Laurent Farci
CIO
Monks
Laurent Farci is the Chief Information Officer at Monks, where he orchestrates an AI-powered technology backbone for an 8,000-person global creative network. A French native now based in the San Francisco Bay Area, he has nearly two decades of experience shaping enterprise systems that fuel organizational growth and innovation. Laurent leads large-scale transformations, leveraging advanced AI solutions to empower teams, streamline operations, and keep Monks at the cutting edge of technology. A fun fact about him: he’s an avid LEGO enthusiast, channeling his creativity both in and out of the office.
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Give us a brief overview of the path that led to your current role.
My path to the CIO role began when I joined MightyHive in 2018 — a fast-paced San Francisco startup — driven by a desire to build solutions from the ground up in CRM and Revenue Operations. Having founded my own companies and worked in consulting, I was eager for a new challenge that would push me to innovate. MightyHive was acquired by S4 Capital, merged with MediaMonks, and expanded through 34 additional M&A deals. Five years later, following this rapid growth, I stepped into the CIO position to oversee and continually evolve our global technology infrastructure.
What is one of your guiding leadership principles?
One of my guiding leadership principles is to embrace errors as catalysts for growth. By iterating quickly, improving at every step, and then scaling once an idea proves viable, we foster a culture of rapid learning and innovation. This approach not only accelerates transformation but also empowers teams to remain resilient and adaptable.
What is the greatest challenge CIOs face today, and how are you addressing it?
The greatest challenge I see today is the unprecedented pace of the AI revolution and the pressure to integrate AI quickly, even as regulatory frameworks for public companies remain restrictive. To address this, I focus on striking the right balance: moving forward with AI adoption while ensuring we establish a solid, secure foundation. This means coordinating closely with boards, executives, employees, and security teams to maintain equilibrium and build trust. By prioritizing both rapid innovation and responsible governance, we can harness AI’s transformative potential without compromising stability or compliance.
What is the key to success for someone just starting out as a CIO?
The key to success for a new CIO is adapting quickly and building a diverse skill set that goes beyond just technology. You need to be comfortable leading teams at scale, truly understand the business, and put yourself in the shoes of other C-level leaders to grasp the bigger picture. At the same time, keep sharpening your technical foundation — and don’t overlook financial expertise, because budgets and ROI matter just as much as systems and platforms. By balancing strategic leadership, a solid business sense, and a handle on the numbers, you can steer your organization forward with confidence.
How do you measure success as a leader?
I measure success as a leader by looking at how engaged my team is, how effectively we deliver on our roadmap, and how seamlessly our technology supports the organization’s goals. If people barely need to think about the tools and infrastructure they use, that’s a strong indicator we’re doing things right. Ultimately, the success of the broader organization is also a key measure — when tech enables growth, productivity, and innovation without creating friction, we know we’re on the right track.
What is the value of being a member of Gartner C-level Communities?
Being part of Gartner C-level Communities helps break the isolation that often comes with a top leadership role. This trusted network allows me to share real-world challenges and successes with peers, gain fresh perspectives, and tackle complex issues more effectively.
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