Christopher Peacock

CIO – Chief Architect at 3BX

Can you please provide a little introduction about yourself

I have been an IT professional for decades and have been in many different roles within IT, most toward Architecture and infrastructure. I have been part of companies of different sizes and business models. I am presently the Chief Architect and Chief Information Officer for 3BX a social collaboration site for creators and independents. Presently I reside in S/W Florida with my son and extended family.

What has your journey to your position been like? What path have you taken?

I began years ago in Mainframe and such, as networking was increasing in popularity. I knew this was the way things were heading and I planned to go that way as well. I joined the US Army and learned Electronic Engineering and Networking to supplement was existing skill sets. I was positioned on the cusp of the new technologies wave, and I was involved in many aspects as they were coming into existence. I worked with the government as a consultant and with other big organizations in the networking arena. As I matured as a professional, I increased the realm of my responsibilities to reach the point I am at now.

I started in the trenches (almost literally) and grew in scope and responsibility to end up over whole enterprises, and now a whole organization.

Has it always been your vision to reach the position you’re at? Was your current role part of your vision to become a tech leader?

I had this target in mind the moment I found out it existed. Defiantly I came to realize the role fit what I was already doing. That was actually what the role was responsible for, and not just taking it on in addition to my other responsibilities. I even did my education with the trends in mind to reach this role. I became an Architect with this in mind. I became a Lead Architect, Lead Enterprise Architect then a CTO first, and an advisor second, now I’m a CIO. (though I was a Lead or Senior Architect in between as well).

Have you had a role model or mentor that has helped you on your journey?

There was not, it was the role and all the things entailed that made us want to reach this role. It was me, all wrapped up in one title… and even still, I do more than is expected helping other departments. 

How do you see the role of the technology leader evolving over the next 5 years?

The handling of resources and people has shifted in tone a bit. The work environment and overall environments are more dynamic and dispersed in many cases. Understanding and being able to handle a wider scope of topics and technologies is helpful. 

What skills do you think leaders of the future will need in order to thrive?

Flexibility and keeping the right tone in interactions cultural exchanges and transactions. This has always been the case, but now being able to do these things across borders and continents is crucial. This does not apply to all, but to many.  I have those workers located in multiple countries and time zones. That alone is a skill in itself. 

How do you keep current with new skills, technologies and personal development?

I am a big sponge. Humor aside, I read technology-related articles and books often, and hear things often. This as well as being emersed in it daily helps. I am also a university ambassador and IT Professor as well (PT). That keeps me in touch with what is being offered in the schooling system and the world that the students live in.

What do you see as the next leap in technology that will impact your business or industry in particular?

One is happening now, AI, and that has not stopped yet at its overall impact. The increased computing power as well will also enable more to be done. Then coupling those 2 together will have an impact, just how soon is the question? The new printers are impacting the manufacturing industries and building industries as well as other aspects of the world… That is just one thing that is still growing to impact even more lives and industries. 

“Be flexible and adjust, things are always changing.”

If you were mentoring a leader of the future, what advice or guidance would you give to help them on their way?

Keep your ears and minds open. Learn to deal with things as they are and not let them overwhelm you. Be flexible and adjust, things are always changing. 

Is there anything in particular that you would still like to achieve in your career or what is the next step on your journey?

I am not sure right this second, perhaps the next step in merging different aspects of the industries… we shall see.

If you could change one thing in the world, what would it be?

Cultural bias – bias in general honestly.

A big thank you to Christopher Peacock from 3BX for sharing his journey to date.