Open source: more than just fun
OK, here’s the thing. I’ve been working the open source way for 30 years now, and I find myself wondering—what is it that makes it so compelling? Working with open source and, more specifically, the community-driven nature really makes my day—every single time. But why? Is it because our business and our community are growing rapidly? Nah… Lately, I’ve been reflecting on why this approach resonates so deeply with me.
I used to believe it was just about the energy, positive vibes, and all the enthusiasm that comes with it. But with recent geopolitical developments, I’ve started to see things differently. It’s not just fun and games—the value of the “open source way” lies much deeper. I remember when we started running servers using Linux, right as the Internet was taking off. That experience shaped my understanding of how openness and collaboration can drive meaningful change. Join me in my exploration as I gather examples of how this approach continues to make an impact.
Be real, be authentic
When working together, we need to stop dysfunctional behavior and be real, authentic, and truthful. Mahan Khalsa captures this well in his sales training Helping Clients Succeed. As a community-focused company, we’ve seen that honest conversations—sometimes bold, always well-intended—lead to real impact.
Example:
A CTO at a large financial institution kept receiving scattered meeting requests from different sales reps of the same vendor. To prove a point, she scheduled them all on the same morning, overlapping appointments. As they awkwardly realized their lack of coordination in the waiting area, the lesson became clear: transparency and teamwork matter. A fun but effective way to reinforce the “Let’s Get Real” mindset.
Stronger together
The beauty of knowledge? It never runs out. Bill Joy, co-founder of Sun Microsystems, put it perfectly: “No matter who you are, most of the smartest people work for someone else.” Why hoard knowledge when sharing makes everything better?
Example:
Europe’s largest pediatric cancer research center was looking for an innovative, cost-effective way to advance their research. By embracing an open-source environment, they reached out to the global community and found support from Boston Children’s Hospital, where similar technology was being explored. Red Hat soon joined, and open-source leaders across industries rallied behind the cause. The result? A groundbreaking research platform driven by openness and collaboration, empowering researchers with shared knowledge and resources.
Owning our digital future
The world is shifting fast, and digital sovereignty matters more than ever. Open Source gives governments and businesses control over their own technology, free from vendor lock-in and external dependencies. This is especially critical in AI development, where transparency and adaptability define success.
Example:
Local open-source models are proving to be a game-changer, allowing businesses and researchers to run AI on-premise and even train models in air-gapped environments—avoiding the need to rely on hyperscalers and big-tech providers. Deepseek is a prime example, showcasing how organizations can refine AI models with full visibility and control. Community-driven efforts lead to smarter, more efficient LLM (AI as you will) training and development. These examples highlight how Open Source is shaping the future of digital sovereignty, ensuring that innovationon remains open, ethical, and in the hands of those who build it.
Make work fun and purposeful
Let’s be real—fun fuels innovation. When people enjoy what they do, they push boundaries and create incredible things. And let’s not forget: we have a blast while doing it. Taking each other seriously when needed but also knowing when to share a laugh makes all the difference. Work hard, play hard only happens when there’s a shared purpose driving us forward.
Example:
We once turned knowledge-sharing into a game, setting up a competitive yet playful challenge among employees and students. The result? More engagement, deeper learning, and a stronger community. Having a blast together created social happiness, strengthened bonds, and made the work feel less like work—helping us achieve greater results while enjoying the ride. Laughing together, pushing each other, and embracing that playful energy made the experience even more impactful.
Breaking down barriers
Open Source isn’t just about software—it’s about people. It’s about connecting with anybody, anywhere. Ranks don’t matter. Sharing knowledge and learning does. The community way is where everybody helps each other, and we don’t see imaginary boundaries of our organizations, departments, or, for heaven’s sake, the “silos” we’ve created. Leaders like Stefanie Chiras and others embrace this open leadership style: transparent, accessible, and committed to the community. Heck, even Jim Whitehurst’s The Open Organization lays it out brilliantly, showing how Open Source principles extend beyond technology into leadership and business.
What’s next?
“Open Source is about standing on the shoulders of giants.” We have seen this with Kubernetes, and now we see it with AI.
Last week, it hit me again—Open Source isn’t just the past; it’s the future. Yesterday, it was Kubernetes. Today, it’s Deepseek. And tomorrow? Who knows. But one thing is certain: Open Source will be at the heart of whatever comes next.
Deepseek is a perfect example. Unlike proprietary AI, Open Source AI ensures transparency, control, and adaptability. Businesses and researchers can customize, audit, and improve models, making AI work for people, not just corporations.
The takeaway? The future is open. Whether in IT, AI, or research, Open Source empowers us all to move faster, safer, and with more control.
Because in the end, it’s not just about the technology—it’s about the people behind it.