CIO In The Know

Ever wondered how a non-IT background can give a unique perspective to the Chief Information Officer role? Join us as we unravel this with our guest, David Costar, the CIO at Wolfspeed. As an unconventional CIO, David champions the transformation of the CIO role from an IT-centric position into a business-oriented one. We navigate through the skills for future CIOs, the cruciality of understanding your business, the role of curiosity, and the impact of digital transformation and large system changes like ERP. David further emphasizes the importance of viewing IT from a macro perspective and focusing on the economical value it brings to organizations.

As we further our conversation with David, we delve into the significance of comprehending the business context to effectively align technology. The strength of a team of technologists who feel empowered to voice their ideas is examined and the role of the future CIO in steering company strategy is discussed. We then decode digital transformation for the CEO and explore how it assists in navigating organizational changes. The role of mammoth systems like ERP, the potential influence of artificial intelligence, and the importance of adopting a business-first approach to technology forms the crux of our talk. Get ready to be enlightened by a leader who's redefining the narrative of the CIO role!

Links:

David LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/david-costar/

Wolfspeed: https://www.wolfspeed.com

Could the future of your business hinge on how well you leverage technology? This week, seasoned tech veteran and managing partner at DUNELM Associates, Martin Davis, helps us uncover the immense potential of technology in business transformation. Known for his propensity to challenge conventional thinking, Martin shares his intriguing insights on how a CIO’s strategic role can shape a company’s journey towards redefining itself. 

Just as technology is evolving at an unprecedented pace, so is the business landscape. A consumer-centric approach seems to be the name of the game, but how does one create a seamless customer experience across multiple channels? Martin addresses this conundrum and further dives into the dichotomy between project-centric and process-centric approaches to transformation. On a more personal note, he reveals how the pandemic has fine-tuned his leadership style and the value he places on casual interactions.

Switching gears, Martin and I dissect the implications of the global shift to remote work and what it means for businesses contemplating a hybrid or fully remote model. As we discuss industry 4.0, we underscore the crucial role of data in decision making, backed by Martin's real-life example from his days at a manufacturing plant. This episode is jam-packed with thoughtful reflections on the advantages of a data-driven approach within organizations, the complications in delivering a consistent customer experience, and the impacts of transitioning to a remote work setup. Tune in, you won't want to miss it.

Links:

Martin Davis Twitter: https://twitter.com/mcdavis10

Martin Davis LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mpdavis/

Dunelm Associates: https://dunelmassociates.com

Imagine living in a world where technology could be simultaneously less interesting yet vitally necessary. Our esteemed guest, Ashwin Rangan, SVP of Engineering and Chief Information Officer at ICANN, takes us on a fascinating journey through his career, sharing his unique insights into the internet's struggles and its profound impact on the world.

Navigating through a post-pandemic world, we delve into the heart of how our lives have radically transformed, both personally and professionally. Ashwin brings to light the incredible acceleration of technology, leading to a more virtual world, and the consequential erosion of trust in institutions due to information overload. He encourages us to re-establish the trust anchors we once took for granted pre-pandemic and adapt to this new normal.

As we explore the challenges of universal internet access, Ashwin underlines the importance of STEM education and the role of organizations like ICANN in bridging the gap between tech speak and the English language. He emphasizes the need for future CIOs to be fluent in both worlds, capable of facilitating conversations between them. Ending on a hopeful note, we discuss the need for senior executives to engage with university students, ensuring the knowledge is passed down and the future of technology is secure. Tune in for this enlightening discussion with one of the leading voices in tech.

Links:

Ashwin Rangan Twitter: https://twitter.com/ICANNCIIO

Ashwin Rangan LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/theinsightfulcio/

ICANN: https://www.icann.org

This week I’m joined by Sharon Mandell, the Chief Information Officer for Juniper.

 In our discussion, Sharon shares her perspective on how business is changing and how the role of IT is changing alongside of it. She discusses how she views digital transformation as a continuous improvement process versus a project. Sharon talks about the changes we are all facing and how AI can help alleviate some of the pressure. Lastly, she discusses how she views technical debt and the risk associated with it.

Links:

Sharon Mandell Twitter: https://twitter.com/sharonomink

Sharon Mandell LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sharon-mandell-juniper/

Juniper Networks: http://www.juniper.net/

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