How to Overcome Corporate Politics and Finally Get Promoted in IT with Howard Miller
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In this episode of MR2 Technology Leadership Podcast, host James Gambill [https://www.linkedin.com/in/james-gambill-41b85b33/] chats with Howard Miller [https://www.linkedin.com/in/howardjmiller/], a seasoned IT executive with extensive experience in IT leadership, cybersecurity, and strategic technology management. Howard currently serves as Chief Information Officer (CIO) at UCLA Anderson School of Management [https://www.linkedin.com/school/ucla-anderson-school-of-management/], where he oversees IT operations, security, and digital transformation initiatives. He is founding member of CXO/RISE [https://www.linkedin.com/company/cxorise/] where he mentors and collaborates with technology leaders to tackle modern IT challenges, build strategic roadmaps, and drive innovation. In addition, Howard serves as the Advisory Board Member of Glilot Capital Partners [https://www.linkedin.com/company/glilot-capital-partners/], where he helps guide investments in cybersecurity, enterprise software, and tech startups.
Howard talks about his journey from starting as an entry-level programmer to becoming an executive IT leader. He shares the challenges he faced and the key decisions that shaped his career. The conversation covers career growth, taking risks, the importance of networking, and how IT professionals can set themselves apart in today’s job market. Whether you're just starting out or already in a leadership role, there’s a lot to take away from this discussion.
What You’ll Learn in This Episode:
The path from entry-level IT to executive leadership–what it takes to climb the ladder.
The role of risk-taking in career decisions and when it’s the right time to make a move.
Why networking and soft skills are just as critical as technical expertise.
The value of degrees vs. certifications in the modern IT job market.
How technology trends like AI, cybersecurity, and quantum computing are shaping the future.
Episode Highlights:
[00:00] – Introduction to Howard Miller
[00:25] – Howard’s journey from entry-level programming to IT leadership
[04:52] – Challenges and strategies for climbing the corporate ladder
[10:17] – The power of networking and why it’s critical for IT professionals
[12:54] – Degrees vs. certifications: What matters most in the IT job market
[16:04] – Certifications vs Real-World Experience
[19:07] – Lessons learned: Howard’s biggest career decisions and what he’d do differently
[22:32] – Exploring Alternative Career Paths
[28:39] – The future of IT: AI, cybersecurity, and quantum computing
Follow Our Guest Howard Miller:
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/howardjmiller/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/howardjmiller/]
UCLA Anderson School of Management: https://www.linkedin.com/school/ucla-anderson-school-of-management/ [https://www.linkedin.com/school/ucla-anderson-school-of-management/]
CXO/RISE: https://www.linkedin.com/company/cxorise/ [https://www.linkedin.com/company/cxorise/]
Glilot Capital Partners: https://www.linkedin.com/company/glilot-capital-partners/ [https://www.linkedin.com/company/glilot-capital-partners/]
Follow MR2 Technology Leadership Podcast:
Website: https://www.mr2solutions.com/ [https://www.mr2solutions.com/]
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MR2SolutionsTBaaS [https://www.facebook.com/MR2SolutionsTBaaS] LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/mr2-solutions-inc./ [https://www.linkedin.com/company/mr2-solutions-inc./]
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@mr2solutions [https://www.youtube.com/@mr2solutions] | https://www.youtube.com/@CTLNetwork [https://www.youtube.com/@CTLNetwork]
