Rising to the C-Suite sits atop the list of career aspirations for many professionals, both inside and outside technology. No two career journeys are exactly the same, and those who have reached the level of the CIO, COO, and the like all have a unique story to tell.
On the Technovation podcast, Peter High, President of Metis Strategy and author of Getting to Nimble, interviews C-level technology executives across industries on a number of topics, including how they got to where they are today and what they see as difference-makers in their careers.
In this video, the following executives share their “secrets to success:”
See below for the full video and a list of key takeaways.
Mentors and coaches provide many benefits to professionals during their careers, providing candid advice while also keeping them grounded and on track. Michelle Greene, Chief Information Officer of Cardinal Health, says she has been intentional about having a mentor to guide her in her leadership role and help create a support system for her development and well-being. She notes that we pay for trainers when we want to get in shape, so why not invest in a coach to guide professional development? “If you’re serious about your career development, you have to embrace that.”
Similarly, among many things, mentorship has taught Rahul Jalali, Chief Information Officer of Union Pacific, to set “impossible goals” and work to develop his career beyond what you might have seen for yourself on your own.
“Jump and trust that the safety net will appear,” says Cindy Hoots, Chief Digital Officer & Chief Information Officer of AstraZeneca. She attributes her success in part to being open to the opportunities that were presented to her and saying yes to different roles she was asked to do, even if they weren’t something she “wanted” to do at the time. As she reflects on these roles, they now serve as some of the most pivotal ones in her career.
Similarly, Rima Qureshi, Chief Strategy Officer of Verizon, suggests not rigidly planning out a career trajectory, but rather seeing and taking opportunities as they come. “They take you in a direction that you may not have expected.”
It may sound obvious, but it bears repeating: leadership requires an ability to constantly listen and learn. In that spirit, Ramon Richards, Chief Information Officer of Fannie Mae, encourages leaders not to hesitate to ask questions. “If there’s something you don’t understand,” says Ramon, “you’re probably not the only one.”
Ashok Srivastava, Chief Data Officer of Intuit, suggests that the ability to listen to each other is a critical way of learning. “We have to be able to accommodate other points of view, and we have to be able to grow from those interactions.”
Within an organization, the single most important asset is talent. People build solutions, interact with customers, and drive the business. Leaders have a responsibility to develop talent and foster a collaborative culture. “Ultimately, 90% of my job is people,” says Teddy Bekele, Chief Technology Officer of Land O’Lakes, “It’s unleashing that power in the people who then can go do the work.”
To be successful in a leadership role, it’s critical that you understand your team and prepare them to operate in a dynamic environment. Rob Mills, Chief Technology, Digital Commerce, and Strategy Officer of Tractor Supply Company emphasizes this point. “That’s what makes a great leader,” says Rob. “Understand the team and how they’re willing to embrace and accept change.”
The success you find in your career will be easier to attain once you find your passion. “Figure out what elements of your job are not just a job,” suggests Neal Sample, former CIO of Northwestern Mutual. “Figure out what it is that makes you excited about it.” A role that ignites that internal drive will inevitably generate commitment and keep you on pace for success.
Kevin Vasconi, CIO of Wendy’s, agrees, noting that passion comes through in the work product. “If you get up too many days and you’re not enjoying what you’re doing,” he says, “you probably should try to find something else to do, because life’s too short, right?”
For more insights into the secrets to technology leaders’ success and other anecdotes from their career journeys, be sure to check out the full podcast episodes and YouTube channel.
