IT – A New Direction

Dell Technology Camp 2013

In today’s world, to be the next best thing you can’t just stick with what you know. With the transformation of technology increasing, companies must embrace and extend new innovative capabilities instead of protecting and defending the status quo.

“It isn’t the incompetent who destroy an organization. The incompetent never get in a position to destroy it. It is those who achieved something and want to rest upon their achievements who are forever clogging things up.”— F. M. Young

Today’s CIO Needs to Be the Chief Innovation Officer,” written by Daniel Burrus discusses the role the CIO needs to play in the company to ensure the company is staying ahead of the competition. “The CIO’s traditional role, which is one of managing information, IT systems, and cost, has itself transformed to creating new competitive advantage, new products, and new services.” The CIO needs to be leading change within the company.

At Nike, a company IPS is currently working with, the IT function is not just viewed as an enabling support function, but a critical driver in the functional and process design. Perhaps this represents a changing view that some of the functions that utilize IT to execute business may not be aware of what is technologically possible. This also has a huge impact on how a company can staff and develop their teams, as not many people in IT have experience driving that kind of change.

The ability to innovate is happening faster and faster everyday and needs to be a major focus to stay competitive. As Barrus puts perfectly, “If it can be done it will be done … and if you don’t do it, someone else will. Likewise, if you don’t change the focus of your CIO role, someone else will.”

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Simon Roads

Vice President of Sales

Born and raised in England, Simon Roads has had a distinguished career in various forms of aviation spanning over 45 years. His journey began as an A&P mechanic in the Royal Air Force and has encompassed a range of roles, ultimately leading to his position as the VP of Global Sales for Honda Aircraft. Throughout this extensive career, he has had the privilege of closely collaborating with Royalty, Dignitaries, and high net worth individuals, providing them with unparalleled expertise and a steadfast commitment to excellence in aviation services.

Having been immersed in the aviation industry for nearly half a century, his wealth of insights and knowledge has established him as a trusted figure within the field. His extensive experience has provided him with the opportunity to engage with diverse cultures, interacting with individuals from various walks of life, and ensuring that their distinctive requirements and preferences are met with the utmost precision.

One of his notable strengths lies in his adeptness at effectively managing global teams. Over the course of his career, he has demonstrated successful leadership and mentorship of professionals from different backgrounds and nationalities, fostering an environment characterized by collaboration, growth, and mutual respect.

Understanding different cultures has played a pivotal role in his professional journey. By taking part in the customs, traditions, and practices of his clients he not only fosters strong relationships but has also gained a profound appreciation for the unique needs and expectations of each of his clients.

Away from work, his priority is his family. His role as grandad to three wonderful boys, brings him immense joy. He has a penchant for outdoor activities such as cycling, kayaking, and golf. Additionally, he has developed a passion for cooking and continually seeks to learn new culinary techniques. The art of balancing life and work is an ongoing journey for him, and he considers himself fortunate to be able to savor the best of both worlds.

You can contact Simon at sroads@ipeoplesolutions.com

Meredith Stanley

Executive Recruiter

Meredith joined IPS in 2023 as an Executive Recruiter with over 5 years of recruiting experience at Amazon and Lyft. Prior to making the shift to recruiting, Meredith was an Executive Assistant for over 3 years at a Seattle-based insurance company. With a passion for finding top talent, Meredith has hired for a wide range of roles across North America in the hardware, micromobility, operations, transportation, and tech spaces.

After an unsuccessful attempt at a Chemical Engineering degree, Meredith graduated from Oregon State University with a Bachelor of Science in Liberal Studies.

Meredith has a passion for live music, playing both piano and trombone. She also enjoys traveling and spending time outdoors either skiing, hiking or scuba diving.

You can contact Meredith at Meredith@ipeoplesolutions.com

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