IBM Alumni

In 1978, a young boy in Brazil 🇧🇷 was sitting behind a typewriter, feeding sheets of paper through the machine and carefully layering carbon copies beneath them, not knowing yet that technology would define his career. Living with cerebral palsy, he learned early that determination, resilience, and ingenuity could open doors. Long before he became a developer, he was already building systems in his own way, with typewriters, carbon paper, and mimeograph sheets. Over the decades, Pedro Paulo witnessed every major shift in technology, from the first IBM PCs to the rise of AI and data science 📊. When he eventually joined IBM as a .NET Developer, it felt like coming full circle. IBM technology had been part of his journey since childhood, helping him navigate challenges and pursue opportunities many doubted were possible. His team delivered an AI solution that transformed a client's operations in ways no one had anticipated. It was a reminder of why he chose technology in the first place: the chance to innovate, collaborate, and build something that truly matters. Now, as an IBM Alumni, Pedro Paulo continues to learn, teach, mentor, and contribute to Brazil's technology community. 🌎 Once an IBMer, Always an IBMer. 💙 🚀 Pedro's journey reminds us that some of the most remarkable achievements come from those who refuse to let obstacles stand in their way. Ready to write your own next chapter? Join the IBM Alumni Talent Network: https://ibm.co/6048ERUJ4 #IBMAlumni #LikeAnIBMer

🔬 One internship can change the trajectory of a career. For Roman in Germany, a Data Science internship at IBM became the starting point of an international journey across AI, science, and research. "My internship at IBM was my entry point into the world of data science. I primarily supported the team in automating repetitive tasks and developed a Python tool that automates file retrieval from Box, detects changes, downloads only the necessary files, and processes compressed data directly. This helped reduce the number of manual steps and simplified daily data handling," he said. After his internship at IBM, Roman spent the spring at CERN in Geneva, where he worked on machine learning methods for particle physics. His focus was analyzing, testing, and improving AI models used to process the enormous volumes of data generated by particle collisions. 🌍 That experience has now opened another remarkable door: A research stay at the University of Tokyo, where Roman will explore how Large Language Models can make AI systems in particle physics more efficient and better integrated into research workflows. The collaboration may continue beyond the summer and could eventually lead to a scientific publication. What makes Roman’s story stand out is not only the technology, but the curiosity and persistence behind it. Moving from IBM to CERN and now Tokyo, he has continued building at the intersection of AI, research, and global collaboration. 💡 Roman also hopes to give back by sharing his experience with students and future researchers through talks, mentoring, and education initiatives that help young people discover pathways into international science and technology projects. For Roman, the IBM internship was more than a role. It was a launchpad. 🚀 Inspired by Roman's journey? Why not start your own next chapter? Join our Talent Network, stay connected, and explore opportunities that match your skills and aspirations: https://ibm.co/6046ERUK8 #IBMAlumni #LikeAnIBMer

"I've changed companies, industries, and roles. The one thing I haven't changed is where I start: with the user." Looking back, that idea has been the common thread throughout Gurpreet's career. At IBM France, she launched social and digital marketing for the Hardware division and later helped improve the Partner Portal experience. On paper, they were very different projects. But they were both driven by the same question: "Why is this hard for people, and how do we make it easier?" It's a question that stayed with her. From working with partners on joint go-to-market strategies at Pegasystems to leading ABM programs across enterprise accounts at HP today, the industries, audiences, and technologies have changed. Her starting point hasn't. Before launching a campaign, building a program, or designing a journey, she still finds herself asking: "Who is this for, and what do they actually need?" The answer isn't always obvious. But for Gurpreet, that's where the work begins. She credits her experience at IBM with teaching her how to balance creativity with data, structure with innovation, and strategy with execution. Most importantly, it taught her to listen first and build second. Or, as she puts it: "I always start with user needs and work backwards to create impact." Years and several career chapters later, it's a habit she still hasn't managed to shake. And honestly, she's glad she hasn't. 💙 💫 Ready to reconnect with a company that helps you grow? Join our Alumni Talent Network: https://ibm.co/6044ERo1i #IBMAlumni #LifeAtIBM

Some careers don’t follow a straight line - and that’s exactly what makes them powerful. Take David as an inspiring example. He started his journey at IBM back in 2000 as a software developer, growing into leadership roles across development, technical sales, and services. At one point, he made the bold decision to step outside - joining Informatica as a European Director, gaining new perspectives and experiences. And then? He returned. "Returning to IBM feels a bit like coming home. When I left, it was to explore new challenges, broaden my experience, and see the tech landscape from different angles. Those chapters helped me grow in ways I’ll always value - new skills, new perspectives, and a deeper appreciation for what truly matters in a workplace." Coming back to IBM, David brought fresh insights, external experience, and an even broader mindset. He went on to lead critical areas such as Hybrid Cloud and Technology - ultimately becoming Vice President Development and Managing Director of IBM Germany R&D, leading one of IBM’s most strategic global IBM labs. Today, his team is shaping the future with Cloud, AI, Data, and even Quantum Computing innovations. "What ultimately made the decision easy was realizing that IBM isn’t just the company I left - it has transformed. The focus on hybrid cloud, AI, automation, and deep client partnership is stronger and more exciting than ever. There’s a renewed energy, a boldness, and a sense of purpose that’s impossible to ignore." Because sometimes, the best way forward… is to come back. 🚀 Want to stay connected with other IBM Alumni? Join our IBM Alumni Talent Network: https://ibm.co/6045ERPgL

From this month, we will start featuring the stories of former IBM CEO's for our CEO Chronicles series. Their personality, their achievements, their historical influence, and much more. Today we start with our first CEO and 'founder' of IBM. Thomas J. Watson Sr. (CEO - 1914 – 1956) ❓Did you know? 🤔 Thomas J. Watson Sr. was a pioneer in the development of accounting and computing equipment used today by business, government, science, and industry. He built a worldwide industry during his 42 years at IBM. His people-first agenda created a culture that became the envy of industry and a business juggernaut that competitors would both admire and fear. Mr. Watson was born in Campbell, N.Y., on February 17, 1874. His first job was at age 18 as a bookkeeper in Clarence Risley's Market in Painted Post, N.Y. Later he sold sewing machines and musical instruments before joining the National Cash Register Company as a salesman in Buffalo. He eventually worked his way up to general sales manager. Bent on inspiring the dispirited NCR sales force, Mr. Watson introduced the motto, "THINK," which later became a widely known symbol of IBM. Throughout his life, Mr. Watson maintained a deep interest in international relations. He adopted the slogan "World Peace Through World Trade" for IBM; worked closely with the International Chamber of Commerce; and in 1937, was elected its president. A month before his death on June 19, 1956, Mr. Watson handed over the reins of the company to his eldest son, Thomas J. Watson, Jr. Another son, Arthur K. Watson, served as president of IBM World Trade Corp., which is the company's international operations. ➡️ Do you want to know more about Thomas J. Watson Sr.? Have a look at https://lnkd.in/dtPCxNBP  #IBMAlumni #LikeAnIBMer #IBMCEOChronicles

“The most memorable moments in technology are rarely about the systems alone. They are about the people behind them.” For Anas in India, six years at IBM were shaped by technical growth and global teamwork. As a Senior SAP Basis Consultant, he supported large-scale SAP environments for global clients, specializing in SAP Transport Management, CHARM implementations, system refreshes, kernel upgrades, and HANA performance monitoring. A complex global AMS engagement in the retail industry became a defining chapter of his IBM journey. 💻 The role demanded precision, resilience, and close collaboration across teams and time zones. From automating transport management to managing critical refresh cycles, Anas strengthened both his technical expertise and his ability to perform under pressure. 🌍 One experience stands out: days before a major business rollout, the team faced an unexpected challenge that threatened delivery timelines. What Anas remembers most is how colleagues across SAP Basis, application, and project teams united to solve the issue. The successful go-live became a lasting lesson in trust, resilience, and teamwork. 🤝 Beyond delivery, Anas mentored consultants and contributed to knowledge-sharing initiatives, experiences that continue to influence his leadership style. Since leaving IBM, he has continued his career as a Senior SAP Basis Consultant, working with SAP HANA, S/4HANA, cloud integrations, and modernization programs. Along the way, he has remained committed to mentoring emerging talent while carrying forward the values IBM instilled in him: continuous learning, adaptability, and excellence in delivery. For Anas, true success lies not only in solving complex technical challenges, but in helping others grow. Once an IBMer, Always an IBMer. 🚀 Join our IBM Alumni Talent Network to stay connected: https://ibm.co/6047EuI2R #IBMAlumni

🔐 “Behind every security alert is a person trying to make sense of the noise.” That mindset shaped Krutika’s journey at IBM and continues to guide her career today in the US. As an Advanced Threat Technical Engineer, Krutika worked hands-on with IBM QRadar SIEM, supporting global clients across hardware, VMware, AWS, cloud platforms, and complex security environments. Her work focused on helping organizations respond faster and more effectively to threats in real time. 🌐 The project that left the biggest mark on her was a large-scale QRadar deployment in AWS for a global client. Integrating legacy and cloud-native systems while ensuring real-time threat detection required close collaboration across managed services teams, developers, and client security organizations. It became a defining experience in balancing technical expertise with communication, teamwork, and trust. But some of the moments Krutika remembers most had nothing to do with technology: outside of project work, she regularly organized team-building events and knowledge-sharing sessions that brought colleagues together across backgrounds and experiences. Those moments reinforced something she still carries forward today: strong workplace cultures are built through connection, inclusion, and shared learning. 🎓 Since leaving IBM, Krutika has continued expanding her cybersecurity expertise while pursuing a master’s degree in Information Systems. She is deepening her work in Python, cloud platforms, and advanced security concepts, expanding her global client experience she developed at IBM. For her, the most meaningful achievement has been combining measurable technical impact with lasting professional relationships. Once an IBMer, Always an IBMer. 🚀 Join our IBM Alumni Talent Network to stay connected https://ibm.co/6043EuqH7

🌍 “You don’t always need to be number one.” That lesson stayed with Imad throughout a 25-year journey at IBM that shaped not only his career, but the way he leads today. Across multi-billion-dollar outsourcing accounts, global client engagements, and projects spanning the U.S., Central and Eastern Europe, Turkey, the Middle East, Africa, and India, Imad worked alongside more than 1,000 colleagues and supported over 200 clients. But the moments he remembers most are deeply human. 🤝 Early in his career, mentors taught him that humility, collaboration, and inclusive leadership create stronger outcomes. Those lessons became the foundation of his leadership philosophy. ✈️ For him, one moment still stands above the rest. Walking into IBM headquarters in Armonk as part of the NextGen program, Imad met senior IBM leaders including Ginni Rometty and Sam Palmisano. What stayed with him was the message: leadership is about bringing others along with you. 📈 Since leaving IBM, Imad has focused on mentoring founders, advising startups, and leading large-scale consulting engagements while developing new AI solutions. 💙 “IBM taught me to lead with purpose and measure success through the success of others.” Imad says Once an IBMer, Always an IBMer. 🚀 Want to stay connected with other IBM Alumni? Join our IBM Alumni Talent Network: https://ibm.co/6043EPf47 #IBMAlumni #LikeAnIBMer

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What if the project that changed your career started with a challenge you almost couldn’t solve? 💡 For Carlos in Mexico, IBM was more than a first step into consulting. It was the place where he learned how to think differently. 🚀 Carlos joined IBM Consulting as a student and quickly found himself contributing to projects across the food and retail industries. Within a year, he earned a permanent role and expanded his work into retail, banking, and automotive sectors, building his experience as a Consultant and Business Analyst while forming strong connections across IBM teams. 🏪 One project still stands out years later: working with a retail client’s HR organization, Carlos helped identify technology opportunities to standardize processes across corporate teams and supermarket associates. One improvement reduced the service for time-off requests from three days to just 30 minutes. Despite tight deadlines and complex workshops, his contribution helped secure a winning outcome for the team. 🤝 But there's one moment he recalls fondly during a difficult project challenge: Carlos was stuck on a process issue when a senior IBM leader sat down with him to understand the blocker and help him approach the problem differently. That experience shaped the way he still works today: stay curious, think outside the box, and never stop learning. 📈 Since leaving IBM, Carlos has continued building his career in technology and transformation, leading automation and OCR initiatives in banking before moving into a Product Owner role supporting B2B digital platforms in Mexico. Today, he helps lead tools representing 35% of net sales in the market while mentoring others along the way. 🌎 For Carlos, the foundation was built at IBM. Once an IBMer, Always an IBMer. 🚀 Want to stay connected with other IBM Alumni? Join our IBM Alumni Talent Network: https://ibm.co/6049EPdTU #IBMAlumni #LikeAnIBMer