In this episode of Unlocking Momentum, host Aaron Kopel sits down with John Mergy, Co-Founder and CEO of M0DUS, to discuss how complexity can slow down projects and prevent leaders from making progress.

John shares lessons from his 38-year career in technology leadership, including his time as CIO at Do it Best and his work helping companies navigate AI transformation. The conversation explores how leaders can simplify complex initiatives, create clarity, manage change, and help technology teams become strategic business partners.

John also discusses AI adoption, the importance of intentional leadership, and why creating time for innovation is critical in a rapidly changing world.

• Complexity Can Slow Down Teams: Large projects can lose momentum when scope expands, and teams face too many technology, process, and people challenges at once.
• Reconnect With the “Why”: Leaders can regain direction by removing unnecessary complexity, revisiting goals, and focusing on the next steps.
• Change Management Drives Success: Successful transformation requires helping people understand change, build confidence, and adopt new ways of working.
• AI Requires Time and Experimentation: Leaders need to create space for learning, testing ideas, and exploring AI opportunities.
• CIOs Must Become Strategic Partners: Technology leaders have an opportunity to shape business strategy, not just manage systems and requests.

[00:00:00] - Introduction to AI Transformation: John shares how companies are navigating AI adoption, uncertainty, and finding practical ways to use new technology.

[00:07:30] - Bringing Clarity Back to Projects: John shares how leaders can reset priorities, remove unnecessary complexity, and refocus teams.

[00:09:30] - AI Transformation and Change Management: John explains why AI adoption requires strong change management and helping people understand the purpose behind the change.

[00:17:47] - Rethinking Business Processes With AI: Aaron and John discuss how AI can help organizations rethink workflows instead of only improving existing processes.

[00:28:19] - Advice for Leaders Adapting to Change: John shares why leaders need agility, continuous learning, and time dedicated to innovation.

[00:33:39] - Rapid Fire Questions With John Mergy: John shares personal insights on relationships, passions, and legacy.

[00:36:03] - Connecting With John Mergy: John shares how listeners can connect with him through LinkedIn and M0DUS.

Disclosure: Portions of this episode (such as the introduction or promotional segments) use AI-generated voice narration produced under human editorial review.

🔗 Connect with Guest, John Mergy:

👉 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/john-mergy-2176ab345/

🔗 Connect with Guest's Company:

👉 Website: https://m0dus.co/

🔗 More from Unlocking Momentum:

👉 Website: https://www.projectbrilliant.com/

👉 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/projectbrilliant/

👉 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/project_brilliant/

👉 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ProjectBrilliant

👉 Twitter: https://x.com/ProjBrilliant

🔗 Connect with Host, Aaron Kopel:

👉 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/aaronkopel/

👉 Email: [email protected]

🔗 Follow the Podcast:

👉 Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/unlocking-momentum/id1854160757

👉 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/5kvYZRD0iYCGZdPDZP1BDk?si=adb89c88728e4197

👉 YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@projectbrilliant

Most CIOs weren't hired to reshape the business. But that's exactly what the role is becoming.

In this episode of Unlocking Momentum, Aaron Kopel goes solo to share what he's been seeing firsthand at conferences, client conversations, and workshops across Indiana and the Midwest. The shift is real: the CIO is no longer just responsible for keeping technology running. The job is now about helping the business understand how it should work.

Aaron unpacks why long-range project plans are losing their footing and why outcomes matter more than delivery timelines. He also gets into how CIOs can stop being order takers and start shaping strategy at the executive table, what it actually looks like to lead enterprise-wide transformation, and why the people's side of change remains the hardest part to get right.

Key takeaways:

• The CIO's job is no longer about running technology, it's about shaping the business
• Chasing project completion misses the point when the real goal is building lasting capability
• People, not platforms, determine whether transformation actually takes hold

Episode highlights

(00:00) Why the CIO role is evolving

(03:54) From order taker to strategy shaper

(06:27) Breaking down the change curve

(08:49) Why 60% of CIOs lack a true executive seat

(11:28) Moving from project delivery to capability building

(15:31) What the most valuable CIOs will be remembered for

Aaron Kopel on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/aaronkopel

Explore Project Brilliant: https://projectbrilliant.com

Buy Unlocking Momentum: https://a.co/d/hKPFqoS 

Playing with tech is fun, but using your people skills to solve business problems is a lot more rewarding.

In this episode of Unlocking Momentum, Aaron Kopel sits down with Alan Ariel, fractional and interim CIO at Ariel View Solutions, LLC, who brings 40 years of leadership experience across the U.S. Navy and the IT industry. Alan shares how staying calm, simplifying the problem, and improving cross-functional communication helped his team complete a critical data center migration during a major crisis.

The conversation explores why staff engagement is essential, how leaders can empower their teams without micromanaging, and why CIOs must evaluate AI based on real productivity rather than fear of missing out. Alan also explains why critical thinking will become even more valuable in the AI era and how confident leadership helps people navigate uncertainty and change.

Key takeaways:

• Progress begins with calm, coordinated action
• Engaged employees understand how their work supports the mission
• AI investments should create measurable value, not follow hype

Episode highlights

(00:00) Introducing Alan Ariel

(01:14) The value of a fractional CIO

(02:32) Avoiding micromanagement as a leader

(03:36) Leading through a data center crisis

(05:31) Building momentum through coordinated action

(09:17) Why meaningful staff engagement matters

(12:43) Evaluating AI beyond the hype

(15:02) Critical thinking in the AI era

(17:41) Building confidence through leadership

(20:03) Why people make technology work

(21:35) Connecting and learning through networking

(23:37) Rapid-fire questions and leadership legacy

Resources:

Alan Ariel on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alanariel/ 

Aaron Kopel on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/aaronkopel

Explore Project Brilliant: https://projectbrilliant.com

Buy Unlocking Momentum: https://a.co/d/hKPFqoS 

Technology transformations don't fail because of technology alone. They fail when organizations overlook the people, processes, and systems needed to make change work.

In this episode of Unlocking Momentum, Aaron Kopel sits down with John Willis, technology leader, author, one of the founders of the DevOps movement, and owner of Botchagalupe Technologies, to discuss what decades of transformation have taught him about AI, leadership, and building resilient organizations. John shares why technology leaders must focus on protecting the brand while enabling businesses to move faster.

The conversation explores why failure should be treated as a learning opportunity, why DevOps principles still matter in the age of AI, and why organizations need to look beyond adoption metrics to measure real business value. John also explains why successful AI strategies start from the bottom up by understanding the people closest to the work, balancing innovation with responsible risk management.

Key takeaways:

• The right work matters more than more work
• Leadership is about empowering others, not staying in the weeds
• IT earns its seat at the table by speaking the language of business outcomes

Episode highlights

(00:00) Introducing John Willis

(01:27) Protecting the brand through operations

(02:17) Five decades of technology transformation

(03:48) Why failure drives learning

(05:15) Toyota’s blameless learning culture

(07:40) Finding momentum through DevOps

(08:09) DevOps and the control plane

(11:17) Is DevOps really dead?

(16:33) Why AI needs talent strategy

(24:28) Finding insights from frontline teams

(29:20) Why lines of code failed

(30:05) Measuring AI value over adoption

(32:17) Why AI token metrics fail

(34:30) Learning through AI’s J curve

(36:30) Avoiding AI hype cycles

(38:34) Building AI risk controls

(40:23) AI audit trails explained

(44:36) The hidden cost of AI evaluation

(46:34) John Willis’ books and resources

(49:06) Rapid fire questions

John Willis on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/johnwillisatlanta/ 

Aaron Kopel on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/aaronkopel

Explore Project Brilliant: https://projectbrilliant.com

Buy Unlocking Momentum: https://a.co/d/hKPFqoS 

Leadership isn't about having all the answers. It's about building the conditions where others can find them.

In this episode, Aaron Kopel sits down with Michael Koluch, VP of IT Strategy and Operations at Arlington/Roe, who made a career pivot from 16 years in higher education to IT leadership, starting at the help desk and working his way up.

Michael shares six practical principles for unlocking momentum in IT: setting the right priorities, asking better questions, building teams around strengths, choosing progress over perfection, sustaining urgency, and communicating strategy consistently. He also gets honest about the hardest part of growing into leadership, learning to step back and let your team own the work, even the systems you built yourself.

The conversation also covers what it means for IT to stop being an add-on and start being woven into the business, how to ask questions that reframe processes rather than just replicate them, and why the soft skills we keep dismissing are actually the most critical skills in the room.

Key takeaways:

• The right work matters more than more work
• Leadership is about empowering others, not staying in the weeds
• IT earns its seat at the table by speaking the language of business outcomes

Episode highlights

(00:00) Introducing Michael Koluch

(01:18) From counselor to IT leader

(08:27) Six ways to unlock team momentum

(10:13) Prioritize the right work, not more work

(11:47) Ask better questions before building solutions

(15:46) Build complementary teams that perform

(17:12) Progress beats perfection every time

(18:53) Keep momentum with urgency and strategy

(22:03) The hardest leadership skill is letting go

(28:17) Why IT must become a business partner

(35:56) The surprising hobby that teaches leadership

(37:36) The historical figure every leader should study

(40:08) How Michael wants to be remembered

(42:52) Books every technology leader should read

Michael Koluch on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/michael-koluch/

Aaron Kopel on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/aaronkopel

Explore Project Brilliant: https://projectbrilliant.com

Buy Unlocking Momentum: https://a.co/d/hKPFqoS

Technology leaders often focus on efficiency, but lasting business impact comes from trust, alignment, and understanding the people behind the processes.

In this episode, Aaron Kopel sits down with Mike Loggins, CEO of MetaStrategy Consulting, technology leader, and advocate for human-centered IT leadership. Mike shares his unconventional journey from aspiring music teacher to technology executive, reflecting on the experiences, opportunities, and leadership lessons that shaped his 26-year career in IT.

Mike discusses why successful technology leaders must move beyond transactional relationships and build genuine partnerships with the business. He explains how trust, empathy, and communication can break down organizational silos, improve collaboration, and unlock momentum across teams. He also shares personal insights about embracing neurodiversity, understanding individual strengths, and creating environments where people can do their best work.

The conversation also explores the rapid rise of AI and what it means for organizations, technology teams, and future leaders. Mike discusses the importance of AI governance, responsible experimentation, and why professionals at every level must learn how to leverage AI tools to remain effective in a changing workplace. He explains why AI is unlikely to replace people entirely, but will dramatically reshape the tasks, skills, and roles that organizations value most.

Key takeaways:

• Trust and empathy are essential for building stronger relationships between IT and the business
• Why effectiveness matters more than efficiency when driving meaningful outcomes
• How leaders can create responsible AI governance while encouraging innovation and experimentation

Episode highlights

(00:47) Mike's background and journey into IT leadership
(04:28) Advice for younger professionals and embracing neurodiversity
(07:00) Unlocking momentum through trust and business partnership
(11:53) Efficiency versus effectiveness in technology leadership
(15:18) The future of AI, governance, and organizational readiness
(21:04) How AI is changing careers and technology roles
(25:36) Rapid-fire segment
(27:49) Coffee with his father and lessons across generations
(29:02) What Mike wants to be known for

Mike Loggins on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/michael-loggins/ 

Aaron Kopel on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/aaronkopel

Explore Project Brilliant: https://projectbrilliant.com

Buy Unlocking Momentum: https://a.co/d/hKPFqoS 

Technology can enable change, but trust, communication, and strong leadership are what truly move organizations forward.

In this episode, Aaron Kopel sits down with Heather Darring, CIO of Kappa Alpha Theta and President of the TechPoint Indiana CIO Network. Heather shares her unconventional path into technology leadership, from studying art in college to leading IT for an organization serving more than 240,000 members.

Heather reflects on the lessons she's learned throughout her career, including why there is no single "right" career path and how focusing on your strengths can open unexpected opportunities. She also shares a powerful story about overcoming communication breakdowns between departments and how rebuilding trust led to stronger collaboration and measurable business results.

The conversation explores one of today's most important topics: AI. Heather discusses the responsibility technology leaders have to think beyond business outcomes and consider the broader impact of emerging technologies on people, communities, and the environment. She also explains why organizations should focus on strategy first and technology second when evaluating new tools and innovations.

Key takeaways:

• Trust and communication matter more than technology in successful transformations
• What responsibility do technology leaders have when it comes to AI and emerging technologies
• CIOs must ensure technology investments support organizational strategy and long-term goals

Episode highlights

(00:42) Welcome and host introductions

(01:40) Heather’s unplanned path into IT

(03:20) Joining and growing CIO network community

(05:31) Career advice: No single golden path

(12:49) Discussing AI ethics and social impact

(17:12) Scaling change across 240,000 members

(20:08) Future focus: Mission over technology hype

(22:59) Rapid-fire: Hobbies and admired heroes

(25:18) Legacy: Positive influence and connections

Heather Darring on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/heather-darring-100/

Aaron Kopel on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/aaronkopel

Explore Project Brilliant: https://projectbrilliant.com

Buy Unlocking Momentum: https://a.co/d/hKPFqoS 

Technology may enable momentum, but people, leadership, and mindset are what truly move organizations forward.

In this episode, Aaron Kopel sits down with Gervais Johnson, an experienced leader in AI, Agile transformations, and digital strategy. Gervais shares his journey from working at NASA and General Dynamics to becoming a pivotal player in Agile and AI transformations at major organizations like IBM.

Through his career, Gervais demonstrates how business and organizational transformation come before technological change, and how AI is not just a tool but a strategy that can open up new business models and revenue streams. He discusses the importance of blending Agile principles with AI adoption and highlights how strong leadership, intentional transformation strategies, and continuous learning drive success in today's fast-paced business environment.

Gervais emphasizes that true transformation requires not just technology implementation but fostering a culture of collaboration, understanding organizational needs, and focusing on empowering people. He also explores how AI's rapid evolution impacts workflows, governance, and the critical role of leaders in shaping this new landscape.

Key takeaways:

• Companies that delay embracing AI risk falling behind
• AI is a tool for organizational and business transformation
• Strong leadership and strategy are key to effective AI adoption

Episode highlights

(00:00) Intro

(04:51) How Lilly scaled enterprise AI adoption

(06:35) Career lessons on stability and negotiation

(08:59) Building momentum through organizational change networks

(13:16) AI transformation beyond technology alone

(16:32) AI augments humans, not replaces them

(18:45) AI investment strategy, costs, and KPIs

(22:35) Agent governance, guardrails, and human oversight

(26:53) Documenting end-to-end workflows before AI automation

(30:02) Why leaders must actively use AI

(32:49) AI first versus AI native explained

(35:38) Vibe coding, agents, and AI development

(36:56) Companies risk falling behind without AI adoption

(38:04) CIO roadmap for enterprise AI transformation

(41:43) Rapid fire questions and final thoughts

Gervais Johnson on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gervaisjohnson/ 

Aaron Kopel on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/aaronkopel

Explore Project Brilliant: https://projectbrilliant.com

Buy Unlocking Momentum: https://a.co/d/hKPFqoS 

Momentum inside an organization rarely comes from technology by itself. It is shaped by people, leadership, and the mindset that guides how teams work, adapt, and move forward together.

In this episode, Aaron Kopel sits down with Steven Barley, Chief Information and Technology Officer at the Indiana Public Retirement System (INPRS), to explore how momentum is unlocked by shifting IT from a support function into a strategic business partner. Steven shares his journey from operations into IT leadership and how it shaped his approach to aligning business needs with technology. He explains why real progress comes from understanding core problems, not just applying new tools, and how strong relationships drive better outcomes.

Through his modernization efforts, Steven highlights the importance of intentional AI adoption, strong governance, and investing in people through upskilling. He shows how empowering teams, encouraging cross functional thinking, and focusing on customer experience can transform organizations. Ultimately, he reinforces that lasting momentum comes from developing people and aligning strategy with execution.

Key takeaways:

• Momentum is driven by people and mindset, not just technology
• IT creates more value when it acts as a strategic business partner
• Understanding problems deeply matters more than applying new tool

Episode highlights

(00:00) Intro

(01:00) Transition from operations to IT leadership

(05:32) Advice on l Learning from other industries and experiences

(09:31) Networking through conferences and peer groups

(14:13) Shifting IT to strategic business partner

(19:08) Using skills matrix to upskill teams

(22:24) Building data foundation before AI implementation

(24:24) Challenges of scaling AI governance efforts

(26:15) Starting small to build AI trust

(31:54) Key advice for modern CIO leadership

(39:17) Creative resources to check out

(42:05) Rapid fire questions with Steven 

(46:01) Leadership legacy and helping others grow

Steven Barley on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sbarley/

Explore the Indiana Public Retirement System (INPRS): https://www.linkedin.com/company/indiana-public-retirement-system/

Aaron Kopel on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/aaronkopel

Explore Project Brilliant: https://projectbrilliant.com

Buy Unlocking Momentum: https://a.co/d/hKPFqoS 

AI doesn't fail because of bad technology. It fails because of bad change management.

In this episode, Aaron Kopel sits down with Diana Williams, Director of Change Management at Project Brilliant, to explore why AI adoption is ultimately a people challenge. Drawing from her experience in state government and consulting across regulated industries, Diana shares how organizations often focus on building the technology, but struggle to get employees to actually use it. She explains that resistance is rarely about the tools themselves, but about fear, trust, and the impact on how people see their roles and value.

Diana discusses how AI represents a broader cultural and behavioral shift, similar to past transformations like Agile and DevOps. Through examples like IBM’s Watson Health and UPS’s ORION system, she shows how success depends on involving people early, building trust, and continuously iterating. She emphasizes that the organizations that win with AI aren’t the ones with the best technology; they’re the ones that bring their people along.

Key takeaways:

• AI adoption is a people and culture challenge, not just a technical one
• Involving employees early builds buy-in and reduces resistance
• AI implementation should be iterative, not a one-time rollout

Episode highlights

(00:00) Intro

(01:04) Lessons in change management in state government 

(04:11) Why networking is critical for growth and learning

(07:04) Fear is the real adoption problem

(11:37) Case Study: Why IBM Watson failed and UPS ORION succeeded

(15:25) You can't automate your way out of bad data 

(20:59) People don't resist change, they resist being changed

(25:54) Aligning teams and choosing the right use cases

(27:37) The role of the CIO goes beyond IT

(30:12) AI is a business initiative, not an IT project

(34:28) AI success depends on adoption, not capability

(35:49) Book recommendation: The Power of Habit

Diana Williams on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/diana-agilecoach/

Aaron Kopel on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/aaronkopel

Explore Project Brilliant: https://projectbrilliant.com

Buy Unlocking Momentum: https://a.co/d/hKPFqoS