Meet Marc Bastien, Chief Architect of Data & AI at TIMETOACT Software & Consulting GmbH. He has been an IBM Champion for five years, and his journey reflects a deep passion for technology, advocacy, and helping others.
Marc’s two favorite IBM products are Planning Analytics and watsonx Orchestrate. Planning analytics, he explains, is transformative because it liberates departments from the endless “Excel spreadsheet maze” that bogs down so many organizations. By streamlining and simplifying complex processes, it allows teams to work more effectively. At the same time, watsonx Orchestrate represents the next step forward; breaking down barriers created by outdated business processes and accelerating efficiency through automation. Together, the two products are not only tools to make tasks easier, but catalysts to redefine how work is accomplished.
When it comes to advocacy, Marc’s favorite role is speaking. Sharing knowledge with others drives his work in the technology community. He strongly believes in the principle of 1+1+3, the idea that sharing knowledge multiplies results. “Knowledge saves lives” he says, and creating opportunities for others to learn is one of the most important contributions anyone can make. For Marc, success is defined in the simplest yet most meaningful of ways. He feels truly proud when someone tells them that he was able to help them.
Recently, Marc attended the TWDI 2025 conference, where he was inspired by stories of how customers are using data to improve their business. That inspiration continues as he looks ahead to the TechXchange 2025, where he will present his session: Agentic AI in action: building the ultimate AI driven Financial Controller (1871). Speaking at events like these is an opportunity to share knowledge, and also Marc’s favorite kind of advocacy. Engaging with audiences, exchanging ideas, and helping others learn embodies what values most as an IBM Champion.
To those interested in becoming an IBM Champion, Marc offers this advice: “Be proud of what you’re doing, never stop learning and share as much as you can. You make the difference.”
Lightning round: