Why Marketing Matters in Open Source: Introducing Co-Host Sally Cooper

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-Host
01:28 - From Technical Training to Marketing Leadership
03:54 - Bridging Technology and Understanding
06:19 - Why Marketing Makes Open Source Uncomfortable
08:11 - Personal Branding and Career Growth
10:42 - Understanding Community Personas
12:33 - Getting Started with OpenSSF
14:44 - OpenSSF's 2026 Marketing Themes
16:18 - Rapid Fire Round
17:09 - How to Get Involved

Episode links:

Sally Cooper’s LinkedIn pageGet involved with the OpenSSF
A Software Developer’s Journey with the OpenSSFAn Open Source Program Office’s Journey with OpenSSFThe Marketing Journey with OpenSSF
Subscribe to the OpenSSF newsletterFollow the OpenSSF on LinkedInOpenSSF Slack InviteOpenSSF BlogReach out to the OpenSSF Marketing TeamBEAR Working GroupOpenSSF Tech TalksOpenSSF Case Studies