Lessons Learned from Influential Mainframers: What Three Years of Conversations Reveal
Project and Program:
Professional Skills,
Soft Skills
Tags:
Proceedings,
2026,
SHARE Pittsburgh 2026
What does it actually mean to be “influential” in today’s mainframe ecosystem—and how is that definition evolving? Over the past three years, Influential Mainframers has highlighted individuals shaping the future of the platform. But beyond the recognition itself, a deeper story has emerged through conversations, nominations, and ongoing engagement with these leaders. This session steps back to synthesize those insights—not as a formal data study, but as a qualitative analysis grounded in interviews and real-world perspectives from the 2024–2026 cohorts. Drawing directly from these voices, we’ll explore the themes that consistently surface: the growing importance of visibility and storytelling, the role of mentorship and teaching, the urgency of security and modernization, and the increasing value of community contribution alongside technical expertise. We’ll translate these patterns into practical takeaways for individuals and organizations alike—what it takes to build influence today, how that differs from the past, and what it signals about the future direction of the mainframe ecosystem. The session will also recognize members of the Influential Mainframers in attendance, connecting these insights back to the people actively shaping the industry. If you’ve ever wondered what truly moves the needle in this community, this session offers a candid, experience-driven perspective from those leading the way.
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