1. How do Kodi Connect events provide value for your time?

I love the networking aspect of Kodi Connect events. It’s about getting a chance to talk to peers. The vendor engagement is valuable, but it’s relatively limited, whereas sitting down with other leaders gives you the opportunity to build genuine relationships. At the last event I attended, I connected with three gentlemen at my table and was able to connect with them on LinkedIn afterward. We’ve even talked about having dinner together and have continued conversations around work-related topics. For someone attending a Kodi Connect event for the first time, I would encourage them to mix and mingle, especially during the reception. Go to different tables, shake hands, introduce yourself, and talk about some of the business challenges you’re facing across the industry. You can gain all kinds of valuable insights simply by having those conversations.

2. What was your reason for joining the Kodi Connect Advisory Board?

I wanted to give back and serve. I love doing that. After years of experience in technology and leadership, I feel that I have a lot of knowledge and perspective that I can share with others. I’ve been fortunate to receive recognition for my work, including back-to-back Maxwell Awards and a Marquis Who’s Who in America recognition. I’m also regularly contacted by companies and organizations through LinkedIn to serve as a board member, consultant, or advisor on topics including AI, networking, and IT. I love those opportunities because they give me a chance to share what I’ve learned and contribute to the community. To me, it’s similar to serving through veterans and community organizations—you have an opportunity to give back. I believe that every day, we all learn something new, and I enjoy connecting with people and sharing perspectives on what’s happening across the industry.

3. How do you see AI reshaping the role of IT and security teams?

AI is already making a significant impact on how IT and security teams work. I use tools such as ChatGPT, Microsoft Copilot, and Claude on a regular basis, but from a security standpoint, we have to be extremely careful about what information we provide to these platforms. We work with government contracts and customer-proprietary information, so protecting sensitive data is critical. At the same time, AI gives us an opportunity to become much more effective and productive. I actually use multiple AI platforms to cross-check each other and identify potential hallucinations, inconsistencies, or gaps in the information. One example was creating a 20-page training deck using Claude. I provided our standard finance department template, and it produced the presentation in roughly one-third of the time it would normally have taken me. It was impressive, and it also reminded me of our technology and IT standards regarding what could and could not be included in the material.

4. What technology or trend do you believe will redefine our industry in the next five years?

There are several major trends, but 6G is going to be particularly interesting. We already see what 5G can do, and the next generation will have to take that even further. At the same time, we’re going to see organizations doing more with less through increased automation and AI technologies such as Google Gemini, ChatGPT, and other emerging platforms. Another major challenge will be managing the enormous volume of data being generated. Organizations are increasingly distributed across the country and around the world, so we need technology that can not only connect people but also effectively move and manage large amounts of data. Space-based connectivity technologies are fascinating because they can potentially connect people almost anywhere. The next step is figuring out how to expand those capabilities to support large-scale data transmission and the growing demands of modern organizations.

5. How do you stay current in such a fast-moving industry?

I stay current by continuously learning and engaging with multiple sources of information. Every week, I participate in several IT and GRC forums. I also have daily news feeds, receive white papers and industry perspectives from vendors, attend training courses, and pursue professional certifications. I’m also a member of ISACA, and being involved with the organization gives me the opportunity to hear different perspectives and stay informed about developments across the industry. It’s also important to stay current on regulatory developments, including SEC rulings and other changes that can impact organizations. Technology is constantly evolving, which is why I believe we learn something new every day. The key is knowing how to prioritize the information you're receiving. I like to think of it in three buckets: A, B, and C. A is critical information that directly impacts your work, B is information you would like to know, and C is information you may not necessarily need to know. The best way to stay current is to identify the four or five trusted sources across the industry that consistently provide valuable information. From there, I participate in IT and GRC forums, ask questions, collect feedback, and continue networking through LinkedIn.

BONUS: 

6. What is your advice to emerging tech leaders today?

My advice is to be flexible, but also be cautious. I’m a high-D personality in the DISC profile, so I naturally build relationships well and am very driven. But over time, I’ve learned that making sound business decisions requires strategy and a tactical approach. There are always going to be people throwing buzzwords at you and telling you to move quickly. While emerging technologies are exciting, technology leaders need to understand the total cost of investment and make sure the technology is actually proven before making major decisions. Ask yourself: Is the technology being used successfully by other customers? Is there a proof of concept? Is it delivering real results? There are a lot of variables to consider. The technology landscape is moving quickly, but good leadership means balancing that excitement with thoughtful strategy, due diligence, and sound business judgment.

7. Is there anything else you’d like to share?

I’ve been very impressed with Kodi Connect. I typically participate in two of these types of events a year, including one with Kodi Connect and another with a similar organization, and I absolutely enjoy these events. I highly recommend that people get involved, get engaged, and stay engaged. Kodi Connect has a great LinkedIn presence where people can read, learn, and do their own research, and I also appreciate the insights and resources the community provides. If we continue to network, utilize these resources, communicate with one another, and collaborate, that’s priceless.

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Kodi Connect Key Takeaways: 

• Executive cybersecurity networking creates lasting professional value: Kodi Connect events give IT, cybersecurity, risk, and compliance leaders opportunities to build meaningful peer relationships, exchange real-world business insights, and continue conversations beyond the event, creating a stronger technology leadership community.
• AI adoption requires productivity gains balanced with security and risk management: AI tools such as ChatGPT, Microsoft Copilot, and Claude can significantly improve IT productivity, but organizations must establish strong data protection, governance, and compliance practices to prevent sensitive or proprietary information from being exposed.
• Technology leaders must balance innovation with strategic risk management: Emerging technologies such as AI, automation, 6G, and advanced connectivity will reshape enterprise IT, but leaders should avoid chasing trends without evidence. Successful technology adoption requires evaluating business value, proof of concept, total cost of investment, security implications, and long-term organizational impact.

Stay Connected with IT & Cybersecurity Leaders

Discover more insights from top IT executives, CISOs, and cybersecurity leaders, and explore upcoming executive networking events designed to drive meaningful connections and real-world solutions. Browse all upcoming events at kodiconnect.com/all-events to find opportunities near you.