What inspired you to pursue entrepreneurship or leadership in your field?

I found a love for technology by taking a AP Computer Science class in high school.
After getting a BS, Management and Information Systems from FSU I knew using technology to solve business problems was my calling. Once in the field, my desire was to be at the top of my field, so I set out to become a CIO and I have been a CIO for 20 or my 30 year professional career.

What challenges have you faced as a leader or entrepreneur, and how have you overcome them?

My largest challenge was early in my career not seeing myself at the top of my field. I am a first generation college student so I did not have close examples of what things I needed to perform to become a CIO. I used that as a challenge and sought out mentorship and sponsorship in others. That has shaped one of my core values and beliefs that representation matters.

What advice would you give to aspiring entrepreneurs and leaders?

To aspiring leaders I say you do not have to do this alone or have it all figured out. Seek out mentorship, be proactive in networking and invest in yourself. Model leadership after those good leaders around you but also have your own view. I remember this quote often, “I can never allow another man to determine what I believe, because I will then always be limited to what he believes.”

Can you share a significant milestone or achievement that shaped your journey?

I would say two: Early on it would be the decision to not follow the money but the best opportunity that would shape my career coming out of college. I decided to take a lower paying job but work for a leader that I felt I could learn from immensely. The second was when I became the Global CIO of a private equity back workforce solutions organization. This let me know I belongs and that I could do anything I set my mind to.

How do you give back to the community or support the next generation of entrepreneurs?

I decided 8 years ago to leave corporate America and focus on equity based non profits. I started my own consultancy for 4 years helping non profits with interim CIO positions. Then 4 years ago I joined a national workforce development non profit named Year Up United that is looking to end the opportunity divide when it comes to getting young adults 18 – 29 into entry level career pathways for Fortune 500 organizations. I also serve on the board of two local human services non profits, St. Pete Free Clinic and Gulf Coast Jewish Family Services.