Ciena (NYSE: CIEN) is a networking systems, services, and software company. They provide solutions that help its customers create the Adaptive Network™ in response to their users' constantly changing demands. By delivering networking technology through high-touch consultative relationships, the company prides itself on building the world's most agile networks with automation, openness, and scale.

Craig Williams, Chief Information Officer at Ciena, joins me on today's Tech Talks Daily episode. Craig talks about the CIO's evolving role and how they need to focus more on connection with team members and less on dry technology. He also shares his insight into setting up a remote team and how Ciena had a large chunk of its staff remote even before COVID-19 hit.

Craig has 25+ years in business and technology transformation spanning multiple industries in complex and varied environments, including High-Tech, Department of Defense (DoD), Commercial and Academic industries.

As CIO, he seeks to level the employee/customer engagement experience through a work anywhere, anytime on any device philosophy. He enjoys cultivating and inspiring teams to solve business problems while creating a "delight the customer" attitude. I learn more about his people philosophy, " Hire and retain "PHDs"- people who have Passion, Heart, and Drive for what they do.