What happens when a technologist chooses public service and discovers leadership is less about systems and more about people?

In this episode, Aaron Kopel sits down with Collin Hill, CIO of Indianapolis and Marion County, to explore how service industry experience, local government work, and calm leadership under pressure shape stronger technology leaders. Collin shares his unexpected path into public service and why running technology for his hometown has become the most challenging and rewarding role of his career.

The conversation explores a pivotal moment early in Collin’s CIO journey, when a cybersecurity initiative triggered backlash across the organization and forced a defining leadership choice. Rather than retreating, he leaned in, making a decision that reshaped how security and shared responsibility showed up across the city. He also shares why service industry experience builds the empathy and steadiness needed to lead tech teams under pressure.

Key takeaways

• Service industry experience builds empathy and stronger leadership skills
• Local government offers unmatched responsibility and community impact
• Effective CIOs lead with calm communication and a people first mindset

Episode highlights

(00:00) Intro

(01:50) When playing it safe stops working

(04:39) Why everyone should spend time in local government

(10:45) How working in the service industry makes the best talents

(15:42) Culture is set in the most uncomfortable moments

(19:48) When you have to stand on what you believe

(21:03) Running technology for your own hometown

(23:07) Rapid fire questions

(27:45) Leaving the world better than when you found it

Resources

Collin Hill on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/collin-hill-b178483/
Aaron Kopel on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/aaronkopel

Explore the Information Services Agency of the City of Indianapolis and Marion County: https://www.indy.gov/agency/information-services-agency

Explore Project Brilliant: https://projectbrilliant.com

Explore the Indiana CIO Network: https://techpoint.org/indiana-cio-network/

Buy Unlocking Momentum: https://a.co/d/hKPFqoS