I Am a Mainframer: J.J. Lovett on Mainframe Careers, Open Source & Skills Gap
Get the full intelligence
Search transcripts, export clips, track mentions, and explore all topics from “I Am a Mainframer: J.J. Lovett on Mainframe Careers, Open Source & Skills Gap” inside PodZeus.
The mainframe isn't dying—it's evolving, and JJ Lovett, Broadcom’s lead for education and customer engagement in the mainframe division, argues that the so-called 'skills gap' is less a shortage of talent and more a navigation problem. He debunks the myth that COBOL programmers are hard to find, pointing out that if you know where to look—like open source communities such as the Zoe project—you’ll find passionate, skilled developers eager to contribute. Lovett reveals that Zoe, a mainframe open source initiative, ranks in the top 30 of all Linux Foundation projects by code health and activity, proving the platform’s relevance in modern tech. Far from being a relic, the mainframe is now a dynamic, extensible environment where open source thrives, mentorship is strong, and career longevity is real. He urges new grads to stop fearing the 'green screen' and instead embrace the mainframe as a lifelong technological journey—not just a job, but a career with global reach and innovation at its core.
The mainframe skills gap is a navigation problem, not a talent shortage—COBOL developers are available if you look in the right places like open source communities.
Zoe, the mainframe open source project, ranks in the top 30 of all Linux Foundation projects by code health and activity—proving the mainframe is a 'shiny object' in modern tech.
Mainframe careers are not just about green screens—roles in education, customer engagement, and ecosystem development offer long-term, high-impact paths.
Open source on the mainframe is no longer fringe—it’s a core part of modernization, with accessible mentorship and global collaboration.
The mainframe is not legacy—it’s heritage: it powers critical systems in finance, e-commerce, and enterprise computing at scale.
…and 3 more takeaways available in PodZeus
Welcome to I Am a Mainframer
Introduction to the episode and the I Am a Mainframer series, featuring JJ Lovett from Broadcom. The podcast is sponsored by Phoenix Software International and produced by the Linux Foundation's Open Mainframe Project.
JJ Lovett’s Role at Broadcom
JJ explains his position as lead for education and customer engagement in Broadcom’s mainframe division, covering customer success, employee development, and collaboration with the Open Mainframe Project.
From CA to Broadcom: A Mainframe Origin Story
JJ shares his journey from CA Technologies in the late 90s to joining Broadcom in 2018, emphasizing his early involvement in customer advocacy and the evolution of his role in the mainframe ecosystem.
Debunking the Skills Gap Myth
“If I put a job advert up on LinkedIn for 10 COBOL programmers, I don't think I'd struggle to get 10 COBOL programmers. Maybe I wouldn't know where to find them.”
Open Source as a Gateway to Mainframe Careers
“Zoe is in the top 30 from a code health and activity perspective. And that just blows me away.”
“Zoe is in the top 30 from a code health and activity perspective. And that just blows me away.”
“It's not a job, it's a career. That's going to live rent free in my mind.”
“Don't be afraid. Don't let things seem daunting and take a risk now and then because especially when you're out of college in your early career, that is the time to take risks and be bold.”
Host
Guest
JJ Lovett
person
Broadcom
organization
Open Mainframe Project
organization
Linux Foundation
organization
Zoe project
other
Mainframe Open Education
other
Z-Explore
other
Phoenix Software International
organization
Share Conference
other
CA Technologies
organization
Get the full intelligence
Search transcripts, export clips, track mentions, and explore all topics from “I Am a Mainframer: J.J. Lovett on Mainframe Careers, Open Source & Skills Gap” inside PodZeus.
Start discovering podcast insights today
Start with a 7-day trial and explore a growing catalog of popular podcasts. No credit card required.
No credit card required • 7-day trial • Cancel anytime