What does it take to deliver higher quality to more customers? How do you challenge yourself to stay one, two, three, and even four steps ahead of where you need to be?
In his CXOTalk interviews, industry analyst Michael Krigsman leads in-depth discussions with business and technology leaders, getting them to share inside stories of their successes and challenges. Recently, Krigsman interviewed longtime Enterpriser Jay Ferro about what it takes for a CIO to become a transformational leader. Ferro, who is known for being outspoken, didn’t mince words about the CIO role:
“If you're not willing to do the introspection or make the investment in yourself, I don't know how you can be transformational or invest in your team,” said Ferro, who is currently CIO for Quikrete, the largest manufacturer of packaged concrete in the United States. Ferro has also served as CIO for organizations including Earthlink, the American Cancer Society, and AIG.
[ Want to bring transformational leadership to your IT group? Get informed and inspired: 5 TED Talks on transformational leadership to watch. ]
The interview is part master class in how to be a transformative CIO, with Ferro sharing first-hand experiences and frustrations from the front lines.
In this interview, Ferro and Krigsman discuss:
- The obstacles to transforming IT (whether your IT organization is in stabilization, improvement, or a transformation phase, you’re going to be facing some of these obstacles)
- The components of transformational leadership, as it applies to the CIO (though the lessons certainly can be applied beyond the C-Suite and IT)
- The practicalities of being a transformational CIO (Ferro offers real advice on building an IT department that embraces change) … and much more.
(This video interview originally appeared on CXOTalk. It is embedded here with permission for the benefit of Enterprisers Project readers.)
