Michael Leaver Product & Technology Leader | 30+ Years in Networking, DDI & AI-Driven Automation
I’m Michael Leaver — a product and technology leader with over 30 years of experience in enterprise networking, DDI (DNS, DHCP, and IP Address Management), and AI-driven network automation.
IMy career spans the Department of Defense and Naval Air Warfare Center through Lockheed Martin, Nokia/Lucent, and BlueCat Networks, where I led product strategy for some of the most complex network infrastructure environments in the world. I’ve architected distributed systems, led multi-million dollar product initiatives, closed a $14M enterprise deal, and built deep expertise at the intersection of network automation, AI, and infrastructure intelligence.
I am currently a Principal Product Manager at Lumen Technologies, focused on AI, Automation, and Service Intelligence — helping shape how carrier-grade networks evolve toward intelligent, autonomous operations.
This site is my personal space. I use it to share my thinking on industry trends, document personal projects and open source work, showcase skills I’m building, and maintain a professional biography that reflects where I’ve been and where I’m headed.
Previously, I operated Rainier Global Solutions LLC, an independent consulting and advisory practice through which I provided expert guidance to investment firms and technology organizations on the DDI and enterprise networking market.
What You’ll Find Here
- Biography — My full career history, background, and professional philosophy
- Projects — Personal builds, open source contributions, and technical experiments including AI-powered networking tools
- Blog — My thinking on network automation, AI in product management, DDI market trends, and technology leadership
- Awards & Recognition — Career highlights and recognition from past roles
- Skills — A living record of technologies, certifications, and capabilities I’m developing