Advancing in the field of information technology requires a combination of technical knowledge, problem-solving skills and an understanding of the future of technology. IT professionals must stay up-to-date on new technologies and trends as the world rapidly evolves. Join the conversation with Scott Finkhouse as he shares how he became a CIO. We also discuss how you can advance in IT and some of the challenges you'll likely face along the way - including one of the bigger challenges, balancing budget and risk.

Scott is the Vice President and Chief Information Officer at NN, Inc. He joined NN in 2017 and was appointed Vice President and Chief Information Officer in 2021. Prior to joining NN, he held several IT positions with Tier 1 automotive companies, leading technologies, resources, information systems deployment, and development divisions for high-growth organizations. Scott holds a Bachelor of Science in Management and Computer Information Systems from Ferris State University and has earned his Chief Information Security Officer certification.

Conversation Highlights:
[00:01] Intro and a bit about our guest, Scott Finkhouse
[01:37] Scott’s personal and professional backstory
[08:14] How Scott navigated the difficult task of selecting a college course
[13:57] How someone very technical might move into leadership
[16:22] Why technical wizards should be involved in every sector of the business
[20:03] Scott’s strategies of balancing risks and investing in manufacturing
[27:50] Tips IT leaders can implement to improve how their ideas are listened to by executives
[31:34] The power of honesty in your IT job
[37:00] Trends in IT for manufacturing that Scott has started paying attention to
[42:30] The one message about the future of technology that Scott will give
[45:56] How to reach out and connect with Scott
[46:38] Ending the show

Notable Quotes

• Most of the people that really excel, if they're technically driven, will become level three Cisco engineers- high-level windows engineers. Scott Finkhouse [14:47]
• Technical wizards should be involved in all stages and levels of a business because that's how they will learn cross-functional aspects of a business. Aaron Bock [16:22]
• At its core, business is all about relationships. Aaron Bock [18:56]
• No matter what we do, there is always a risk. We only need to have the right balance between risk and investments. Scott Finkhouse [25:18]
• It’s important, to be honest. It won’t help you and will only make your job harder if you don't. Aaron Bock [31:37]
• Technology was made to help us do our jobs better, not do our jobs for us and not do life for us. Aaron Bock [45:02]

Connect With Scott Finkhouse
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/scottfinkhouse/
Email: scott.finkhouse@nn.com

The IT Matters Podcast is about IT matters and matters pertaining to IT.