Jean Georges Perrin (JGP) on Pi Day, as he gets the news of his IBM Champion renewed for the 8th year in a row
Jean Georges Perrin (JGP) on Pi Day, as he gets the news of his IBM Champion renewed for the 8th year in a row / Photo © Jean Georges Perrin

Okay, self congratulations are probably not a good sign of humility, but I still wanted to share the news with you, my loyal readers. After being an IBM Champion in 2009, IBM Champion in 2010, IBM Champion in 2011, IBM Champion in 2012, IBM Champion in 2013, IBM Champion in 2014, and IBM Champion in 2015, guess what? I am an IBM Champion in 2016 too!

IBM Champions are individuals, non-IBMer and recognized professionals in the IBM community. IBM has introduced the IBM Champion program back in 2008 (and, yes, I was not part of the first promotion, but I was still the French guy in the group, ex-aequo with my friend Jean-Marc Blaise), initially only in the IBM Information Management Software division. The program describes itself as:

The IBM Champion program recognizes innovative thought leaders in the technical community — and rewards these contributors by amplifying their voice and increasing their sphere of influence. An IBM Champion is an IT professional, business leader, developer, or educator who influences and mentors others to help them make best use of IBM software, solutions, and services.

You may think that it is automatic after some years, but no. Every year, you need to file your activities and they are reviewed. It is an honor and a distinction to be in this close group and I really appreciate it.

But this year, I got the news on Pi Day, so it really makes it special!

 

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