You've Been Heard

Jakub Jedrzejczak serves as the Director of Information Technology for the Town of Leesburg, Virginia. With 27 years of experience in the IT industry, including 8 years in the private sector and 19 years in public sectors, Jakub brings a wealth of knowledge and innovative approaches to technology leadership. His background includes managing diverse IT environments, from supporting library systems to police departments and utilities. Jakub is also passionate about education and has experience teaching AI classes for leadership.

How can IT leaders create environments where team members thrive? In this episode, Jakub Jedrzejczak, Director of Information Technology for the Town of Leesburg, Virginia, shares his unique approach to leadership and team management. From his innovative onboarding process using value cards to his insights on AI and quantum computing, Jakub offers a fresh perspective on cultivating curiosity, understanding individual motivations, and creating an environment where people can inspire themselves.

Andy Ivey serves as CIO at Carollo Engineers, where he leads a team of 47 IT professionals supporting a company of 1500 employees. With over 20 years of experience in IT, Andy brings a pragmatic and business-focused approach to technology leadership. His emphasis on providing exceptional user support, streamlining processes, and aligning IT with business goals has helped transform Corolla’s IT department into a strategic asset.

How can IT leaders reframe their role and drive real business value? In this episode, Andy Ivey, CIO at Carollo Engineers, challenges conventional wisdom about IT leadership. From embracing IT’s role as a utility to adopting a warrior mindset in business competition, Andy offers fresh perspectives on managing tech teams, proving ROI, and creating a positive work culture. His practical advice on project management, celebrating successes, and hiring strategies provides actionable insights for IT leaders looking to make a bigger impact.

Steven Singer serves as the CIO at Julius Silvert, Inc and is an adjunct professor of computer science at Rowan University. With a background in IT infrastructure and security, Steven brings a unique perspective to technology leadership. He is passionate about bridging the gap between academic knowledge and real-world applications in IT. Outside of work, Steven is a proud father, with a third child on the way, and volunteers as a firefighter.

How can IT leaders navigate the rapidly changing landscape of technology? In this episode, Steven Singer, CIO at Julius Silvert, Inc and adjunct professor at Rowan University, shares his insights on IT infrastructure, security challenges, and the future of technology. From his early days at Circuit City to his current role leading IT strategy, Steven discusses the importance of understanding business needs, adapting to new technologies, and preparing the next generation of IT professionals.

As the National Director of IT at National Parcel Logistics, Drew Griffin has overseen the company’s growth from a single warehouse to a national distribution platform. With a background in logistics and technology, Drew brings a unique perspective to IT leadership, emphasizing the importance of business alignment, continuous learning, and collaborative problem-solving. His approach to IT management combines entrepreneurial thinking with practical implementation strategies.

How can we define and recognize exceptional IT leadership in the mid-market space? In this episode, Drew Griffin, National Director of IT at National Parcel Logistics, shares his insights on the key attributes of successful IT leaders. From entrepreneurial spirit to continuous learning and effective communication, Drew and host Phil Howard explore the multifaceted role of today’s IT directors and discuss strategies for balancing innovation with practical implementation.

With a background spanning archaeology and technology, Doug Van Beek now serves as IT Director for AFSCME Council 5 in Minnesota. His diverse experiences inform a unique perspective on work-life balance, unions in tech, and the impact of emerging technologies. Outside of work, Doug teaches pottery classes and previously participated in medieval armored combat.

Is there a way to achieve true work-life balance in IT? Doug Van Beek, Director of IT at AFSCME MN Council 5, shares insights from his journey from archaeology to technology leadership. He discusses the potential for unions in IT, the importance of hobbies like pottery and combat sports for mental health, and how AI could reshape the workplace.

Tom Shock is a seasoned IT professional with over 15 years of experience modernizing technology environments in mid-market organizations. Currently serving as the Director of IT at Shepherd Electric Supply, Tom is known for his hands-on approach, instilling  a customer service-oriented IT culture. His leadership style focuses on cultivating engagement and passion within his team by providing opportunities, guidance, and autonomy. Throughout his tenure, he has driven accelerated growth, improved efficiency, and enhanced productivity.

While Tom’s primary expertise lies in IT modernization, he also possesses significant knowledge of cybersecurity, especially in addressing the unique challenges faced by companies with 200-1000 employees. His pragmatic approach ensures that security solutions are both effective and aligned with business operations.

How can mid-market companies protect themselves against cyber threats without breaking the bank? Tom Shock, Director of IT at Shepard Electric Supply, shares his expertise on implementing effective cybersecurity measures for mid-sized businesses. From endpoint detection to email security and beyond, Tom outlines practical steps companies can take to strengthen their defenses, emphasizing the importance of a layered approach and continuous improvement.

A former Air Force air traffic controller turned IT security expert, Pete Self brings a unique perspective to his role as VP of Information Technology Security at Nordam Group. With experience across eight companies over 25 years, Pete has developed a robust “toolbox” of skills. He emphasizes the importance of understanding business needs and balancing time, talent, and treasure in IT leadership.

What makes a truly effective IT leader in today’s complex business landscape? Pete Self, VP of Information Technology Security at Nordam Group, shares his insights on the critical balance of time, talent, and treasure in IT management. Learn why seeking to understand the business is crucial, how to build a diverse “toolbox” of skills, and why picking the right organization is key to career success. Pete offers a fresh perspective on common IT leadership challenges and opportunities.

Adam is a seasoned IT professional with a career that began in 1997 during his eighth-grade year, when he first discovered his passion for technology in a web design class. His early aptitude for IT led to a role as a teaching assistant, marking the start of his journey in the field. Over the years, Adam has held various IT roles, ranging from large corporations to small businesses, consistently demonstrating his ability to integrate IT solutions into business operations effectively. Currently, he serves as a leadership partner within his organization, overseeing IT functions both in the front office and on the production floor. Adam is known for his practical approach to technology, emphasizing the importance of relationships, communication, and the efficient use of tools to enhance business processes. Balancing his professional life with personal commitments, Adam remains grounded, valuing patience, and real-world interactions in an ever-evolving tech landscape.

How can IT professionals navigate the storm of technological change while maintaining a healthy work-life balance? In this episode, Adam Noyes shares his journey from teaching GeoCities web design in 8th grade to becoming an IT leader. He discusses the importance of building relationships, using technology as a tool rather than a solution, and finding balance between work and family life.

A seasoned sales expert and entrepreneur, Brian Gillette is on a mission to transform sales culture through empathy and vulnerability. As the creator of the “Feel Good Close” methodology, he teaches sales professionals and business leaders how to ethically influence others by genuinely caring about their goals and challenges. Brian draws on his background in enterprise sales and acting to help clients overcome rejection and build authentic relationships.

How can IT leaders effectively “sell” technology initiatives to executives? In this insightful conversation, sales expert Brian Gillette shares his “Feel Good Close” approach, emphasizing empathy, curiosity, and genuine interest in helping others achieve their goals.

Learn practical strategies for overcoming rejection, building trust, and positioning IT as a strategic business partner rather than just a cost center. Empathy and building strong customer relationships are at the core of this approach. By understanding executives’ needs, IT leaders can better demonstrate the business value of IT and influence executives effectively.

Strategic partnerships and focusing on customer service are essential for demonstrating value and aligning technology initiatives with business goals. This method ensures IT is seen as a key player in strategic business decisions.

With over three decades of experience at Cassens Transport, Paul Falbe has guided the IT department through major technological shifts. His background in economics and mathematics provided a strong foundation for his transition into programming and IT leadership. Paul continues to stay hands-on with coding while directing IT strategy for the company’s nationwide operations.

How do you build a successful decades-long career at one company in the fast-changing world of IT? Paul Falbe, Director of IT at Cassens Transport, shares his insights from 33 years of leadership experience. He discusses the importance of adapting to new technologies while maintaining core leadership principles in a family-owned business environment.