{"type":"rich","version":"1.0","provider_name":"Transistor","provider_url":"https://transistor.fm","author_name":"Unlocking Momentum","title":"This CIO Brings Leaders to a Nature Expedition to Rethink Leadership","html":"<iframe width=\"100%\" height=\"180\" frameborder=\"no\" scrolling=\"no\" seamless src=\"https://share.transistor.fm/e/cdfbb323\"></iframe>","width":"100%","height":180,"duration":1878,"description":"Why should CIOs step away from being the \"technical fixer\" to lead effectively?\n\nIn 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.\n\nLeadership 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.\n\nKey takeaways\nLeadership is about enabling others, not just controlling outcomes\nStrong communication builds trust and drives alignment within teams\nCIOs who focus on people and vision, not just the tech, make the biggest impact\nEpisode highlights\n(00:00) Intro\n(01:10) How prioritizing the right projects transforms IT momentum\n(06:45) AI as a tool for transformation, not a one-size-fits-all solution\n(13:44) On leadership, writing, and walking the Lewis and Clark Trail\n(19:11) How to navigate leadership with a balanced perspective\n(24:09) Lessons on tech and music\n(27:56) Rapid-fire questions\n\nResources\nJeff Ton on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jtonindy/\nAaron Kopel on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/aaronkopel\nExplore Ton Enterprises, LLC: https://jeffreyston.com/\nExplore Project Brilliant: https://projectbrilliant.com\nExplore the Indiana CIO Network: https://techpoint.org/indiana-cio-network/\nBuy 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}