Close
  • Latest News
  • Big Data and Analytics
  • Cloud
  • Networking
  • Cybersecurity
  • Applications
  • IT Management
  • Storage
  • Sponsored
  • Mobile
  • Small Business
  • Development
  • Database
  • Servers
  • Android
  • Apple
  • Innovation
  • Blogs
  • PC Hardware
  • Reviews
  • Search Engines
  • Virtualization
Read Down
Sign in
Close
Welcome!Log into your account
Forgot your password?
Read Down
Password recovery
Recover your password
Close
Search
Logo
Logo
  • Latest News
  • Big Data and Analytics
  • Cloud
  • Networking
  • Cybersecurity
  • Applications
  • IT Management
  • Storage
  • Sponsored
  • Mobile
  • Small Business
  • Development
  • Database
  • Servers
  • Android
  • Apple
  • Innovation
  • Blogs
  • PC Hardware
  • Reviews
  • Search Engines
  • Virtualization
More
    Home Latest News
    • Networking

    Chief Strategy Officer: Got What It Takes?

    By
    Arthur Tisi
    -
    December 18, 2000
    Share
    Facebook
    Twitter
    Linkedin

      In the “e” world, little makes sense, but what does is made coherent by a fluid approach to money, markets, management and technology. Its a matter of finding equilibrium in a shifting sea with few recognizable markers. Keep all these variables under control, and youll fill a very valuable role at your company. I like to call it “chief strategy officer.”

      Here are the fundamentals:

      Integration. Make sure new systems are deeply integrated, and dont settle for systems that provide only weekly updates. Think real time.

      Mixed environments. Dont try for a single-company solution. The future is about platform-neutral networks.

      Common sense. Forget the ribbon-cutting ceremonies. Know that your superiors expect results, so make sure you are delivering value.

      Consensus. Accept responsibility for your vision and strategy, but work to achieve “e-in” on the part of others.

      Focus. Dont fix what isnt broken, but look for the areas where return is large and lethargy has dangerous consequences.

      These principles are easy to articulate but much harder to put into practice. Some e-business leaders are succeeding, though. Take Marcia Balestrino, CIO of the Girl Scouts of the USA, and John Atwater, director of IT for the YMCA of Greater New York.

      Both show that its possible to be a chief strategist who melds the qualities of both CTO and CIO. At GSUSA, Balestrino is passionate about the need to establish methodologies that will be applied to delivering technological value in an increasingly e-centric organization. Because GSUSA has a huge reach—with hundreds of chapters across the country—she shuns extensive use of home-grown applications. Shes applying this approach to building a vast new membership system.

      Atwater cut his teeth in finance and has a keen perspective on the bottom-line costs associated with IT. Hes also refreshingly progressive on new technologies and their value in achieving the Ys mission.

      Atwater relies on a “concept, design, prototype, test and move on” approach, typical of strong strategists. He knows it makes little sense to spend three years on an e-initiative only to learn that the world has changed and nothings been done. One of his challenges is increasing sales and membership retention for the YMCA in New York by bringing enterprise information to the Web.

      Balestrinos and Atwaters approaches are impressive in bringing everything their organizations do to the electronic world. Startup CTOs have it easy; they spend till there is no more or till they are no more. Real-world IT leaders know how to strike the perfect balance.

      Arthur Tisi

      MOST POPULAR ARTICLES

      Cybersecurity

      Visa’s Michael Jabbara on Cybersecurity and Digital...

      James Maguire - May 17, 2022 0
      I spoke with Michael Jabbara, VP and Global Head of Fraud Services at Visa, about the cybersecurity technology used to ensure the safe transfer...
      Read more
      Android

      Samsung Galaxy XCover Pro: Durability for Tough...

      Chris Preimesberger - December 5, 2020 0
      Have you ever dropped your phone, winced and felt the pain as it hit the sidewalk? Either the screen splintered like a windshield being...
      Read more
      Cloud

      Yotascale CEO Asim Razzaq on Controlling Multicloud...

      James Maguire - May 5, 2022 0
      Asim Razzaq, CEO of Yotascale, provides guidance on understanding—and containing—the complex cost structure of multicloud computing. Among the topics we covered:  As you survey the...
      Read more
      Big Data and Analytics

      GoodData CEO Roman Stanek on Business Intelligence...

      James Maguire - May 4, 2022 0
      I spoke with Roman Stanek, CEO of GoodData, about business intelligence, data as a service, and the frustration that many executives have with data...
      Read more
      IT Management

      Intuit’s Nhung Ho on AI for the...

      James Maguire - May 13, 2022 0
      I spoke with Nhung Ho, Vice President of AI at Intuit, about adoption of AI in the small and medium-sized business market, and how...
      Read more
      Logo

      eWeek has the latest technology news and analysis, buying guides, and product reviews for IT professionals and technology buyers. The site’s focus is on innovative solutions and covering in-depth technical content. eWeek stays on the cutting edge of technology news and IT trends through interviews and expert analysis. Gain insight from top innovators and thought leaders in the fields of IT, business, enterprise software, startups, and more.

      Facebook
      Linkedin
      RSS
      Twitter
      Youtube

      Advertisers

      Advertise with TechnologyAdvice on eWeek and our other IT-focused platforms.

      Advertise with Us

      Menu

      • About eWeek
      • Subscribe to our Newsletter
      • Latest News

      Our Brands

      • Privacy Policy
      • Terms
      • About
      • Contact
      • Advertise
      • Sitemap
      • California – Do Not Sell My Information

      Property of TechnologyAdvice.
      © 2021 TechnologyAdvice. All Rights Reserved

      Advertiser Disclosure: Some of the products that appear on this site are from companies from which TechnologyAdvice receives compensation. This compensation may impact how and where products appear on this site including, for example, the order in which they appear. TechnologyAdvice does not include all companies or all types of products available in the marketplace.

      ×