Embarking on a journey from coding to leadership, Garima Srivastava, Vice President & Associate CIO at the University of California, San Francisco, epitomizes the evolution towards user-centric solutions. Initially immersed in software development, Garima observed firsthand the frustrations of users navigating interfaces designed without their perspectives in mind. This realization ignited her commitment to crafting solutions that not only met technical standards but also intuitively served the diverse needs of end-users. Embracing empathy and a broader strategic vision, Garima transcended her role as a coder to become a leader who champions holistic, user-centric approaches within her organization and beyond. Her story underscores the profound impact of prioritizing user experience in technology leadership, driving meaningful innovation and fostering inclusive solutions that resonate with diverse user communities.

Here’s more about Garima Srivastava:

Always focused on the future and how to help achieve ambitious corporate objectives, I’m a business-minded technology executive offering 20+ years of experience, with recent specialization in healthcare. I bring to the table expertise in driving business-aligned IT strategy and vision coupled with a passion for innovation.

Enabling business transformation through technology implementation is where I excel. My background includes an extensive track record of improving efficiency, costs, productivity and security by leading the development and introduction of new systems, applications and other solutions.

One of the keys to my success is my ability to build cross-functional relationships and trust at all organizational levels. I work closely with stakeholders up to the C-suite and influence enterprise-wide business decisions by providing strategic technology insights. Building high-performing, customer-focused teams is also among my strengths.

Curious about how self-reflection can significantly enhance your professional effectiveness? Self-reflection is a pivotal practice that empowers individuals to introspect, refine skills, and achieve personal growth. It offers clarity on strengths, weaknesses, and areas for improvement, facilitating career advancement and leadership development. Matthew Peters, Chief Technology Officer at CAI, champions the transformative impact of self-reflection in driving innovation and optimizing performance within organizations. By embracing self-assessment and learning from experiences, professionals can adapt and innovate, fostering a culture of continuous improvement that propels both personal and organizational success.

Here’s more about Matthew Peters:

I have spent my career as a transformation leader, driving positive change while remaining grounded and purposeful. In my current role, I am responsible for CAI’s enterprise technology strategy, focusing on organizational transformation and innovation.

• At CAI, I help our clients realize the value and vision of smart technology decisions, driving solutions that simplify complex IT problems.

• My focus is currently on cognitive decision-making solutions that extend RPA capabilities, and on blockchain technology that provides data-level application security.

• I prioritize a culture of continuous improvement and smart innovation – cultivating positive relationships and trust to push our organization to new levels.

As technology changes the world in which we live and work, I build entrepreneurial strategies that keep us and our clients ahead of the curve.

What's the significance of leaders focusing on learning before tackling their duties head-on? When leaders invest time in comprehending their roles and the organization, they establish a sturdy groundwork for informed decision-making and cultivate better relationships with team members and stakeholders. Mandy Terrill, serving as the Associate Chief Information Officer for Research at the University of California, San Francisco, advocates for the initial six months of learning and exploration. This approach allows leaders to acquire crucial insights, pinpoint major challenges, and devise effective strategies for sustainable progress.

Here’s more about Mandy Terrill

Experienced Director working with applications and a demonstrated history of working in the hospital & health care industry. Skilled in IT Strategy, Management, Project Portfolio Management, Software Documentation, and Business Process Improvement. Strong research professional with a Master's degree focused in Information Technology Project Management from Northeastern University.