Some experiences stay with you long after the event ends. A conversation. A welcome. A connection that carries forward over the years.
For Kaz Igarashi, VMUG Leader for Japan, VMUG has been made up of moments like these. Over time, those moments turned into relationships across the global community and a lasting connection to the people behind the technology.
In the interview below, Kaz shares his experience with VMUG, the connections that stood out to him, and how community continues to shape his perspective.
VMUG
Q: How would you describe the VMUG community in three words?
Kaz: “Like no other”
Q: What’s one thing you wish more people knew about VMUG?
Kaz: “I really wish more people would attend an in-person event and experience the energy and passion of VMUG members firsthand.”
Q: What was your first VMUG event, and what do you remember most about it?
Kaz: “My first global VMUG event was the VMUG Member Party during VMworld 2016. Brad, who was the VMUG CEO at the time, introduced me to the VMUG team and leaders from around the world, and I was blown away by how global the VMUG community really was.
What stayed with me most was how welcoming everyone was, even though English isn’t my first language. Almost ten years later, I’m still connected with many of those members, which means a lot to me.
Q: VMUG connects people around the world — what’s one connection you’ve made that surprised you?
Kaz: “One connection that really surprised me happened when I attended Indy VMUG in 2019.
I arrived a day early before UserCon, and Richard, the Buffalo VMUG leader, spent the entire day showing me around Indianapolis — almost like a personal tour guide.
I later wrote about the experience in a blog post. It’s a memory I’ll never forget, and I’m truly proud that we’re still close friends to this day.
Choosing just one connection is tough!
I’ve met so many incredible VMUG members, and I’d love to share more of those stories another time.”
| "Almost ten years later, I’m still connected with many of those members, which means a lot to me." |
Career
Q: What’s your personal “why” for being in this industry?
Kaz: “In Japan, many organizations still follow a long-term employment model, and at the university where I work, I’ve been able to grow by gaining experience and developing my skills over many years.
At the same time, universities are not for-profit organizations, so we’re always working under tight budget constraints.
I find real fulfillment in the challenge of figuring out how to deliver reliable and comfortable IT services for students, even with so many limitations. That challenge is what keeps me motivated in this industry.”
How do you balance learning + leading + networking?
Kaz: “I don’t really see learning, leading, and networking as separate things.
By staying active in the community, I’m constantly learning from others, and that naturally leads to opportunities to support and guide people in return.
Building relationships is at the center of it all — those connections help me learn, grow as a leader, and keep giving back to the community”
Advice
Q: What’s a piece of advice you’ve received from another member that stuck with you?
Kaz: “Steve, our Past President, once advised us, ‘When you organize a meeting, make a point of reaching out to first-time attendees.’
That really made me realize that this mindset is at the heart of why VMUG has grown into such an open and friendly community for new members.
I’ve also received advice from close members of the Japan VMUG community:
'Embrace change with a positive mindset and keep pushing yourself to the next level.’
It’s the kind of advice that genuinely excites and motivates you to get involved.”
Q: What do you want the next generation of IT pros to know about community?
Kaz: “Even as generations change and technology continues to evolve; there are always people behind it.
Communities give you the opportunity to meet people from many different perspectives — customers, vendors, makers, system integrators, and support professionals — and to understand the many sides of our industry.
I hope the next generation of IT professionals will strive to be people who approach everyone involved with respect and empathy.”
For those looking to stay connected and learn from others across the industry, VMUG offers a place to do just that. Kaz’s experience offers a look at what that kind of connection can lead to over time.
Thank you to Kaz for sharing his experience and for his leadership within the VMUG community in Japan.
Want to learn more about Kaz’s perspective? Connect with him on X or Linkedin.
.
