IT Leaders Expedient

In this compelling episode of the IT Leaders podcast titled "How Authentic Are You," Shane Rodabaugh, an experienced leader at Baptist Health, unpacks the critical importance of authenticity in leadership. With over three decades of experience across major organizations like GE, Yum Brands, and UPS, Shane brings a treasure trove of insights and stories that illuminate his journey and the lessons learned along the way.
Throughout the episode, Shane delves into the essence of authentic leadership, which he describes as a blend of integrity, transparency, and self-awareness. He emphasizes the significance of being genuine and consistent in one’s actions and decisions, which he argues is fundamental to cultivating trust and respect within a team. Shane also touches on the nuanced balance between vulnerability and strength, challenging the notion that showing vulnerability is a weakness, instead framing it as a cornerstone of courageous leadership.
Listeners will gain a deeper understanding of the dynamics of authentic leadership through Shane’s exploration of its various dimensions, including self-management and the ability to genuinely value others' opinions. He provides practical advice on how leaders can enhance their authenticity and discusses the long-term benefits of being authentic, both in personal growth and in fostering a positive organizational culture.
This episode is not just a discussion; it's an invitation to reflect on one’s own leadership style and to embrace authenticity as a vital component of effective leadership. Shane’s candid sharing and the engaging discussions provide a roadmap for IT professionals and leaders aiming to enhance their influence and impact through authenticity.

In this episode of the IT Leaders podcast, "How to Build Rapport," Laura Mattingly, a seasoned IT leader with a rich background in development and database design, explores the nuanced art of building rapport within technology teams. Transitioning from technical roles to leadership, Laura brings a unique perspective on nurturing relationships across various IT disciplines. Throughout the episode, she shares her insights and experiences with the "Rapport" program, which emphasizes understanding and leveraging different learning styles—visual, auditory, and kinesthetic—to enhance interpersonal connections.
Laura’s approach is both practical and transformative, offering listeners actionable techniques to improve communication and relationship-building skills that apply to both professional environments and personal life. Through engaging storytelling and relatable examples, she illustrates how adapting to diverse communication styles can lead to more effective and fulfilling interactions. The episode not only highlights Laura’s expertise in IT leadership but also underscores the critical importance of empathy and adaptability in today’s tech-driven workplaces.
For technology professionals looking to deepen their leadership capabilities and for anyone interested in the interpersonal dynamics of team management, this episode provides valuable lessons on the power of understanding and adapting to individual differences to foster a cohesive and collaborative work culture.

In the IT Leaders podcast episode "How Does Trust Affect Your Team," Mike Eaton, Director of Operations at Genesis, delves into the transformative power of trust within team dynamics, sharing his personal journey through significant organizational change. Leading the operations within Genesis' education department, Mike navigates a range of responsibilities, from support and sales to data analytics and technology management, against the backdrop of restructuring. His leadership approach, marked by inclusivity, active listening, and engagement, underscores the episode's central theme: the indispensable role of trust in fostering team unity and performance. Mike offers insights on practical strategies for cultivating trust and buy-in, such as consistency, transparent communication, and recognition of contributions. The episode also highlights the challenges and opportunities of leading a globally distributed team, emphasizing servant leadership as key to unlocking team potential and driving success. This IT Leaders podcast episode provides technology professionals and leaders with a compelling narrative on trust's critical role in achieving cohesive teams and organizational excellence, showcasing Mike Eaton's experiences as a testament to trust's foundational importance in leadership.

In the "Coaching and Leadership" episode of the IT Leaders podcast, Chuck Christian, with a robust background as a healthcare CIO and leadership expert, shares profound insights blending coaching with leadership. Drawing from over three decades of experience, including a significant tenure as a CIO and his role in a Midwest 13-hospital system, Chuck narrates his journey from an X-ray tech to leading strong-willed teams. He parallels his leadership lessons with those of sports and military figures, emphasizing adaptability, listening, and humility. Sharing personal anecdotes, including a 50-year marriage and parenting four daughters, he highlights patience, resilience, and the importance of role modeling. Chuck stresses accountability, the necessity of being approachable, and ensuring the right team dynamics for success. This episode not only offers actionable leadership insights but also underscores the transformative power of integrity, vision, and compassion in leadership, providing valuable takeaways for technology professionals and leaders alike.

In "Stress Management as a Leader," Ryan Brubaker, COO of CSpring, delves into the intricate dance of handling stress in leadership roles. Brubaker brings a unique, relatable perspective to the fore, discussing common fears and anxieties that leaders face—ranging from imposter syndrome to the fear of failure. By introducing practical exercises like the worst-case scenario, the overlook, and the Superman, he offers tangible methods to combat these stresses. This podcast is a blend of personal anecdotes, humor, and actionable strategies designed to empower leaders to navigate their roles with confidence and emotional intelligence.

In this engaging episode "Thriving in the Tech Tornado," Elias Oxendine IV, CISO of Yum! Brands, delves into the critical theme of personal resilience amidst the relentless challenges in IT. With over three decades of experience, including a significant tenure in cybersecurity and leadership roles across prominent corporations, Elias shares invaluable insights and strategies. He introduces the concept of "CAMP BMC," a comprehensive framework for navigating the tech tornado, emphasizing continuous learning, adaptability, managing stress, promoting self-care, building supportive teams, mindfulness, and crisis preparedness. This episode is a must-listen for professionals seeking to thrive in the dynamic world of technology while maintaining their sanity and well-being.