#6 – Mac Avancena on Leading Government IT: Modernization, AI & Leadership Strategies

Being a CIO can be a lonely job, but strong partnerships, a data-driven mindset, and a clear vision are essential for success—especially in the public sector. In this episode of Thriving in Ambiguity, I sit down with Mac Avancena, a seasoned IT leader with over 25 years of experience in technology transformation, operations, and innovation. We dive into the challenges of modernization in state government, AI's role in IT strategy, and how CIOs can balance immediate results with long-term goals. Mac shares his firsthand experiences leading large-scale digital transformations and how he leveraged data analytics, strong relationships, and strategic partnerships to drive impactful change. Topics We Cover: 00:00 Intro  03:00 You don't manage what you don't measure 3:59 Building Political Capital as a Technology Leader 10:50 AI, Automation & Workforce Development – What's Next for Public Sector Tech 21:10 The Power of Relationships & Shared Equity in IT Leadership 38:10 Cross-Agency Collaboration & Data Sharing – The Best Practices 47:05 The Future and Creating a Technology Roadmap 58:50 Why Data is Your Anchor in a Sea of Opinions CIOs, IT Leaders & Public Sector Innovators—this episode is for you! 💬 What's your biggest challenge in leading IT transformation? Drop a comment below! 🔔 Don't forget to subscribe for more insights on tech strategy, leadership, and innovation!