The Drio dream—in Italy!
|
Hi Reader, By the time you read this, Hazel and I will be in Turin, Italy. Fancy, right? We’re attending WordCamp, a conference all about WordPress, which is our website platform of choice. Whether or not that sounds like your ideal Italian getaway, it is right up our alley. WordCamp conferences bring together thousands of people in the WordPress community to connect and advance our shared knowledge of the platform. In-person networking meets technology innovation—that’s the Drio dream if you ask me. You might be surprised at how large and involved the WordPress community is. It’s one of the things we love most about the platform. The founders invest heavily into the people who use WordPress and the people contribute right back. This gives those who use the platform opportunities to guide its direction and impact its future—so we can all stay at the top of the game. WordPress isn’t the same platform as when it first launched, just like Drio isn’t the same company as when we started back in 2011. It’s pretty cool knowing that we’ve “grown up” right alongside it and we continue to evolve together. As Drio’s Left Brain, I’m particularly interested in security and accessibility, two things that are top of mind for every website we build. I’m also excited to learn about potential AI integrations and the latest and greatest in marketing and design. Beyond that, I’m excited to reconnect with people we’ve met at past WordCamp conferences. There’s a special bond you build with people you spend multiple days with in a foreign city, nerding out on a niche topic. Not only do you learn a ton about their business, but you also form a special kind of friendship. Anyway, do you have questions about the WordPress platform? Let me know, if so. I’m also taking Turin recommendations and tips for speaking Italian. Rachel The Left Brain PS: Did you know Hazel and I both studied abroad in Italy (separately)? 20 years later, it kind of feels like a mini homecoming for us both, so it’s great to return together. 😊
|
Hi! I'm Rachel, the Left Brain of Drio.
Hi Reader, The first time our website server had a serious security breach (circa 2012), damage control was a nightmare. I essentially had to manually rebuild every client website. Hours and hours and hours of work… If I hadn’t done that, however, I wouldn’t have accidentally become an expert in website security. I’ve been able to apply everything I learned to every other website project, which means we’ve avoided a ton of threats. While it’s much less of an ordeal to problem-solve nowadays,...
Hi Reader, I recently spoke at Loyola University’s event, Beyond the Algorithm: Human Insight in the AI World. As the name suggests, the conversations were about how we can keep leading the way with our human experiences, even though it feels like AI’s everywhere you look. I know many people, whether they’re young scholars or seasoned business owners, are reading the headlines about AI and wondering if they should be worried. And I get it. Some of the changes are nerve-wracking. While we...
Hi Reader, September reminded us just how powerful human connection and purpose-driven work can be. From Hazel inspiring the next generation of business leaders at Loyola to Rachel running in support of women rebuilding their lives at Marian House, this month was all about using our skills and energy for good, both inside and outside the office. Website Launch: IBEW Local 26 We’re thrilled to unveil the new IBEW Local 26 website, built for the hardworking electricians powering the D.C.,...