Project Overview
Michael Gibbs is a technology expert with 25 years of experience in networking, cloud computing, and IT security. He is the CEO of Go Cloud Careers, a global organization that provides training for elite cloud computing careers, and places a strong emphasis on helping individuals learn the skills necessary to build the technology career of their dreams. After a successful career with Cisco Systems, where he served the organization’s senior leadership as the Lead Enterprise Architect in its global healthcare consulting practice, Michael founded Go Cloud Architects — now rebranded as Go Cloud Careers — in 2013.
Michael is a highly-requested speaker and industry thought leader who presents at key conferences throughout the world. A passionate educator with 20 years of experience in coaching and mentoring others, Michael is also a Cisco Certified Internetwork Expert, a Google Professional Cloud Architect, and holds a Master’s of Science (MS) and Master’s of Business Administration (MBA) from Widener University.
Go Cloud Careers is an educational organization that builds high-performance cloud computing careers. Go Cloud is founded on one premise: they will get you hired. While other organizations merely focus on training to obtain career-specific certifications, such as AWS — or just technical proficiency — Go Cloud students develop a deep, practical knowledge of key cloud computing roles and responsibilities to build an elite tech career.
In addition to technical competency, the core instructional emphasis includes teaching the skills necessary for elite technology roles. These include leadership skills, business acumen, emotional intelligence, communication skills, presentation skills, sales skills, interview skills, and more. Go Cloud students finish their tech education with more than just certifications; they leave with the technical efficacy and soft skills employers desire in candidates in order to successfully build long-lasting, meaningful careers.
The Problem
When Michael Gibbs first met with Otter PR, he expressed that his company was seeing considerable growth. He wanted to increase both exposure and awareness of his company, but also to position himself as an expert and thought leader. Accomplishing these objectives would enable him to continue to grow his business, and position himself as a sought-after expert in the spaces of both cloud architecture and motivational leadership.
Michael expressed his desire to increase the exposure of his company and brand, knowing he could utilize his existing YouTube and LinkedIn channels to promote his media successes. In addition, he wanted to become a sought-after individual for speaking engagements, guest interviews, and other professional consultations.
The Strategy
Cloud architecture is a field that often requires specific technical knowledge from industry experts to intelligibly navigate. As such, Otter PR’s strategy was to utilize current trending topics — such as the ‘Great Resignation’ and recent AWS cloud outages — to position Michael as that expert and thought leader discussing issues he was passionate about.
Beginning with the Great Resignation and career transitions resulting from the pandemic, we were able to successfully ghostwrite several guest pieces and informative articles for Michael. We were also able to have him provide his knowledgable insight as comments for top-tier media outlets, including Investors Business Daily and Tech Target.
Furthermore, knowing that Michael is a consistent and strong advocate of multi-cloud design, Otter PR capitalized on a number of headlines regarding recent AWS cloud outages. Doing so allowed Michael to argue the problems with reliance on a single cloud provider, as well as the impact such outages could have on critical government services. This strategy enabled our team to secure additional top-tier placements for Michael with outlets including Tech Republic and DevOps, as well as contributorship placements with Information Week and Training Mag.
In addition, we began to simplify Michael’s message about technical competency and the skills needed to secure elite careers as a ‘Certifications Plus’ concept in the media, playing on branding trends for various media outlets such as Disney +, Discovery+, and others. This ‘Certification Plus’ concept differentiates Go Cloud Careers from competitors and prepares its students to learn in-demand skills employers search for in candidates looking to build elite technology careers.
Business Impact (results)
Michael came to us knowing he had a successful business model. In working together, Otter PR has helped position Michael as a leader within the Cloud Computing and Cloud Architecture industries. Moreover, his business continues to see considerable growth and celebrated its first anniversary on March 15, 2021.
Notably, Go Cloud Careers boasts a remarkably impressive 100% rate of hire for students who complete all requirements of its online program. This statistic validates Michael’s position that anybody can get cloud-certified, but not everyone can get cloud-hired. The “Certifications Plus” concept Michael and Go Cloud offer is the key element that helps its students get cloud-hired.
We look forward to continuing to work with Michael and executing the additional strategies we have developed. These initiatives will continue increasing awareness and exposure of his brand, including the promotion of new elite tech training he is developing for former military members, to the launch of Michael’s new podcast.
