Navigating The Path To Cio: Strategies For Digital Transformation

Ivon Carolina Rodriguez Nieto, CIO and CTO - Head of the Information Systems Office of the Ministry of Commerce, Industry and Tourism

Ivon Carolina Rodriguez Nieto, CIO and CTO - Head of the Information Systems Office of the Ministry of Commerce, Industry and Tourism

Since my university days, the aspiration of becoming a Chief Information Officer (CIO) has been a driving force in my career path. However, the path to this role requires a clear understanding of the responsibilities involved. As I embarked on my career, I encountered various uncertainties about what it takes to be a CIO and how to effectively influence an organization’s digital transformation.

At the beginning of this whole process, I didn’t recognize what it took to become one, what I should study or what skills I should acquire to obtain the CIO position. Together with that, I was unaware of how a CIO should influence an organization and carry out their work from the technology area to generate value for the existing processes. At the same time, I had little idea of ways to open new services and business opportunities, digitally transform the operation and promote high-impact strategies. Most importantly, a CIO works to create a digital culture where people are considered participants and eventually take on the role of developing all aspects of an organization, from strategy to operation, in the influential digital world.

"From my experience as a CIO, I can say that it doesn’t take years to become one; but to have a series of personal and professional capabilities from day one"

From my experience as a CIO, I can say that it doesn’t take years to become one; but to have a series of personal and professional capabilities from day one. Their proficiency needs to reflect in classrooms, companies and project management as well as with co-workers, colleagues, the media and life itself.

There are great references that allow us to understand and guide ourselves on our path to becoming a CIO. One personal piece of advice is to gather knowledge and awaken skills that facilitate our work and professional development in achieving this role. It includes having a clear vision of the organization, knowing new technologies and methodologies and managing projects. The most important is being influential in the work areas and other processes of the organization to better recognize our work team. With the

skills and strengths of the team, there will be high motivation and successful results, generation of new ideas and great innovation proposals.

Complementing the aforementioned statement, the CIO is a great ally with the work team and a great communicator. They monitor IT strategies until materialization, take advantage of each of the opportunities to generate digital transformation and better understand the experiences of employees and clients. Above all, these insights help look for improvements in the services and employ new technologies.

When you ask questions or look for information on how to achieve these CIO skills, you usually find general information. Sometimes, you don’t have such specific information on how to develop your skillset, so I want to share a solution based on my work history, including a set of experiences, education, knowledge and skills. Mastering each skill does not depend on time but on how you carry it daily alongside successes and failures, going out, moving forward and constantly strengthening yourself with learning.

Perhaps you have not yet realized at this moment that you are working and developing a CIO’s skillsets and you only need to start identifying and taking into account the above suggestions. I encourage you to work on it and not give up on the attempt.