In this special episode, the What's in the SOSS podcast welcomes Sally Cooper as an official co-host. Sally, who leads OpenSSF's marketing efforts, shares her journey from hands-on technical roles in training and documentation to becoming a bridge between complex technology and everyday understanding. The conversation explores why marketing matters in open source, how personal branding connects to community building, and the importance of personas in serving diverse stakeholders. Sally also reveals OpenSSF's 2026 marketing themes and explains how newcomers can get involved in the community, whether through Slack, working groups, or contributing content.Chapters:00:09 - Welcoming Sally Cooper as Co-Host01:28 - From Technical Training to Marketing Leadership03:54 - Bridging Technology and Understanding06:19 - Why Marketing Makes Open Source Uncomfortable08:11 - Personal Branding and Career Growth10:42 - Understanding Community Personas12:33 - Getting Started with OpenSSF14:44 - OpenSSF's 2026 Marketing Themes16:18 - Rapid Fire Round17:09 - How to Get InvolvedEpisode links:Sally Cooper’s LinkedIn pageGet involved with the OpenSSFA Software Developer’s Journey with the OpenSSFAn Open Source Program Office’s Journey with OpenSSFThe Marketing Journey with OpenSSFSubscribe to the OpenSSF newsletterFollow the OpenSSF on LinkedInOpenSSF Slack InviteOpenSSF BlogReach out to the OpenSSF Marketing TeamBEAR Working GroupOpenSSF Tech TalksOpenSSF Case Studies

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“What did the council decide on item 42?” — answered with the speaker and the moment.

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