I’ve just finished up at the Gartner CIO Leadership Forum in Phoenix. While it’s less than three full days, it’s easily the most energizing event I attend. The focus this year was even further in to the future of IT and its rapidly emerging role smack in the middle of the business model, even in segments that don’t think of themselves as technology driven.
Where IT has typically been an operational cost center, it is now quickly and relentlessly becoming a revenue producer and product development hotbed – the companies that don’t adapt to this change will perish or be consumed by more nimble competitors. Disruption is the order of the day, and more than likely it’s not going to come from your current industry.
Amazon providing property and casualty insurance… Facebook getting into healthcare… Google reshaping transit… Sounds silly? Some of it’s already happening. Who would have thought in the 90s that “beleaguered Apple,” perpetually one quarter away from complete demise, would today be responsible for some of the most radical changes to the software, music, entertainment, and communications industries? If one of the digerati even blinks in your direction, it’s too late.
There’s so much potential ahead of us and I’m thrilled to be part of the industry that will drive it. I also am excited that this is happening just as I reach a point in my career where I have the right blend of skills, including ideation, marketing, IT, staff development, and culture building, to make a positive difference. Now to find that mentor who’s under 30.