Brian Alikhani
CIO
International Union Of Operating Engineers
Brian Alikhani, Chief Information Officer at Union of Operating Engineers, is a recognized technology leader known for crafting a requisite strategic vision to achieve business goals, He offers a unique blend of business acumen, technical knowledge, global team building and IT solutions development credited with strong ROI and operational improvements.
Brian has built agile IT organizations that constantly deliver results by aligning technology initiatives with business goals with substantial improvements to service delivery, standardization, and business performance.
Learn more about leaders in the San Francisco CIO community here.
Give us a brief overview of the path that led to your current role.
I have managed IT at the Executive level for 25+ years. In a nutshell, I'm the guy who steps into a technology department and takes charge to make sure systems are implemented, compliance gets followed and procedures are enacted. I am the IT liaison that communicates application of technology from the technical workers to the C-suite.
I am a hands-on technical leader. I motivate my staff toward achievement, and I have the ability to manage cross-functional teams by creating an atmosphere of trust and collaboration to help the organizations meet their business objectives.
I am from the Bay Area, married and have two kids. I’m particularly interested in a CIO community, like Evanta, to contribute and participate.
What is one of your guiding leadership principles?
I value people and understand the value they bring to their organization. I don't treat them like interchangeable parts. Despite their human side, IT and business leaders understand the need to make tough decisions and realize that they can make the difference to improve the outcome of the business. I'm, therefore, results-oriented and focused on measurably improving the business.
With disruption being a key theme of the past year, where do you see your role as a CIO going in the next 1-2 years?
Innovation, because it's disruptive. Successful CIOs must be innovative and find a way to improve the business quantitatively.
What advice would you give to someone just starting out in the role as a CIO?
- Value what you know.
- Learn what you don't know.
- Keep up with new technology trends.
- Admit to mistakes, learn and move forward.
A lot of CIOs aren't even aware of the levels of their technical knowledge.
Tell us a couple of fun facts about yourself.
- I’m a chess player near master level.
- I have a minor in history and I wrote a book about the modern history of a country in the Middle East that is on Amazon.
What is the value of joining an Evanta community?
Contributing to the body of knowledge this great community has created.
Evanta Governing Body members share their insights and leadership perspectives to shape the agendas and topics that address the top priorities impacting business leaders today.
by CIOs, for CIOs
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