Featuring:
Lisa Kent, CIO, City of Houston
Summer Xiao, Deputy CIO for Enterprise Applications and PMO, City of Houston
Summary: Join Lisa Kent and Summer Xiao as they share their journey of transforming public sector technology in America's fourth-largest city, revealing how they tackle challenges from digital equity to emergency preparedness. Through their candid discussion, they demonstrate how effective leadership, strategic communication, and a mission-driven approach are revolutionizing government technology services while building resilient, high-performing teams.
In this episode, you'll learn:
How the City of Houston breaks down departmental silos to deliver better customer experiences
The critical role of "one team" meetings in aligning business users, IT teams, and vendors
Strategies for managing technology transformation during crisis events like COVID-19
Innovative approaches to solving digital equity challenges in urban environments
How to build and retain talent in public sector technology roles
TIMESTAMPS
(00:00) Welcome and introductions
(01:30) Lisa Kent's journey from electrical engineering to city CIO
(05:02) Breaking down silos in large organizations
(09:31) Summer Xiao's background and leadership philosophy
(13:40) HR One project: Leadership lessons and team alignment
(21:54) The "one team" approach to project management
(25:20) Recruiting talent and sharing mission impact
(30:08) Emergency preparedness and continuity planning
(34:13) Collaboration with peer cities and best practices
(37:43) Smart Cities initiatives and digital transformation
(39:10) Digital equity and broadband access challenges
(41:39) Resource management and internship programs
(44:07) Legacy impact and future aspirations
→ #180: J.R. Sloan, Ryan Murray & Doug Lange – Arizona State CIO, CISO & Former CSO Talk AI
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