James Ronyak, with almost four decades of experience, holds pivotal roles as VP of Technology at Mercatus Center, Managing Director at Institute of Humane Studies, and Chief Information Security Officer. His rich expertise encompasses project management, network infrastructure, systems administration, programming, and security. As an innovative, detail-oriented IT executive, Ronyak’s diverse skills and effective solutions make him a key asset in the IT industry.
Join James Ronyak in this episode to learn about the importance of continuous learning and growth in IT management. He emphasizes effective communication, collaboration, and subject matter expertise, and encourages prioritizing long-term solutions and seeking out mentors. Jim offers valuable insights into managing multiple silos and projects, making this a must-listen for anyone interested in improving their management skills in IT.
Work of Mercatus Center [00:00:30]
James Ronyak outlines the Mercatus Center’s function as a think tank, emphasizing its backing for scholars in various fields.
Challenges faced by IT directors [00:04:46]
James provides advice for IT directors on managing multiple silos and projects, focusing on the bigger picture, and providing subject matter expert frameworks to leadership positions.
Being Cheap [00:10:19]
The consequences of being cheap in presenting solutions.
Working in IT in the 80s [00:13:38]
Working in IT in the 80s, including using punch cards and replacing green monochrome mainframe screens.
Hacking and Security [00:16:51]
James talks about his first experience with hacking and when security became a thought in IT.
Baseball teams [00:19:09]
James talks about his favorite baseball team, the Pittsburgh Pirates, and the challenges of being a Yankees fan in Massachusetts.
Convincing the C-Suite [00:21:06]
James discusses the importance of speaking to the needs of the CFO and providing subject matter expert frameworks to leadership positions.
Intellectual Humility [00:28:43]
Jim talks about the need for intellectual humility and being okay with asking for help in a competitive culture.
Don’t be lazy [00:33:11]
The importance of having a mentor and a coach who will tell you the truth, not what you want to hear, and the need to avoid laziness.
Moving up the ladder [00:34:30]
Counseling young managers against rushing to the c-suite, noting the shift from technical tasks to becoming mentors and the challenges of having hard discussions with the team.
Continued education [00:37:19]
The importance of carving out time for self-improvement, seeking out groups to work with, and continually learning through certification, reading books, and attending webinars.
Challenges of Climbing the Corporate Ladder [00:39:03]
The conversation touches upon the challenges faced by employees who focus solely on climbing the corporate ladder and the impact it has on their happiness
Leadership Articles / Emerging Topics / Nagging Issues
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