Meet Francois (F.J.) Brandelik, WebSphere Architect at Information Design, Inc. He has been an IBM Champion for the past three years, bringing his knowledge and experience of IBM technologies to the Community. 

His favorite IBM products are integration tools such as MQ and App Connect Enterprise, which he sees as the foundation of automation. With more than 20 years working with MQ (installing, configuring, and troubleshooting), he has built a career rooted in technical depth and practical experience. His long-standing work with MQ highlights his commitment to continually advance his skills and grow with the technology over time. 

Engaging with the Community is his preferred form of advocacy. Whether it’s through online forums like MQSeries.net, or at larger gatherings such as TechXchange conferences, he values the opportunity to share technical insights and help others. He believes expertise should be openly shared, especially to support newer professionals in the field, if they are committed to doing their due diligence and applying what they learn. By contributing in this way, he ensures that knowledge continues to circulate and strengthen the broader IBM ecosystem. 

Recently, Francois attended TechXchange 2024 in Las Vegas, which he found particularly rewarding. The event gave him the chance to engage in areas that he and his company are less directly involved in, creating opportunities to expand his perspective while still connecting his expertise to IBM’s integration products. 

To those interested in becoming an IBM Champion, Francois offers this advice: “Start with the social media blogs and share your expertise.” By making knowledge visible and accessible to others, aspiring Champions can build their own impact within the community while gaining recognition for their contributions. 

Lightning round: 

• Q: If you didn’t work in technology, what would your dream job be? 
  • A: Working in finance. 
• Q: What would be your superpower and why?  
  • A: Flying, because it gives such a sense of freedom. 
• Q: Ice cream or cake?  
  • A: Both. 
• Q: Cats or dogs?  
  • A: Both. 
• Q: Summer or winter?   
  • A: Summer. 
• Q: Morning or evening?  
  • A: Depends. 
• Q: EBooks or paper books?  
  • A: Ebook: No more restrictions for finding the Large Print edition. 
• Q: TV shows or movies?  
  • A: Both. 
• Q: A night out or a night in?  
  • A: A night in watching movies. 
• Q: Cannonball into the pool or dip a toe in first?  
  • A: Dip a toe in first. 
• Q: Go-to karaoke song?  
  • A: “Just Another Day in Paradise” by Phil Collins. 
• Q: Drive or fly? 
  • A: Fly.

Don’t forget to connect with Francois on LinkedIn and in the Community!   

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