The Chief Information Officer (CIO) has become a central C-suite leadership role at the intersection of technology and business strategy. As the guardian of an organization's technological foundation, the CIO holds a pivotal position in driving innovation, ensuring operational efficiency, and safeguarding against cyber threats. Beyond managing IT operations, the modern CIO is tasked with … Continue reading So, You Want to Be the CIO?
My journey since leaving the corporate world has been about experimentation and exploration. I’ve been rediscovering my passions, honing my strengths, and forging a new path that puts me firmly in the driver’s seat. There’s a palpable energy in venturing into uncharted territories – immersing oneself in novel experiences, braving the unknown. Sure, there's risk … Continue reading Redefining Success
The DEI tides have turned…and that doesn’t bode well for a society that benefits from diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI). Not long ago, companies and universities that advocated for equality and demonstrated inclusion were considered progressive – even, shall I say, forward-thinking. Today, however, there is a riptide of anti-DEI sentiment suggesting that these programs … Continue reading DEI Backlash: A Cautionary Tale
Last night we celebrated my father-in-law’s 80th birthday amid family and friends. He is a man who revels in the joys of life – freshly caught crabs, dancing to Sinatra, a scotch on the rocks, egging on his five grandchildren, a party in his honor. He can certainly look back on his 80+ years and … Continue reading Milestones and Musings
As has become an annual tradition, I’m sharing here my favorite books from the past year. As you’ll see, these constitute an eclectic mix of topics and styles. Some are heavy non-fiction, others are light-hearted comedy or romance, and there’s nearly everything in between. For me, books often provide an escape, allowing me to immerse … Continue reading Book List 2023
Amid the flurry of the recent (and still brewing) OpenAI CEO ousting, I’ve seen countless questions and speculation about corporate governance and the role of a board of directors. Can a board fire a sitting CEO and what’s the precedent for that? Who sits on the board and what experience do they have? What roles … Continue reading Corporate Governance 101
There’s perhaps no better way to learn something – or become inspired by it – than to roll up your sleeves, get your hands dirty, and play. Play – the boundless, imaginative world that encapsulates childhood – fosters curiosity, creativity, and a zest for learning. As we navigate the complexities of adulthood, that playful spirit … Continue reading Rediscovering the Power of Play
Rituals and routines play a surprisingly important role in our lives. In fact, according to studies, habits account for more than 40% of our behaviors. While bad habits are notoriously hard to break, the consistent behavior patterns of healthy habits can improve focus, productivity, and goal achievement. Everyone knows that to make an activity a … Continue reading The Power of Rituals and Routines…and the Surprising Value of Changing Them Up
I recently announced a major life change: stepping down from a Fortune 50 C-Suite position and leaving the only company I’ve worked for since finishing graduate school 24 years ago. This has been a tough and emotional decision for me. As much as I’m excited for the next chapter of my career, it also means … Continue reading Meaningful Connections, Life Lessons, and Bittersweet Graduations
In honor of Tina Turner’s recent passing and Taylor Swift’s record-breaking Eras tour, I give you a blog today about music. There are countless others who have written eloquently about music. According to Leo Tolstoy, “Music is the shorthand of emotion.” Hans Christian Andersen wrote: “Where words fail, music speaks.” And William Shakespeare penned: “If … Continue reading Music Stimulates the Mind and Soothes the Soul
Mother of Invention 