The Public Sector Show by TechTables | Podcast Guru

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The Podcast and Community for Public Sector CIOs and CISOs. Welcome to the The Public Sector Show by TechTables, featuring human-centric stories from C-level technology leaders. Hosted by Joe Toste, you'll gain valuable insights on current issues and challenges faced by top leaders. Through interviews, speaking engagements, and live podcast tour events, we unite public sector CIOs, CTOs, CISOs, and technology leaders in fostering collaboration and meaningful connections in the ever-evolving technology landscape.

techtables.substack.com

Recent Episodes

#220: From Admin to Youngest CIO — How Curiosity & Collaboration Built Two Public-Sector Leaders

OCT 10, 2025

#220: From Admin to Youngest CIO — How Curiosity & Collaboration Built Two Public-Sector Leaders

<p><strong>#220: From Admin to Youngest CIO — How Curiosity & Collaboration Built Two Public-Sector Leaders</strong></p><p><strong>Featuring:</strong></p><p><a target="_blank" href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/erica-early-134220113/"><strong>Erica Early</strong></a>, Chief Information Officer, Washington State Office of the State Treasurer</p><p><a target="_blank" href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/lisa-faison-73712b7a/"><strong>Lisa Faison</strong></a>, Chief Information Officer, City of Goodyear, Arizona</p><p><strong>Episode Highlights:</strong></p><p>What if the fastest route to becoming a CIO wasn’t a degree or a title — but saying <em>yes</em> to the “one more project” everyone else avoided?</p><p>In this episode, two women reveal how curiosity and collaboration turned overtime testing gigs into executive leadership — and what it really takes to modernize 40-year systems, lead six generations of staff, and build careers that outlast every technology trend.</p><p><strong>Timestamps</strong></p><p>(<a target="_blank" href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QwtPVNGL9ok&t=120s">02:00</a>) Overtime testing that launched a CIO career </p><p>(<a target="_blank" href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QwtPVNGL9ok&t=300s">05:00</a>) “Don’t tell me your problems” — building trust through business empathy </p><p>(<a target="_blank" href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QwtPVNGL9ok&t=660s">11:00</a>) Six generations, zero left behind — protecting institutional knowledge </p><p>(<a target="_blank" href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QwtPVNGL9ok&t=960s">16:00</a>) From low response to 78% engagement — redefining IT as a strategic partner </p><p>(<a target="_blank" href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QwtPVNGL9ok&t=1320s">22:00</a>) Mom & Pop to Strategic Partner — Goodyear’s IT transformation </p><p>(<a target="_blank" href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QwtPVNGL9ok&t=1440s">24:00</a>) The 17-year-old intern reviving legacy teams </p><p>(<a target="_blank" href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QwtPVNGL9ok&t=1740s">29:00</a>) Slowing down to speed up — the 40-year system replacement story </p><p>(<a target="_blank" href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QwtPVNGL9ok&t=1860s">31:00</a>) Be someone people want to work with — final career advice</p><p><strong>Connect</strong></p><p>🤝 Connect on LinkedIn: <a target="_blank" href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/jtoste/**">https://www.linkedin.com/in/jtoste/</a></p><p>🐦 Connect on Twitter: <a target="_blank" href="https://x.com/thejoetoste**">https://x.com/thejoetoste</a></p><p>🏛️ Follow on LinkedIn Company: <a target="_blank" href="https://www.linkedin.com/company/techtables/**">https://www.linkedin.com/company/techtables/</a></p><p>📽️ Subscribe here: ‪ <a target="_blank" href="https://www.youtube.com/@techtables**">https://www.youtube.com/@techtables</a></p><p><strong>Whenever you’re ready, there are 3 ways you can connect with TechTables:</strong></p><p><strong>1. 📬 The TechTables Newsletter: </strong>Join our thriving community of senior technology leaders by subscribing to the TechTables Newsletter. Gain early access to the latest episodes, industry insights, and exclusive event updates.</p><p>Join now: <a target="_blank" href="https://www.techtables.com/">https://www.techtables.com/</a></p><p><strong>2. 🤝 The Collaboratory: </strong>The Exclusive Peer Network for Senior Technology Leaders in Public Sector, nationwide. The Collaboratory is a 100% Public Sector, Vendor-Free Private Community where you can connect, share strategies, and drive innovation alongside peers through monthly virtual meetings and our annual national event.</p><p>CXOs Only Join Now: The Collaboratory: https://www.techtables.com/collaboratory</p><p><strong>3. 🤝 The Better Together Series: </strong>a virtual podcast series where TechTables partners with leading CXOs and vendor partners for candid conversations that showcase real-world solutions, spark innovation, and drive industry action. Email me at <a target="_blank" href="mailto:[email protected]">[email protected]</a></p><p><strong>Brought to you by:</strong></p><p><a target="_blank" href="https://assets.sentinelone.com/ghe/sentinelone-empowers"><strong>SentinelOne</strong></a>—Learn how SentinelOne empowers this state to stay secure.</p><p><a target="_blank" href="https://www.verizon.com/business/solutions/public-sector/public-safety/"><strong>Verizon Frontline</strong></a><a target="_blank" href="https://www.verizon.com/business/solutions/public-sector/public-safety/">—</a>The advanced network that keeps first responders connected when it matters most.</p><p><a target="_blank" href="https://www.carahsoft.com/"><strong>Carahsoft</strong></a>—The Trusted Public Sector IT Solutions Provider™, supports government agencies and education/healthcare markets. Contact your Carahsoft rep today to access special discount pricing exclusively through the TechTables + Carahsoft partnership!</p> <br/><br/>This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit <a href="https://techtables.substack.com?utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=CTA_1">techtables.substack.com</a>

35 MIN

#219: How Seguin IT Built a 27+ Award Culture — And What Port Houston & Flower Mound Teach About Leadership

OCT 6, 2025

#219: How Seguin IT Built a 27+ Award Culture — And What Port Houston & Flower Mound Teach About Leadership

<p><strong>#219: How Seguin IT Built a 27-Award Culture — And What Port Houston & Flower Mound Teach About Leadership</strong></p><p><strong>Featuring:</strong></p><p><a target="_blank" href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/theshanemc/"><strong>Shane McDaniel</strong></a>, CIO, City of Seguin & 2025 TAGITM President</p><p><a target="_blank" href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/james-o-brien-250a8b159/"><strong>James O’Brien</strong></a>, Information Security Officer, Port Houston (& 2026 TAGITM President)</p><p><a target="_blank" href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/jose-m-035b7343/"><strong>Jose Mendez</strong></a>, IT Director, Town of Flower Mound</p><p><a target="_blank" href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/tedgruenloh/"><strong>Ted Gruenloh</strong></a>, CEO, Nomic Networks</p><p><strong>Episode Highlights:</strong></p><p>What happens when local IT leaders transform city government through servant leadership, authentic vendor partnerships, and homegrown talent?</p><p>Shane McDaniel reveals how Seguin’s investment in people turned 2 new positions into 5 internal promotions and 27 innovation awards.</p><p>James O’Brien shares his journey from a 2-person team supporting 450 employees to leading a high-trust, hybrid culture at Port Houston.</p><p>Jose Mendez explains how Flower Mound’s “trust but verify” accountability framework drives transparency, measurable outcomes, and stakeholder confidence.</p><p>Ted Gruenloh unpacks how authentic vendor partnerships led to 13 of 17 sales deals and why mutual trust is the foundation of sustainable partnerships.</p><p>Together, they explore how servant leadership, accountability, and community (like TAG) are fueling Texas’ award-winning IT culture — and why these lessons matter for every public sector leader nationwide.</p><p><strong>Timestamps</strong></p><p>(<a target="_blank" href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=06BiCrS2FZo&t=32s">00:32</a>) Why Texas IT Leaders Choose Public Service — Finding Purpose and Calling </p><p>(<a target="_blank" href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=06BiCrS2FZo&t=420s">07:00</a>) From Keyboard Warrior to Strategic Leader – James O’Brien’s Leadership Evolution </p><p>(<a target="_blank" href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=06BiCrS2FZo&t=600s">10:00</a>) Trust Nothing, Verify Everything – Jose Mendez’s Accountability Framework </p><p>(<a target="_blank" href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=06BiCrS2FZo&t=900s">15:00</a>) 27 Innovation Awards – How Seguin Built a Winning IT Culture from Within </p><p>(<a target="_blank" href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=06BiCrS2FZo&t=1140s">19:00</a>) 2 New Positions, 5 Promotions – Shane McDaniel’s Talent Development Strategy </p><p>(<a target="_blank" href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=06BiCrS2FZo&t=1380s">23:00</a>) 13 of 17 Deals Closed – Ted Gruenloh on Authentic Vendor Partnerships </p><p>(<a target="_blank" href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=06BiCrS2FZo&t=1806s">30:06</a>) Funny Moment – Justin Cure and Rishma Khimji Bring Some Texas Humor </p><p>(<a target="_blank" href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=06BiCrS2FZo&t=1979s">32:59</a>) 450 Employees, 2 IT Staff – How TAG Became James O’Brien’s Lifeline </p><p>(<a target="_blank" href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=06BiCrS2FZo&t=1980s">33:00</a>) Building Trust in Hybrid Work – Port Houston’s Communication Playbook </p><p>(<a target="_blank" href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=06BiCrS2FZo&t=2400s">40:00</a>) Looking Ahead to TAGITM 2026 – Why Texas Values Drive IT Excellence</p><p><strong>Connect</strong></p><p>🤝 Connect on LinkedIn: <a target="_blank" href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/jtoste/**">https://www.linkedin.com/in/jtoste/</a></p><p>🐦 Connect on Twitter: <a target="_blank" href="https://x.com/thejoetoste**">https://x.com/thejoetoste</a></p><p>🏛️ Follow on LinkedIn Company: <a target="_blank" href="https://www.linkedin.com/company/techtables/**">https://www.linkedin.com/company/techtables/</a></p><p>📽️ Subscribe here: ‪ <a target="_blank" href="https://www.youtube.com/@techtables**">https://www.youtube.com/@techtables</a></p><p><strong>Whenever you’re ready, there are 3 ways you can connect with TechTables:</strong></p><p><strong>1. 📬 The TechTables Newsletter: </strong>Join our thriving community of senior technology leaders by subscribing to the TechTables Newsletter. Gain early access to the latest episodes, industry insights, and exclusive event updates.</p><p>Join now: <a target="_blank" href="https://www.techtables.com/">https://www.techtables.com/</a></p><p><strong>2. 🤝 The Collaboratory: </strong>The Exclusive Peer Network for Senior Technology Leaders in Public Sector, nationwide. The Collaboratory is a 100% Public Sector, Vendor-Free Private Community where you can connect, share strategies, and drive innovation alongside peers through monthly virtual meetings and our annual national event.</p><p>CXOs Only Join Now: The Collaboratory: https://www.techtables.com/collaboratory</p><p><strong>3. 🤝 The Better Together Series: </strong>a virtual podcast series where TechTables partners with leading CXOs and vendor partners for candid conversations that showcase real-world solutions, spark innovation, and drive industry action. Email me at <a target="_blank" href="mailto:[email protected]">[email protected]</a></p><p><strong>Brought to you by:</strong></p><p><a target="_blank" href="https://assets.sentinelone.com/ghe/sentinelone-empowers"><strong>SentinelOne</strong></a>—Learn how SentinelOne empowers this state to stay secure.</p><p><a target="_blank" href="https://www.verizon.com/business/solutions/public-sector/public-safety/"><strong>Verizon Frontline</strong></a><a target="_blank" href="https://www.verizon.com/business/solutions/public-sector/public-safety/">—</a>The advanced network that keeps first responders connected when it matters most.</p><p><a target="_blank" href="https://www.carahsoft.com/"><strong>Carahsoft</strong></a>—The Trusted Public Sector IT Solutions Provider™, supports government agencies and education/healthcare markets. Contact your Carahsoft rep today to access special discount pricing exclusively through the TechTables + Carahsoft partnership!</p> <br/><br/>This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit <a href="https://techtables.substack.com?utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=CTA_1">techtables.substack.com</a>

48 MIN

#218: How 3 State CIOs Cut Through AI Hype to Save Millions with Bill Kehoe, Tim Galluzi, Alan Fuller

SEP 30, 2025

#218: How 3 State CIOs Cut Through AI Hype to Save Millions with Bill Kehoe, Tim Galluzi, Alan Fuller

<p><strong>#218: How 3 State CIOs Cut Through AI Hype to Save Millions with Bill Kehoe, Tim Galluzi, Alan Fuller</strong></p><p><strong>Featuring</strong></p><p><a target="_blank" href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/william-kehoe-a37a0714b/">Bill Kehoe</a>, Chief Information Officer and WaTech Agency Director, State of Washington</p><p><a target="_blank" href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/timgalluzi/">Tim Galluzi</a>, Chief Information Officer, State of Nevada</p><p><a target="_blank" href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/alan-fuller-101a41/">Alan Fuller</a>, Chief Information Officer, State of Utah</p><p><strong>Episode Highlights</strong></p><p>What if the future of government IT isn’t about the biggest budget—but the courage to ship fast, fail forward, and use AI that actually works?</p><p>Three state CIOs share how they’re turning bold ideas into measurable wins:</p><p>• Nevada detects wildfires faster and launches aircraft sooner with AI.</p><p>• Utah rolled out Gemini statewide—deflecting 70% of help-desk calls.</p><p>• Washington uses AI to translate legacy COBOL into plain English, cutting months of manual work.</p><p>You’ll also hear Tim Galluzi’s Marine Corps lesson that <em>“speed beats perfection,”</em> Alan Fuller’s vision for cryptographically verifiable credentials (yes, even beekeeping licenses), and Bill Kehoe’s “Coffee with Kehoe” approach that guided teams through a $16B deficit with transparency.</p><p>When CIOs put people before platforms, they build systems that truly serve citizens.</p><p><strong>Timestamps</strong></p><p>(<a target="_blank" href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FoKjSscQ8zk&t=60s">01:00</a>) Coffee with Kehoe: Leading Teams Through $16B Deficit with Transparency</p><p>(<a target="_blank" href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FoKjSscQ8zk&t=211s">03:31</a>) Marine Corps to State IT: “Speed Beats Perfection” Leadership Philosophy</p><p>(<a target="_blank" href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FoKjSscQ8zk&t=660s">11:00</a>) Utah’s Reality Check: From “Can’t Run Zoom” to Strategic Innovation Partner</p><p>(<a target="_blank" href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FoKjSscQ8zk&t=900s">15:00</a>) Data Foundation First: From Spreadsheet Chaos to Customer Experience Insights</p><p>(<a target="_blank" href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FoKjSscQ8zk&t=1176s">19:36</a>) 3 States, 3 AI Wins: COBOL to English, 70% Deflection, $1M Saved</p><p>(<a target="_blank" href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FoKjSscQ8zk&t=1830s">30:30</a>) Wildfire AI: Nevada Saving Lives with Early Detection</p><p>(<a target="_blank" href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FoKjSscQ8zk&t=2160s">36:00</a>) “We Aren’t the Alpha Big Dog”: Learning from the Smallest Counties</p><p>(<a target="_blank" href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FoKjSscQ8zk&t=2340s">39:00</a>) Digital Identity Revolution: Every Credential Cryptographically Verifiable</p><p>(<a target="_blank" href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FoKjSscQ8zk&t=2520s">42:00</a>) One Portal, One Identity: Making Government Simple for Citizens</p><p><strong>🔥 Want more from TechTables? Check out these 3 other binge-worthy episodes you can’t miss.</strong></p><p><a target="_blank" href="https://techtables.com/podcast/209-teena-piccione-j.r.-sloan-mark-wittenberg-jonathan-feldman-joe-durante">#209: Teena Piccione, J.R. Sloan, Mark Wittenberg, Jonathan Feldman & Joe Durante</a></p><p><a target="_blank" href="https://techtables.com/podcast/173-exclusive-interview-with-the-23rd-governor-of-arizona-doug-ducey">#173: Exclusive Interview with the 23rd Governor of Arizona, Doug Ducey</a></p><p><a target="_blank" href="https://techtables.com/podcast/138-breaking-burnout-with-jim-weaver-cio-north-carolina-mandy-crawford-cio-state-of-texas">#138: Breaking Burnout with Jim Weaver, CIO, North Carolina & Mandy Crawford, CIO, State of Texas</a></p><p><strong>Connect</strong></p><p>🤝 Connect on LinkedIn: <a target="_blank" href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/jtoste/**">https://www.linkedin.com/in/jtoste/</a></p><p>🐦 Connect on Twitter: <a target="_blank" href="https://x.com/thejoetoste**">https://x.com/thejoetoste</a></p><p>🏛️ Follow on LinkedIn Company: <a target="_blank" href="https://www.linkedin.com/company/techtables/**">https://www.linkedin.com/company/techtables/</a></p><p>📽️ Subscribe here: ‪ <a target="_blank" href="https://www.youtube.com/@techtables**">https://www.youtube.com/@techtables</a></p><p><strong>Whenever you’re ready, there are 3 ways you can connect with TechTables:</strong></p><p><strong>1. 📬 The TechTables Newsletter: </strong>Join our thriving community of senior technology leaders by subscribing to the TechTables Newsletter. Gain early access to the latest episodes, industry insights, and exclusive event updates.</p><p>Join now: <a target="_blank" href="https://www.techtables.com/">https://www.techtables.com/</a></p><p><strong>2. 🤝 The Collaboratory: </strong>The Exclusive Peer Network for Senior Technology Leaders in Public Sector, nationwide. The Collaboratory is a 100% Public Sector, Vendor-Free Private Community where you can connect, share strategies, and drive innovation alongside peers through monthly virtual meetings and our annual national event.</p><p>CXOs Only Join Now: The Collaboratory: https://www.techtables.com/collaboratory</p><p><strong>3. 🤝 The Better Together Series: </strong>a virtual podcast series where TechTables partners with leading CXOs and vendor partners for candid conversations that showcase real-world solutions, spark innovation, and drive industry action. Email me at <a target="_blank" href="mailto:[email protected]">[email protected]</a></p> <br/><br/>This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit <a href="https://techtables.substack.com?utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=CTA_1">techtables.substack.com</a>

45 MIN

#217: Supercharging Cyber Resiliency — How Texas Cities Achieve Enterprise-Level Security

AUG 27, 2025

#217: Supercharging Cyber Resiliency — How Texas Cities Achieve Enterprise-Level Security

<p><strong>#217: Supercharging Cyber Resiliency — How Texas Cities Achieve Enterprise-Level Security [2025 TAGITM]</strong></p><p><strong>Episode Highlights</strong></p><p>What if cybersecurity in government isn’t about buying the newest tools — but trusted relationships, shared intelligence, and grassroots innovation?</p><p>In this episode, four Texas public sector leaders share how local governments are building enterprise-level resilience without enterprise budgets. From 27 innovation awards in the City of Seguin (and counting — Shane scored <em>#27 mid-interview</em>), to mutual aid agreements replacing $40K emergency response contracts, to AI solutions that collapse months of compliance work into hours — this is a masterclass in trust-powered transformation.</p><p>You’ll hear how the TAGITM community launched a secure statewide Data Collective (don’t worry — Eric double-checked the security for everyone), how a Cohesity box landed in a city office just two days after the PO was signed (Jody may or may not have had it ready in the trunk), and why the best IT decisions aren’t always about cost — but collaboration, community, and a few Hawaiian shirts.</p><p>(<a target="_blank" href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uHhRpo8xZFk&t=45s">00:45</a>) “We’re Calling on you, Rishma!” — Shane’s Shoutout to Las Vegas Airport CIO</p><p>(<a target="_blank" href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uHhRpo8xZFk&t=180s">03:00</a>) 27 Innovation Awards (and Counting): How Shane’s Rural Team Built Big-City Security</p><p>(<a target="_blank" href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uHhRpo8xZFk&t=360s">06:00</a>) Data vs. Cyber Resiliency: The 2016 Shift That Changed Everything</p><p>(<a target="_blank" href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uHhRpo8xZFk&t=660s">11:00</a>) Degrees & Certs: From Zero to 13 Degrees and 27 Certs in a Small Texas Team</p><p>(<a target="_blank" href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uHhRpo8xZFk&t=780s">13:00</a>) Data Collective: How Texas Cities Built a Secure, Peer-Driven Vendor Intelligence Platform</p><p>(<a target="_blank" href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uHhRpo8xZFk&t=1020s">17:00</a>) Mutual Aid Agreements: How 15+ Cities Replaced $40K Emergency Contracts</p><p>(<a target="_blank" href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uHhRpo8xZFk&t=2040s">34:00</a>) RAG in Action: How AI Cut Compliance Work From Months to Hours</p><p>(<a target="_blank" href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uHhRpo8xZFk&t=2580s">43:00</a>) No-Brainer Decisions: When User Experience Beats Price</p><p></p><p><strong>Featuring</strong></p><p><a target="_blank" href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/theshanemc/">Shane McDaniel</a>, Chief Information Officer & TAGITM President, City of Seguin</p><p><a target="_blank" href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/tony-gonzalez-a628243/">Tony Gonzalez</a>, IT Director & Past TAGITM President, City of New Braunfels</p><p><a target="_blank" href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/ericmtx/">Eric Matthews</a>, Chief Information Officer, City of Allen</p><p><a target="_blank" href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/marlinmcfate/">Marlin McFate</a>, CTO & CISO for Public Sector, Cohesity</p><p></p><p><strong>Links Mentioned</strong></p><p><a target="_blank" href="https://www.tagitm.org/">TAGITM </a>- Serving as the premier organization for government technology professionals in Texas</p><p><a target="_blank" href="https://www.cohesity.com/solutions/federal-government/">Cohesity </a>- Modern data security and management for local government. Protect against ransomware and other cyber threats. Manage local government agency data securely and effectively.</p><p></p><p><strong>🔥 Want more from the 2025 TAGITM Podcast Tour? Check out 2 other binge-worthy episodes you can’t miss.</strong></p><p><a target="_blank" href="https://techtables.com/podcast/213-how-txdot-ai-cut-crashes-29-plus-austin-multi-agency-crisis-response">#213: How TxDOT's AI Cut Crashes 29% — Plus Austin's Multi-Agency Crisis Response</a></p><p><a target="_blank" href="https://techtables.com/podcast/215-capmetro-built-ai-so-human-callers-cant-tell-how-austin-put-data-stewardship-before-ai-hype-utsas-humble-hungry-kind-culture-all-with-limited-resources">#215: CapMetro Built AI So Human Callers Can’t Tell + How Austin Put Data Stewardship Before AI Hype + UTSA’s “Humble, Hungry, Kind” Culture</a></p><p><strong>Brought to you by:</strong></p><p><a target="_blank" href="https://assets.sentinelone.com/ghe/sentinelone-empowers"><strong>SentinelOne</strong></a>—Learn how SentinelOne empowers this state to stay secure.</p><p><a target="_blank" href="https://www.verizon.com/business/solutions/public-sector/public-safety/"><strong>Verizon Frontline</strong></a><a target="_blank" href="https://www.verizon.com/business/solutions/public-sector/public-safety/">—</a>The advanced network that keeps first responders connected when it matters most.</p><p><a target="_blank" href="https://www.carahsoft.com/"><strong>Carahsoft</strong></a>—The Trusted Public Sector IT Solutions Provider™, supports government agencies and education/healthcare markets. Contact your Carahsoft rep today to access special discount pricing exclusively through the TechTables + Carahsoft partnership!</p><p><strong>Connect</strong></p><p>🤝 Connect on LinkedIn: <a target="_blank" href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/jtoste/**">https://www.linkedin.com/in/jtoste/</a></p><p>🐦 Connect on Twitter: <a target="_blank" href="https://x.com/thejoetoste**">https://x.com/thejoetoste</a></p><p>🏛️ Follow on LinkedIn Company: <a target="_blank" href="https://www.linkedin.com/company/techtables/**">https://www.linkedin.com/company/techtables/</a></p><p>📽️ Subscribe here: ‪ <a target="_blank" href="https://www.youtube.com/@techtables**">https://www.youtube.com/@techtables</a></p><p><strong>Whenever you’re ready, there are 3 ways you can connect with TechTables:</strong></p><p><strong>1. 📬 The TechTables Newsletter: </strong>Join our thriving community of senior technology leaders by subscribing to the TechTables Newsletter. Gain early access to the latest episodes, industry insights, and exclusive event updates.</p><p>Join now: <a target="_blank" href="https://www.techtables.com/">https://www.techtables.com/</a></p><p><strong>2. 🤝 The Collaboratory: </strong>The Exclusive Peer Network for Senior Technology Leaders in Public Sector, nationwide. The Collaboratory is a 100% Public Sector, Vendor-Free Private Community where you can connect, share strategies, and drive innovation alongside peers through monthly virtual meetings and our annual national event.</p><p>CXOs Only Join Now: The Collaboratory: https://www.techtables.com/collaboratory</p><p><strong>3. 🤝 The Better Together Series: </strong>a virtual podcast series where TechTables partners with leading CXOs and vendor partners for candid conversations that showcase real-world solutions, spark innovation, and drive industry action. Email me at <a target="_blank" href="mailto:[email protected]">[email protected]</a></p> <br/><br/>This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit <a href="https://techtables.substack.com?utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=CTA_1">techtables.substack.com</a>

48 MIN

#216: From Coast Guard to CIO — Craig Hopkins on Purpose-Driven Leadership in San Antonio

AUG 21, 2025

#216: From Coast Guard to CIO — Craig Hopkins on Purpose-Driven Leadership in San Antonio

<p><strong>#216: From Coast Guard to CIO — Craig Hopkins on Purpose-Driven Leadership in San Antonio</strong></p><p><strong>Episode Highlights</strong></p><p>What if the secret to transformational leadership isn’t being the smartest person in the room, but being the “humble gardener” who grows others? In this episode, San Antonio CIO Craig Hopkins shares why “we’re not IT professionals, we’re operational leaders,” how small behaviors compound into culture, and what it really means to build teams with purpose. From Team of Teams to One Mission, this episode is packed with practical frameworks — a true masterclass in purpose-driven leadership.</p><p>(<a target="_blank" href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MNSvJ36Ncl0&t=120s">02:00</a>) From Coast Guard to CIO: Finding Purpose in Service</p><p>(<a target="_blank" href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MNSvJ36Ncl0&t=240s">04:00</a>) USAA’s 20-Year Leadership Lab: Five Careers, One Company</p><p>(<a target="_blank" href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MNSvJ36Ncl0&t=480s">08:00</a>) A Costly Lesson at Sea: How Tragedy Shaped Craig’s View of Leadership</p><p>(<a target="_blank" href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MNSvJ36Ncl0&t=840s">14:00</a>) Team of Teams: New Rules of Engagement for a Complex World</p><p>(<a target="_blank" href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MNSvJ36Ncl0&t=960s">16:00</a>) One Mission: How Leaders Unite a Team of Teams</p><p>(<a target="_blank" href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MNSvJ36Ncl0&t=1140s">19:00</a>) Behaviors → Character → Culture: How Small Actions Shape Organizations (for Better or Worse)</p><p>(<a target="_blank" href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MNSvJ36Ncl0&t=1500s">25:00</a>) The Humble Gardener: Why Great CIOs Cultivate People, Not Control Them</p><p></p><p><strong>Links Mentioned</strong></p><p><a target="_blank" href="https://a.co/d/3m0jvua">Team of Teams</a>: New Rules of Engagement for a Complex World by General Stanley McChrystal</p><p><a target="_blank" href="https://a.co/d/itQDOWW">One Mission</a>: How Leaders Build a Team of Teams by Chris Fussell</p><p></p><p><strong>🔥 Want more from the 2024 Houston Podcast Tour? Check out </strong><strong><em>four</em></strong><strong> </strong><strong><em>binge-worthy</em></strong><strong> episodes you can’t miss.</strong></p><p><a target="_blank" href="https://techtables.com/podcast/208-texas-county-women-leading-6m-residents-from-flooded-data-centers-to-ai-innovation-lab-to-building-unbreakable-teams"><strong>#208: Texas County Women Leading 6M+ Residents: From Flooded Data Centers to AI Innovation Lab to Building Unbreakable Teams</strong></a></p><p><a target="_blank" href="https://techtables.com/podcast/205-from-hurricane-harvey-to-beryl-houstons-one-family-emergency-response"><strong>#205: From Hurricane Harvey to Beryl: Houston's "One Family" Emergency Response</strong></a></p><p><a target="_blank" href="https://techtables.com/podcast/204-why-texas-dmv-chose-6m-in-planning-over-150m-plus-tdlrs-25-program-modernization"><strong>#204: Why Texas DMV Chose $6M in Planning Over $150M (Plus TDLR's 25-Program Modernization)</strong></a></p><p><a target="_blank" href="https://techtables.com/podcast/203-uhcl-6-week-leadership-pivot-ai-student-concierge-nasa-innovation-culture-houston-2024"><strong>#203: UHCL's 6-Week Leadership Pivot + AI Student Concierge + NASA Innovation Culture</strong></a></p><p></p><p><strong>Whenever you’re ready, there are 3 ways you can connect with TechTables:</strong></p><p><strong>1. 📬 The TechTables Newsletter: </strong>Get early access to new episodes, insights, and event updates — straight to your inbox.</p><p>Join now: https://www.techtables.com/</p><p><strong>2. 🤝 The Collaboratory:</strong> The Exclusive Peer Network for Senior Technology Leaders in Public Sector, nationwide. 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28 MIN