About
This image reflects the spirit of cooperation, collaboration, team work and open communication which is essential to the role of the technical communicator.
A Lifelong Journey
I began my career as a technical communicator in 1995, building on my earlier experience as a high school English teacher and tutor. As an avid science fiction reader and hobby writer, I have always been drawn to both technology and creative expression. Technical communication offered a natural bridge between these interests — combining my love of writing, my curiosity about new technologies, and my teaching experience into a meaningful professional path.
Over three decades in this field, I have grown not only as a communicator but also as a person. I’ve learned about the evolving tools and practices of the profession—and, just as importantly, about myself. Though it has been a long journey, I still see myself as a lifelong student, always learning and open to new challenges and ideas.
My Values
My values are central to how I approach both technical communication and professional relationships. They shape my thinking, guide my actions, and define how I contribute to teams and projects.
- Honesty and integrity
- Kindness and consideration
- Listening
- Respect
- Transparency and accountability
- Curiosity
- Service to others
Find out more: Why are values so important?
Wearing Many Hats
Technical communication is a profession that combines aspects of several roles:
- Investigator — trying to find out how something works or is put together, pulling together information from different sources and chasing subject matter experts.
- Journalist — asking questions, probing and clarifying answers.
- Writer — drafting and crafting content using language, to create content that is clear, concise and easy to read.
- Teacher — helping users understand important concepts, breaking down complex tasks into simple steps and guiding the user through the steps they need to accomplish their tasks.
- Story-teller — putting together the information gathered in order to tell a compelling and convincing story to the reader.
- Designer — implementing the information architecture and user experience for users when interacting with the technical information.
I enjoy the opportunity to wear many hats — it keeps my work as a technical communicator dynamic, diverse and full of engaging challenges that continually inspire creativity and growth.
Approach to Technical Communication
Collaboration and working together with others is essential to delivering successful projects, as well as to long-term wellbeing and thriving as a technical communicator. This includes, but is not limited to, flexibility and willingness to compromise and adapt, listening to and understanding different points of view, and respecting the contributions and viewpoints of colleagues.
Find out more: It's all about communication