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 takeaways
- Leadership is about enabling others, not just controlling outcomes
- Strong communication builds trust and drives alignment within teams
- CIOs who focus on people and vision, not just the tech, make the biggest impact
Episode highlights
(
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 questions
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.