How Tim Miller bridges tech and marketing at Outshift

Meet Tim Miller, a seasoned technology leader and innovator who's passionate about driving technological advancements. As a Technical Marketing Engineer at Outshift by Cisco, Miller is at the forefront of bringing cutting-edge solutions to market. 

What makes Miller's story unique is his unconventional journey from particle physics to technology. His early career as a physicist honed his skills in complex data analysis and problem-solving. This foundation, coupled with a growing interest in computing and the rise of the internet, led him into the world of system administration. 

Now, Miller leverages his technical expertise and strategic thinking to bridge the gap between technical teams and business objectives. In this interview, we'll explore his journey to Outshift, his role in driving innovation, and his insights of the future of technology.

Describe your role at Outshift.  

As a Technical Marketing Engineer at Outshift, I find myself at the fascinating intersection of technology and marketing. My primary role is to ensure that the technical perspective of our users and customers is seamlessly integrated into our product development process. I contribute to creating innovative solutions that truly meet the needs of our customers. 

What does that mean in practice? 

• Translating technical jargon: I work closely with our product and engineering team to understand the complex details of how our products are built. Then, I translate this technical information into clear and concise language that resonates with our users. 
• Shaping the product vision: I collaborate with product managers and product marketers to define product features that address real customer needs. I bring a technical lens to these discussions, ensuring that the proposed features are not only feasible, but also deliver genuine value to our users. 
• Building strong relationships: I foster strong relationships with various teams, including engineering, product management, and product marketing. This cross-functional collaboration is essential for ensuring that our products are built with both technical excellence and market relevance in mind. 

Why I joined the Outshift team 

I was drawn to the Outshift team for several reasons. First, their incubation mindset resonated with me. They're always seeking out new frontiers and pushing the boundaries of what's possible. This aligned perfectly with my desire to work on cutting-edge technology and drive innovation within a large organization.  

The opportunity to tackle brand new things and help Cisco venture into uncharted territories was incredibly exciting. At the time I joined Outshift, there was a focus on cloud native technologies like, Kubernetes, which was particularly appealing. I saw this as a chance to be part of a team that was shaping the future of the company. 

Outshift also offers a unique cultural blend and the best of both worlds: the agility and excitement of exploring new ventures, combined with the resources and stability of a well-established company like Cisco. I knew I could wear multiple hats and make a significant impact, all while working with great people in a dynamic environment. 

What’s your favorite part of working at Outshift? 

I enjoy being the trusted voice to the product team and moving the needle that makes meaningful changes to the product. Building rapport and seeing our collective efforts come to fruition is incredibly rewarding. 

Additionally, I really enjoy attending conferences and presenting on the latest tech trends. It's a great opportunity to learn about new technologies, connect with other experts, and share my knowledge with the community. I also get a real kick out of diving deep into new technologies, figuring out how they work, and then sharing my insights with others. It's a constant learning experience that keeps me engaged and excited about my work. 

What aspects of your role do you find the most meaningful? 

Constant learning: The tech industry is constantly evolving, and I love the opportunity to continually learn and grow. Whether it's diving into the latest trends, mastering new tools, or collaborating with brilliant minds, there's always something new to discover. 

Exposure to new tech: Being at the forefront of technological advancements is incredibly exciting. I get to work with cutting-edge technologies and see firsthand how they can shape the future. This exposure to new tech fuels my passion and keeps me motivated. 

Working with a diverse group of people: One of the most rewarding aspects of my role is the opportunity to collaborate with a diverse group of people from different backgrounds and expertise. This diversity of thought and perspective enriches our work and fosters a dynamic and inclusive environment. 

The people at Cisco: The people at Cisco are truly amazing. I'm fortunate to work with a broad spectrum of talented and passionate individuals who inspire me every day. Their dedication, creativity, and support make coming to work a joy. 

How have you grown professionally since being at Outshift? 

Since joining Outshift, I think one of the most significant professional skills I've had to develop has been my ability to learn how to rapidly become a Subject Matter Expert (SME) in new areas very quickly.  

When I first joined Cisco, I primarily focused on datacenter technologies. However, I quickly pivoted to become an expert in security with Panoptica when I joined Outshift. 

This rapid transition required me to prioritize my learning, efficiently absorb new information, and apply it effectively. I had to step outside of my comfort zone and take on a broader range of responsibilities. This experience has taught me the importance of continuous learning, embracing challenges, and being open to new opportunities. 

What sparked your interest in emerging tech? 

I love solving complex problems. For example, Kubernetes, with its intricate architecture and dynamic nature, presents a fascinating challenge. I find it incredibly rewarding to dive deep into its complexities and find innovative solutions.  

When I joined Cisco, I was initially working on fabric design, which involved architecting and designing complex networking solutions. This experience further solidified my interest in understanding and securing Kubernetes and Kubernetes-based applications. 

My background as a particle physicist also plays a significant role. In physics, we constantly explore the fundamental building blocks of the universe, pushing the boundaries of human knowledge. This same spirit of exploration drives my passion for emerging technologies. I'm excited to continue exploring the possibilities and reimagining the future.   

What are some of your most significant career highlights? 

Reflecting on my career, a few moments stand out as particularly significant. 

First, being recognized as a Distinguished Speaker at Cisco Live was a true honor. It's not just about delivering a great presentation; it's also about connecting with the audience and inspiring them. I've been attending Cisco Live since 2009, and it's been incredible to go from being an attendee to a speaker and then to receive this prestigious award three times. 

The other highlight was making Cisco’s Chairman’s Club (now known as Club Cisco). As a seller, achieving Cisco’s Chairman's Club in FY20 was a major milestone. This award recognizes the top 1% of Cisco’s global sales force. It's a testament to the hard work, dedication, and collaboration with my team.  

If you had not embarked on a career in tech, what industry could you see yourself working in? 

I could easily see myself pursuing two alternative paths, like teaching physics or helping with conservation efforts. Teaching physics because my passion for understanding the fundamental laws of the universe has always been strong. I love the challenge of breaking down complex concepts into digestible explanations and inspiring the next generation of scientists. Sharing my knowledge and sparking curiosity in young minds would be incredibly fulfilling. 

And outdoor adventures, because I'm drawn to the beauty and tranquility of nature. Volunteering at a national park would allow me to contribute to conservation efforts while spending time outdoors. Whether it's leading hikes, educating visitors, or maintaining trails, I'd find great joy in immersing myself in the natural world. 

What excites you about the future of tech? 

When I think about the future of tech, I think it's a time of unparalleled innovation and creativity, where the possibilities seem endless. One of the most exciting aspects is the explosion of new ideas we're witnessing, reminiscent of the dot-com boom. People are applying their ingenuity to solve problems we didn't even know we could tackle. We're on the brink of discovering solutions that were once unimaginable like with artificial intelligence (AI). The pace of technological advancement is accelerating, and we're finding ways to solve complex problems faster than ever before. This rapid progress is driven by the collective efforts of brilliant minds, who exceed the limits of what we know to be possible. 

As we move forward, I'm eager to see how technology will continue to shape our world. From AI to quantum computing, the future holds immense potential. I'm thrilled to be part of this journey and contribute to the creation of a better future through technology. 

Ready for your next role? Search for open positions and join visionaries like Tim Miller and help shape the future of Outshift.