The Future Focused CXOs Podcast | Episode 13 |Tony Clark, Senior Vice President, Technology and Innovation at Colliers

The Future Focused CXOs Podcast

Discover the winning strategies used by top CXOs to drive growth in their companies, even in the toughest of times! Join us on this must-listen podcast as we learn from the best in the business world. Highlights:

1. Introduction and Background: Tony Clark is the former Senior Vice President of Technology and Innovation at Collier's, with a career spanning roles in architecture, development, and IT across various companies. He highlights the importance of technology being deeply integrated into a company's operating model, emphasizing business transformation over digital transformation. 2. Career Milestones and Unconventional Approaches: Tony discusses his career progression, starting as a developer at AT&T and gradually taking on more responsibilities. Mentors played a significant role in his career, inspiring him to take risks and providing guidance. He shares how he transitioned into roles such as enterprise architect and later moved into management at Cox Enterprises. Tony talks about his shift to Cox Enterprises, where he introduced architectural approaches to address growth challenges, focusing on building blocks and teamwork. 3. The Role of Cloud in Product Innovation: Tony emphasizes the benefits of the cloud, such as agility, scalability, and speed in product development. He highlights the synergy between cloud computing and agile methodologies, allowing companies to adapt quickly and iterate. Tony mentions the challenges of managing cloud costs and the need for a balanced approach, including hybrid solutions for cost optimization. 4. Leadership and Delegation: Tony discusses the transition from being an architect to a leader and the need to work at higher levels of abstraction. He stresses the importance of effective delegation, establishing clear expectations, and trusting the team's abilities. Tony shares insights into his management training, which included learning to give up control and focus on strategic aspects. 5. Adapting to Challenges During COVID-19: Tony talks about how the COVID-19 pandemic impacted his work at Iron Mountain and Colliers. At Iron Mountain, the existing mobile workforce facilitated remote work during the pandemic. He highlights the challenges at Colliers, including a team that had shrunk and struggled to keep up with business needs. Tony emphasizes the importance of building a remote-friendly culture, team-building activities, and clear communication during this time. 6. Advice for Rising CXOs: Tony offers advice to aspiring CXOs, including the importance of mentorship, surrounding oneself with people who inspire and energize, and building a network of advisors. Effective communication is a critical skill for CXOs, and continuous improvement in this area is essential. He encourages individuals to be bold, seek opportunities, and not wait for someone else to suggest their potential.