I am a Mainframer

In this episode of the I Am a Mainframer podcast, Sam Golob delves into the history of the CBT Tape, a vital collection of user-created software for mainframe systems programming. Golob shares how the CBT Tape began in the 1970s, evolving from a physical tape to an online repository. He also discusses his role in maintaining this key resource, which continues to serve as a hub for systems programmers to share tools and solutions within the mainframe community.

In this episode of the I Am a Mainframer podcast, host Steven Dickens sits down with Riya Sahu, a passionate mainframe developer at Kyndryl, to explore her inspiring journey in the world of mainframe technology.  Riya describes her career move from India to Hungary, the challenges of overcoming a language barrier, and how she embraced new opportunities. As she dives into the exciting projects she’s leading at Kyndryl, Riya highlights her work with IMS databases, discussing their critical role in the banking sector. 

Throughout the conversation, Riya reflects on her personal growth, offering advice to her younger self to stay open-minded and grateful for new opportunities. She also shares her thoughts on the future of mainframe technology, including its continued relevance and cutting-edge applications, such as its role in space missions.

Riya’s story is a testament to the evolving perception of mainframe technology and the exciting possibilities it offers. Whether you’re a seasoned developer or new to the industry, this episode is filled with valuable insights and inspiration.

In this episode of the I Am a Mainframer podcast, host Steven Dickens interviews Darren Surch, CEO of Interskill Learning, the largest mainframe training provider in the world. Surch discusses his background in mainframe training and the evolution of Interskill over the past 30 years. He highlights the impact of the IBM digital badge program on training delivery and the increased engagement and motivation it brings to learners. Surch also discusses the importance of networking, mentoring, and community involvement in the mainframe industry. He predicts that AI will play a significant role in education and training, making processes more efficient, but emphasizes the continued need for experienced mainframers to provide valuable insights and real-world examples. Surch believes that the mainframe will remain at the center of data management and security, with companies leveraging AI to analyze decades of data for valuable insights and a competitive edge.

In this episode of the "I Am a Mainframer" podcast, host Steven Dickens interviews Dusty Rivers, a revered mainframe expert with 47 years of industry experience. Dusty recounts his remarkable journey from a COBOL programmer to his current role as Senior Director of US zSystems at Mainline Information Systems. He delves into his extensive work with database management systems, notably his contributions to the implementation of Db2 version one. Throughout the conversation, Dusty reflects on the evolution of the mainframe community and underscores the significance of modernization within the industry. He stresses the importance of pragmatism and the ability to embrace new technologies. Looking ahead, Dusty envisions a robust future for mainframes, predicting their continued growth and increasing power.

In this episode of the "I Am a Mainframer" podcast, host Steven Dickens honors Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month by featuring Jessielaine “Jelly” Punongbayan from Dynatrace.

Jessielaine recounts her inspiring journey as a COBOL programmer, beginning in the Philippines and expanding to various countries worldwide. She highlights the invaluable support from mentors and the mainframe community, shedding light on the unique advantages and vast opportunities within the mainframe industry. Delving into her role at Dynatrace, Jessielaine discusses the seamless integration of mainframe with modern tools and technologies. Her passion for mainframe is evident as she talks about her active participation in the open source community, especially in the Open Mainframe Project and OpenTelemetry.

Jessielaine's heartfelt advice to her younger self shares an optimistic vision for the future of the mainframe platform, emphasizing enhanced integration with contemporary tools and user-friendly interfaces. Tune in to this insightful and inspiring episode!

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.