I am a Mainframer Open Mainframe Project

In this engaging episode of the I Am a Mainframer podcast, Steven Dickens hosts a captivating conversation with Louisa Seers from IBM. As the product manager for the CICS portfolio and the technical steering committee chair for Galasa, an integral part of the Open Mainframe Project, Louisa shares insights into her journey at IBM. Beginning as an apprentice and blending work with education, she offers a unique perspective on her growth within the organization.

Louisa delves into her role as a product manager, shedding light on the challenges and responsibilities that come with it. She passionately advocates for the infusion of DevOps practices and open-source technologies into the mainframe platform, recognizing their pivotal role in shaping the industry's future. Louisa underscores the significance of apprenticeships and mentorships in cultivating a diverse talent pool, echoing the need for a collaborative and inclusive environment.

Her insights not only provide a glimpse into the dynamic world of mainframe technology but also inspire a forward-looking perspective on its evolution.

In this episode of the "I am a Mainframer" podcast, host Steven Dickens engages in an enlightening conversation with Cynthia Overby, the Director of Security and Customer Solutions Engineering at Rocket Software. Cynthia shares her remarkable journey – from her humble beginnings as an intern to becoming CEO and President of Key Resources.

Throughout the interview, Cynthia candidly recounts the challenges she encountered as a woman navigating the often male-dominated tech industry. Yet, her resilience and determination shine through as she reflects on the progress made and the evolving landscape of inclusivity.

Offering invaluable insights, Cynthia advocates for the power of active listening and extending the benefit of doubt to others. Her foresight into the future of mainframe technology envisions mainframes seamlessly integrating with AI, revolutionizing security protocols and unlocking new realms of possibility.

Don’t miss this exciting conversation!

Dive into the fascinating world of mainframe technology with the latest episode of the "I am a Mainframer" podcast! Join host Steven Dickens as he delves into an insightful conversation with Andre Clark, a seasoned member of IBM's advisory level two support team.

In this episode, Clark provides valuable insights into his role, addressing customer issues related to CICS on a global scale. His journey into the mainframe industry, sparked by a college class on z/OS, showcases the power of seizing opportunities and embracing challenges for personal and professional growth.

Looking forward, Clark predicts an exciting evolution for the mainframe, envisioning the integration of cutting-edge technologies like generative AI and cloud-like infrastructures. Don't miss out on this enriching episode as we explore the future of mainframe technology through Clark's insightful perspective on innovation and adaptation.

In this month's episode of the "I am a Mainframer" podcast, hosted by Steven Dickens of The Futurum Group, guest Donna Hudi, Chief Marketing Officer and Head of Business Development at Phoenix Software, shares her career journey and insights into the mainframe industry.

Donna discusses her background in enterprise tech, her transition to the mainframe world, and her experience as the Executive Director of SHARE, a nonprofit organization focused on mainframe technology. She emphasizes the sense of community within the mainframe industry and the importance of making connections and seeking guidance from experienced professionals. Donna also discusses the role of open source in the future of the mainframe, highlighting the growth of collaboration and DevOps practices.

In this month’s episode of the “I Am A Mainframer” podcast, hosted by Steven Dickens of The Futurum Group, guest Megan Rupert provides valuable insights into the evolving mainframe industry, underscoring the importance of diversity, community engagement, and the continuous adaptation of mainframe technology to meet future challenges.

Here are the top takeaways from their conversation:

Event Management in Tech: Megan discussed her pivotal role in event execution at Broadcom, where she handles conferences, one-on-one executive meetings, and third-party engagements. Her work is integral in bringing together professionals and experts in the mainframe industry.

Share Conference and Industry Revival Post-COVID: The discussion highlighted the success of the recent Share conference in New Orleans, with Megan noting a significant increase in attendance, which, to her, indicated a resurgence in industry engagement post-COVID. The conference attracted a diverse group, including many new hires and students, signifying a fresh influx of talent in the mainframe sector.

Diversity and Inclusion Initiatives: Megan leads Broadcom’s diversity efforts, focusing on creating a more inclusive mainframe community. She discussed organizing quarterly webinars and sessions on diversity, equity, and inclusion (DE&I), aiming to foster awareness and allyship. These efforts have grown significantly, from small beginnings to well-attended events and sessions at major conferences.

Career Path Insights: Megan shared her unique journey into the tech industry, transitioning from marketing in the luxury sector to tech event management at Broadcom. Her story highlights the varied paths professionals can take into the tech world, encouraging listeners, especially students, to explore diverse career options.

Future of Mainframe Technology: Looking ahead, Megan sees significant growth in integrating AI and cloud technologies with mainframes, especially in high-security sectors like banking and government. This integration points to an evolving landscape where mainframes continue to play a critical role, reinforced by new generations of tech professionals.

Don’t miss this engaging conversation!

In this month's episode of the "I Am A Mainframer" podcast, hosted by Steven Dickens of The Futurum Group, guest Domenico D'Alterio shares insights into his career and the evolving mainframe industry. Currently working on the Zowe open source project at IBM, Domenico discusses how he joined IBM in 1999 as a developer, later transitioning into managerial and product manager roles, and reflects on the challenges he faced in adapting to mainframe technology and the skills required for it.

Domenico goes on to recount his career progression at IBM, highlighting the importance of understanding customer needs and how that influenced his move to product management. He stresses the significance of predicting future customer needs and translating them into product features. His journey from a developer to a product manager showcases the value of diverse experiences within the mainframe industry.

Steven and Domenico also delve into the broader mainframe community's enthusiasm for modernizing the platform to appeal to newer generations of developers. Looking ahead, Domenico sees the mainframe continuing to evolve, with a focus on improving user interfaces and leveraging artificial intelligence for predictive problem-solving. He expects this approach will address skill gaps and add more value to users.

Finally, Domenico advises newcomers to the mainframe industry not to be intimidated by its complexities and encourages embracing the modern tools available today. He concludes by reflecting on the importance of adapting to changing technologies and customer needs to drive innovation in the mainframe space.

Don't miss this fascinating conversation!