Database Fundamentals with MySQL

I’m the Director of Technical Training & Development at GenSpark, where I design and lead large-scale training programs that connect academic learning with real-world industry needs.

I’m passionate about building talent and driving workforce innovation. Over the years, I’ve developed and deployed nationwide programs across technologies like Mainframe, RPG, Oracle EBS, Guidewire, Cybersecurity, and Generative AI.

My focus is on creating immersive “Hire-Train-Deploy” models that help entry- and mid-level professionals accelerate into meaningful roles with top enterprise clients. I combine technical training, leadership development, and hands-on learning design to prepare learners for long-term success in the tech industry.

When I’m not building the next generation of tech talent, you’ll usually find me traveling with my family, exploring the outdoors in our Grand Design Momentum RV, or creating new and engaging educational content.

I’m the Training Operations Manager at GenSpark, where I coordinate large-scale training initiatives and serve as a liaison between clients, consultants, and internal teams. I manage everything from onboarding and upskilling to consultant performance tracking and client relationship development to ensure our programs deliver impact at every level.

For every cohort, I focus on keeping the program moving forward, from managing logistics and tracking outcomes to supporting trainers and ensuring you have the resources you need to succeed.

Outside of work, I’m usually organizing something in a spreadsheet or spending time with my wife and 6-year-old Siberian Husky, Ace.

Hello,

I’m a seasoned IT professional with over 15 years of experience in training and mentoring across a wide spectrum of technologies. Currently, I serve as a Senior Manager - Mentoring & Technology at Genspark (Pyramid Consulting), GA, USA, where I specialize in shaping future-ready talent in cutting-edge domains like cloud computing, cybersecurity, software development, and automation.

With certifications in Google Cloud and strong expertise in programming, web technologies, network security, and DevOps, I’ve now expanded my focus to the transformative domain of Generative AI—a field revolutionizing how we build intelligent, creative, and automated solutions.

In this training, we’ll explore the foundations and practical applications of GenAI, including prompt engineering, fine-tuning, use cases in automation/testing, and integration with different tools. Whether you're a tester, developer, or aspiring AI enthusiast, you’ll gain the skills needed to leverage GenAI in real-world projects.

Let’s dive in and unlock the potential of Generative AI in software testing and automation. Looking forward to an engaging and insightful learning journey with you all!

Vijay Kumar is a senior Mainframe professional with over 19+ years of experience in z/OS system administration, Mainframe Application Programming, managed services, and corporate technical training.

Vijay specializes in z/OS system administration (Levels 2 & 3), Mainframe Application Programming with strong expertise across DB2, CICS, COBOL, IMS, MQ, RACF, SMP/E, JES2, DFSMS, storage administration, and HMC. Alongside hands-on system support, he is a highly regarded corporate mainframe trainer, having delivered training programs to leading organizations such as Fiserv, IBM, Wipro, Accenture, HCL, DXC, CSC, Tech Mahindra, and Infosys, both in classroom and online modes.

Known for bridging deep technical knowledge with practical training delivery, he has trained hundreds of professionals in MVS system programming, mainframe administration, Mainframe Application Programming, and console operations, while also contributing to audits, curriculum design, and trainer management. He is a recipient of multiple awards, including Employee of the Year and Star of the Year, Trainer Award from various MNCs, reflecting his long-standing impact in the mainframe domain.

I’m Armaan Verma. Based in Auckland, New Zealand, I am a Cloud Engineer and certified Level 5 adult educator with over 15 years of experience in the training sector. I’ve had the privilege of delivering upwards of 400 classes to professionals globally, both in-person and online.

I am genuinely passionate about sharing my knowledge and industry experience with others. Whether it's AWS, Azure, Google Cloud, or Linux, my goal is to simplify complex tech and help people "level up" their skills. My recent work also covers Security, Networking, M365, and Data platforms like Databricks, MS Fabric, and PowerBI.

When I’m not in the classroom or lab, I’m a dedicated family man and love spending time with my daughters. I’m a proud vegetarian and enjoy getting stuck in with some cooking at home. To keep the balance, I’m usually at the gym, in the pool, or catching a game of sports—and I’ve always got a soft spot for a good comic book.

As a Senior Manager, I play a key role in ensuring smooth coordination between candidates, trainers, internal teams, and business requirements. My primary responsibility is to connect with candidates through regular one-on-one interactions to understand their progress, address any challenges they may be facing, and provide the necessary guidance and support to help them succeed.

I closely coordinate with trainers to monitor candidate performance, training effectiveness, and overall development. I also help students build and improve their resumes to better align with industry standards and client expectations. In addition to candidate engagement, I actively collaborate with the Sales team to support business requirements and client needs. I also work closely with the HR team whenever support is required in employee engagement, coordination, or operational activities.

Beyond work, I am passionate about cricket and snooker, and I also enjoy horse riding, which reflects my enthusiasm for focus, discipline, teamwork, and continuous learning.

Dr. Kranth Patnaik is a dynamic Master Trainer and motivational speaker with over 18 years of experience in training, leadership development, and large-scale seminar facilitation. Recognized for his impactful communication and practical learning approach, he has trained more than one million students across multiple domains and worked with top organizations and NGOs. With expertise in both online and offline training methodologies, Dr. Kranth is known for inspiring individuals through skill development, mindset transformation, and performance-driven learning experiences. His philosophy strongly reflects resilience, growth, and continuous self-improvement.

Mainframe Infrastructure Specialist and Technical Leader with over 15 years of experience bridging legacy systems and modern cloud architectures. Expert in z/OS environments, DB2 administration, CICS, and JCL, combined with advanced skills in modernizing mainframes using ZOWE, Python on z/OS, Ansible, and AWS cloud solutions. Proven track record of managing large cross-functional teams, directing high-value corporate technical training, and implementing secure database migration and transaction processing workflows.

I'm a Quality Engineering Trainer at GenSpark, where I design industry-aligned curricula and deliver corporate training programs for professionals and enterprise clients. My focus is on creating engaging, high-impact learning experiences that bridge the gap between theory and real-world application. With every cohort, I strive to equip participants with practical, job-ready skills that they can apply immediately in their projects and day-to-day work.
I am passionate about helping learners build confidence in quality engineering, test automation, Agile practices, and modern software delivery methodologies. Seeing participants grow from learning concepts to successfully applying them in professional environments is one of the most rewarding aspects of my work.
Outside of work, I enjoy spending time in nature and exploring the outdoors. Whether it's a summer hike through scenic trails or a winter trek through snow-covered forests, I appreciate the opportunity to disconnect, recharge, and embrace new adventures.

I am a Corporate Trainer with extensive knowledge and training expertise in various IT Infrastructure Technologies & related Methodologies. With proven skills in my core competencies, I deliver high quality training programs to overseas as well as domestic clientele.

With 22 Years in the IT Industry, that began in 2004, I have gained great exposure to different IT Infrastructure operations and diverse cultures while working with few of the largest organizations in IT across the world.
Now, as an IT Infrastructure Trainer for the past 16+ Years, I deliver training sessions in IT Infrastructure Technologies for Freshers, Campus Recruits, Experienced as well as Management Professionals.

With 25+ years of experience, Venkatesh Radhakrishnan has built deep expertise in enterprise systems through 12+ years of industry work across India and the United States. As a dedicated mentor, he has empowered over 5,000+ professionals through 15+ years of Mainframe training. Through his YouTube channel “Mainframe Made Easy,” he continues to make mainframe technology accessible, practical, and easy to learn for aspiring professionals.

I am Alejandro Ruiz, your instructor for this program, and in the past few weeks I have realized that I am about to complete 4 decades of training, and... It feels like the first day! Maybe not physically, but at that time I felt that I had a lot to learn, and these days, despite how much I have learned, I feel the same: there is a lot to learn, and... I learn to teach.

I believe there are decisions you make, and others that are made for you, and you simply agree, for example, I didn't really decide to be an instructor, but, for strange reasons, in every job and position I had, they put me in that role and we all agreed and were happy. However, something I did decide is that I didn’t want to be a super-specialist on a technological something although I have been for some things- but I wanted to 'try everything,' and that has been the case. I know about systems, from the hardware to the applications and the user, and from the client side; and the different types of clients, down to the most obscure server. I am more of a generalist; my profile is more of a (modern) solutions architect. You will hear several phrases from me, but the most important one is: 'my goal is for you to achieve your goals'. So, if there is anything I can do in that regard, don’t hesitate to ask.

Outside of work, I like culture, traveling and arts, photography among them. I am very much about looking to the future, and now what I enjoy most is spending time with the family I always wanted to have, since I was eight years old