1. What motivates you to attend Kodi Connect events?

Kodi Connect events provide an opportunity to gain fresh perspectives and discover ideas, technologies, and solutions I may not have encountered otherwise. In today's fast-paced environment, it's easy to become consumed by day-to-day responsibilities and lose sight of the bigger picture. These events allow me to step back, connect with new people, explore emerging products and trends, and broaden my perspective. That ability to "zoom out" and learn from peers is what makes these events so valuable.

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

I believe there's both a need and an obligation for experienced leaders to help shape the future of our professions and industries. Throughout my career, I've learned valuable lessons - sometimes the hard way - and I see the Advisory Board as an opportunity to share those experiences so others can avoid making the same mistakes. Technology and business often move in cycles, but by mentoring others, encouraging cross-functional collaboration, and helping bridge different disciplines, we can collectively strengthen the industry and prepare the next generation of leaders.

3. Who or what inspires your approach to technology and leadership?

One philosophy that has always resonated with me comes from Bill Gates: "Eat your own dog food." Too many organizations chase the latest shiny technology without fully leveraging the investments they've already made. I believe leaders should first understand, optimize, and maximize the tools and capabilities already available before introducing new solutions. When organizations take that approach, new technologies become meaningful enhancements rather than adding unnecessary complexity. Strong leadership is about making thoughtful decisions that create lasting value - not simply pursuing the latest trend.

4.  What’s a habit or mindset that helps you stay ahead in this fast-changing field?

I live by a simple philosophy: always be learning. You have to give yourself permission to continually become smarter. Whether it's attending conferences, executive networking events like Kodi Connect, or investing your own time in professional development, every learning opportunity has value. Even if you take away just one new idea from an event, it's worth the investment. Continuous learning not only helps you stay current but also strengthens your personal brand and expands your ability to lead through change.

5. What’s one area where the tech community needs to work together more effectively?

The technology community needs to do a better job of communicating value across the entire organization instead of speaking only within the IT community. Technology shouldn't exist for technology's sake - it should create measurable business value. That requires stronger partnerships between IT, finance, procurement, HR, and other business functions. Success isn't simply about reducing costs; it's about improving organizational effectiveness, enabling better business outcomes, and demonstrating technology's strategic impact across the enterprise.

         BONUS: How do you disconnect and recharge outside of work?

College football is my biggest passion outside of work. Although I grew up in New York surrounded by professional sports, living in Atlanta and having one child graduate from the University of Alabama and another from the University of Georgia, turned me into a devoted college football fan. I spend much of my free time following the sport and even participate in a college football podcast. It's a great way for me to completely disconnect from work and recharge.

Kodi Connect Key Takeaways: 

• Executive networking drives stronger procurement and technology leadership: Kodi Connect events bring together procurement, supply chain, technology, and business executives in collaborative, peer-driven environments where leaders can exchange ideas, discover emerging trends, and build strategic relationships that drive innovation and long-term business value.
• Continuous learning is essential for successful enterprise leadership: The most effective technology and procurement leaders embrace a mindset of lifelong learning by participating in executive communities, industry events, and professional development opportunities that expand their perspective, strengthen leadership capabilities, and prepare them for rapid business and technology change.
• Cross-functional collaboration creates greater business value than technology alone: Enterprise success depends on breaking down organizational silos and aligning technology, procurement, finance, HR, and business operations around shared objectives. By focusing on measurable business outcomes rather than technology for technology's sake, organizations can improve operational efficiency, maximize existing investments, and accelerate digital transformation.

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.