Resurrected with Resilience: Dallas Ramsden's Drupal Legacy

Exactly 16 years back, Dallas Ramsden discovered Drupal. For a man who have changed his location for many times in the said years, Drupal seems like a confident forever stop. Professionally, Dallas is the Chief Executive Officer and Solutions Architect at Xequals and Drupal Services Specialist at Sparks Interactive.

"If I were on a menu, I'd be "The Blended Bliss" - a harmonious and balanced blend of flavors that perfectly captures the fusion of software engineering, Drupal, instructional design, and marketing."

Dallas introduces himself.

Its indeed a very confident take on oneself and no, it doesn't come about in a day. A brief look at his interaction with the web world and Drupal will help us understand why Dallas Ramsden is a Drupal veteran and a dedicated contributor to the community.

Dallas has been a backend developer with Drupal, a small business owner selling Drupal business applications, a teacher of Drupal for the developers of various enterprises, a creator of Drupal MOOCs with over 8,000 enrollments, a project lead for Drupal 7 to Drupal 8 migrations, a builder of learning management systems (LMS) with Drupal, a project manager of Drupal projects, a mentor in Drupal, a marketer of Drupal services, a track chair for DrupalSouth, an advocate of Drupal, and more. In short, borrowing his own, Dallas enjoys the craft of Drupal!

In an email conversation with Elma John, a former sub-editor with The DropTimes, Dallas Ramsden shares many things, including walking back from death and finding Drupal. This man, a beacon of resilience, taught himself to breathe, talk, and walk again and continued to serve his community and spread goodness with his life. Dallas recounts his early programming experiences, the ethical lessons learned, and his resilience following a severe accident in 2004. He emphasizes the importance of resilience, community support, and ethical considerations in technology. 

Dallas also reflects on his transition to teaching, his involvement in the DrupalSouth Sydney conference, and his future aspirations for the Drupal community and the broader tech world. 

Not every day you get a chance to learn about and from someone who has beaten death. This Dreambubbler is essentially the "Jon Snow" of the Drupal Community. If this might be of interest to you, please read on.

TDT [1]: Dallas, you've been part of the Drupal community for over 15 years. Can you share what initially drew you to Drupal and how your journey began?

Dallas Ramsden: In October 2008, I discovered Drupal during one of the most challenging times of my life. I had moved to Houston, Texas, USA after Hurricane Ike to help rebuild the city alongside my dad and brother. Amidst the chaos and devastation, I felt a deep urge to create something meaningful—a website that could connect families in need with those willing to help.

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As I analyzed the core code—the code that powers the CMS—of Joomla, WordPress, and Drupal, I was struck by Drupal's robust code and supportive community. Like many important life decisions, choosing Drupal was not just a technical decision but also an emotional one. It represented hope and a way to make a tangible difference.

This decision set me on an incredible journey, taking me from the heart of Texas to cities around the world. Each role I took, from developer to teacher to project manager to Chief Marketing Officer, was driven by a passion for helping others and a belief in Drupal's potential to create positive change. Drupal has been more than just a tool - it’s been a partner in my mission to make the world a better place, one project at a time.

TDT [2]: You wrote your first program at age 12 and have since become a master of Drupal. What advice would you give to young programmers who aspire to make a mark in the open-source software community?

Dallas Ramsden: When I was 12, my mom bought an Apple IIe computer from a garage sale, and it came with all the manuals. At the time, I was more interested in playing Nintendo games and not interested in the computer. But as an avid reader, I began to flip through the manuals casually. You can view the Apple IIe manual in full here: https://archive.org/details/apple-iie-owners-manual.

“Chapter 5: Getting Down to Business and Pleasure” begins with, “The Apple IIe computer demonstrates its true power and value when you put it to work on your own real-world problems.”

This statement sparked my fascination with programming—solving real-world problems with software. Then, from “Chapter 6: Programming: The Ultimate Computer Skill,” I learned Applesoft BASIC, which was built into the computer.

There is a sense of empowerment in recognizing you can create. Having a machine do exactly what I was telling it to do was captivating but came with frustrations, though. Sometimes, the program didn’t behave as I expected—a bug.

A few years later, I realized that bugs in my programs were a reflection of my thoughts. If my abstract thoughts weren’t clear, the program had bugs.

It wasn’t the computer’s fault; it was simply following my directions.

Around this time, while learning networking and getting my computer to talk with other computers,

I accidentally discovered a way into my bank’s web server. I encountered firsthand how easily programming power could be used unethically. This experience gave me a profound insight into the importance of upholding ethical standards in programming.

To young programmers aspiring to make a mark in the open-source community, I offer this advice:

• Engage with the Community: Open-source projects thrive on collaboration. Join communities, contribute to discussions, and learn from others.
• Embrace Transparency: Open-source projects are transparent. Study the code, understand it, and improve it. This transparency promotes trust and continuous improvement.
• Learn and Grow: Use open-source projects as learning platforms. Contribute to real-world projects, enhance your skills, and gain valuable experience.
• Empower Yourself and Others: Open source gives you control over the software you use. Take ownership, innovate, and empower others by sharing your creations.
• Innovate: Be bold in proposing new ideas. The collaborative nature of open source encourages experimentation and innovation.

Find something you care about, contribute to it, and always uphold ethical considerations. In an age where technology can easily be misused, acting responsibly and ethically is crucial. Open-source software, like Drupal, offers the perfect platform to make a positive impact.

TDT [3]: Most of our readers will be unaware of the incidents that shaped your life and made you what you are today, could you please share about the accident in 2004 and your revival?

Dallas Ramsden: In 2004, while travelling in Thailand, I suffered a severe accident on a train that shattered my skull and left me declared clinically dead. The accident occurred in a remote location between Bangkok and Chiang Mai, and I was discovered with my upper body dangling out of the train window, severely injured. After being hauled back inside, I was cared for by fellow passengers, including two medical students, until the train reached a small village where I received basic first aid.

Getting the medical care I needed was a complex and challenging ordeal. No medical helicopter was willing to transport me due to the risk of fatal seizures from the changes in air pressure. Instead, I was taken by a non-medical van to a rural hospital, where it became clear they lacked the resources to treat me. Finally, I endured a six-hour van ride to Bangkok, where I was admitted to Bumrungrad International Hospital. Upon arrival, I was declared clinically dead.

Against all odds, I was revived by a determined doctor who refused to give up on me. I spent weeks battling severe infections, including pseudomonas aeruginosa meningitis, cerebral edema, and pneumonia. I awoke from a coma days later, unable to walk or talk, and faced a long and demanding recovery process.

This accident profoundly impacted my life, teaching me the value of resilience and the importance of a supportive community. It also reinforced my commitment to ethical programming and making a positive impact through technology. While incredibly challenging, this journey ultimately led me to embrace open-source software and the collaborative spirit of the Drupal community.

TDT [4]: How did this event reshape your perspective on technology and community building, and what motivated you to keep pushing forward?

Dallas Ramsden: The traumatic accident I experienced in 2004 had a profound impact on my perspective on technology and community building. During my recovery, I often felt a sense of oneness, which Dr. Jill Bolte Taylor describes in her book "Whole Brain Living: The Anatomy of Choice and the Four Characters That Drive Our Life." She explains that the brain's right hemisphere, which she refers to as Character 4, is responsible for a sense of unity, interconnectedness, and peace. This part of the brain allows individuals to see the world holistically, recognizing the interconnectedness of all life and fostering a deep sense of belonging and connection with the universe.

In a similar way, I came to view technology through this lens of interconnectedness. Drupal became the technology that helped me realize the potential of technology to connect people. It wasn't just the software itself but the vibrant Drupal community that embodied this unity. Through Drupal, I saw how technology could bring people from all over the world together, creating a supportive and collaborative environment.

This realization reshaped my perspective on technology. I understood that technology is not just a tool for solving problems but also a means of fostering community and creating meaningful connections. The support and encouragement I received from the Drupal community were instrumental in my recovery and motivated me to keep pushing forward.

My journey with Drupal and my involvement in its community have reinforced my belief in the power of collaboration and shared purpose. This experience has driven me to continue contributing to open-source projects and to use technology to build communities of learning through my courses that support and uplift each other. The sense of unity and interconnectedness I felt during my recovery continues to inspire me to leverage technology for the greater good, creating positive impacts in the lives of others.

TDT [5]: After your accident, you faced the monumental task of relearning essential life skills. How has overcoming such a profound personal challenge influenced your professional demeanor and leadership style?

Dallas Ramsden: As I mentioned in my DrupalSouth 2024 Sydney talk, “Turning Tragedy into Triumph: Lessons in Resilience,” the accident allowed me to view life from a place of gratitude. It highlighted the crucial factors of resilience: having a growth mindset, surrounding yourself with supportive people, and caring for mental and physical health.

Relearning essential life skills, such as walking and talking, was an arduous journey that profoundly impacted my professional demeanor and leadership style. This experience taught me the importance of patience, perseverance, and empathy. It made me realize that everyone faces their own challenges, and having a supportive environment can make a significant difference in overcoming them.

In my professional life, I strive to cultivate a leadership style built on trust and collaboration. I encourage my team to adopt a growth mindset, seeing challenges as opportunities for growth rather than obstacles. This approach fosters a positive and innovative work environment where team members feel valued and empowered to contribute their best.

The journey also reinforced the importance of self-care. I emphasize the need for balance between work and personal life, ensuring that my team has the support they need to maintain their well-being. By prioritizing mental and physical health, we can sustain our productivity and creativity over the long term.

Overcoming this profound personal challenge has made me a more compassionate and resilient leader. I aim to inspire my team to achieve their professional goals and support each other and grow together, embodying the values of the Drupal community.

TDT [6]: During your talk at DrupalSouth Sydney, you emphasized the importance of resilience in the tech industry. What strategies have you found to be essential for professionals to thrive in this fast-paced environment? Could you also share more about your personal resilience journey?

Dallas Ramsden: Resilience is crucial in the tech industry, where rapid changes and constant innovation are the norms. During my talk at DrupalSouth Sydney, I highlighted several strategies that have been essential for professionals to thrive in this fast-paced environment:

• Growth Mindset: Embracing a growth mindset is vital. This means seeing challenges as opportunities for growth rather than obstacles. By believing that abilities can be developed through dedication and hard work, professionals can continuously improve and adapt to new situations.
• Support Network: Building and maintaining a strong support network is essential. Surrounding yourself with supportive people, whether colleagues, mentors, or friends, provides emotional and practical support. This network can offer guidance, encouragement, and assistance when facing challenges.
• Self-Care: Taking care of your mental and physical health is critical. In the tech industry, it's easy to get caught up in work and neglect personal well-being. Prioritizing self-care, such as regular exercise, mindfulness practices, and taking breaks, helps maintain overall health and prevent burnout.
• Adaptability: Being adaptable and open to change is necessary in a constantly evolving field. Professionals must be willing to learn new skills, adopt new technologies, and adjust their strategies to stay relevant and effective.
• Embracing Challenges and Failures: Viewing challenges and failures as learning opportunities is key. Instead of fearing failure, see it as a chance to gain new insights and improve. This perspective fosters innovation and resilience.

Resilience is essential in the tech industry because it is characterized by rapid and frequent changes. New technologies, methodologies, and market demands continually reshape our landscape, requiring professionals to adapt quickly. Resilience allows individuals to embrace these changes, view challenges as opportunities for growth, and recover from setbacks. It fosters a mindset of continuous learning and innovation, enabling tech professionals to stay relevant and effective in an ever-evolving environment. Without resilience, the pace of change can lead to burnout and stagnation, hindering personal and organizational success.

TDT [7]: You’ve made a significant shift from being a senior Drupal developer to becoming an educator with Acquia. What inspired you to take on this new role, and how has teaching deepened your understanding and appreciation of Drupal?

Dallas Ramsden: I was inspired to take on the role with Acquia because I believe in the promise of the Open Web and that true change comes from education and people acting on new knowledge. This role allowed me to help guide a new generation of Drupal developers, so I embraced it wholeheartedly.

Teaching Drupal has profoundly deepened my understanding of the platform. When you teach, gaps in your own knowledge become apparent. Sometimes, I didn’t have the answer to a question, prompting me to research and find the answers, which I then shared with my students. Over time, this process of identifying and filling knowledge gaps significantly expanded my expertise.

Through teaching, I've truly appreciated how powerful, flexible, and forward-thinking Drupal is. Each lesson reinforced my respect for Drupal’s capabilities and its vibrant community. Educating others has not only solidified my knowledge but also heightened my admiration for the collaborative and innovative spirit that defines the Drupal community.

TDT [8]: With your extensive experience in eLearning, what principles of cognitive psychology do you apply to create engaging and effective learning experiences for your students?

Dallas Ramsden: Two courses that significantly changed my understanding of how to teach are “Learning How to Learn: Powerful mental tools to help you master tough subjects” and “e-Learning Ecologies: Innovative Approaches to Teaching and Learning for the Digital Age.”

The "Learning How to Learn" course taught me the science of how the brain learns, emphasizing principles such as spaced repetition, retrieval practice, and the importance of focused and diffuse thinking modes. These cognitive psychology principles help create engaging and effective learning experiences by aligning teaching methods with the brain's natural learning processes.

From “e-Learning Ecologies,” I learned about the affordances of virtual learning, such as the ability to create interactive and multimedia-rich content that can cater to different learning styles. Applying these principles, I design eLearning experiences that are not only informative but also interactive and adaptive to individual learner needs. By incorporating these cognitive psychology principles, I ensure that my students remain engaged and can effectively retain and apply the knowledge they gain.

TDT [9]: What key lessons have you learned about successful project management and fostering strong team dynamics while working with various notable companies over the years?

Dallas Ramden: I've learned that successful project management and fostering strong team dynamics boil down to establishing a culture of trust. When team members trust each other, they feel comfortable expressing their opinions and ideas, and small mistakes are met with understanding rather than blame. This environment of trust fosters open communication, which is crucial for any project's success.

Encouraging communication means promoting active listening and providing constructive feedback. Active listening ensures that everyone feels heard and valued, strengthening team cohesion. Constructive feedback helps individuals grow and improve without fear of criticism. These elements create a collaborative and supportive atmosphere where teams can thrive, innovate, and effectively tackle challenges.

TDT [10]: As Drupal continues to evolve, especially with the upcoming Drupal 10 and 11, what are your thoughts on the future of the platform? What developments are you most excited about?

Dallas Ramsden: I am most excited about the current Starshot initiative. This initiative embodies the promise of the open web and aims to make digital experience creation accessible to everyone. Starshot lowers the barrier of entry to Drupal by allowing users to harness its power without needing to know the command line or programming. This is a game-changer, as it will usher in a new generation of Drupal users and likely attract those who left Drupal due to its complexity.

The future of Drupal looks incredibly promising with the advancements in Drupal 10 and 11. These versions are focused on improving user experience, streamlining the development process, and integrating modern technologies. The emphasis on ease of use and flexibility aligns perfectly with the goals of the Starshot initiative, making Drupal more approachable and powerful than ever before.

I am particularly excited about how these developments will foster a more inclusive and diverse community. By making Drupal more accessible, we can welcome a broader range of users and contributors, enriching the platform with new perspectives and ideas. This evolution not only strengthens Drupal’s position as a leading content management system but also reinforces the core values of the Drupal community: collaboration, innovation, and inclusivity.

TDT [11]: Looking ahead, how do you envision your journey with Drupal and technology evolving over the next decade? What aspirations do you have for continuing to influence and inspire the Drupal community and the broader tech landscape?

Dallas Ramsden: Based on current trends, I see several major factors shaping this evolution: AI, digital identity and self-sovereign data, and the influence of digital natives—those born into a world where the internet is standard.

I aspire to see technology, especially in the realm of education, evolve to make learning more personalized and adaptive. Teaching approaches should incorporate advancements in educational technology, leveraging AI to tailor learning experiences to individual needs and preferences.

Human relationships and creativity have become more important in a world increasingly influenced by AI. We must learn to use AI as a productivity tool rather than becoming reliant on it, ensuring that our interactions and innovations remain inherently human.

Drupal will continue to play a vital role in this evolving landscape by enabling individuals to create the digital experiences they need. The platform's commitment to the ideals of the Open Web ensures that it remains relevant and empowering.

My aspirations include continuing to influence and inspire the Drupal community by promoting these values and encouraging the adoption of new technologies that enhance learning and creativity. By fostering a culture of innovation and inclusivity, I aim to support and grow the Drupal community, helping it adapt and thrive in the rapidly changing tech landscape.

TDT [12]: On a more personal note, how would you summarize your life’s philosophy, and why does this philosophy resonate so strongly with you?

Dallas Ramsden: My life’s philosophy centers on lifelong learning and paying it forward. I believe in continuously expanding my knowledge and applying new insights to my current circumstances. This commitment to learning drives me to stay curious, adapt to change, and grow personally and professionally.

Equally important is the principle of paying it forward. I strive to use my knowledge and experiences to help others, offering positive reinforcement and encouragement. By sharing what I’ve learned and supporting those around me, I aim to create a ripple effect of growth and positivity.

This philosophy resonates with me because it has proven to be a fulfilling and impactful way to live. It allows me to contribute meaningfully to the lives of others and the broader community, ensuring that my journey of learning and giving continues to make a difference.