Navigating the Digital Frontier — Vicki Hildebrand

Point of View
3 min readJan 29, 2024

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Photo by Werner Pfennig on Pexels

My journey as a technology leader has been shaped by a deep passion for technology and its impact on business success. I’ve had a front-row seat to major technological shifts and I’ve experienced the excitement of game-changing business outcomes. Delving into the Forbes article “Technology Leadership in the Boardroom: Navigating the Next Generation of Digital”, I find the article’s insights resonate with my experiences, prompting me to share a personal perspective.

The necessity for technology leadership, as discussed in the article, echoes my conviction that technology is not merely a business strategy; it’s a mandate for sustainable growth and competitive advantage. Companies must become technology companies with a focus on their specific business line. As mentioned in the article, boards should actively engage in discussions that bridge the gap between technology initiatives and overarching business goals, ensuring a cohesive and forward-looking strategy. The boardroom, traditionally a hub for strategic decision-making, stands at the crossroads of technology and business.

The article emphasizes strategic alignment as the heart of effective technology leadership. Drawing from my own experiences, I’ve witnessed the transformative potential when technology aligns seamlessly with business strategies. Practical use cases must be strategically integrated into the portfolio to deliver value and enhance operations. Collaboration with strategic industry partners, a concept mentioned in the article, has been a game-changer, unlocking new dimensions of technological applications.

Risk management and cybersecurity, another key theme, strike a chord with my experiences navigating the dynamic landscape of technology. Staying current with cybersecurity practices, as the article suggests, is not just a necessity; it’s a constant commitment to safeguarding the organization and its stakeholders in an increasingly digitized world.

Innovation and digital transformation, as outlined, are not isolated endeavors but ongoing cultural shifts. My journey underscores the significance of visionary leadership that balances short-term goals with a long-term strategic vision. Learning from adjacent industries globally, as the article suggests, has been a wellspring of inspiration, leading to innovative solutions and business models.

The collaborative synergy between IT and business functions, advocated in the article, aligns with my belief in breaking down silos for accelerated implementation of technology initiatives. I call it ‘2 in a box.’ The emphasis on customer-centricity and data utilization resonates deeply with my commitment to fostering a business-savvy technology team and a tech-savvy organizational culture.

Talent development and up-skilling initiatives, a personal passion, are integral components of staying ahead in the technological curve. As the business landscape transforms roles and responsibilities, continuous learning becomes not just an investment but a commitment to nurturing a workforce that thrives in a technology-driven environment.

The article mirrors my journey — a journey fueled by a passion for technology, guided by strategic alignment, and characterized by a commitment to innovation, collaboration, and talent development. As a transformative technologist, I see technology leadership not as an option but an imperative for steering organizations into a future where technology is not just a tool but a transformative force.

Read the original article here.

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Point of View

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