Unlock the Secrets of IT Leadership with Pasquale Cirullo, Ep #34
In this captivating episode, we sit down with Pasquale Cirullo, a dynamic IT executive whose remarkable 20-year journey has taken him from the trenches of technology to the forefront of leadership. With a wealth of experience guiding diverse teams across manufacturing, real estate, non-profits, advertising, and publishing, Pasquale brings a unique perspective on what it takes to succeed in the fast-paced world of IT. Join us as we delve into his transformative experiences, from eye-opening leadership courses to game-changing books that have shaped his management philosophy. Discover how Pasquale's passion for mentorship, continuous learning, and building strong, adaptable teams has propelled him to the top of his field. Get ready to take notes as he shares his insider secrets on hiring top talent, fostering a culture of trust and empowerment, and navigating the ever-evolving landscape of information technology. You will want to hear this episode if you are interested in... 0:00:00 -- Pasquale's Journey to Leadership Roles 0:03:24 -- Impactful Leadership Courses and Books 0:08:52 -- Pasquale's Approach to Interviewing and Hiring 0:14:20 -- The Importance of Cultural Fit and Relationships 0:18:36 -- Hiring Consultants vs. Full-Time Employees 0:22:14 -- Advice for Pasquale's Younger Self "I don't want to look over your shoulder and tell you everything you need to do. I need to trust that I can tell you what I want done... I want the people to push back on me and say, no, that's not the way we should do it. And we can have that conversation." -- Pasquale Cirullo Leadership Lessons from Unexpected Places Pasquale shares how his leadership journey began not in the professional world, but through involvement in his college commuter club and as a scoutmaster in his son's Boy Scout troop. He discusses the influential mentors who saw his potential and encouraged him to take on greater responsibilities. Continuous Learning and Growth Discover the books and leadership courses that have shaped Pasquale's management style and philosophy. He highlights the transformative experience of SIM's Regional Leadership Forum (RLF) and shares his key takeaways from thought-provoking reads like "Man's Search for Meaning," "The Abilene Paradox," and "Start with Why." Building Strong IT Teams Gain insights into Pasquale's strategies for interviewing and hiring top talent. He emphasizes the importance of cultural fit, adaptability, and strong relationships built on trust. Pasquale also discusses the considerations when deciding between hiring consultants versus full-time employees for specific projects. Leading with Trust and Empowerment Pasquale offers a candid look into his leadership style, which prioritizes trust, open communication, and empowering team members to take ownership of their work. He shares his approach to one-on-one meetings and fostering an environment where employees feel comfortable pushing back and having honest conversations. Throughout the episode, Pasquale's passion for continuous learning, mentorship, and building strong, adaptable teams shines through. Don't miss this opportunity to learn from a seasoned IT leader's wealth of experience and practical wisdom. Resources: Society for Information Management (SIM): https://www.simnet.org/ Books Mentioned: · "Man's Search for Meaning" by Viktor Frankl: https://www.amazon.com/Mans-Search-Meaning-Viktor-Frankl/dp/0807014273 · "The Abilene Paradox and Other Meditations on Management" by Jerry B. Harvey: https://www.amazon.com/Abilene-Paradox-Other-Meditations-Management/dp/0787902772 · "Crucial Conversations: Tools for Talking When Stakes Are High" by Kerry Patterson, Joseph Grenny, Ron McMillan, and Al Switzler: https://www.amazon.com/Crucial-Conversations-Talking-Stakes-Second/dp/0071771328 · "Execution: The Discipline of Getting Things Done" by Larry Bossidy and Ram Charan: https://www.
