Robert Stretz

CIO at StratusG / Haven Digital Technology Solutions

Can you please provide a little introduction about yourself

Certainly! I’m based in Seattle in the beautiful Pacific Northwest of USA. I’m currently providing advisory CIO leadership solutions primarily in the form of IT strategies for business alignment, cloud and enterprise architecture and modernization solutions, technology optimizations, cybersecurity programs, etc.

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

As with many in tech, my journey started with a passion for solving problems with technology.  For years my focus was mostly architecting, engineering, and designing solutions while geeking out over all the advances. Very technical.  I loved getting deep into the weeds working with a team of people to create cool things.  I was always in lead positions, but over the past decade or so I started enjoying the people side of leading as much as, if not more than, the technology.  Frankly, it’s more challenging but also way more rewarding.  So now I lean mostly into the soft skills of leadership and solving business problems by developing high performing teams.

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?

No. I always wanted to strive for excellence, and I loved raising the bar by influencing people working together. But with the explosion and acceleration of tech it’s impossible for individuals to keep up, so everyone has to specialization. By focusing on leadership I stay current by surrounding myself with experts.

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

Yes, directly and indirectly. I’m so blessed to have people in my immediate circle that have helped me grow tremendously. I’m also influenced indirectly by public figures such as Tom Bilyeu, Simon Sinek, Ray Dalio and Jocko Wilink.

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

As I alluded to before, technology leaders will need to surround themselves with mastermind groups in order to divide, conquer, and stay relevant. But even more so leverage AI.  Not just to automate mundane, or magnify a workforce,  but to be an infinitely knowledgeable trusted advisor.

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

I believe the values underpinning the highest levels of effective leadership are timeless.  But leaders need to adapt their soft skills as the workforce evolves with societal and generational changes. This is as critical as staying current with tech.

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

Candidly it starts with self-care. Sleep, health, fitness, and gratitude are foundational to having the mental and physical energy to juggle everything these days. Then I focus on the areas that I have a passion for and foster relationships with a whole host of complimentary specialists. A strong network is now essential for growth.

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

Everyone likely has the same answer to this now. AI / ML. It’s already here causing disruption to virtually everything.

“Work hard and never stop growing.”

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

Stay humble. Be gracious. Embrace a growth mindset. Learn from the top leadership influencers. Know your purpose and values. Build a strong network of capable people with character. Work hard and never stop growing.

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

Yes. Simon Sinek’s purpose resonates with me. “Inspire people to do the things that inspire them”. I would also like to help people to discover, or develop, their inspirations. both personally and professionally.

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

Inject everyone with a growth mindset.

A big thank you to Robert Stretz from StratusG LLC for sharing his journey to date.