IBM Champion Spotlight: Sean Boyd
Evolving the Enterprise Application Infrastructure at Riyad Bank
This month, we proudly highlight Sean Boyd, Head of Infrastructure (Apps) Unit at Riyad Bank and a dedicated IBM Champion, whose amazing career has spanned the full evolution of IBM WebSphere Application Server (WAS) to IBM Websphere Liberty. This firsthand perspective informs his strategic leadership in application modernization, where he leverages the platform's journey to drive business agility, operational efficiency, and future-proof innovation for his organization.
A Champion's Toolkit
Central to Sean's technical strategy is WebSphere Liberty, a platform he champions for its simplicity and performance. "Coming from a traditional WebSphere Application Server background, it was refreshing to see the simplicity and responsiveness of Liberty," he says. "I especially appreciate features like Liberty InstantOn, which bring agility to enterprise environments without compromising reliability."
Why He Gives Back
Sean's drive to contribute stems from a deep-seated belief in mutual growth. His advocacy takes shape through product feedback and blogging, where he shares hands-on insights to help others navigate their own modernization journeys.
"I've been fortunate in my career and have faced many challenges along the way. I know others face similar hurdles, and I enjoy helping people, working with them, and learning together." For Sean, becoming an IBM Champion was a natural step in giving back, "It's about sharing experiences and lifting others as we grow."
Leading by Example, Inspiring by Results
One of Sean's proudest moments reflects his persistence and belief in better technology. "Years ago, when Liberty was first released, I struggled to convince teams to adopt it. I eventually persuaded one person to try it. Years later, that same advocate, now a believer, convinced an entire team to choose Liberty over traditional WAS. It was a small success that grew into a broader victory as the organization fully embraced Liberty's benefits."
His advice to aspiring IBM Champions is heartfelt: "Reflecting on my years as an IBM Champion, the journey has been far more rewarding than I initially imagined,” he says.
“While I had some reservations when I was first invited to the IBM Champions Program, the lasting camaraderie, the ongoing opportunity to shape product developments, and continuously witnessing the community's successes have made it an profoundly valuable experience.”
Beyond Technology
If not in tech, Sean would be a travel guide in the Himalayas or the Australian outback, inspired by his own trekking experiences and a love for adventure.
Lightning Round
- Superpower? To be able to speed up time and slow it down at the same time - because I have so much that I want to do but not enough time to do it in ⏳. Is that at all possible. I guess with a superpower anything is possible.
- Bucket list? I watched the movie “The Way” starring Martin Sheen many years ago. Since then I’ve always thought the Camino de Santiago walk in Spain 🥾 would be something I’d like to do
- Ice cream or cake? Vanilla ice cream, boring flavour I know, but my favourite 🍦
- Cats or dogs? Both dogs and cats 🐱🐶. I grew up with both, and given the chance again I’d have both again.
- Summer or winter? Winter – there’s nothing better than walking in the snow hearing the crunching sound under your feet ❄️
- Morning or evening? Evening 🌙
- eBook or paper book? eBook 📱
- TV shows or movies? Movies 🎬
- Night out or night in? Night in 🏠
- Pool entry? Coming from Australia where the water down south is ice cold, there’s only one way - Cannonball 💦
- Drive or fly? Fly ✈️
Connect with Sean on LinkedIn!
#IBMChampion#IBMChampion-Spotlight#ibmchampions-champions-in-action