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

Why should CIOs step away from being the "technical fixer" to lead effectively?

In this episode, Aaron Kopel sits down with Jeff Ton, former CIO of Ton Enterprises, LLC, and a seasoned leader in IT and leadership development. Jeff shares his journey from COBOL punch cards to guiding leaders on transformative expeditions inspired by the Lewis and Clark trail. He explains why leadership is about more than just technical skills and how understanding core values can shape a team’s vision.

Leadership comes with both challenges and rewards, and Jeff explores what it really takes to guide a team. He shares how experiences, even a nature expedition, can offer fresh perspectives and reshape the way leaders see their role.

Key takeaways

• Leadership is about enabling others, not just controlling outcomes
• Strong communication builds trust and drives alignment within teams
• CIOs who focus on people and vision, not just the tech, make the biggest impact

Episode highlights

(00:00) Intro

(01:10) How prioritizing the right projects transforms IT momentum

(06:45) AI as a tool for transformation, not a one-size-fits-all solution

(13:44) On leadership, writing, and walking the Lewis and Clark Trail

(19:11) How to navigate leadership with a balanced perspective

(24:09) Lessons on tech and music

(27:56) Rapid-fire questions

Resources

Jeff Ton on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jtonindy/
Aaron Kopel on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/aaronkopel

Explore Ton Enterprises, LLC: https://jeffreyston.com/

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

Momentum is built in the uncertain moments, when leaders are stretched, cultures shift, and teams look for someone steady to move them forward.

In this episode, Aaron Kopel sits down with Warren Lenard, CIO of the Indiana Office of Technology, whose path has taken him through some of the toughest environments a CIO can face. From guiding a retail organization through COVID to stepping into statewide leadership with no public-sector background, Warren has led in seasons that reveal what leadership truly means.

Key takeaways

• Leadership evolves when leaders shift from controlling outcomes to enabling people
• Culture is strengthened or weakened by how leaders communicate
• CIOs earn their influence by partnering across the business, not protecting the tech

Episode highlights

(00:00) Intro

(01:33) How COVID challenges were tackled at Byrider

(13:25) Warren’s career journey and experiences

(21:55) Finding leadership growth and communication in IT

(27:56) Why in-person interaction shapes culture, teamwork, and silos

(38:32) How the CIO role continues to evolve

(43:18) The importance of AI literacy in the future of work

(46:07) What fitness and creativity teach

(48:08) Advice he’d give his younger self

(49:16) Connecting and networking with purpose

Resources

Warren Lenard on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/warrenlenard
Aaron Kopel on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/aaronkopel

Explore the Indiana Office of Technology: https://www.in.gov/iot/

Explore Project Brilliant: https://projectbrilliant.com
Explore the Indiana CIO Network: https://techpoint.org/indiana-cio-network

Reset by Dan Heath: https://www.danheath.com
Books by Malcolm Gladwell: https://www.gladwellbooks.com

Books by Patrick Lencioni: https://www.tablegroup.com/books/?srsltid=AfmBOoo9gyp35SwrlEnRT9TEWq4bGBO5_SJ4oosSe7F3TR0lKMqyTFv7

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