How to become a CIO and build your thought leadership - Tom Sweet | E3

Tom Sweet is the CIO of Industrial Refrigeration Pros and former Vice President Cloud Services at GM Financial. As an introvert, he was really against social media but decided it was necessary to build a brand, go to networking events and gain speaking opportunities, in order to get into the C-suite level.His continual pursuit of learning, and ability to communicate complex technical concepts to non-technical stakeholders really helped to propel his career.Connect with Tom Sweet on LinkedIn at: https://www.linkedin.com/in/thomasjsweetWant to build your authority and brand as a tech leader? Subscribe to our newsletter for weekly updates, and a free guide and 1-hour training: https://techlegacies.ck.page/newsletterConnect with Fanny Dunagan on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/fannydunagan00:00 Introduction00:47 Guest Introduction Tom Sweet01:21 Why is networking so important to you?03:36 What got you interested in the tech?04:54 What are the parallels between technology and engineering?05:41 What led you to where you are now?07:48 Why take the CIO risk?09:00 Being ok with being uncomfortable10:40 Skills needed to get into to the C Suite12:14 How do you stay up to date on the latest trends and tool?14:38 How to overcome being an introvert?15:46 CG Infinity 16:24 Tom's first video16:43 What did you learn from the low points of your career?18:08 What keeps you motivated?18:57 Why is giving back to the community important?20:34 Looking for mentors21:53 The importance of asking23:15 Networking events tech professionals should attend24:21 Tips on how to talk to people25:40 Where is AI going?27:40 What is the hardest part of hiring talent?28:34 Tips on how to look for talent28:58 How to develop teams30:59 What surprised you being in the C level?31:29 What kind of legacy you want to leave behind?32:26 Advice on how to grow in tech.34:12 Tech CXO Launch Pad35:49 Outro