Steering technology strategy at Wausau Supply Company, Callan Schoonenberg brings mechanical engineering, business and extensive manufacturing experience to her CIO role. Her background includes leadership positions at Eaton, complemented by Harvard Business Analytics training and an MBA, creating a unique perspective on technology leadership.

What makes a non-traditional path valuable in IT leadership? Through Callan Schoonenberg’s transition from mechanical engineering to CIO at Wausau Supply Company, we explore how diverse experiences shape effective technology leadership. Her story demonstrates why following passion over traditional career paths can lead to unexpected success.

Leading the New York State Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Services Cyber Incident Response Team, Meghan Cook brings a unique background in facilitation and public administration. Her approach combines relationship building with technical understanding to help local governments and school districts protect their technology infrastructure.

How do you lead effectively across multiple government agencies? Meghan Cook shares her journey from broadcast communications to directing New York State’s Cyber Incident Response Team, highlighting how facilitation skills and relationship building create successful outcomes in government technology. Her unique perspective shows why technical expertise alone isn’t enough to drive change in complex organizations.

Leading development at Stealth Startup as Head of Engineering, Full stack, Ian Johnson brings decades of experience from fintech to e-commerce. His approach combines hands-on technical expertise with collaborative leadership, focusing on building high-performing teams through trust and mutual respect.

What makes engineering teams truly effective? Ian Johnson shares his evolution from early tech enthusiast to Head of Engineering at Stealth Startup, discussing how trust and respect form the foundation of successful development teams. Through stories of both failures and successes, he demonstrates why technical expertise must be balanced with strong leadership principles.

Leading technology initiatives at Longship as Chief Information Officer, Maximo Bredfeldt brings 25 years of experience in managed services and security. His approach combines practical problem-solving with deep technical expertise, focusing on understanding business processes to create effective security solutions.

What makes an effective cybersecurity strategy? Maximo Bredfeldt shares his journey from taking apart toys to protecting enterprises, highlighting how understanding business processes is crucial for security success. Through compelling stories of corporate espionage and social engineering, he demonstrates why technical solutions alone aren’t enough to protect modern organizations.

Leading technology initiatives in the construction industry, Adam Krob brings strategic vision to AI implementation. His approach combines practical technology application with business process improvement, focusing on creating measurable value through innovative solutions while maintaining operational excellence.

How can IT leaders separate AI hype from real value? Adam Krob shares his experience implementing AI solutions in construction technology, discussing practical applications from takeoff automation to intern training. His insights on building AI steering committees and measuring implementation success offer concrete strategies for technology leaders seeking to maximize AI’s potential.