{"id":54516,"date":"2023-10-05T11:10:59","date_gmt":"2023-10-05T11:10:59","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/devrims.com\/?p=54516"},"modified":"2024-06-04T06:03:25","modified_gmt":"2024-06-04T06:03:25","slug":"birgit-olzem-interview-techtalk-026","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/devrims.com\/blog\/birgit-olzem-interview-techtalk-026\/","title":{"rendered":"Devrims #TechTalk 026: Birgit Olzem Discusses Inclusivity and Representing The Under-Represented"},"content":{"rendered":"

If you search for Birgit on X (erstwhile Twitter), you will find her as “coachbirgit”. She explains her reason why (and that too, in her introduction).<\/p>\n

Throughout the interview, you will observe how important is the work Birgit doing. As a mentor, it’s always important to be inclusive and represented. She writes a very touching conclusion to this interview.<\/p>\n

I have learned a lot from Birgit via this interaction, and I hope my readers will do the same.<\/p>\n

Devrims: Let\u2019s start by knowing why is your Twitter handle \u201ccoachbirgit\u201d? ?<\/strong><\/p>\n

Birgit:<\/strong> Oh, that takes me back! So, I\u2019m a certified life coach, and back in 2007, I ventured into opening my own consulting practice. It was a journey of discovery, learning, and connecting. But life has its twists and turns, doesn\u2019t it? After losing my mom two years into my practice, I took a step back. It was a moment of reflection and redirection.<\/p>\n

Now, WordPress had already nestled its way into my life by then. I\u2019m a bit of a tech enthusiast, always poking around the latest in technology, and WordPress was this fascinating space of endless possibilities.<\/p>\n

I initially hopped on Twitter (now X) under my real name. But as time went on, I felt the need for a handle that was a bit more detached from my real name yet still resonated with who I am. Coaching isn\u2019t just a profession for me; it\u2019s woven into my identity. It\u2019s how I approach life, relationships, and yes, even tech.<\/p>\n

So, \u201cCoachBirgit\u201d wasn\u2019t just a random pick. It\u2019s a nod to my journey, the paths I\u2019ve walked, and the evolution from a life coach to a tech enthusiast, with every step, every shift, echoing the coaching spirit that lives in me. It\u2019s more than a handle; it\u2019s a narrative of my journey, each character a footprint of where I\u2019ve been and where I\u2019m headed.<\/p>\n

Devrims: Do you have any interesting stories or anecdotes about your professional career?<\/strong><\/p>\n

Birgit: <\/strong>Every chapter of my career is a blend of learning, evolving, and connecting. After closing my coaching practice, a new chapter unfolded. I found a niche in offering personalized WordPress trainings tailored for small business owners and companies. It wasn\u2019t just a job; it was a journey of discovery, each session unveiling new insights and challenges.<\/p>\n

But you know, I\u2019ve always been a multi-passionate soul. The world of WordPress was my playground, yet the artist in me was eager to explore, create, and express. I ventured into the mesmerizing world of vector art and surface pattern design. It was like learning a new language, a dance of shapes, colors, and textures that told stories beyond words.<\/p>\n

Contributing to WordPress has been another enriching journey. It\u2019s more than codes and designs. It\u2019s a community with a shared mission. I\u2019ve learned, grown, and evolved more in this space than in any formal employment over the past three decades. Every contribution, every interaction is a learning experience, a step closer to mastering the intricate dance of technology and community.<\/p>\n

One of my memorable moments was at WordCamp Utrecht in 2018. Amidst a sea of eager minds, I shared my narrative, intertwining mental health, chronic conditions, and creativity. I held up an assistive gear for pulling on socks, a symbol of my journey with hip arthrosis. It was a moment of raw vulnerability yet profound empowerment.<\/p>\n

Fast forward, the inaugural WordCamp Germany in my hometown, Gerolstein, is another milestone. Despite the transportation challenges post the 2021 flood, the spirit of the WordPress community is unwavering. It\u2019s a testament to our resilience, adaptability, and the unyielding power of unity.<\/p>\n

Every article, every talk, every connection is not just a professional milestone but a narrative, echoing the lessons, the triumphs, and the shared human experience that defines my journey.<\/p>\n

Devrims: You are actively involved in advocating for women in the WordPress community. Could you highlight some initiatives or projects you have participated in to promote gender diversity and inclusion?<\/strong><\/p>\n

Birgit: <\/strong>Absolutely! Elevating women and fostering gender diversity in the WordPress community isn\u2019t just something I do; it\u2019s a part of who I am. Let me share a few initiatives close to my heart:<\/p>\n