In our Community Spotlight series, we’re shining a light on the passionate individuals who make the VMware community so vibrant. Meet Kristof Asaert, a seasoned infrastructure professional whose journey with VMware has transformed both his career and his approach to community building.
From Support Specialist to Cloud Architect
Kristof Asaert’s technology journey began in 1999, when he started at a small company supporting small and medium-sized businesses. Those early days involved staging computers and helping customers with their day-to-day technical challenges. After being outsourced to a pharmaceutical company for on-site support, Kristof faced his first career pivot when the company outsourced their IT operations to IBM.
“At the start, I was supporting Windows and middleware, which was mainly Citrix,” Kristof recalls. As virtualization gained momentum within IBM, he made the shift to VMware, specializing in virtualization technologies. When an opportunity arose to focus on Aria Automation (now part of VMware Cloud Foundation), Kristof embraced the challenge—a decision that would shape his career path for years to come.
Today, Kristof works as a Freelance Infrastructure/Cloud Architect with NRB, a career change he made just last year. At this Belgian Service Provider, he’s responsible for their private cloud environment and is currently leading an upgrade project implementing VMware Cloud Foundation Automation.
“We’re in the process of upgrading our private cloud environment with VCF Automation. Together with the team, we’re busy writing all the necessary code to automate our different use cases,” Kristof explains. He also collaborates with the product owner and enterprise architect to shape the private cloud roadmap.
Finding Joy in Connections
What brings Kristof the most satisfaction in his work? It’s the connections that come from working with VCF Automation.
“Because I work with VCF Automation, we integrate with a lot of different products and teams,” he shares. “You’re not just a developer in your corner writing code, but you interact with a lot of different people. The positive side of all this is that you learn a lot about these different products as well.”
This collaborative aspect of his work reflects the same enthusiasm he brings to community engagement—something that would become a defining element of his professional identity.
The Community That Changed Everything
If there’s a turning point in Kristof’s story, it’s his first VMworld (now VMware Explore) in 2018.
“The biggest change in my network and career was when I went to my first VMworld,” he says. This experience introduced him to the VMUG (VMware User Group) community and inspired him to start blogging with the goal of joining the vExpert community.
The connections formed at that first event led him to the Belgian UserCon, where he began building friendships with local community members and fellow vExperts. These relationships proved transformative. In 2023, when the Belgian VMUG leader stepped down, Kristof seized the opportunity to take on the leadership role alongside two other vExperts, Maarten Van Driessen and Jens Herremans.
“It’s because of these two guys that I changed my career from employee to freelance. Something that I wouldn’t have done otherwise,” Kristof reflects. “The community empowers you to do things you never thought you would do.”
“The community empowers you to do things you never thought you would do.”
Now in his third year leading the Belgium VMUG, Kristof finds immense satisfaction in community building. “There’s nothing more rewarding than getting the community together and getting to know all these people,” he shares. His commitment to community extends beyond Belgium—this year, he joined the Regional Leader Champs (RCLs), supporting other leaders facing community challenges.
Evolution of the VMware Explore Experience
Kristof’s approach to VMware Explore has evolved over the years. “The first time I ever went to VMworld, I went to the sessions to gain knowledge of the products you work with and get a glimpse of what’s to come,” he explains. “I also followed a few sessions on things I didn’t know yet but wanted to understand better.”
After that first experience, his focus shifted. “After my first Explore, it was less sessions but more networking. It’s important to not only know the products but also other people that use the same products. Because they sometimes use the product differently, and it gives you other insights.”
Among his favorite memories is meeting former VMware CEO Pat Gelsinger at a vExpert party in Barcelona. “Pat actually made time to talk to everyone in the room. He’s such a charismatic guy, and it was a privilege to meet him.”
Advice for the Journey Ahead
For those considering a similar career path, Kristof offers his life motto: “Always say yes to new challenges and think later about how you will make it work.” This philosophy has guided his professional journey and community engagement.
“Always say yes to new challenges and think later about how you will make it work.”
“It’s better to complain because you did something instead of complaining about something you didn’t do,” he advises. “If you don’t like it, then you can jump to another challenge. But the important thing is that you at least finish what you promised.”
When he’s not immersed in cloud architecture or community building, Kristof maintains balance through weightlifting, running, and Aikido—activities that help him “keep a healthy mind in a healthy body.”
Connect with Kristof
Want to connect with Kristof? Find him on LinkedIn, Twitter/X (though he notes he’s less active there), or on Discord as vkasaert (Kristof Asaert).
And for those in Belgium, mark your calendars for June 5th—Kristof and his fellow VMUG leaders are organizing another UserCon in Mechelen. As he puts it, “For all the Belgian people, there’s only one place you need to be on the 5th of June.”
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