Shadow IT and the app-building practice of “citizen development” is still an area of concern for many IT leaders. After all, it forces them to cede at least some control over an area they have managed solo for decades. Here are some actions IT leaders can take to grow more comfortable around shadow IT applications.Understand your own prioritiesIT departments are inundated with line of business requests and simply don’t have...

While being a speechwriter isn't necessarily non-traditional, being one of the writers for the President of the United States definitely qualifies as rare. John Pollack is a former speechwriter for President Bill Clinton, and he fills Tim Muma in on the process of landing such a prestigious role, as well as the details that went into the position. John is also the author of "Shortcut" where he dives into the power of analog...

We talk a lot about work-life balance these days, but what about work-health balance? When we refer to our work, we often say we’re giving it our “all” or giving “one hundred and fifty percent.” These are admirable sentiments in theory, but what percentage of the pie of life are you reserving for yourself – especially with regard to your health? Many of us get to the office early and s...

Most people will agree that comprehensive job search preparation information, guidance, training and related activities have obvious and significant benefits for students who are concerned about employment success. When colleges minimize these responsibilities, they ensure that many of their students will be at a disadvantage in the job market. Colleges that truly care about student employment success are open to new and...

With greater numbers of individuals living longer, long term care is becomingly an increasingly vital consideration. Mapping out a way to afford the cost is another important action as well. Mark Stratis, senior financial planner for Szarka Financial explains to Tim Muma the different types of Long Term Care Policies that can help you and your loved ones. The information is not intended to be a substitute for specific...

According to a recent survey reported on by Express Employment’s Refresh Leadership, only about 7% of respondents say they’re currently where they thought their career path would take them. The article goes on to say, “the vast majority of respondents said their career path has led them somewhere completely different than what they envisioned.” Where would you fit in this range? Maybe you’re...

Byron Stephens has helped Marco’s Pizza grow to more than 700 stores in 35 states and three countries. That type of expansion often kills a culture; in fact, while Marco’s growth numbers looked great on paper, employee morale began to nosedive.As an organization, they were falling victim to the classic “Growth Trap.”Stephens joined Marco’s Pizza in 2004 when it was a successful but regional chain operating 110 stores in thr...

Sorry, but I don’t believe there’s a proven “easy” path to long-term career success. Most things worth having are worth working for–and do require work, not wishful thinking or a haphazard effort. Your career success falls into that category.I’d actually suspect that most of you “get” this point. You’re not likely to hold your breath waiting for someone to hand you career success on a platter. (At least, I certainly hope yo...

The strategies for marketing continue to evolve thanks to technology and culture. The prevalence of social media in today's society has upped the ante for businesses, but many are still trying to figure out the best tact when utilizing this forum. Cheri Simonet, digital marketing manager and principal owner of d. Mark Consulting, tells Tim Muma about the deadly sins of social media marketing. She breaks down the flaws of so...

IT leaders including Miami-Dade County database manager Sue Camner, Wal-Mart CIO Karenann Terrell, and NSM Insurance Group CIO Brendan O’Malley, share their views on effectively managing legacy IT.Miami-Dade County’s Sue CamnerAccording to GCN’s Stephanie Kanowitz, Florida’s Miami-Dade County IT department faced a tough choice. One of its middleware stacks had reached end of life, and officials could either upgrade or get r...