed with insights and innovations that you won’t find anywhere else.

The chance to reconnect with familiar faces and learn from the best in the industry should be enough. The energy, the camaraderie, and the knowledge sharing make Explore even more special.

If I’m being honest, and I was making a list, I’m (probably not the only person) putting a selfie with Josh Long and William Lam near the top.

2. What innovations are you most looking forward to learning about this year?

I’m looking forward to advancements in Cloud Foundry and the Tanzu platform. As a long-time Cloud Foundry enthusiast, it’s thrilling to see the continued growth and engineering efforts. The integration of Gen AI, the advancements in Tanzu Data, and Tanzu Hub are amazing. Spring loves the Tanzu Platform and the Tanzu Platform continues to love Spring. These innovations and Spring integrations are going to get most of my attention!

3. Can you give us a brief description of what your session/sessions will cover at Explore?

At Explore, I have the privilege of presenting several sessions, each tailored to showcase different facets of the Spring and Tanzu platforms.

My first session, part of the General Session, I’ll be presenting my favorite new feature of the Tanzu platform.  Spring Application Advisor helps you keep your Spring workloads updated and secure.

Next, I’ll cover the “Hidden Gems of Spring Data“, revealing lesser-known tips and tricks that can significantly enhance development efficiency.

Another session, “Spring AI Loves Gen AI for Tanzu Platform,” will demonstrate how easily Gen AI features can be integrated, securely, using the Tanzu Platform.

Finally, “Bulletproofing Your Spring Apps with Tanzu Spring” will focus on security and compliance, showcasing the features that make your applications robust and governance-ready. Each session is designed to provide actionable insights that can help developers elevate their skills and projects.

4. What is something you think someone new to VMware Explore should know before going to the event?

For those attending Explore for the first time, preparation is key. My number one pro-tip: bring comfortable shoes. The event involves a lot of walking, and the so-called “hallway track”—the informal networking and spontaneous discussions that happen in the hallways—can be just as valuable as the scheduled sessions. Wearing the right footwear ensures you can fully engage in all aspects of the event without being distracted by sore feet.

Beyond that, come ready to immerse yourself in the experience. The energy and knowledge exchange at Explore and SpringOne are invigorating, and you’ll want to be at your best to take full advantage of the opportunities to learn, connect, and grow.

5. What is your favorite memory from attending Explore?

I’ll never forget 2022 when I delivered a general session keynote in San Francisco. I was jazzed, jacked and pumped. It was my first keynote to an audience this size.  I remember everything from arriving, to rehearsals, the hotel, the food, the energy in the room during the session and the energy backstage. Sharing the stage with industry legends like Kelsey Hightower further enhanced my experience. Presenting to the communities that I deeply care about—the Tanzu, Cloud Foundry, and Spring communities—was exhilarating.

Another unforgettable moment happened later that year in Barcelona, where a fellow attendee pushed through a long queue just to express how much my session meant to them. (I eluded to it earlier. I’m normally the person, asking for the selfies, from the people that made an impact on me, and the work I’m doing.) I remember we had a short conversation, shared a hug, grabbed selfies, with them and their friends. Such moments of connection and recognition are incredibly meaningful.

If I can make one person, feel even half of what I feel at Explore and SpringOne, I know that I’ve done something incredibly special.

Bonus: Check out DaShaun’s Hot Picks Session Playlist 🔥

Curious about what sessions you can’t miss at Explore? We’ve got you covered. Dive into this curated playlist of DaShaun’s favorite sessions, and add them to your agenda. ⤵

Gain valuable insights that could impact the trajectory of your career.

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