IT professionals nationwide gathered virtually earlier this month to recognize the graduates of Cohort 20 of The TechLX.
The Technology Leadership Experience (TechLX) is a leadership development program by Ouellette & Associates, a division of Technology Partners. The program equips IT managers with the skills, knowledge, and professional networks necessary to advance their careers and effectively lead teams and initiatives.
The graduation ceremony began with a fireside chat featuring Sanjay Shringarpure, CIO of Republic National Distributing Company, and Rick Hopfer, CIO of one of the largest Health Organizations in Hawaii. The discussion covered a wide range of topics but mostly centered on the characteristics required of an effective IT leader in today’s business landscape.
Sanjay Shringarpure (left) and Rick Hopfer (right).
"As you progress in your career, you need to have a continuous learning mindset," Shringarpure advised the graduates. "You're going to be challenged, not just by technology, but by the social and cultural changes within the workplace as well. What was cutting edge five years ago is relegated to the dustbin today."
Shringarpure and Hopfer agreed that investing in relationships with peers and mentors is one of the most effective ways to pursue continuous learning.
Shringarpure emphasized the importance of building one's network early in their career. "The higher you go up in the company, the harder it is to build genuine relationships," he said. "You have to be intentional. You may have a problem or something you want to discuss. To discuss it safely and without judgment, it takes time to build that network."
The CIOs encouraged participants not to view networking as transactional but mutually beneficial. If an IT leader views networking as a tool for learning and exposing themselves to new ideas, opportunities will come organically.
"Building the right, genuine relationships gives you access to opportunities," Hopfer added. "Many job opportunities will come through your network."
Hopfer recommended the graduates stay involved in peer groups and praised The TechLX in particular.
"This TechLX program is a great way to build your network."
To conclude the discussion, the CIOs were asked to reflect upon their careers and life journeys and identify the most important traits of an effective IT leader.
For Shringarpure, it comes down to vision and accountability.
"You have to have a vision, and you have to have clarity of vision," Shringarpure said. "You have to be able to say, 'this is what we want to achieve, and this is how we're going to achieve it.'"
Shringarpure added, however, a CIO should not provide all the answers. This is where accountability is essential.
“I am here to help you [my direct report] achieve the best version of you. It’s up to you to decide what that version is.”
For Hopfer, it’s about providing inspiration.
"The best leaders know how to inspire other people," he said. "They create environments that are positive. They know how to collaborate, they know how to support people, and they know how to get things done."
Hopfer said leaders can inspire others by acting with integrity and empathy.
“You have to be genuine; you have to be trustworthy. People have to believe in you."
After the fireside chat, TechLX organizers presented awards to spotlight the remarkable achievements of the cohort participants and their mentors:
- Leaders Amongst Leaders Award: Richard Cameron, Jr., Lee Health
- Mentoring Excellence Award: Paul Capizzi, Fox Corporation
- Marketing Excellence Award: Athena Muse, MBA, Lee Health
"We are incredibly proud of these graduates and are excited to see them thrive," said Jill Lundy, Director of Leadership Programs for Ouellette & Associates. "Though their journey at The TechLX is now complete, these graduates have acquired the skills and mindset to become life-long learners.”
To conclude the ceremony, graduates were asked to present the highlights of their TechLX journey. Participants reflected upon their meaningful conversations with their mentors, the insights they gathered from the TechLX leadership assessment and the new relationships they forged with their peers.
Congratulations to all the graduates of Cohort 20:
- Neal Campbell
- Richard Cameron, Jr.
- Alejandra Ham
- Athena Muse, MBA
- Usha Dronamraju Kompella
- CJ Pickens
- Bob Everson, MBA
- Sara Gruvin
- Mitchell Johnson
- Jin Kim
- Nick Wranich
- Stephen Miksits
- Scott Lenehan
- Ryan Feldman
- Gavin Bourgeois
- Abhishek Gupta
- Heather Trojnar
- Jack Galbraith