In Episode 1, we meet our hosts, Mike and Nate.  Nate reads Chapter 2 of the Life Sciences IT Guide, which is focused on Building a Foundation Plan.  They talk about technology and life and have a few drinks along the way.

Post-chapter 2 analysis/reflection questions:

1. How flexible should an IT Foundation plan be to accommodate changes in the company and its needs, and what challenges might arise from a plan that clashes with the existing IT setup?
2. How can an IT Foundation Plan evolve to reflect the company's goals and needs, and what role should other departments play in its development?
3. How can an IT Leader balance their preferences for technology with the company's practical realities, and at what point might their beliefs need adjustment?
4. What contingency plans should be included in an IT Foundation Plan to allow flexibility in adapting to changing needs or circumstances?
5. How can an IT Foundation Plan comprehensively address privacy, security, and business continuity?
6. What key components should be included in every IT leader's Foundation Plan to ensure robust security from the outset?
7. Considering the balance between flexibility and specificity, how do you determine the right level of detail for a Foundation Plan without being overly restrictive?
8. How would you establish acceptable compliance practices and financial controls in a new company, especially in industries with stringent regulatory requirements?
9. The chapter discusses enabling collaboration and avoiding long-term lock-in with software service models. What strategies would you employ to achieve these objectives in your Foundation Plan?
10. Reflect when you had to adapt your Foundation Plan due to unforeseen circumstances. What was the situation, and how did the plan's flexibility help you navigate the challenge?
11. How would you incorporate feedback into your Foundation Plan while maintaining your IT vision to avoid technology stack clashes and Shadow IT?
12. The chapter suggests that your Foundation Plan should not be shared physically or technologically. Do you agree with this approach, and how would you choose to disseminate foundational concepts instead?
13. What are some common challenges IT Leaders face when implementing an IT Foundation Plan?
14. How can an IT Leader effectively communicate the importance of an IT Foundation Plan to stakeholders?
15. List the metrics you might use to measure the success of an IT Foundation Plan for future reference.

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