{"type":"rich","version":"1.0","provider_name":"Transistor","provider_url":"https://transistor.fm","author_name":"Unlocking Momentum","title":"A Fractional CIO's Playbook for Leading Through Chaos","html":"<iframe width=\"100%\" height=\"180\" frameborder=\"no\" scrolling=\"no\" seamless src=\"https://share.transistor.fm/e/a49a3b07\"></iframe>","width":"100%","height":180,"duration":1642,"description":"Playing with tech is fun, but using your people skills to solve business problems is a lot more rewarding.\nIn this episode of Unlocking Momentum, Aaron Kopel sits down with Alan Ariel, fractional and interim CIO at Ariel View Solutions, LLC, who brings 40 years of leadership experience across the U.S. Navy and the IT industry. Alan shares how staying calm, simplifying the problem, and improving cross-functional communication helped his team complete a critical data center migration during a major crisis.\nThe conversation explores why staff engagement is essential, how leaders can empower their teams without micromanaging, and why CIOs must evaluate AI based on real productivity rather than fear of missing out. Alan also explains why critical thinking will become even more valuable in the AI era and how confident leadership helps people navigate uncertainty and change.\nKey takeaways:Progress begins with calm, coordinated actionEngaged employees understand how their work supports the missionAI investments should create measurable value, not follow hype\nEpisode highlights(00:00) Introducing Alan Ariel(01:14) The value of a fractional CIO(02:32) Avoiding micromanagement as a leader(03:36) Leading through a data center crisis(05:31) Building momentum through coordinated action(09:17) Why meaningful staff engagement matters(12:43) Evaluating AI beyond the hype(15:02) Critical thinking in the AI era(17:41) Building confidence through leadership(20:03) Why people make technology work(21:35) Connecting and learning through networking(23:37) Rapid-fire questions and leadership legacy\nResources:Alan Ariel on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alanariel/ Aaron Kopel on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/aaronkopelExplore Project Brilliant: https://projectbrilliant.comBuy Unlocking Momentum: https://a.co/d/hKPFqoS ","thumbnail_url":"https://img.transistorcdn.com/7rZrEihJrWTFpsFbH_1Jl73zPau7oG4Sx-C4hWGa7po/rs:fill:0:0:1/w:400/h:400/q:60/mb:500000/aHR0cHM6Ly9pbWct/dXBsb2FkLXByb2R1/Y3Rpb24udHJhbnNp/c3Rvci5mbS9iM2Fh/MTY3ZGUxNTU5NDgw/NzAzOGVlNTVjNTQ2/Nzk4My5qcGc.webp","thumbnail_width":300,"thumbnail_height":300}