Rain Leander | SpeakerHub

Personal Details

Bio

I am a process-oriented, superbly creative, interdisciplinary community liaison with a Bachelor’s in dance and a Master’s in information technology. As an epic public speaker, I have wowed audiences by disappearing within a box stuffed with swords, creating life, and even going skydiving with the Queen. But my experience goes far beyond theatrics.

As an active technical contributor and maintainer of several smaller open source projects, including Temporal, CockroachDB, Tinkerbell, RDO, Fedora Project, OpenStack, TripleO, and DjangoGirls, I have honed my skills in explaining complex technical concepts in a way that is accessible to everyone. My unique blend of technical expertise, creativity, and fearlessness in discussing sensitive topics like mental health, make me the ideal candidate for any speaking engagement.

I have been honored to speak at numerous events, including Python Web Conf, PHP UK Conference, All Day DevOps, All Things Open, Dash, Replay, KCDC, and more. At these events, I have tackled difficult topics head-on, from discussing how to build an OSS community milestone by milestone, to diving into new technologies and hacks for more efficient work, to shaping the future of backend development, and even embracing your inner child to jumpstart growth.

With experience ranging from playing with Roaches at Heroic Labs, Mythical Games, and Devsisters, to sharing practical Python tips and SQL query optimizations for speed and efficiency, I bring a unique perspective to the stage. I am passionate about open source and have contributed to a variety of projects, including CockroachDB, Django, Ansible, and Camunda, to name just a few.

As a community leader, I have co-hosted PRXMTY EMEA and Contributing Today, discussing mental health in open source and diversity and inclusion in community. I was also a panelist on Pluralsight Link 2022 DevRel and spoke about architecture of a serverless database at DeveloperWeek Europe.

With years of experience as a community liaison, public speaker, and technical contributor, I bring a wealth of knowledge and a dynamic presence to any event. I look forward to sharing my passion for technology, creativity, and community with your audience.

Degrees (2)

MIT, Information Technology

American InterContinental University

2002

BFA, Dance

The University of Southern Mississippi

1994 to 1998

Presentations

Presentations (5)

Tutus and Tech: A Ballet-Inspired Guide to Distributed Computing

This talk uses the world of ballet to explain the complex field of distributed computing in a fun and accessible way. The talk explores how concepts of ensemble, pas de deux, choreography, grand jeté, adagio, and tutu can be used to explain different aspects of distributed computing. The speaker draws parallels between the precision and coordination required of ballet dancers and the precision and coordination required of devices working together in distributed computing. By using relatable and engaging metaphors, the speaker breaks down complex computing concepts and makes them more accessible to a broader audience.

Finding Harmony in Distributed Systems: Choreography vs Orchestration in Software Development

Why did the choreographer refuse to use orchestration in their distributed system? Because they wanted their components to dance to their own beat, without a central conductor! This talk explores the differences between choreography and orchestration in software development for distributed systems. Choreography involves the independent coordination of software components through message passing, while orchestration involves a central orchestrator managing the interactions between components. Through examples such as e-commerce and travel booking systems, the strengths and weaknesses of each approach are highlighted. By understanding the pros and cons of each approach, software developers can make informed decisions about which approach to use for their specific use case, ultimately finding harmony in their distributed systems.

To Be or Not to Be (Deterministic): The Algorithmic Question

This talk explores the differences between deterministic and non-deterministic algorithms in software engineering using Shakespearean references. By drawing on quotes from Shakespeare's plays and sonnets, the talk offers a unique and engaging perspective on the decision software engineers must make when choosing between these algorithmic approaches. The talk covers the definitions of deterministic and non-deterministic algorithms, provides examples of each type, and discusses their respective advantages and disadvantages. By the end of the talk, attendees will gain a better understanding of the use cases for each type of algorithm and be able to apply this knowledge to their own software development projects.

Escape the Monolith: A Distributed System Adventure

Escape rooms are a great way to test your problem-solving skills and work collaboratively with others. But why not take it to the next level and design an escape room that challenges participants to think about distributed systems and scalability? In this talk, we'll explore how to create an immersive and engaging escape room experience that teaches important concepts about fault tolerance and distributed systems. We'll cover tips for incorporating workflow and task orchestration into your escape room design, as well as the importance of providing clues and setting a time limit. By the end of this talk, you'll have the knowledge and tools to create a fun and educational escape room that your participants will never forget. So, get ready to put your problem-solving skills to the test and escape the world of monolithic systems! And of course, we'll throw in a few puns and jokes along the way to keep it light-hearted and fun.

Diving Into New Technologies: Hacks to Work More Efficiently

As a Software Developer, we’re expected to inhale new technologies from the latest libraries within our core programming languages to the latest cloud deployment platform, from programming the smart lights to the latest security enhancements of ipv6. Most recently I’m diving into a new backend technology and I invite you to join me as I hack my way to understanding. I will provide specific examples, from using an IDE to knowing when to give yourself a break so you can return energized and focused, and conclude with practical recommendations as you dive into your next new technology.

Past talks (3)

Diving Into New Technologies: Hacks to Work More Efficiently

PHP UK Conference

London, United Kingdom

February 16, 2023

Regress to Progress: A Child’s Mindset for Growth

Python Web Conf

https://2023.pythonwebconf.com/

March 14, 2023

Session: Building an Enduring Open Source Community, Milestone by Milestone

All Things Open

Raleigh North Carolina United States