SHARE is honored to welcome new board members to its roster this year, including Steve Hosie of Broadcom Inc., a non-voting board member, as he serves as liaison to Broadcom, a SHARE sponsor. SHARE HQ asked him a few questions about his career so members can get to know him better.
SHARE HQ: WHAT’S YOUR MAINFRAME STORY? HOW DID YOU COME TO THE PLATFORM?
Steve Hosie: My stepdad, Gary, got me involved with computers back in 1976, and I continued to take computer classes and build computer systems through grade school, middle school, high school, and college.
Steve Hosie
After two years of self-funding college, in 1986, I ran out of funds. I knew my ASVAB (Military multi-aptitude test) scores were high, so I inquired with each of the services about who used IBM mainframes.
My thought at the time was I could join, get some college funds, and obtain mainframe computing skills that would translate to experience for an outside-of-the-military career. The only service with IBM mainframes was the Marine Corps. I joined the Marine Corps with guaranteed Data Processing MOS in the 4000 MOS field.
Over my seven years of active duty working on IBM Mainframes and with CA Top Secret (TSS), I earned the MOSs of 4034, 4063, and 4075 Data Security, as well as two Navy Achievement Medals for the work I did. I was honorably discharged in 1993 and moved to the private sector, continuing to work on IBM Mainframes.
I had learned to love IBM mainframes and security; there’s always new learning opportunities and exciting and rewarding work every day. If you want to know the rest of the story, grab a cup of coffee with me sometime, and let’s chat, as I would like to hear your story as well.
SHARE HQ: HOW DID YOU FIRST LEARN ABOUT SHARE?
Steve Hosie: With decades of working in the field of mainframe security and having heard of SHARE from many of my peers, I had always wanted to attend the events. It was not until 2019 that I attended my first SHARE conference. I now have enjoyed both being an attendee and a speaker on various topics at SHARE.
SHARE HQ: WHAT DREW YOU TO SHARE?
Steve Hosie: The idea of competitors, including customers who are also competitors of each other, coming together to share knowledge for the purpose of enabling and empowering others to do more with improved knowledge and skills in the mainframe ecosystem.
SHARE HQ: WHAT ARE YOU PASSIONATE ABOUT AT WORK, AND WHAT ARE YOU PASSIONATE ABOUT OUTSIDE OF WORK?
Steve Hosie: At work, most who know me would say I am enthusiastic about empowering others, sharing knowledge, enablement, cybersecurity, mainframes, computers, technology, cybersecurity standards, cybersecurity governance, learning, mentoring, and adding value to the experience and the journey of others.
I love sharing my knowledge about the mainframe platform, mainframe cybersecurity, how to solve challenges within the platform, and evangelizing about mainframe cybersecurity. Why do I call it mainframe cybersecurity? Cybersecurity is the modern term used to describe protecting digital assets, while security covers physical security and information security (including the protection of non-digital assets). Most recently, I became an IBM Champion (2023).
Outside of work, I have a few passions, such as using technology to design and create beautiful fine jewelry of all types, including custom rings for my fellow veterans. I also am passionate about designing and building garages/homes, traveling, family, the great outdoors, continuous learning, owning/running large social media sites with a positive impact on the journey of others. I own the largest Facebook group of Marine Corps veterans (140K+) and a Facebook group of professional mainframers with 14K+ members, computers/tech, websites, and mentors to make a difference by simply adding value to those around me. Additional groups for veterans include Veterans In IT on LinkedIn and Mainframe Cybersecurity and Compliance Professionals on LinkedIn.
Every day is a new day we are gifted; the only decision we don’t get to make is waking up. Let’s choose to make a positive difference with the present we are given.
SHARE HQ: WHAT ARE SOME OF YOUR GOALS AS A NEW SHARE BOARD MEMBER?
Steve Hosie: To reach out to veterans, with or without degrees, to get them involved with the mainframe and add new mainframers.
To get our existing veterans to network together and promote veterans in IT within the mainframe ecosystem.
To grow the veterans in IT program through mentoring, sharing, and connecting those who have served. And to make a positive difference.
SHARE HQ: WHAT’S ONE PIECE OF TECHNOLOGY OR TECHNOLOGY NEWS THAT YOU’RE EXCITED ABOUT?
Steve Hosie: Having watched technology since 1976, I want to see where artificial intelligence (AI) will take us next and how AI will be adopted within the IBM mainframe. I’m excited about how AI is being used to detect cancer before doctors can. Within 10 years, what new technology changes will we see and what will my son and daughter see in their lifetime?
SHARE HQ: TELL US SOMETHING ABOUT YOURSELF THAT SHARE MEMBERS MAY NOT ALREADY KNOW.
Steve Hosie: I’m driven, passionate, caring, and neurodiverse. I started a custom jewelry business from scratch in January 2011. I drive that business with learned IT knowledge and own the top eCommerce sites for specific vertical channels within fine jewelry.
I have an exceptionally intelligent, patient, and supportive wife, Melissa, and two amazing children who I am very proud of — my 35-year-old son, Christopher, who is becoming a fellow mainframer and our 11-year-old daughter, Madalyn, who is homeschooled and is starting her own clothing line of business.
I’m also back in full-time college, working towards multiple degrees in cybersecurity.
I don’t see others as competition; I want success for all and find joy in creating new experiences, adding value, and inspiring others to be their best. I’m blessed every day in this journey and look forward to future conversations and meeting more SHARE members in the future.