I am a Mainframer: Darren Surch

Mainframe Connect

#Tech #Open Mainframe Project

17:27

Why do so many of us get nervous when public speaking? Communication expert Lawrence Bernstein says the key to dealing with the pressure is as simple as having a casual chat. He introduces the "coffee shop test" as a way to help you overcome nerves, connect with your audience and deliver a message that truly resonates. After the talk, Modupe explains a similar approach in academia called the "Grandma test," and how public speaking can be as simple as a conversation with grandma. Want to help shape TED’s shows going forward? Fill out our survey ! Become a TED Member today at https://ted.com/join Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.…

about a year ago 33:51

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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.

74 episodes

I am a Mainframer: Darren Surch

Mainframe Connect

published about a year ago

MP3•Episode home

74 episodes

#Tech #Open Mainframe Project

All episodes

Mainframe Connect

1
I am a Mainframer: Richelle Anne Craw 21:49

18 days ago21:49

21:49

In this episode of the Mainframe Connect podcast's I am a Mainframer series, Richelle from Beta Systems shares her inspiring journey from the Philippines to Austria in the mainframe industry. Starting as a COBOL programmer trainee, Richelle transitioned through roles in systems programming and open-source development, becoming a key contributor to the Zowe community as a Scrum Master for Zowe Explorer. She discusses mainframe modernization, the power of the Zowe community, and her passion for teaching modern mainframe tools like VS Code and CLI to apprentices and colleagues. A highlight of the conversation is Richelle’s vision for a hybrid mainframe future and her advocacy for greater visibility of women in the industry through the upcoming Mainframe Coven podcast.…

Mainframe Connect

1
Mainframe Voices - New Mainframe from New Mainframers: IBM z17 First Impressions 26:20

6 weeks ago26:20

26:20

In this special episode of Mainframe Voices, we explore the excitement surrounding IBM's April 8th announcement of the z17 mainframe through the perspectives of those newer to the mainframe ecosystem. For many of these professionals, this was their first-ever IBM mainframe launch experience.Our guests share what excited them most about the new IBM Telum II processor's AI capabilities, the full-stack approach to innovation, and how these advancements might shape their future careers in the mainframe space. Gain insights into how the next generation of mainframers views these technological developments and the potential impact on their professional journeys.We are delighted to have our guests:Meena Chand - Computer Science Graduate @University of WolverhamptonAleksandr Charcikov - Senior Solutions Advisor @Rocket SoftwareLuisa Barril - Software Engineer @Swedbank Kyle Pressley - Computer Science Student @Bedford CollegeSoner Coşkun - Mainframe Storage Associate System Engineer @Garanti BBVA TechnologyThe Mainframe Connect podcast includes the I am a Mainframer series, Riveting Mainframe Voices series, and other content exploring relevant topics with mainframe professionals, sponsored by the Open Mainframe Project, a Linux Foundation initiative.#IBMz17 #Mainframe #OpenMainframeProject #LinuxFoundation #MainframeConnect #MainframeVoices #IBMzDay #NewMainframers #AIonZ #TelumII…

Mainframe Connect

1
Mainframe Voices: Celebrating Women's History Month with IBM Champions 24:15

11 weeks ago24:15

24:15

In celebration of Women's History Month, this special Mainframe Voices episode features first-time IBM Champions of 2025 sharing the influential women and advice that shaped their careers. Learn about the mentors, role models, and wisdom that helped these professionals succeed in the mainframe ecosystem.Discover powerful insights as these leaders reflect on the women who had the biggest impact on their professional journeys and the advice that guided their success.We are delighted to have our guests:Jessielaine Punongbayan - Product Manager @DynatraceNoor Aftab - Sr. Program Manager @AWSChristine Jenkins - Country Manager, Director of Common Services @21CSHannah Templeton - zOS @IRSElitsa Popova - Mainframe Consultant @BMC SoftwareThe Mainframe Connect podcast includes the I am a Mainframer series, Riveting Mainframe Voices series, and other content exploring relevant topics with mainframe professionals, sponsored by the Open Mainframe Project.#WomensHistoryMonth #IBMChampions #Mainframe #OpenMainframeProject #LinuxFoundation #WomenInTech #MainframeConnect #MainframeVoices…

Mainframe Connect

1
I am a Mainframer: Gerald Mitchell 32:54

15 weeks ago32:54

32:54

In this episode of the Mainframe Connect podcast's I Am A Mainframer series, Gerald Mitchell, Chief Testing Tools Architect and Senior Technical Staff Member at IBM, shares his journey in the mainframe industry. From his early days as an intern at IBM in 1997 to his current role revolutionising testing tools, Gerald offers unique insights into mainframe modernisation. He challenges common misconceptions about COBOL and other mainframe technologies, emphasising that modernisation isn't about abandoning platforms but optimising usage. Gerald discusses his work with Watson Code Assistant and the critical importance of validation in the development process. A highlight of the conversation is Gerald's vision for the future of mainframe technology, focusing on sustainability, AI integration, and bringing testing closer to code.…

Mainframe Connect

1
I am a Mainframer: Steven Perva 30:15

18 weeks ago30:15

30:15

In this episode of the Mainframe Connect podcast's I am a Mainframer series, Steven Perva, Expert Mainframe Innovation Engineer at Ensono, shares his unique journey in the mainframe industry. From his early days fixing point-of-sale systems with his father to winning IBM's Master of the Mainframe contest in college, Steven's path led him to IBM Poughkeepsie and eventually to Ensono. He discusses the evolution of mainframe modernization, emphasizing that it's not just about technology but about creating a more integrated and cohesive IT strategy. A highlight of the conversation is Steven's role in building a vibrant mainframe community through Discord, which has grown to over 2,600 members.…

Mainframe Connect

1
I am a Mainframer: Steve Steuart 27:38

25 weeks ago27:38

27:38

In this episode of the I am a Mainframer podcast, Steve Steuart, mainframe modernization lead at Accenture, shares his fascinating journey in the mainframe industry. Starting as a computer operator in Panama during the 1980s, Steve has built a career focused on migration projects and modernization strategies. He reflects on the enduring role of mainframes, stating, “The mainframe got us to the moon; the cloud will take us to Mars.” Steve advocates for a hybrid approach, blending mainframe and cloud technologies to meet evolving business needs. He also dives into the human side of modernization, emphasizing that the biggest challenges often lie in "people and processes," not just technology.…

Mainframe Connect

1
I am a Mainframer Gary Thornhill 38:46

29 weeks ago38:46

38:46

In this episode of I Am a Mainframer, we sit down with Gary Thornhill, CEO and founder of PopUp Mainframe, to explore his intriguing journey through the IT industry. From an unexpected start at IBM to navigating challenges in banking, Gary shares how his expertise in mainframe technology, MQSeries, and DevOps shaped his career. Hear how these experiences inspired him to launch PopUp Mainframe, a company dedicated to modernizing and democratizing mainframe access. Plus, Gary offers his insights on the future of mainframe computing, touching on sustainability, cost-efficiency, and why this technology remains essential in an evolving digital landscape.…

Mainframe Connect

1
I am a Mainframer Fernando Rijo Cedeno 28:33

34 weeks ago28:33

28:33

In this episode of the "I Am a Mainframer" podcast, guest host Donna Hudi chats with Fernando Rijo Cedeno, a research and development engineer at Broadcom. Fernando reflects on his roots in the Dominican Republic and how his Hispanic heritage has influenced his work in the mainframe community. As a Zowe CLI squad leader, he led efforts to make Zowe’s tools multilingual, increasing accessibility for non-English speakers. Fernando shares his passion for the mainframe community and his vision for its future, highlighting the role of open-source initiatives like Zowe in driving growth and modernization. He encourages everyone, regardless of their language background, to get involved in the mainframe ecosystem.…

Mainframe Connect

1
I am a Mainframer Sam Golob 25:34

38 weeks ago25:34

25:34

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. Be sure to catch this insightful discussion!…

Mainframe Connect

1
I am a Mainframer Riya Sahu 23:55

42 weeks ago23:55

23:55

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.…

Mainframe Connect

1
I am a Mainframer: Darren Surch 33:51

47 weeks ago33:51

33:51

Mainframe Connect

1
I am a Mainframer: Dusty Rivers 29:26

51 weeks ago29:26

29:26

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.…

Mainframe Connect

1
I am a Mainframer: Jessielaine Punongbayan 22:45

1 year ago22:45

22:45

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!…

Mainframe Connect

1
I am a Mainframer: Louisa Seers 36:54

1 year ago36:54

36:54

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.…

Mainframe Connect

1
I am a Mainframer: Cynthia Overby 28:59

1 year ago28:59