In this preview conversation, Aaron Back and Acceleration Economy analyst Rob Wood discuss the upcoming Digital CIO Summit, which takes place April 4-6. In today’s Road to Digital CIO Summit preview discussion, Rob explains how the relationship between Chief Information Officer (CIO) and Chief Information Security Officer (CISO) has evolved. Rob also explains the power of customers sharing stories about successes — and pain points — of emerging technologies, which can be far more effective than hearing from a vendor.
Highlights
00:34 — Aaron introduces Rob and notes that the upcoming Digital CIO Summit is about more than the person who holds the title of CIO — it reflects the office of the CIO and the peers within the office who support the CIO. With this in mind, Aaron asks Rob how he views the evolving nature of collaboration between CISOs and CIOs, considering the massive shift in technologies including cloud, data, cybersecurity, and AI/Hyperautomation.
01:23 — “It’s taken some pretty significant steps forward,” responds Rob, before adding that “people are more welcoming to the idea” that bringing technology into business operations is helpful. Rob adds that it “flows up” from “security can help technology, technology can help the business, and so we should partner together and make that happen.” The early cybersecurity culture of “abrasiveness, being agnostic” is going away, which Rob says is a good thing.
03:21 — Aaron agrees that security was thought of as a “slap-on, bolt-on” type of approach to existing things. Rob acknowledges that this is understandable, but not helpful.
03:52 — “It doesn’t foster that collaboration we were just talking about,” says Aaron. Another key area he is looking forward to during the Digital CIO Summit is customers sharing their technology experiences and how they’ve enabled them to accomplish business objectives. He asks Rob how he views the importance of sharing customer stories, as opposed to stories coming from the tech vendors themselves.
04:28 — “I think it can be really powerful. There’s a certain point that is driven home when you hear about a pain point from somebody who’s experiencing a pain point, or you hear about a win from somebody who’s actually walked that win,” says Rob. He adds that it feels much more objective and honest when we are hearing from customers, rather than tech vendors themselves, which can come across as a “self-serving sales pitch.” There are many ways to communicate and share stories, but customers sharing them can be more effective.
05:42 — We are not discounting the stories tech companies share about their solutions, but customer stories serve as a strong accompaniment to larger companies. In conclusion, Aaron shares that he is excited to hear these customer stories.
To hear more data modernization, AI/hyperautomation, cybersecurity, and growth strategies from CIO practitioners, tune into Acceleration Economy’s Digital CIO Summit, which takes place April 4-6. Register for the free event here.
