Transforming Business through Tech-Driven Solutions and Cultivating a Culture of Innovation

Kevin Carlson, Director of Information Technology, Murray Company

Throughout his career, Kevin Carlson has remained a resourceful and results-driven professional with a track record of translating prospective business ideas/opportunities into tech-driven solutions by analyzing needs and anticipating/converting potential obstacles.

Carlson has been essential in implementing the most recent technology developments with the goal of enhancing operational operations, and has also served as a Predictive Index (PI) Practitioner for undertaking behavioral and cognitive analysis.

“By embracing innovative approaches to application integration and development, IT departments can enhance efficiency, agility, and collaboration, and drive business growth and innovation within Murray Company.”

Following is the conversation that we had with Carlson.

As the Director of Information Technology at Murray Company, what do you believe are the most pressing challenges facing IT departments today?

As the Director of Information Technology at Murray Company, the most pressing challenges facing IT departments today include cybersecurity threats, data protection and privacy, digital transformation and innovation, IT infrastructure management, talent acquisition and retention, user support and experience, regulatory compliance, and innovative approaches to application integration and development. IT departments need to embrace modern approaches to application integration, such as leveraging APIs (Application Programming Interfaces) and adopting agile development methodologies to enable seamless integration of systems and streamline business processes. Embracing low-code or no-code development platforms can empower business users to participate in application development, accelerating the delivery of new solutions and enhancing innovation. By embracing innovative approaches to application integration and development, IT departments can enhance efficiency, agility, and collaboration, and drive business growth and innovation within Murray Company.

In your experience, what strategies have been successful in bridging the gap between IT and other business units within an organization?

To bridge the gap between IT and other business units within an organization, successful strategies include clear and frequent communication, adopting a business-oriented IT approach, promoting collaborative decision-making, encouraging joint projects and cross-functional teams, providing education and training opportunities, and ensuring IT representation in strategic discussions. These approaches foster better understanding, collaboration, and alignment between IT and business teams, enabling them to work together towards shared objectives and drive successful digital transformation.

Can you highlight any recent innovations or initiatives undertaken by the IT department that have significantly improved productivity or efficiency within Murray Company?

Kevin, the IT department head at Murray Company, has implemented various innovative initiatives to improve productivity and efficiency. These include revamping the ticketing system, implementing remote monitoring and management, upgrading servers and network infrastructure, deploying advanced security technologies like DarkTrace and SentinelOne, introducing collaboration tools, enhancing employee cybersecurity awareness, implementing SSO and MFA, optimizing procurement processes, and generating significant cost savings. These initiatives have had a positive impact on Murray Company, enhancing system stability, security, network performance, communication, knowledge transfer, and overall operational efficiency.

As Director of Information Technology, what steps do you take to foster a culture of innovation and continuous improvement within your team?

As the Director of Information Technology, I foster a culture of innovation and continuous improvement within my team through various approaches. I encourage and value new ideas, providing platforms for idea-sharing and creating a safe environment for experimentation and risk-taking. I support professional development to enhance skills and knowledge, promote collaboration and cross-functional work, and recognize and celebrate achievements. Additionally, I lead by example, staying informed about industry trends and seeking opportunities for improvement. Leveraging tools like the Entrepreneurial Operating System (EOS) and conducting Level 10 meetings, we ensure effective communication, problem-solving, and goal tracking. These practices contribute to a culture of transparency, accountability, and innovation, enabling our team to drive technological advancements and achieve organizational success.

Can you share any lessons or insights you've gained throughout your career in IT leadership that have shaped your approach to managing technology teams and driving successful outcomes?

Based on my 25 plus years of experience in the technology field, here are some valuable lessons and insights I have gained:

Embrace continuous learning: Everyone has something to teach, so avoid micro-managing and foster a culture of open dialogue where questions are encouraged. Embrace the opportunity to learn from others, regardless of their position or expertise.

Embrace failure and experimentation: Failure is a valuable teacher, so don't shy away from it. Embrace a mindset of experimentation and taking calculated risks. Learn from failures quickly and adapt your approach accordingly.

Understand psychology: In the technology field, understanding human behavior and motivations is crucial. As gatekeepers of company secrets and enablers of end-users, understanding psychology helps navigate hidden agendas and build effective relationships.

Leadership is challenging: Leadership requires a diverse set of skills, including effective communication, decision-making, and managing teams. Recognize that leadership is a continuous learning process and be open to growth and development.

Prioritize communication and presence: Effective communication is vital, whether in person or in remote working situations. Regular meetings and virtual communication platforms like Teams or Zoom help foster collaboration and maintain connections with team members.

Cultivate self-awareness: Understand your own strengths, weaknesses, and personality dynamics. Utilize tools like the Predictive Index to support hiring decisions and ongoing team dynamics. Develop emotional intelligence to navigate relationships and manage conflicts effectively.

Engage in a professional community: Being part of a professional community, such as 7 CTOs or Vistage, provides opportunities for networking, knowledge sharing, and mentorship. Engaging with peers in similar roles can offer valuable insights and support.

These lessons and insights have shaped my approach to the technology field and have contributed to my growth as a technology professional. By incorporating these principles, you can enhance your effectiveness and create a positive impact in your role.