Justin Ryburn

“Elon Musk” – Walter Isaacson "Are the demons that drive Musk also what it takes to drive innovation?" Walter Isaacson’s biography of Elon Musk isn’t just a life story—it’s a psychological deep dive into trauma, risk, and the "hardcore" philosophy that built an empire. Whether you’re a fan or a critic, this look at the "machine that builds the machine" is a must-read.

Walter Isaacson spent two years shadowing Elon Musk. The result? A 680-page "decoder ring" for a man-child with the toys of a god. ⚡️

From the "Algorithm" of engineering to the late-night chaos of the X acquisition, we’re looking at whether Musk’s "Demon Mode" is a bug or a feature of his genius.

NANOG 96: Re-Engineering the Network for the AI Era NANOG 96, held from February 2-4, 2026, at the Hyatt Regency Embarcadero in San Francisco, highlighted the transformative impact of Artificial Intelligence on network infrastructure. Key discussions included the transition to AI Centers, emphasizing the need for advanced cooling solutions and network automation. The event underscored a shift towards integrating AI in network operations while maintaining essential routing security and foundational protocols.

NANOG 96: Re-Engineering the Network for the AI Era

NANOG 96, held from February 2-4, 2026, at the Hyatt Regency Embarcadero in San Francisco, highlighted the transformative impact of Artificial Intelligence on network infrastructure. Key discussions included the transition to AI Centers,…

“The Boys in the Boat” by Daniel James Brown From the Lower-Middle Class to Olympic Gold: The Unlikely Triumph of 'The Boys in the Boat' Sports stories often rely on the trope of the underdog, but few nonfiction narratives embody that spirit with as much grit and emotional resonance as Daniel James Brown’s The Boys in the Boat. Set against the bleak backdrop of the Great Depression and the looming shadow of Nazi Germany, the book recounts the improbable journey of the University of Washington’s 1936 eight-oar crew.

From lower-middle class to Olympic gold. 🚣‍♂️ My latest blog explores "The Boys in the Boat" by Daniel James Brown with a focus on how working-class grit and the mystical "swing" led the UW crew team to victory in 1936.

“No Easy Day” – Mark Owen Mark Owen's "No Easy Day" offers more than just a thrilling account of the mission that killed Osama bin Laden; it presents valuable lessons on leadership and high performance. Key principles include relentless preparation, radical accountability, and mastering the basics. These insights can significantly enhance professional growth in any field.

"No Easy Day" by Mark Owen blends the thrilling Bin Laden mission with career lessons on preparation, accountability, and mastering the basics. These elite SEAL principles provide a blueprint for high performance and professional growth in any industry.

“Taking Point” – Brent Gleeson Brent Gleeson's Taking Point emphasizes that effective leadership during change requires resilience, accountability, and culture. By adopting principles from Navy SEALs, leaders can foster trust, preparation, and inclusion, allowing teams to navigate challenges. Continuous improvement through reviews ensures adaptability, empowering organizations to thrive amidst uncertainty and change.

Brent Gleeson’s Taking Point applies Navy SEAL principles to business. By mastering 10 pillars—from Culture and Trust to Resilience and AARs—leaders can navigate chaos with total accountability and elite discipline. Stop managing change; lead it from the front.

“On Fire” – John O’Leary The core of O’Leary’s narrative isn't just the fire itself; it is the agonizing months and years that followed. He endured dozens of surgeries, amputations to his fingers, and the excruciating daily ritual of having dead skin scrubbed from his raw body. In the book, O'Leary writes about a pivotal moment in the hospital when his mother asked him, 'John, do you want to die? It’s okay if you do.' When he signaled that he didn't, she replied, 'Then you have to fight. You have to take the hand of God, and you have to fight.' That moment encapsulates the central theme of the book: adversity is inevitable, but victimhood is optional. The fire forced O'Leary to realize that while he had absolutely no control over the circumstances that befell him, he had total control over his response to them. The tragedy didn't break him; it burned away the non-essentials, revealing a core of steel he never knew he possessed.

“On Fire” – John O’Leary

The core of O’Leary’s narrative isn't just the fire itself; it is the agonizing months and years that followed. He endured dozens of surgeries, amputations to his fingers, and the excruciating daily ritual of having dead skin scrubbed from his raw body. In the book,…

AutoCon4: Keeping Automation Weird AutoCon 4 showcased the maturity of network automation, emphasizing its importance for businesses. The conference featured dual tracks on advanced technology and leadership, highlighting the need for engineers to align automation with business value. Discussions on AI's practical applications, the evolving Source of Truth, and community engagement underscored the journey towards robust network automation.

AutoCon4: Keeping Automation Weird

AutoCon 4 showcased the maturity of network automation, emphasizing its importance for businesses. The conference featured dual tracks on advanced technology and leadership, highlighting the need for engineers to align automation with business value. Discussions…

“The Courage to be Disliked” – Ichiro Kishimi The Courage to Be Disliked challenges societal norms around validation and happiness, proposing that true freedom comes from choosing happiness independently of past experiences. It emphasizes teleology over etiology, asserting that interpersonal relationships drive most problems. By cultivating self-acceptance, confidence in others, and community contribution, one can achieve genuine happiness.

"The Courage to Be Disliked," based on the psychological theories of Alfred Adler, offers a path to true freedom and happiness by challenging the idea that our past determines our present.

“Sonny Boy” – Al Pacino Al Pacino's autobiography, Sonny Boy, chronicles his journey from a turbulent Bronx childhood to Hollywood stardom, highlighting his deep love for acting. The book offers candid reflections on creativity's struggles, personal relationships, and the transformative power of art. Ultimately, it's a meditation on resilience, passion, and the meaning behind his illustrious career.

“Sonny Boy” – Al Pacino

Al Pacino's autobiography, Sonny Boy, chronicles his journey from a turbulent Bronx childhood to Hollywood stardom, highlighting his deep love for acting. The book offers candid reflections on creativity's struggles, personal relationships, and the transformative power of…

“Embrace the Suck” – Brent Gleeson Brent Gleeson’s "Embrace the Suck" uses Navy SEAL stories to show how facing adversity builds resilience. He argues that mental strength isn't fixed but can be grown through challenge. By sharing compelling anecdotes and connecting them to civilian life, Gleeson inspires readers to reframe their struggles as opportunities for personal and professional growth.

Brent Gleeson’s book, "Embrace the Suck", uses Navy SEAL stories to illustrate that facing adversity builds mental toughness. He shows how a growth mindset turns struggles into opportunities, making the book a guide for turning life's challenges into personal and professional growth.

“Dare to Lead” – Brene Brown Brené Brown's "Dare to Lead" redefines leadership by emphasizing empathy, vulnerability, and trust. It introduces the BRAVING framework, outlining trust's seven elements: Boundaries, Reliability, Accountability, Vault, Integrity, Non-judgment, and Generosity. Brown advocates for leaders to cultivate trust-based cultures, encouraging authenticity and courage within organizations for greater effectiveness and employee empowerment.

Brené Brown's "Dare to Lead" redefines leadership by emphasizing empathy, vulnerability, and trust. It introduces the BRAVING framework, outlining trust's seven elements. In this blog, I break down her work along with my key takeaways.

“Multipliers” – Liz Wiseman Liz Wiseman's book "Multipliers" distinguishes between two types of leaders: Multipliers, who enhance team capabilities, and Diminishers, who inadvertently stifle talent. Multipliers attract talent, foster safe environments, challenge teams, encourage debate, and invest in ownership. By adopting these practices, leaders can significantly boost their team's performance and innovation potential.

iz Wiseman's book "Multipliers" distinguishes between two types of leaders: Multipliers, who enhance team capabilities, and Diminishers, who inadvertently stifle talent. Multipliers attract talent, foster safe environments, challenge teams, encourage debate, and invest in ownership.

NANOG 94: Networking in the Mile High City NANOG 94 in Denver welcomed over 800 network engineering professionals for discussions on AI, security, and automation, featuring keynote speaker John White. The conference emphasized collaboration, with a Hackathon and community-building efforts such as the Women in Tech mixer. Attendees gained insights on improving internet infrastructure and security practices.

NANOG 94 in Denver welcomed over 800 network engineering professionals for discussions on AI, security, and automation, featuring keynote speaker John White. The conference emphasized collaboration, with a Hackathon and the usual Beer N Gear. Check out my latest blog for more details.

AutoCon 3: Network Automation’s Premier Conference Autocon3 in Prague, held from May 26th to 30th, 2025, was a pivotal network automation conference featuring workshops, keynotes, and discussions on design-driven automation, evolving tools, and practical applications. Claudia de Luna emphasized the need for clear design requirements. The event fostered community engagement and underscored automation's transition to a core competency.

Autocon3 was an amazing network automation conference featuring workshops, keynotes, and discussions on design-driven automation, evolving tools, and practical applications. The event fostered community engagement and underscored automation's transition to a core competency.

“The Let Them Theory” – Mel Robbins Mel Robbins' "The Let Them Theory" advocates for emotional release from the urge to control others' lives, fostering peace and autonomy. By accepting that you cannot dictate others' choices, you reduce anxiety and redirect your energy toward personal well-being. Embracing this theory enhances relationships and self-respect, leading to greater personal freedom.

Mel Robbins' "The Let Them Theory" teaches you to release the urge to control others' lives. By accepting that you cannot dictate others' choices, you reduce anxiety and redirect your energy toward personal well-being. Embracing this theory leads to greater personal freedom.

“Zero to One” – Peter Thiel Peter Thiel's "Zero to One" challenges conventional business ideas by advocating for radical innovation over incremental improvements. It distinguishes between horizontal and vertical progress, emphasizes the importance of monopolies, and highlights the necessity of uncovering hidden truths. The book calls for definite optimism and strong leadership, advocating for niche market strategies for successful startups.

Peter Thiel's "Zero to One" challenges conventional business ideas by advocating for radical innovation over incremental improvements. It distinguishes between horizontal and vertical progress, emphasizes the importance of monopolies, and highlights the necessity of uncovering hidden truths.

ChiNOG 12: The Networking Event of the Year for Chicagoland ChiNOG 12 recently took place in Chicago, gathering networking experts for discussions on critical industry topics. Highlights included presentations on AI, high-frequency trading, and network automation. The event fostered valuable networking opportunities and offered insights into current challenges in network technology, reaffirming its importance for professionals in the field.

ChiNOG 12 recently took place, gathering networking experts to present on various topics. Highlights included talks on AI, high-frequency trading, and network automation. The event fostered valuable networking opportunities and offered insights into current challenges in networking.

Knowledge 2025 in Las Vegas: Where AI Gets to Work Knowledge 2025, hosted by ServiceNow at the Venetian Expo in Las Vegas, highlighted AI advancements in IT operations and workflow automation. The conference featured over 550 sessions, fostering learning and collaboration among attendees. Key themes included AI integration, innovative solutions from partners, and enhancing customer and employee experiences, all driving organizational efficiency.

Knowledge 2025, hosted by ServiceNow, highlighted AI advancements in IT operations and workflow automation. Key themes included AI integration, innovative solutions from partners, and enhancing customer and employee experiences, all driving organizational efficiency.

“Stillness Is the Key” – Ryan Holliday Ryan Holiday's "Stillness is the Key" advocates for cultivating inner quiet amid modern chaos. Drawing from Stoic philosophy and psychology, he emphasizes stillness in mind, spirit, and body as essential for clarity, resilience, and effective decision-making. This practical guide encourages self-awareness and self-care, highlighting that true strength lies in tranquility.

“Stillness Is the Key” – Ryan Holliday

Ryan Holiday's "Stillness is the Key" advocates for cultivating inner quiet amid modern chaos. Drawing from Stoic philosophy and psychology, he emphasizes stillness in mind, spirit, and body as essential for clarity, resilience, and effective decision-making.…

“Lost and Founder” – Rand Fishkin Rand Fishkin’s "Lost and Founder" presents an unvarnished view of startup life, contrasting typical success narratives. It combines personal experiences with practical advice, addressing the emotional toll and challenges of entrepreneurship. Fishkin critiques venture capital and promotes a focus on company culture, offering a vital perspective for founders navigating their journeys.

Rand Fishkin’s "Lost and Founder" presents an unvarnished view of startup life, contrasting typical success narratives. It combines personal experiences with practical advice, addressing the emotional toll and challenges of entrepreneurship.

'BGP Flowspec doesn't suck. We're just using it wrong' | APNIC Blog Guest Post: How proper testing and best practices can unlock the true potential of BGP Flowspec.

I had the honor or speaking at the last #APRICOT25 on BGP Flowspec best practices. This blog is an overview of that topic. blog.apnic.net/2025/04/04/b...

“The Six Habits of Highly Effective Sales Engineers” – Chris White Sales engineering plays a vital role in B2B sales, requiring a blend of technical knowledge and effective communication. Chris White's book outlines six habits for success: Partner, Probe, Prepare, Practice, Perform, and Perfect. These principles enable sales engineers to enhance their collaboration, connect with customers, and improve overall sales performance, fostering career growth.

“The Six Habits of Highly Effective Sales Engineers” – Chris White

Sales engineering plays a vital role in B2B sales, requiring a blend of technical knowledge and effective communication. Chris White's book outlines six habits for success: Partner, Probe, Prepare, Practice, Perform, and Perfect.…

“The Four Agreements” – Don Miguel Ruiz In "The Four Agreements," Don Miguel Ruiz outlines four transformative principles for personal freedom: Be Impeccable With Your Word, Don't Take Anything Personally, Don't Make Assumptions, and Always Do Your Best. Practicing these agreements fosters authenticity, emotional independence, and inner peace, leading to genuine personal transformation and joy in life.

In a world filled with noise, expectations, and self-doubt, finding inner peace can feel like an impossible quest. Don Miguel Ruiz, in his book The Four Agreements, offers a simple yet profound path to personal freedom.

“High Output Management” – Andrew S. Grove Taking Management Output to the Next Level Andy Grove's High Output Management isn't just a business book; it's a management philosophy distilled into actionable principles. Decades after its initial publication, its lessons remain remarkably relevant, offering a timeless framework for managers seeking to maximize productivity and efficiency. Grove, the legendary co-founder and former CEO of Intel, doesn't just theorize; he provides a practical, hands-on guide that emphasizes measurable results and continuous improvement.

“High Output Management” – Andrew S. Grove

Taking Management Output to the Next Level Andy Grove's High Output Management isn't just a business book; it's a management philosophy distilled into actionable principles. Decades after its initial publication, its lessons remain remarkably relevant,…

“Courage Beyond the Game” – Jim Dent Courage Beyond the Game by Jim Dent chronicles the inspiring life of Freddie Steinmark, a young football star who battled cancer while playing for the University of Texas Longhorns. The biography highlights Steinmark's perseverance, sportsmanship, and remarkable character, serving as a powerful testament to the resilience of the human spirit in overcoming adversity.

In my latest blog, I review Courage Beyond the Game: The Freddie Steinmark Story by Jim Dent. If you have never heard the story of Freddie Stinemark, I highly recommend checking this one out.

NANOG 93 in Atlanta: From Automation to AI NANOG 93 brought the networking community together for insightful discussions on the future of connectivity, emphasizing continuous learning, adaptation, and collaboration. Justin Ryburn highlights ke...

🚀 NANOG 93 wrapped up with big insights on the future of networking!

Catch the key takeaways in @justinryburn.bsky.social's latest blog. 👇

www.kentik.com/blog/nanog-9...

#NANOG93 #Networking

NANOG 93 in Atlanta: From Automation to AI Introduction The North American Network Operators' Group (NANOG) just wrapped up its 93rd meeting in Atlanta, Georgia, and it was a whirlwind of innovation, collaboration, and forward-thinking discussions. From February 3rd to 5th, 2025, network engineers, operators, industry experts, and innovators gathered at the Atlanta Marriott Marquis to tackle the most pressing challenges and shape the future of the internet.

NANOG 93 in Atlanta: From Automation to AI

Introduction The North American Network Operators' Group (NANOG) just wrapped up its 93rd meeting in Atlanta, Georgia, and it was a whirlwind of innovation, collaboration, and forward-thinking discussions. From February 3rd to 5th, 2025, network…

“The Hard Thing About Hard Things” – Ben Horowitz Ben Horowitz’s The Hard Thing About Hard Things offers an unfiltered perspective on the challenges of entrepreneurship, emphasizing the distinction between “wartime” and “pe…

"The Hard Thing About Hard Things" - Ben Horowitz ryburn.org/2025/02/15/t...

“The Nvidia Way” – Tae Kim Tae Kim’s book, The NVIDIA Way, explores NVIDIA’s ascent as a tech giant through its focus on innovation, long-term vision, ecosystem building, adaptability, and customer understanding.…

"The Nvidia Way" - Tae Kim ryburn.org/2025/01/27/t...

“The Lean Startup” – Eric Ries Eric Ries’ “The Lean Startup,” published in 2011, revolutionized entrepreneurial practices by introducing a scientific methodology for startups. It emphasizes validated learning, …

In my latest blog, I review The Lean Startup from Eric Ries. This was a great read for any founders looking for a framework to apply agile principles to building and scaling a business. Reis' concept of the Build-Measure-Learn feedback loop is great. ryburn.org/2025/01/14/t...