Welcome to MichaelEarls.com

Curiosity. Experience. Gratitude.

Building with purpose.

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This is a space where curiosity meets experience—and gratitude shapes perspective. I’m Michael Earls, an author and gratitude-driven leader, sharing what I’ve learned (and continue to learn) across four passions that shape how I think and work: technology, travel, wine, and coding.

Here you’ll find reflections and practical insights—from simplifying complex cloud strategies and exploring the world with intention, to discovering bold reds and crisp whites, and building creative solutions with Python. Each story is rooted in growth, clarity, and forward motion.

My goal is simple: to share stories that inspire, lessons that help, and ideas that spark meaningful progress.

Thanks for being here—let’s explore thoughtfully, sip intentionally, and build with purpose, together.

Shapes Prespectives

Current Focus: Control in Modern Cloud Systems

Identity. Platforms. Trust. Discipline

This ongoing series looks at where authority, trust, and control actually live as environments grow more automated, more distributed, and more complex.

  • Expert Mode — speed and complexity

  • Identity First — the control plane

  • Platform First — paved roads and guardrails

  • Agentic AI — autonomy as a stress test

  • Single-Cloud First — discipline before expansion

  • Cloud Cost Strategy - FinOps by Design

Modern Cloud Systems

Direction Over Noise

Direction isn’t a year. It’s a posture.

A way of deciding what matters before the noise decides for you.

Not a system.
Not a goal list.
Not a productivity hack.

This writing explores how direction is formed — quietly — by what we choose to protect and what we allow to fall away.

Direction Insights

Reflecting on Change

Change doesn’t usually arrive as a single moment or a clear decision. More often, it takes shape quietly — through routines that shift, standards that rise, and choices that feel small at the time. It shows up in pauses, setbacks, and adjustments that don’t register as turning points until much later. This series reflects on those moments — how growth happens without noise, how direction forms before results, and how identity evolves long before outcomes become visible.

Reflecting on Change

Technology & Insights

Technology isn’t just my career—it’s a lens through which I see the world. From cloud strategy and infrastructure modernization to AI, automation, and edge computing, I’m constantly exploring how technology shapes businesses, industries, and lives. On my blog, I dive into Codeshares—bite-sized posts where I break down real-world scripts, share automation workflows, and provide practical coding solutions you can use right away.

But tech is only part of the story. I also write about time management, digital lifestyle design, and finding the balance between productivity and burnout. Whether it's using AI to automate daily tasks, blocking calendar time for deep work, or redefining what it means to be "online," I'm always experimenting with smarter ways to live and work.

Here, you’ll find a mix of hands-on how-tos, reflections on tech trends, and strategies to make life a little more efficient—and a lot more intentional.

Tech + Cloud Insights

My Travel

I’ve done my fair share of travel over the years—mixing work trips with personal escapes—and along the way, I’ve picked up a few reliable tips. Always pack a portable charger, use packing cubes to stay organized, and sign up for airline loyalty programs early (those points add up!). I try to fly early in the day to avoid delays and always download offline maps before landing. Some of my favorite places to visit include the energy of New York City, the historic charm of Dublin, and the hidden wine gems of Sonoma. Whether you’re traveling for business or adventure, preparation makes all the difference.

Travel

My Love for Wine – A Journey in Every Glass

Wine, for me, is more than just a drink—it's a passport. Each bottle tells a story, not just of terroir and technique, but of culture, craftsmanship, and connection. Over the years, I’ve had the chance to explore wine not just as a beverage, but as an experience—one that has followed me across countries, dinner tables, and conversations.

From sipping bold Brunellos in the hills of Tuscany to discovering small-batch Pinot Noirs in Oregon, every glass has offered a glimpse into a place and its people. I've wandered through cellar doors in Napa, stood in chalky vineyards in Champagne, tasted crisp whites along the Rhine, and toasted with friends under Argentinian skies.

Whether it’s the thrill of a new discovery or the comfort of a trusted vintage, wine always brings me back to the present—reminding me to slow down, savor the moment, and appreciate the beauty in every detail. It’s a shared language, a quiet luxury, and a lifelong love affair.

And yes, my cellar is always open (figuratively… and sometimes literally) for conversation and a good pour.

Love for Wine
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