In preparing our teams for the next step in digital transformation, how do we map the best path? Without understanding each person’s needs and challenges, we cannot use technology effectively to assist them and move our business forward. Throwing technology at problems without understanding team needs is a Recipe For Disaster. On the flip side of that, learning how to build an effective collaboration between your wider business and IT is the key to staying ahead in digital transformation.

In this conversation with Kevin Hughes, he shares about the “digital transformation” buzzword and strategies to get IT and your business working together more effectively. Kevin is an innovative and decisive Vice President of IT Operations at Sharonview Federal Credit Union with extensive progressive experience directing and supervising IT operations. In his role, he leads a high-performing team of driven IT professionals committed to giving internal and external customers an efficient, secure, and engaging digital experience.

Conversation Highlights:

• [00:01] Intro and a bit about our guest, Kevin Hughes
• [01:43] Kevin's career background and how he got to where he is today
• [04:09] Lessons Kevin has learned working in different roles, including at Sharonview
• [07:23] What makes a credit union unique from a technology perspective
• [09:37] What inspired Kevin to transition into technology and leadership roles
• [11:50] How to nudge people into their passion and stretch them outside the backroom roles
• [17:51] Kevin's success stories interfacing technology with different departments
• [20:52] What happens when the business and IT don’t work together effectively
• [22:10] Shadow IT, what it is, and why it doesn’t work
• [24:07] Using communication to simplify things between business and IT
• [26:03] Digital transformation - not just a buzzword, what it means, and how to apply it
• [29:16] Impactful digital transformations that Kevin has led recently
• [33:25] Trends in IT you need to look out for in the credit unions and rural banks space
• [36:55] Blockchain technology and how it’s expected to affect financial institutions
• [38:54] Kevin's advice on how to integrate technology into your business
• [39:51] How to reach out and connect with Kevin
• [40:37] Ending the show

Notable Quotes

• People don't care about what you know until they know you care; it's caring about your people and making sure you're growing them as well. Kevin Hughes [09:57]
• If a business is not getting involvement from IT in getting the technology it needs, it’s going to find it on its own. Kevin Hughes [20:49]
• If you want to oversimplify things, enhance communication between business and IT. Kevin Hughes [24:09]
• Digital transformation is driving efficiency; it’s driving innovation to improve efficiency and make it sustainable using technology. Kevin Hughes [26:15]
• The only way you can drive efficiency is by understanding what the business is; you cannot improve what you don't know. Kevin Hughes [26:36]
• Unless you have conversations with people, unless you understand what their needs and challenges are, you cannot use technology to assist them. It will be a disaster to just throw technology at problems. Kevin Hughes [39:16]

Connect With Kevin Hughes

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kevin-hughes-824764ba

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