Art Hopkins, Managing Director Russel Reynolds, is a global leader in assessment, recruitment, and succession planning for boards of directors, chief executive officers, and key roles within the C-suite. 

In this episode of Expedition Tech, we discuss the changing dynamics of the boardroom and what it takes for CIO’s find a seat at the table. We cover key skills needed, the difference between digital transformation and technology, and the vital role of a CIO/CDO on the board. 

Key Takeaways

• What does it take to be an effective board director
• How does digital transformation differ from technology
• What is the role of the chief information or digital officer on the board

Time Stamps

• 6:33 there’s a clamoring for digital expertise on boards
• 8:29 getting a 360 degree view of tech is key  
• 10:20 having a basic grasp of accounting and finance skills 
• 23:48 the importance of P&L responsibility
• 31:33 IT strategy at the board level

Learn how Tracy Kerrins, Chief Information Officer for Consumer Technology at Wells Fargo, leads the way on this week's episode of Expedition Tech.

With over 20 years of experience in the financial services industry, she is an extrovert who thrives on creating visibility and access up and down the organization and is passionate about creating a transparent, inclusive culture.

I dove into it with Tracy Kerrins in this week's episode of Expedition Tech.

Key Takeaways

• Creating a transparent, inclusive culture and hearing how messaging is communicated throughout the organization.
• Accelerating digital transformation and adapting to customer expectations.
• Focusing on manager development and leading through change.

Time Stamps

• 5:58 how Wells Fargo is digitally focused  
• 6:33 modifying leadership during the pandemic 
• 7:18 the impact of the pandemic on life work balance 
• 8:29 new roles within Wells Fargo  
• 9:15 talent gap in tech  
• 10:07 mainframe modernization
• 10:20 tapping into college grads for talent 
• 11:04 Wells Fargo tech college 
• 11:20 we block off time each week to create a learning space  
• 12:21 leadership as continual learning includes DEI 
• 13:10 big push this year on management and leading through change 
• 14:17 best ways to establish positive behavior, leading from the top, creating boundaries
• 15:08 we have to be creative and innovative
• 15:44 payments is an exciting space in Fintech 
• 16:20 Wells Fargo is looking to partner with Fintech 
• 17:15 lightning round 

This week on Expedition Tech we get an advisory board level masterclass from private equity investor John Seral, Operating Advisor and Board Member of Clayton Dubilier & Rice. 

He’s currently managing billions of dollars in technology investments and had a 30 year career at General Electric working as CIO under Jack Welch. We go deep on what he looks for when researching tech investments for VC’s and it has everything to do with people. 

Key Takeaways

• Exploring what it takes to equip the next generation of technology leadership.
• Investigating the investment in people to support and drive the current technology arms race.
• Examining the potential conflict between the massive investments into technology and the lack of investment into people development.

Time Stamps

• 1:52 Jack Welsh and technology 
• 3:32 The 4 E’s of General Electric
• 5:18 The technology continuum  
• 6:48 Private Equity and technology 
• 9:24 Why people are important to private equity companies 
• 12:40 70/70/70 model as a business model 
• 14:52 Recent acquisitions 
• 18:29 you can’t afford not to compete
• 21:08 Cyber Insurance has accelerated in last 12 months 
• 22:32 Six Sigma final thoughts 

Costa Rica is a small country with a big mission: to become the startup nation of Latin America.

In this episode of Expedition Tech, Manuel Tovar, the Costa Rican Trade Minister discusses his inspiring vision of an economy focused on people, planet and prosperity.

He has launched initiatives such as aligning public policies to the best and most advanced standards, developing a bilingual workforce, and deepening the country's trade platform. The country is committed to sustainability and developing the necessary workforce to meet the technology demands of the modern economy.

Key Takeaways

• How Costa Rica is investing in technology and people to drive this change and equip the next generation of technology leadership.
• Why making tech is a priority, and focused on innovation, rather than commoditizing technology through low cost labor.
• The ways the country is committed to sustainability and developing the necessary workforce to meet the technology demands of the modern economy.
• Why they call Israel “the smartest kid” in the room 

Time Stamps

• 4:06 how Costa Rica became the digital epicenter of Central America  
• 6:07 Abolishing the army and dedicating taxes to educate students
• 7:10 8% of Costa Rica’s GDP is from digital technology     
• 9:11 This is Latin America’s time  
• 14:37 Where they are focusing in tech   
• 16:32 Trade agreements they are seeking 
• 17:33 Why they look to Israel 
• 21:23 Why being a good neighbor is imperative 

On today’s episode, I continue my conversation with Anand Thaker, the “Midas of Martech” and one of the most successful entrepreneurial investors out there when it comes to identifying the qualities of a successful startup. 

In Part 2 of our conversation, we talk about the shifting power dynamic happening in the boardroom of every company, regardless of industry. 

Understanding the changing role of the CIO and the CTO and what those execs need to think about as we navigate the challenging road ahead is all part of a larger conversation around digital transformation.  

Key Takeaways

• How Covid & Ukraine created a perfect storm for tech talent 
• Why CIO’s need to become storytellers 
• Creating a culture where for failure within tech departments is critical
• Tapping into the wealth of talent you already have 
• 
  

Time Stamps

• 3:15 why CIO’s are underrepresented, increasing visibility 
• 5:14 increasing storytelling is key 
• 6:18 allowing failure in tech 
• 9:38 growing leaders 
• 11:58 IT and self promotion 
• 13:44 gaming and community 
• 16:22 fostering talent from within 
• 17:22 spotlight successes 

On today’s episode, we dialog with one of the most successful entrepreneurial investors out there about how he evaluates companies that are getting it right.  

Anand Thaker, the “Midas of Martech”  reveals a key ingredient from his secret sauce behind how he decides which companies to invest in, and it has nothing to do with their tech stack or balance sheet. 

He also goes deep on what he sees as leadership imperatives in the boardroom.