I have spoken internationally on technology topics such as IT/business alignment and running an IT department. Although I enjoy using technology, and it helped me to get where I am as part of my career objectives, I have moved beyond technology as a primary focus to using technology strategically as an enabler for business and personal growth. Few companies can survive today without significant technology interactions such as email, contact management, and word processing.

Many companies consider IT as the red-headed stepchild of the business world. But more and more, traditional companies are realizing that it can help them achieve new levels of customer interaction, business control, and profitable growth. IT/Business alignment is one of my hot buttons.

If you want to benefit from what technology can do for your business, then make sure a technologist is at your strategy meetings. They will have a different viewpoint and need to understand where the company is going in order to properly invest in technology to support your direction.