The Accidental CIO: How Embracing Chaos and Ditching Long-Term Plans is the Future of IT Leadership
Most CIOs chart a course through rigorous education and carefully planned career progression. Daragh Mahon, EVP and CIO at Werner Enterprises, took a different route – one paved with inventory management, unauthorized software deals, and a willingness to dive headfirst into whatever problem needed solving. His story isn’t just an inspiring career trajectory; it’s a blueprint for the evolving role of the modern IT leader, one increasingly defined by agility, adaptability, and a healthy disregard for traditional planning.
From Trucking to Tech: A Serendipitous Rise
Mahon’s journey began with a practical immersion in the realities of supply chain logistics after immigrating to the US. Starting as a professional truck driver, he quickly transitioned into inventory control, where he encountered a glaring inefficiency: everything was manual. This sparked a self-taught coding journey, initially aimed at automating processes. But his early experience highlighted a crucial lesson: the “build vs. buy” dilemma. Taking a risk – and bending a few rules – he secured a shipping and warehouse management system, demonstrating a proactive, solution-oriented mindset that would define his career. This early experience with supply chain management systems laid the foundation for his future success.
The Power of “I Don’t Know”: Embracing the Uncharted Territory
Mahon’s career at Sage Group and Vonage was characterized by a consistent pattern: being thrown into critical projects with little prior experience. From SAP implementations to data migration, he consistently stepped up, often learning on the fly. He didn’t shy away from chaos; he thrived in it. This willingness to tackle unfamiliar challenges, coupled with a knack for assembling the right team, proved invaluable. His team even pioneered the virtualization of SAP environments, defying conventional wisdom at the time. This highlights a critical shift in IT leadership: the ability to navigate ambiguity and drive innovation even when the path forward isn’t clear.
Short-Term Focus: Why Long-Term Planning is Becoming Obsolete
Mahon’s philosophy on planning is refreshingly pragmatic. He advocates for a short-term focus, prioritizing the next 2-3 months with a flexible outlook for the following 3-6. Beyond that, he believes detailed planning is largely a waste of time. “The North Star is very fuzzy,” he explains, recognizing the rapid pace of technological change. This approach aligns with the principles of Agile methodologies, which emphasize iterative development and responsiveness to changing requirements. In a world where disruption is the norm, the ability to adapt quickly is far more valuable than adhering to a rigid, outdated plan.
The CIO as Change Agent: Beyond Technology Management
Mahon views his role as a CIO less about technology and more about change management. He emphasizes the importance of understanding business needs and translating them into effective solutions. This requires strong communication skills, empathy, and the ability to build trust across the organization. He learned the hard way that simply implementing the “best” technology isn’t enough; you must articulate the *value* of that technology in a way that resonates with stakeholders. This shift reflects a broader trend: the CIO is no longer a technical expert but a strategic leader who drives business transformation.
Imposter Syndrome and the “Diamond in the Rough”
Interestingly, Mahon’s success came despite lacking a traditional computer science degree. He openly admits to grappling with imposter syndrome, questioning his qualifications even at the highest levels. However, the mentorship of Teri McEvily, who recognized his potential and provided unwavering support, was instrumental in his growth. This underscores the importance of sponsorship and the power of believing in someone’s abilities, even when they don’t fully believe in themselves. Mahon’s story is a powerful reminder that talent and drive can overcome formal qualifications.
Building Trust and Credibility: The Foundation of IT Leadership
Mahon stresses the importance of building trust and credibility, particularly for new CIOs. He recommends focusing on “small wins” to demonstrate value and establish a track record of success. He also emphasizes the need to be decisive and stand up for what’s right, even if it means making unpopular decisions. In an era of increasing cybersecurity threats and data breaches, trust is paramount. CIOs must be seen as reliable stewards of information and advocates for responsible technology practices.
Daragh Mahon’s career is a compelling case study in the evolving role of the CIO. His journey demonstrates that adaptability, a willingness to embrace chaos, and a focus on delivering value are far more important than a perfectly planned career path. As technology continues to disrupt industries at an accelerating pace, the “accidental CIO” – the leader who can navigate uncertainty and drive change – will be the most valuable asset any organization can have. What unexpected paths have shaped the careers of IT leaders in your organization? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
