IT Leaders

In this episode, we sit down with Chris Seidt, the Executive Director and CIO for the City of Louisville, who has been with the city government for over 22 years. Chris shares his remarkable journey from a police dispatcher to leading the city's IT department, highlighting the importance of leadership that’s rooted in experience, community impact, and adaptability.

Chris delves into the complexities of managing IT for a large municipal government, from handling 216 million annual cyber events to rolling out innovative initiatives like the Connected Parks program. He discusses the challenges of working with outdated government software, the significance of digital inclusion, and how his team is working to bridge the digital divide in Louisville.

This episode is a treasure trove of insights for IT leaders, offering lessons on the importance of flexibility, the power of leading by example, and the value of aligning technology with community needs. Whether you’re interested in public sector IT, leadership, or urban technology initiatives, this conversation with Chris Seidt provides practical takeaways and an inspiring look at how tech leadership can drive real change.

In this engaging episode, we explore the art of effective communication with Alex Perry, a seasoned communication expert and solopreneur. Alex brings her passion for communication to the forefront, offering listeners practical strategies to enhance their interactions with leadership teams. She emphasizes the importance of understanding both professional priorities and personal motivators, ensuring that communication is tailored to resonate with each leader’s unique perspective.

Alex shares the "What, Why, Impact" model, a powerful framework for structuring conversations that foster clarity and empathy. She also discusses the common pitfalls of role-based communication, illustrated with real-world examples like Target's failed expansion into Canada, underscoring the critical need for alignment between IT and leadership.

This episode is a must-listen for anyone looking to refine their communication skills, especially when navigating the complex dynamics of leadership. Whether you're a tech leader, manager, or aspiring communicator, Alex's insights will help you craft messages that not only inform but also inspire action.

In this episode of IT Leaders, Dr. Mark Pierce, a seasoned physician and IT executive, explores the intricate relationship between clinical practice and corporate leadership. With over 25 years at Parkview, Dr. Pierce shares his unique journey from practicing medicine to becoming a key leader in healthcare IT. He discusses how his medical background shaped his approach to leadership, emphasizing that effective leadership is a skill set developed through practice, curiosity, and courageous conversations.

Dr. Pierce debunks common myths about leadership and medical training, revealing how the competitive and high-stakes environment of clinical practice can both hinder and enhance leadership development. He underscores the importance of mentorship, continuous learning, and the need for leaders to challenge their assumptions by staying curious and open to feedback.

Listeners will gain valuable insights into the parallels between clinical and IT leadership, learning how skills from one domain can inform and strengthen the other. This episode is a must-listen for professionals navigating leadership roles in the intersection of healthcare and technology, offering practical advice on cultivating the behaviors and mindset necessary for success in both fields.

In this episode of IT Leaders, Ron Double, a seasoned IT professional with extensive experience in healthcare technology, shares his journey from an individual contributor to a leadership role. Ron opens up about his background, growing up in a small town and working his way through various educational institutions while developing a strong foundation in IT. He discusses the significant shift he experienced when transitioning from manufacturing to healthcare IT, where he found a deeper purpose in his work.

Ron emphasizes the importance of self-awareness in leadership, urging leaders to understand their personal stories, core competencies, and the unique characteristics of their teams. He shares valuable insights on the pitfalls of leadership, such as getting too caught up in the technology rather than focusing on outcomes, and the challenge of stepping out of the weeds to trust others with responsibilities.

Throughout the episode, Ron highlights the critical role of mentorship and the need for leaders to build strong, transparent relationships with their teams. He advocates for continuous learning, vulnerability, and the courage to make and learn from mistakes as key elements of effective leadership.

Listeners will gain practical advice on developing leadership skills, understanding the nuances of managing versus leading, and the importance of aligning personal values with professional responsibilities. This episode is a must-listen for IT professionals looking to transition into leadership roles, offering actionable takeaways and inspiring stories from a leader who has successfully navigated the complexities of IT leadership in the healthcare industry.

In this engaging episode, Full Court Leadership: The Power Behind the Strategy, Steve Reese, CIO of the Phoenix Suns, shares his unique leadership philosophy shaped by decades of experience in IT, professional sports, and personal adversity. With a career that spans roles with the Houston Oilers, Tennessee Titans, Houston Astros, and San Diego Padres, Reese offers a wealth of insights on how to lead effectively, especially during crises.

He recounts stories from his challenging upbringing in Detroit, where resilience became a cornerstone of his leadership style, to navigating the complexities of IT in professional sports. Reese shares how he helped teams like the Phoenix Suns and Houston Oilers through difficult transitions, including handling IT meltdowns and leading through an arena renovation amidst the COVID-19 pandemic. He explores how to rebuild leadership teams, implement survival strategies, and create a more positive, productive work environment.

One of the highlights of the conversation is Reese’s concept of "addictive leadership," where leaders earn deep loyalty and inspire their teams to push through obstacles. He uses powerful examples, including historical lessons from Gettysburg's Joshua Chamberlain and his personal experience with NFL coach Jeff Fisher, to illustrate how great leaders instill trust and commitment.

The episode also touches on practical leadership tools like fostering gratitude, practicing random acts of kindness, and prioritizing sleep for personal and team well-being. Reese's focus on emotional intelligence, communication, and building strong peer networks is invaluable for leaders looking to create lasting impact in their organizations.

Listeners will walk away with actionable strategies to navigate leadership challenges, build cohesive teams, and inspire loyalty through empathy, resilience, and a focus on the human side of leadership.