Boardroom Bound

Maryfran Johnson is the host of CIO.com’s CIO Leadership Live video show and former Editor in Chief of CIO magazine and Events. Contact her at [email protected].

Joining a startup board? 4 key questions CIOs should ask

The frenetic world of tech startups seems like appealing target for CIOs looking to gain board experience. But choose carefully, say CIOs who have taken the leap.

By Maryfran Johnson

16 Oct 2021 8 mins

CIO Careers

The new data challenge: Raising your company’s ESG IQ

Environmental, social, and governance (ESG) issues are now a top board concern, with employees and investors alike expecting companies to take an active role in improving society. CIOs have an opportunity to flex their data management expertise, serv....

By Maryfran Johnson

28 Jan 2021 5 mins

CIO Careers Data Management

The one skill every CIO needs for better board conversations

For IT leaders to stand out as strategic business contributors, simply presenting your materials isn't enough: Engage the board with a few great questions of your own.

By Maryfran Johnson

10 Nov 2020 5 mins

IT Leadership IT Skills and Training

5 compelling reasons why CIOs should pursue board seats now

Interested in serving on a board? Don't wait for retirement.

By Maryfran Johnson

1 Oct 2020 7 mins

Careers

Finding the ideal board readiness program (and why you need one)

When it comes to landing a board role, who you know matters just as much as what you know. Board readiness programs should help you with both.

By Maryfran Johnson

10 Aug 2020 6 mins

Careers IT Skills and Training

Interviewing for a board seat: 3 key differences vs. CIO jobs

Cultural fit, collaborative spirit and commitment matter just as much to board directors as your tech expertise.

By Maryfran Johnson

18 Jun 2020 6 mins

Careers

Seeking opportunity in crisis, boards uphold digital growth agendas

Determined to find opportunity in the COVID aftermath, boards are leaning in with more management support in addition to their usual strategic oversight. Navigating the post-pandemic world will amplify IT leadership in agility and innovation.

By Maryfran Johnson

28 May 2020 6 mins

Digital Transformation IT Leadership Innovation

Executive Development: When CEOs help their CIOs prepare for board roles

It may seem counterintuitive for CEOs to encourage (and even coach) their CIOs and senior business leaders to serve on outside boards, but doing so can deliver real business benefits.

By Maryfran Johnson

13 May 2020 6 mins

CIO Careers IT Leadership

5 key ingredients for the ideal board resume

Whether it's a DIY rewrite of your executive CV or a professionally produced document, every board candidate needs a resume that shines.

By Maryfran Johnson

27 Apr 2020 5 mins

Careers

Briefing the board on security: Put data in the driver’s seat

Skip the scare tactics and cultivate u201ctech championsu201d among your board directors via data-driven stories and cybersecurity scorecards.

By Maryfran Johnson

24 Mar 2020 7 mins

IT Leadership Security

4 strategies for board presentation success

Veteran execs share their best advice on understanding the mindset of the board.

By Maryfran Johnson

28 Feb 2020 6 mins

Careers IT Leadership

Playing the “long game” of networking to earn a board seat

Landing your first board director role is often a multi-year effort. Be prepared to expand the diversity of your connections while building your breadth of business experience.

By Maryfran Johnson

13 Feb 2020 4 mins

Careers IT Leadership