The First Rule of Flight Club - plus some Db2 insights with Mark Gillis

From quantum chemistry to Db2, Jørn Thyssen’s journey is anything but typical. What started with a PhD and a few too many acid-damaged lab coats led to early work in neural networks, and eventually to Db2 via a “weird platform” called the mainframe. His story shows there’s no single path into our community, and his advice is simple: learn by doing, even when things break. Along the way, he shares insights on where Db2 is headed next.Learn more about IDUG, the International Db2 User Group, at www.idug.org. 

Kacper Kubica didn't exactly ease into Db2 - he was "thrown into the ocean" and ended up sailing (pun intended). In this episode, we learn how saying yes has helped Kacper become a recognizable name in the Db2 community. Kacper shares his perspective on community found within user groups, why he blogs as a learner as much as an expert, and how being a sailing captain shapes his work-life balance. A conversation that's equal parts technical, human, and genuinely fun! Learn more about IDUG, the International Db2 User Group, at www.idug.org.

Consultant Mark Gillis describes the early days of his career as a series of events that happened “completely by accident.” More than 30 years later, it all seems to have worked out... In this episode, Mark shares how he anticipates the next big impacts in Db2 technology, discusses some favorite pastimes, and tells the story of the time he received advice from himself via generative AI. A fascinating conversation, if we say so ourselves.  Learn more about IDUG, the International Db2 User Group, at www.idug.org.

IBM Db2 for z/OS SWAT Team leader Anthony Ciabattoni discusses his unconventional start in Db2, including an early realization that prompted him to adjust his career path. Hear about his mentors and career progression, a corporate hostage situation that was resolved by Jimmy Carter (not that one), and his responses to the the "rabbit hole" questions that Marcus & Julia identified in their pre-interview research. Learn more about IDUG, the International Db2 User Group, at www.idug.org.

Executive IT Specialist Cuneyt Goksu has more than 25 years' experience in Db2, and has volunteered with IDUG for nearly as long. Cuneyt discusses his start with mainframe back in the days of Db2 v2 and Db2-L  – in the mists of ancient times, per Marcus – and discusses life as a passionate mainframe enthusiast, former IBM Gold Consultant and long-time instructor. Learn how marriage changed his career approach, and what prompted Julia to comment "it must be great to have all that in your head" (slightly enviously, we think). Learn more about IDUG, the International Db2 User Group, at www.idug.org.

In this episode, Marcus asked guest Haakon Roberts to "unpack the sweeties from the box of delights that is Version Next" of Db2 for z/OS. (With an ask like that, how could Haakon refuse?) Hear a preview of Haakon's planned IDUG #EMEA25 session, including why users can now have their cake and eat it relative to Db2 stability and product quality. Haakon also shares some recent updates and current developments for Db2 v13.Learn more about IDUG, the International Db2 User Group, at www.idug.org.

In this upbeat conversation, Steen discusses his Db2 career of more than 40 years, and the revolutionary nature of his favorite but "very boring" Db2 feature. Of particular note are Steen’s innovative method to save on IDUG travel costs, an eye-opening conference-related beverage experience, and the total number of IDUG Conferences Steen has attended. (Hint: it’s more than 60.) Don't miss his specific advice for anyone getting into the Db2 community, and make sure you don’t fall into the “BS” trap.Learn more about IDUG, the International Db2 User Group, at www.idug.org.

Recently retired IBM Fellow Namik Hrle discusses his journey from the beginning, where he grew up in "a country that doesn't exist." He shares the realization that inspired him to broaden his perspective beyond the mainframe, the technology that any Z customer running cloud should be interested in, and how retirement feels a bit like keeping a plane in flight. An intriguing - and at times, truly amazing - conversation.Learn more about IDUG, the International Db2 User Group, at www.idug.org.

In this special edition of IDUG Db2 Table Talk, Julia and Marcus chat with a group of attendees who are relatively new to the IDUG EMEA Db2 Tech Conference, with varied levels of professional experience. The panel share insights about key conference benefits that will help justify management approval for attendance, plus easy ways to plan ahead and secure space in special sessions and events. They also reveal where the magic happens (and what the magic is!) that makes in-person attendance a must. Learn more about IDUG, the International Db2 User Group, at www.idug.org.

After hearing John Campbell speak at GSE Nordic 2025, Marcus had questions...What is a high-performance DBAT? How do you make a thread "high performance"? John Campbell – Db2 guru, consultant, and former IBM Distinguished Engineer  – starts at the beginning of the distributed journey within Db2 for z/OS. Tune in to learn about cheap connections vs expensive threads, whether a large or small connection pool is better, and the really stupid default in an early Db2 Connect fix pack. Truly an enjoyable conversation (that even our non-technical marketing team could follow). Learn more about IDUG, the International Db2 User Group, at www.idug.org.