You've Been Heard

A passionate advocate for personal growth and leadership development, Brandon Hansen serves as the Director Of IT at Whitaker Construction. His transformative experience with Rapport Leadership training has shaped his approach to both family life and professional leadership. Brandon’s enthusiasm for helping others reach their full potential shines through as he shares practical wisdom on living with purpose and taking ownership in all areas of life.

How can leadership training influence both your personal and professional life? In this episode, Brandon Hansen shares his experience with Rapport Leadership training and how it affected his approach to family, work, and self-improvement. From embracing his children more fully to empowering employees, Brandon discusses practical ways to take ownership, live with purpose, and choose your response in any situation.

Brandon emphasizes the importance of personal growth and team building in his role as Director of IT at Whitaker Construction. He explores how leadership skills extend beyond the office, contributing to better work-life balance and parenting techniques. The conversation touches on the power of positive self-talk and developing a growth mindset to overcome past challenges.

In the business realm, Brandon shares insights on IT dress codes and the ongoing debate of certifications versus experience in the technology sector. He also discusses the increasing role of AI in construction and how tools like AI Copilot are shaping the IT industry.

Throughout the episode, Brandon highlights how leadership principles can lead to personal empowerment and create a ripple effect in both professional and family life.

With over a decade of experience leading IT teams across Europe and North America, Carlos Soriano currently serves as Director of IT for Applications and Business Intelligence at RectorSeal in Houston. His expertise spans implementing agile methodologies, managing large-scale IT projects, and facilitating collaboration between technical and business teams. Soriano’s international background provides him with a unique perspective on leadership and cultural differences in the IT industry.

Discover effective strategies for leading IT teams across various cultures and industries with insights from Carlos Soriano, Director of IT for Applications and Business Intelligence at RectorSeal. From his journey spanning Spain to Houston, Soriano delves into the challenges of IT Leadership, Agile implementation, and Team management. Learn how he tackles IT scaling for rapid company growth, facilitates Business-IT collaboration, and bridges the gap between technical and business teams through Strategic thinking. Explore the lessons IT leaders can glean from Soriano’s International experience, including Cross-cultural leadership and promoting Employee well-being. Enhance your Project management skills and Career advice with Soriano’s unique perspective.

Leading IT at an employee-owned company, Brandon Hansen brings a unique perspective to technology leadership. His approach emphasizes empowering team members, fostering a culture of ownership, and making strategic decisions that benefit the entire organization. With a background in networking and a passion for continuous learning, Brandon’s leadership style blends technical expertise with strong interpersonal skills, driving innovation and collaboration across the business.

How can IT leaders foster a culture of ownership and make better decisions? In this episode, Brandon Otteson shares his experiences leading IT in an employee-owned company, offering insights on navigating vendor relationships, empowering teams, and driving technology decisions. He emphasizes the importance of continuous learning, empathy, and focusing on what you can influence to create a positive IT environment.

With a diverse background spanning community policing and IT, Chris Zimmerman brings a unique perspective to his role as Senior Director of IT at Fleet Farm. His journey includes degrees in computer science, leadership, and an MBA, demonstrating a commitment to continuous learning. Chris’s leadership philosophy emphasizes understanding organizational needs, taking action, and cultivating a positive culture.

How can IT leaders effectively navigate the complex landscape of modern business? Chris Zimmerman, Senior Director of IT at Fleet Farm, shares insights from his unique journey from community policing to IT leadership. He discusses the importance of understanding organizational culture, right-sizing solutions, and maintaining momentum through action. Chris also emphasizes the value of taking career risks and continuously expanding one’s knowledge.

With a background in Management Information Systems from the University of Iowa, Eric Johnson has risen through the ranks to lead IT operations at Atlas Oil. His experience spans from early computer lab management to overseeing complex ERP and trading system implementations in the oil and gas industry. Eric’s leadership approach emphasizes curiosity, continuous learning, and strong business partnerships to drive technological innovation.

How can IT leaders stay ahead in rapidly changing industries? In this episode, Eric Johnson, IT leader at Atlas Oil, shares insights on managing technology in the oil and gas sector. From his early days troubleshooting university computer labs to overseeing major ERP implementations, Eric discusses the evolution of IT, the importance of business buy-in, and why curiosity is crucial for success in technology careers.

With a non-traditional background in IT, ChaChi Gallo has risen through the ranks to lead a global team of 60-70 employees at Generac. His passion for technology and empathetic leadership style have driven success in managing complex IT environments, particularly during mergers and acquisitions. Outside of work, ChaChi chairs Generac’s Hispanic Latino ERG and serves on the board of IC Stars, an organization helping individuals from non-traditional backgrounds start IT careers.

How can IT leaders balance technical expertise with people skills? In this episode, ChaChi Gallo, IT leader at Generac, shares insights on managing IT teams, adapting to mergers and acquisitions, and fostering a culture of innovation. He emphasizes the importance of empathy, communication, and hands-on experience in IT careers, offering valuable advice for both seasoned professionals and newcomers to the field.

With a background in telecom sales and a passion for technology, Sunny Singh transitioned into IT, rising through the ranks to manage large-scale operations. His expertise in efficient IT management and customer service has allowed him to successfully oversee environments with 1,200+ users using minimal staff. Singh’s approach combines technical know-how with strong leadership and problem-solving skills.

How can IT leaders achieve work-life balance while managing large-scale operations? In this episode, Sunny Singh shares his journey from cell phone sales to IT leadership, discussing the challenges of managing 1,200 users with a small team. He offers insights on work-life integration, the importance of goal setting, and the future of AI in IT.

Mike Brangwynne, also known as Cyber Mike, is the Director of Technology and Cybersecurity at Wilkins Media.

With a background in both IT and creative writing, Mike blends technical expertise with a unique approach to user training and engagement.

How can you effectively improve your company’s cybersecurity? In this episode of “Dissecting Popular IT Nerds,” Mike Brangwynne, also known as Cyber Mike, delves into crucial aspects of user training and cybersecurity measures. From funny training videos to advanced phishing strategies, discover practical advice and real-world examples you can apply immediately. Plus, hear entertaining stories that make security both relatable and memorable.

Currently a director in IT, Brandon Hanson brings a wealth of experience from his time at AOL and other tech companies.

With a background that spans from early computing to modern virtualization, Brandon offers unique insights into the evolving landscape of technology and IT management.

Are we shooting ourselves in the foot with modern technology investments? Brandon Hanson, a director with a rich background in IT, dives into his experiences at AOL and other tech giants, shedding light on lessons learned and the evolution of IT. From discussing ‘nerd neck’ to the pitfalls of private equity in tech, this episode is packed with insights for any IT professional.