What happens when a technologist chooses public service and discovers leadership is less about systems and more about people?
In this episode, Aaron Kopel sits down with
Collin Hill, CIO of Indianapolis and Marion County, to explore how service industry experience, local government work, and calm leadership under pressure shape stronger technology leaders. Collin shares his unexpected path into public service and why running technology for his hometown has become the most challenging and rewarding role of his career.
The conversation explores a pivotal moment early in Collin’s CIO journey, when a cybersecurity initiative triggered backlash across the organization and forced a defining leadership choice. Rather than retreating, he leaned in, making a decision that reshaped how security and shared responsibility showed up across the city. He also shares why service industry experience builds the empathy and steadiness needed to lead tech teams under pressure.
Key takeaways
- Service industry experience builds empathy and stronger leadership skills
- Local government offers unmatched responsibility and community impact
- Effective CIOs lead with calm communication and a people first mindset
Episode highlights
(
01:50) When playing it safe stops working
(
04:39) Why everyone should spend time in local government
(
10:45) How working in the service industry makes the best talents
(
15:42) Culture is set in the most uncomfortable moments
(
19:48) When you have to stand on what you believe
(
21:03) Running technology for your own hometown
(
23:07) Rapid fire questions
(
27:45) Leaving the world better than when you found it
Resources
What is Unlocking Momentum?
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.