Unlocking Momentum

Why should CIOs step away from being the "technical fixer" to lead effectively?In this episode, Aaron Kopel sits down with Jeff Ton, former CIO of Ton Enterprises, LLC, and a seasoned leader in IT and leadership development. Jeff shares his journey from COBOL punch cards to guiding leaders on transformative expeditions inspired by the Lewis and Clark trail. He explains why leadership is about more than just technical skills and how understanding core values can shape a team’s vision.Leadership comes with both challenges and rewards, and Jeff explores what it really takes to guide a team. He shares how experiences, even a nature expedition, can offer fresh perspectives and reshape the way leaders see their role.Key takeawaysLeadership is about enabling others, not just controlling outcomesStrong communication builds trust and drives alignment within teamsCIOs who focus on people and vision, not just the tech, make the biggest impactEpisode highlights(00:00) Intro(01:10) How prioritizing the right projects transforms IT momentum(06:45) AI as a tool for transformation, not a one-size-fits-all solution(13:44) On leadership, writing, and walking the Lewis and Clark Trail(19:11) How to navigate leadership with a balanced perspective(24:09) Lessons on tech and music(27:56) Rapid-fire questionsResourcesJeff Ton on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jtonindy/Aaron Kopel on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/aaronkopelExplore Ton Enterprises, LLC: https://jeffreyston.com/Explore Project Brilliant: https://projectbrilliant.comExplore the Indiana CIO Network: https://techpoint.org/indiana-cio-network/Buy Unlocking Momentum: https://a.co/d/hKPFqoS 

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 

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.

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.