As many tech companies, especially startups, have started to embrace Open Source Software (OSS), concerns are being raised among contributors, who strive to preserve the essence of OSS, establishing boundaries to prevent the unchecked exploitation of volunteer labour. Because values like transparency and collaboration may be encouraged one day and in direct conflict to the company’s sales strategy the next, this tension can result in conflicts within not only organisations but also oneself.

After nearly a decade of working with and for the OSS community, I’ve developed the Community Journey model, proving that running a profitable business does not need to be to the detriment of the health of the community.

In this talk, I will discuss common issues community managers face and show how to use the Community Journey as a framework to create sustainable marketing and DevRel strategies, while providing tangible and measurable value to the business.