The Kubernetes ecosystem is ever-evolving, driven by a vibrant community of contributors, thought leaders, and practitioners. Staying updated with the latest trends, best practices, and insights is crucial for developers, operators, and businesses leveraging Kubernetes for their cloud-native journey. Here’s a curated list of the top 10 Kubernetes influencers to follow in 2025 to keep your knowledge cutting-edge.
1. Kelsey Hightower
Twitter: @kelseyhightower
GitHub: kelseyhightower
Kelsey Hightower remains a cornerstone of Kubernetes knowledge. A prominent advocate for simplicity in distributed systems, his talks, books, and hands-on guides continue to inspire the Kubernetes community.
2. Liz Rice
Twitter: @lizrice
GitHub: lizrice
As an expert in container security and co-author of “Kubernetes Security Essentials,” Liz Rice’s contributions to improving Kubernetes’ security practices make her a must-follow.
3. Joe Beda
One of Kubernetes’ co-creators, Joe Beda, continues to shape the ecosystem through insightful commentary and innovative projects that simplify Kubernetes adoption.
4. Priyanka Sharma
Twitter: @pritianka
GitHub: pritianka
As the Executive Director of the Cloud Native Computing Foundation (CNCF), Priyanka Sharma’s leadership fosters community growth and innovation in the cloud-native space.
5. Ian Coldwater
Twitter: @IanColdwater
GitHub: IanColdwater
A leading expert in Kubernetes and container security, Ian Coldwater’s focus on hacking and securing clusters provides invaluable insights into safeguarding your infrastructure.
6. Brendan Burns
Twitter: @brendandburns
GitHub: brendandburns
Another co-creator of Kubernetes, Brendan Burns is instrumental in shaping Kubernetes’ future through his work at Microsoft and his advocacy for cloud-native technologies.
7. Viktor Farcic
Twitter: @vfarcic
GitHub: vfarcic
A DevOps guru and author of “The DevOps 2.0 Toolkit,” Viktor Farcic’s deep dives into Kubernetes CI/CD workflows and GitOps practices are essential resources for engineers.
8. Cheryl Hung
Twitter: @oicheryl
GitHub: oicheryl
Cheryl Hung’s work as an advocate for cloud-native practices, combined with her leadership roles at CNCF, makes her a key influencer in Kubernetes adoption and innovation.
9. Kaslin Fields
Twitter: @kaslinfields
GitHub: kaslin
Kaslin Fields is known for her visually rich Kubernetes tutorials and community engagement. Her creative approach to making Kubernetes accessible has earned her a dedicated following.
Why Follow These Influencers?
Kubernetes is at the heart of modern cloud-native applications. Following these influencers will keep you informed about emerging trends, practical advice, and deep technical insights. Whether you are a beginner, an experienced practitioner, or a decision-maker, these leaders’ contributions will elevate your Kubernetes journey in 2025.
Who do you follow for Kubernetes insights? Let us know in the comments!