Unlocking Momentum
Project Brilliant
Transformation doesn’t come from theory. It comes from motion. From momentum. And from leaders willing to do things differently.
Unlocking Momentum is for the evolving CIOs, strategic leaders who aren’t satisfied just managing systems, but driving growth, enabling innovation, and building the future of their organizations.
Hosted by Aaron Kopel, founder of Project Brilliant and creator of the Momentum Locksmith framework, this show is where forward-thinking leaders come to grow.
Unlocking Momentum is for the evolving CIOs, strategic leaders who aren’t satisfied just managing systems, but driving growth, enabling innovation, and building the future of their organizations.
Hosted by Aaron Kopel, founder of Project Brilliant and creator of the Momentum Locksmith framework, this show is where forward-thinking leaders come to grow.
Episodes
Mentioned books
Dec 23, 2025 • 48min
Why Communication is the Secret Skill Most CIOs Get Wrong
Momentum is built in the uncertain moments, when leaders are stretched, cultures shift, and teams look for someone steady to move them forward.In this episode, Aaron Kopel sits down with Warren Lenard, CIO of the Indiana Office of Technology, whose path has taken him through some of the toughest environments a CIO can face. From guiding a retail organization through COVID to stepping into statewide leadership with no public-sector background, Warren has led in seasons that reveal what leadership truly means.Key takeawaysLeadership evolves when leaders shift from controlling outcomes to enabling peopleCulture is strengthened or weakened by how leaders communicateCIOs earn their influence by partnering across the business, not protecting the techEpisode highlights(00:00) Intro(01:33) How COVID challenges were tackled at Byrider(13:25) Warren’s career journey and experiences(21:55) Finding leadership growth and communication in IT(27:56) Why in-person interaction shapes culture, teamwork, and silos(38:32) How the CIO role continues to evolve(43:18) The importance of AI literacy in the future of work(46:07) What fitness and creativity teach(48:08) Advice he’d give his younger self(49:16) Connecting and networking with purposeResourcesWarren Lenard on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/warrenlenardAaron Kopel on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/aaronkopelExplore the Indiana Office of Technology: https://www.in.gov/iot/ Explore Project Brilliant: https://projectbrilliant.comExplore the Indiana CIO Network: https://techpoint.org/indiana-cio-networkReset by Dan Heath: https://www.danheath.com Books by Malcolm Gladwell: https://www.gladwellbooks.comBooks by Patrick Lencioni: https://www.tablegroup.com/books/?srsltid=AfmBOoo9gyp35SwrlEnRT9TEWq4bGBO5_SJ4oosSe7F3TR0lKMqyTFv7 Buy Unlocking Momentum: https://a.co/d/hKPFqoS
6 snips
Dec 10, 2025 • 39min
This is How To Lead Your Team Through a Massive Change
In an engaging discussion, Matt Belanger, CIO of Republic Airways, shares insights from his journey leading massive transformations. He emphasizes the need for leaders to evolve beyond detailed execution to strategic guidance. Matt explains how maintaining a strong culture is vital during intense change, highlighting the power of self-organized teams. He also touches on prioritizing safety amid simultaneous projects and argues for broader apprenticeship pathways to enhance tech talent in Indiana. His unique perspective offers valuable lessons for all evolving CIOs.
Dec 3, 2025 • 51sec
This is Unlocking Momentum with Aaron Kopel
Transformation doesn’t come from theory. It comes from motion. From momentum. And from leaders willing to do things differently.Unlocking Momentum is for the evolving CIOs, strategic leaders who aren’t satisfied just managing systems, but driving growth, enabling innovation, and building the future of their organizations.Hosted by Aaron Kopel, founder of Project Brilliant and creator of the Momentum Locksmith framework, this show is where forward-thinking leaders come to grow.
