Discover how a former criminology major and aspiring actor transitioned from a curious subcontractor to a powerhouse executive in the tech industry. Michael Smith, Partner at Fortium Partners, shares his "business-first" philosophy on IT, explaining why technology is most powerful when it is used to create a competitive advantage rather than just being a set of widgets. He dives deep into the high-stakes world of global digital transformations and the hard-won lessons learned from "failing safe" under great mentors.
Bio: With an MBA and nearly three decades of technology leadership, Michael serve as a Partner at Fortium Partners, the leading provider of Technology Leadership-as-a-Service in the U.S. and Canada. Fortium delivers advisory, fractional, and interim CIO, CTO, and CISO executives to organizations ranging from nonprofits and privately held firms to Fortune 50 –1000 corporations, as well as PE/VC-backed startups. In these roles, Fortium provides strategic technology leadership to drive innovation, lead digital transformation, and deliver solutions that enhance profitability, operational efficiency, and customer experience.
Michael brings deep expertise in global digital and operational transformations, including large-scale ERP implementations, multinational CRM deployments to boost digital engagement, and AI/ML-driven data analytics initiatives that enable predictive insights and measurable business outcomes. His track record includes leading technology turnarounds, building high-performance teams, and executing strategies that deliver sustained growth and competitive advantage.
In addition, Michael serves as CIO of InnovaPrep LLC, a life sciences startup preparing for IPO or acquisition. He leads the company’s technology strategy, overseeing the commercialization of patented, award-winning products, implementing a hybrid cloud environment, deploying a new ERP platform, and building an agile R&D ecosystem to accelerate product development and market readiness.
Michael is also committed to advancing enterprise sustainability and mentoring emerging technology leaders, ensuring the next generation is equipped to meet tomorrow’s challenges.
Something Extra: "I think that's one of the most important traits that a leader needs, is empathy."
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