and that the skill sets IT needed in the past
are going to be completely obsolete tomorrow. In fact, I think that the move to the
cloud is going to be gradual, but inevitable.
The skill sets we need are going to change
somewhat, but the opportunity for IT staffs
to update their skills is there, given proper
motivation and intent. IT staffs should understand this is a trend that they can offer
value to and manage, rather than a trend
that simply renders them obsolete.
What does it take to be an effective
innovator today?
One of the things that we harp on at Atrion
is that innovation is a discipline. It’s not
any different than becoming a great writer
or learning to play a musical instrument.
It’s a craft. It’s something you have to learn.
The common misconception is that geniuses
like Steve Jobs go to a woodshed and come
out with an idea—most innovation doesn’t
happen that way.
You also have to be a historian. The more
you learn about what happened in the
past with business and technology, the
better you can understand what trends
are likely to emerge in the future. And you
always have to maintain touch points
with customers so that you always have
a clear idea of their needs and what they
are thinking and feeling.
What are the three things in life
you couldn’t live without?
Probably family, friends, and the outdoors,
in that order. I may be a technologist, but
I am not the guy who likes to be coding
in a room by himself. My interactions with
people are the most important part of my
personal and professional life. And despite
the harsh winter, I am a New Englander
who actually enjoys all of the seasons.
I like the variety, with summers on the
beach and winters on the slopes.