Meet Reg Harbeck, an IBM Champion since 2020, with a profound passion for everything related to IBM Z! As the Chief Strategist at Mainframe Analytics Ltd., Reg shares insights into his journey, motivations, and his vibrant contributions to the technology community.
Reg's favourite product is IBM Z, along with everything connected to it! From the hardware to the software, Reg finds inspiration in the comprehensive world that revolves around IBM Z. He loves creating large content pieces like, “Establishing the Future” and “Superior Technology Combined with Talented People = Irrepressible Excellence”.
He says, “Life is a relationship, not just a transaction. I have received so much from so many, including my formation as a mainframer, and also my education that has recently included a Master of Arts in Interdisciplinary Humanities (MAIH) which I used to study the humanity of the mainframe. The relationships that are the stuff of our humanity are the threads that weave together the tapestry of history, and I am enthusiastically willing to spin my own contributions. Some are specific to my career, some to my personal life (for example, I’m an avid blood donor). And I find that those to whom I am able to comfortably contribute the most are those on similar journeys to myself, including current and potential members of the mainframe ecosystem. On top of that, I have identified a near-vacuum in the space of understanding, preserving, and advancing the non-technical and non-business aspects of the mainframe ecosystem such as culture, and I am energetically adding in my contributions”.
Reg takes pride in his Master of Arts in Interdisciplinary Humanities (MAIH) and the multimedia sites he created, showcasing the humanity of the mainframe. Currently, he's excited about his interview on the Main Scoop, hosted by Greg Lotko, where he delved into the human aspects of the mainframe.
If not in technology, Reg's dream job would be a motivational philosopher and philanthropist, emphasizing the importance of making a positive impact on the world.
To those considering the IBM Champions program, here is what Reg has to say; “If you see your job as more than just a transactional approach to earning an income, and are interested in making the world a better place in one or more of the technology fields that overlap with the vast and important set of technologies that IBM offers, this is a great opportunity not only to enhance your career and contribution, but to get involved in making the world a better place with the full weight of IBM’s support and encouragement behind you”.
Catch Reg at the upcoming IBM TechXchange in Barcelona (January) and SHARE in Orlando (March) !!
Lightning round:
- What would be your superpower and why? Proactively predicting and enabling (or “prodicting” – a word I coined in the book I cowrote – Introduction to Enterprise Systems )
- Ice cream or cake? Please! I feel less guilty eating cake, but I can’t resist liquorice ice cream. I have pictures of me eating it as a child, and eating it with my son.
- Cats or dogs? Yes. Cats for smaller spaces, dogs for big back yards and open spaces.
- Summer or winter? Spring.
- Morning or evening? “If anyone loudly blesses their neighbour early in the morning, it will be taken as a curse.” (Proverbs 27:14) – I’m that person. But I like to stay up late too.
- eBook or paper book? eBook. I did my Master’s degree almost entirely with digital books.
- TV shows or movies? Both, But they have to be insightful in some way.
- A night out or a night in? Out and around the world.
- Cannonball into the pool or dip a toe in first? Hot tub!
- Go-to karaoke song? Moon Shadow by Cat Stevens
- Drive or fly? I just passed a million lifetime miles with Air Canada so I’ll always have at least Elite status with them. I like that. But I also like my Subaru Ascent.
Connect with Reg in LinkedIn and Community Page
Want to be a part of the community of IBM Champions? You can jump on the path through the IBM Rising Champions advocacy badge program or nominate to become a 2024 IBM Champion through the end of November 2023.
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