IT Leaders is the podcast for IT Directors, CIOs, and technology decision-makers seeking actionable insights and executive-level leadership strategies. Produced by the IT Leaders Council and powered by Expedient, each episode features expert guest speakers, peer-to-peer discussions, and real-world stories from the front lines of enterprise IT. Recorded live at leadership events in Indianapolis, IN, Columbus, OH, and expanding nationwide, IT Leaders delivers vendor-neutral content focused on ...
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"Expedient: The Podcast" is your gateway to the inner workings of technology and innovation, presented with unparalleled clarity and expertise. Each episode is an invitation to join the luminaries of Expedient along with special guests from the forefront of the tech industry. We delve into the latest advancements in cloud computing, the evolution of data centers, cybersecurity trends, and groundbreaking developments in AI and machine learning. This podcast strips away the complexity of the t ...
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Leading with a Why Not Mindset ft. Ryan Lavarnway
25:21
25:21
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25:21In this compelling episode of the IT Leaders podcast, we explore the powerful intersection of mindset, resilience, and leadership. Join us as we sit down with Ryan Lavarnway, a distinguished figure in professional sports, known for his remarkable journey as a Major League Baseball player, and now a motivational speaker known for his engaging storyt…
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Building a People Management Curriculum ft. Deanna Durrett
27:57
27:57
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27:57In this insightful episode, Deanna Durrett, CEO and General Counsel at El Toro, brings her legal acumen and leadership experience to a conversation every organization needs to hear—why people management deserves a place in our core training strategies. Drawing from her transformational journey from law to leadership, Deanna recounts her time at Suc…
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Belonging: The Key to Stronger Teams ft. Olivia Fitchett
27:12
27:12
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27:12In this compelling episode, Olivia Fitchett shares a powerful blend of personal storytelling, neuroscience, and actionable leadership strategies to underscore the transformative impact of belonging in the workplace. Olivia opens with a vivid narrative from her time as a White House intern—a near-miss with the Secret Service that became a defining l…
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Finding Focus and Expanding Time to Open Doors ft. Jason Johnson
34:56
34:56
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34:56In this energizing and no-nonsense episode of IT Leaders, Jason Johnson, VP of IT at Sweetwater, dives deep into the heart of effective leadership: time, delegation, and focus. Blending military precision from his Navy days with hard-earned wisdom from over a decade at one of America’s fastest-growing music retailers, Jason shares how intentional p…
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How Do Leaders Build Confidence in their Employees ft Erin Petty
37:24
37:24
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37:24In this insightful episode of IT Leaders, Erin Petty, VP of IT Shared Services at Sweetwater, takes the mic to share a dynamic and heartfelt exploration into what it truly means to build confidence within IT teams. Drawing from her unique transition from sales and human services into tech leadership, Erin unpacks the soft skill that often goes over…
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How AI is Evolving & What It Means for Your Business Artificial Intelligence is evolving rapidly, and the emergence of reasoning models is changing how businesses interact with AI. Join us for an exclusive webinar where we break down the latest advancements, including DeepSeek, and explore how Expedient's AI platform enables seamless adoption, comp…
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In this episode of the IT Leaders podcast, Rachel Pritz—executive coach, speaker, and founder of Culture Coaching—invites us into a transformative conversation about self-leadership, drawing from six years of coaching high-performing professionals. With candor, insight, and just the right touch of humor, Rachel challenges conventional leadership no…
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Modernizing Disaster Recovery: Lessons in Resilience from Utz Brands
50:37
50:37
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50:37Founded in 1921, Utz Brands produces over 3.3 million pounds of snacks weekly, with revenue doubling in the past five years. With 13 manufacturing facilities across the U.S., Utz’s success relies heavily on a strong technology team and a resilient disaster recovery plan to maintain business continuity. Join Tim Swingler, VP of Infrastructure & Secu…
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Getting Unstuck with People and Projects ft. Shelisa Gautreaux
28:01
28:01
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28:01What do you do when you’re stuck—whether it’s in a project, a team dynamic, or your own leadership approach? In this episode, Shelisa Gautreaux, a seasoned HR leader and talent strategist, shares practical tools to help IT leaders and professionals break through roadblocks and enhance their effectiveness in leadership and collaboration. Shelisa exp…
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Using the Five Ates for Transformation ft. Eric Satterly
26:57
26:57
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26:57In this episode, Eric Satterly, CIO of Jefferson County Public Schools, introduces his Five Ates Framework for Transformation—a structured approach to IT service delivery that bridges the gap between technical teams and business needs. Drawing on decades of experience, Eric shares how IT has evolved from being the gatekeeper of technology to a coll…
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Optionality & Opportunity: Making Your VMware Decision
1:01:36
1:01:36
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1:01:36Are you feeling uncertain about the future of your VMware infrastructure? Should you stay with VMware? What about Nutanix, KVM, OpenStack? Wondering about making the right call for your organization? You’re not alone. With changes in Broadcom’s VMware licensing and direction shaking up the industry, businesses must navigate these choices strategica…
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How To Be A Trusted Advisor 101 ft. Teresa Conroy-Roth and Duane Weber
31:06
31:06
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31:06In this IT Leaders episode, Teresa Conroy-Roth, a seasoned consultant and relationship builder, joins Duane Weber, Vice President at Expedient, to share strategies for becoming a trusted advisor. The discussion centers around earning trust through empathy, active listening, and a client-first approach—moving beyond transactional relationships to fo…
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In this episode of IT Leaders, Joe Rogalski, Vice President of IT at Delta Force, discusses the evolving nature of leadership in a rapidly changing technological landscape. With a career spanning global roles in both consumer goods and industrial manufacturing, Joe shares insights on leading teams through ongoing transformations. His current compan…
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Expedient Hyperscale CTRL: Simple Management for Complex Environments
30:19
30:19
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30:19Take your hybrid cloud strategy to the next level with Expedient’s Hyperscale CTRL. This newly launched suite of managed public cloud services is designed to seamlessly integrate AWS, Azure, GCP, VMware, Nutanix, and more—helping you optimize workloads, reduce complexity, and control costs within one cohesive environment. Join us for a deep dive in…
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Leadership: The Abstraction Layer Between Vision and Execution ft. Michael Quesada
35:59
35:59
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35:59In this episode of the IT Leaders podcast, we’re joined by Michael Quesada, a seasoned tech executive and thought leader specializing in organizational transformation. Michael shares his unique perspective on leadership as the critical "abstraction layer" that bridges vision and execution in technology-driven organizations. Drawing on his extensive…
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In this thought-provoking episode, Mike Gill, founder of Five Rivers Automation and former CIO of an international manufacturing company, shares his journey of navigating career crossroads and redefining his professional identity. After 13 years as a CIO, Mike faced a pivotal decision: Was the CIO path still right for him? He reflects on the evolut…
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What Could Go Wrong? Lessons From System Outages to Streamlined Operations ft. Rachel Clark
20:29
20:29
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20:29In this episode, Rachel Clark, CIO of the Bureau of Motor Vehicles (BMV), shares her remarkable journey of transforming a system plagued by outages into a streamlined and stable operation. With candid reflections, Rachel discusses the challenges of inheriting a 20-year-old ERP system, navigating state leadership transitions, and managing a critical…
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Your Disaster Recovery Doesn't Have To Be A Disaster
24:43
24:43
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24:43Are you confident in your organization's ability to respond to a cybersecurity incident? This session will guide IT decision makers through the critical components of building a resilient strategy, from choosing the right technologies to seamless implementation and rigorous testing protocols. Discover cost-effective approaches to ensure your plan i…
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Providing Resilience: How Packetwatch and Expedient Transform Incident Response
35:59
35:59
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35:59In Providing Resilience: How PacketWatch and Expedient Transform Incident Response, AJ Kuftic from Expedient hosts cybersecurity veteran Jeff Lennon of PacketWatch to tackle the complexities of modern incident response. With over 25 years in tech and deep experience in cybersecurity, Jeff brings valuable insights into how PacketWatch, an MDR provid…
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Is Your Technology Destroying Your Team's Productivity? ft. Glenn Keller
36:16
36:16
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36:16In his talk, “Is Your Technology Destroying Your Team's Productivity?” Glenn Keller, Director of Information Technology at CountryMark, explores the unintended consequences of technology on workplace efficiency. He opens with a critique of modern work culture, noting that, despite technological advancements, productivity gains have stalled, leaving…
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Minimizing Barriers to Effective Communication ft. Sue Freas
21:21
21:21
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21:21In her presentation, "Minimizing Barriers to Effective Communication," Sue Freas, Director of DevSecOps Engineering at Humana, dives into the intricacies of communication as a critical leadership skill. Freas argues that effective communication goes beyond simply conveying information; it requires mindfulness about clarity, trust-building, and enga…
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Maximizing Human Potential and Leadership ft. Brady Howe
37:18
37:18
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37:18In this episode of IT Leaders, Brady Howe dives into the core of leadership and human potential, sharing insights from his journey in professional sports to becoming one of the youngest Vice Presidents in NBA history. With over 15 years in the NBA, working with teams like the Phoenix Suns, Howe reflects on the challenges of transitioning from an at…
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Full Court Leadership - The Power Behind the Strategy ft. Steve Reese
40:58
40:58
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40:58In 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 Padr…
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The Future of VMware — Insights from VMware Explore
44:59
44:59
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44:59In this episode, AJ Kuftic, Field CTO at Expedient, and Doug Theis, Sales Director of National Strategy, break down the key takeaways from VMware Explore 2023. As Broadcom’s acquisition of VMware reshapes the virtualization landscape, many organizations are reevaluating their cloud strategies and infrastructure choices. Join us as we dive into excl…
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Governance around Al Enabled Cybersecurity ft. Anushree Bag
23:13
23:13
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23:13In this episode, "Governance Around AI-Enabled Cybersecurity", Anushree Bag, an expert in cybersecurity and AI governance, offers valuable insights into the importance of governance in the rapidly evolving field of AI-driven cybersecurity. She opens with the critical role that governance plays, using real-world examples like the introduction of can…
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Empathy-Driven Success: Bridging the Human and Technological Divide ft. Loren Sanders
27:07
27:07
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27:07In this episode titled "Empathy-Driven Success: Bridging the Human and Technological Divide", leadership coach Loren Sanders delves into the crucial intersection of empathy and technology in the workplace. Drawing from her extensive experience in leadership development, Loren addresses the common disconnect between IT professionals and non-technica…
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Leading with Purpose in Tech ft. Chris Seidt
37:49
37:49
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37:49In 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, …
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Mastering Leadership Communication ft. Alex Perry
27:18
27:18
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27:18In 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 profess…
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How Do Clinical Practice and Corporate Leadership Feed Each Other? Did I Miss That in Med School? ft. Mark Pierce, MD
31:58
31:58
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31:58In 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 backgroun…
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From Individual Contributor to Manager to Leader: Requirements and Pitfalls ft. Ron Double
31:07
31:07
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31:07In 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 foundat…
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Nutanix solutions play a pivotal role in addressing modern enterprise challenges. Join us for a live comprehensive discussion featuring two distinguished experts in IT transformation: Harsha Kotikela, Director of Product and Solutions Marketing at Nutanix, and AJ Kuftic, Field CTO at Expedient. This session will delve into the innovative approaches…
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In this episode, Chris Bittinger, an expert in leadership and executive coaching, opens up about his personal journey with burnout and shares valuable strategies for managing stress in the workplace. Chris's candid story of reaching a breaking point while juggling a demanding job, doctoral studies, and personal challenges serves as a poignant remin…
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A River Rat's Journey in Government IT ft. Chris Mertens
36:14
36:14
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36:14In this episode, Chris Mertens, CIO of Hamilton County, Indiana, shares his remarkable journey from rural Missouri to a leadership role in government IT. Growing up in the tiny town of Bonnets Mill, Chris's early fascination with technology set the stage for his future career. Chris recounts his transition from a small, tight-knit community to Linc…
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As IT landscapes evolve, the need for flexibility and a diverse set of infrastructure options becomes paramount. If you're an IT leader aiming to increase the adaptability and resilience of your IT infrastructure, this webinar will help you understand why Nutanix is a crucial component of the modern technology stack that allows for increased perfor…
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In this episode, Doug Theis, Director of National Strategy at Expedient, shares his insights on effective leadership. Drawing from his 41 years in IT, Doug explores the critical question: "How do I lead?" He discusses his journey through various roles, emphasizing that leadership is not confined to those with direct reports; influence without autho…
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Seeking Feedback and Taking Action for IT Leaders ft. Angela Ciliberti-Riedling
31:31
31:31
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31:31In this episode, Angela Ciliberti-Riedling, VP of Product Strategy at QSR Automations, joins us for a deep dive into the critical role of feedback in leadership and professional growth. Angela shares her unique journey from Brown-Forman to QSR Automations, highlighting her passion for technology and product development. She introduces us to QSR Aut…
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Cultivating Change Driving a Dynamic Team Culture ft. Adam Prior
34:45
34:45
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34:45In this episode of IT Leaders, Adam Prior discusses transforming team culture at Subaru of Indiana. With over 20 years in IT, Adam shares key moments in his career, such as managing a ransomware crisis and deploying a VDI environment during COVID-19. Adam emphasizes the importance of communication and collaboration, detailing how he implemented reg…
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Evaluating Performance of an IT Leader ft. Kevin Kujawa
35:46
35:46
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35:46In this episode of IT Leaders, Kevin Kujawa, a seasoned IT executive, shares his insights on evaluating IT leadership performance, especially within private equity contexts. Kevin discusses his background at Allied Benefits, where he scaled the IT team from zero to 47 full-time employees and led significant technological transformations. Kevin high…
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Find Your Team's Working Sweet Spot with Working Genius Assessment ft. Craig Sroda & Terry Gour
1:08:42
1:08:42
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1:08:42In this episode of the IT Leaders podcast, we delve into the art of team optimization with our guest experts Craig and Terry, seasoned leaders with a rich history in IT and organizational development. They share their journey from being competitors to collaborators, co-founding and leading innovative companies, and their passion for building well-r…
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Introducing Expedient AI CTRL: Responsible Deployment, Transformative Productivity
57:27
57:27
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57:27The Sensible Entry Point for Your AI Implementation Research shows the biggest corporate concerns when it comes to implementing AI are exactly what you expect them to be: security, reliability, and ease of use. With the launch of AI CTRL, we’re addressing each of those head on with a suite of offerings that protect your proprietary data, give you d…
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Mastering the Shift: Edge Computing in the Broadcom-VMware Era
31:32
31:32
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31:32In this episode of the Expedient podcast, AJ Kuftic and CEO Bryan Smith discuss the significant changes in VMware licensing due to Broadcom's new policies and their impact on edge computing. Smith explains the reduction from over 4000 VMware SKUs to fewer bundles, highlighting the shift towards subscription models and its implications for edge loca…
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How Authentic Are You ft. Shane Rodabaugh
26:42
26:42
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26:42In this compelling episode of the IT Leaders podcast titled "How Authentic Are You," Shane Rodabaugh, an experienced leader at Baptist Health, unpacks the critical importance of authenticity in leadership. With over three decades of experience across major organizations like GE, Yum Brands, and UPS, Shane brings a treasure trove of insights and sto…
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How Can You Build Rapport ft. Laura Mattingly
27:33
27:33
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27:33In this episode of the IT Leaders podcast, "How to Build Rapport," Laura Mattingly, a seasoned IT leader with a rich background in development and database design, explores the nuanced art of building rapport within technology teams. Transitioning from technical roles to leadership, Laura brings a unique perspective on nurturing relationships acros…
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Broadcom Acquires VMware: Your Questions Answered
1:04:31
1:04:31
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1:04:31In this pivotal episode of "Expedient: The Podcast," we delve into the monumental changes rippling through the tech landscape following Broadcom's acquisition of VMware. Bringing together industry leaders and experts at the heart of this transformation, we offer a comprehensive analysis of how this shift will redefine cloud computing, data center d…
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How Does Trust Affect Your Team ft. Mike Eaton
28:56
28:56
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28:56In the IT Leaders podcast episode "How Does Trust Affect Your Team," Mike Eaton, Director of Operations at Genesis, delves into the transformative power of trust within team dynamics, sharing his personal journey through significant organizational change. Leading the operations within Genesis' education department, Mike navigates a range of respons…
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Coaching and Leadership ft. Chuck Christian
30:24
30:24
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30:24In the "Coaching and Leadership" episode of the IT Leaders podcast, Chuck Christian, with a robust background as a healthcare CIO and leadership expert, shares profound insights blending coaching with leadership. Drawing from over three decades of experience, including a significant tenure as a CIO and his role in a Midwest 13-hospital system, Chuc…
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Stress Management as a Leader ft. Ryan Brubaker
32:25
32:25
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32:25In "Stress Management as a Leader," Ryan Brubaker, COO of CSpring, delves into the intricate dance of handling stress in leadership roles. Brubaker brings a unique, relatable perspective to the fore, discussing common fears and anxieties that leaders face—ranging from imposter syndrome to the fear of failure. By introducing practical exercises like…
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Thriving in the Tech Tornado: Navigating Personal Resiliency Amidst IT Challenges ft. Elias Oxendine IV
28:56
28:56
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28:56In this engaging episode "Thriving in the Tech Tornado," Elias Oxendine IV, CISO of Yum! Brands, delves into the critical theme of personal resilience amidst the relentless challenges in IT. With over three decades of experience, including a significant tenure in cybersecurity and leadership roles across prominent corporations, Elias shares invalua…
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Five Hard Lessons in Leadership ft. Clifford Clarke
29:21
29:21
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29:21In "Five Hard Lessons in Leadership," Clifford Clarke delves into the essential truths he's learned throughout his career, emphasizing humility, the necessity of seeking help, the power of listening, creating effective systems, and remembering the fundamentals that contribute to success. Clarke shares personal anecdotes and insights from his journe…
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In "Risk Taking," Hannah Stork shares her personal journey of embracing risks in her professional life, highlighting the importance of trusting instincts, starting small, and building momentum. She discusses her path from working in higher education to transitioning into the tech industry, emphasizing the value of calculated risks, adaptability, an…
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