The CIO Paradox

Battling the Contradictions of IT Leadership

By: Martha Heller

Narrated by: Sean Pratt

Regardless of industry, most major companies are becoming technology companies. The successful management of information has become so critical to a company’s goals, that in many ways, now is the age of the CIO.

Yet IT executives are besieged by a host of contradictions: Bad technology can bring a company to its knees, but corporate boards rarely employ CIOs; CIOs must keep costs down at the very same time that they drive innovation. CIOs are focused on the future, while they are tethered by technology decisions made in the past.

These contradictions form what Martha Heller calls The CIO Paradox, a set of conflicting forces that are deeply embedded in governance, staffing, executive expectations, and even corporate culture. Heller, who has spent more than 12 years working with the CIO community, offers guidance to CIOs on how to attack, reverse, or neutralize the paradoxical elements of the CIO role. Through interviews with a wide array of successful CIOs, The CIO Paradox helps listeners level the playing field for IT success and get one step closer to bringing maximum value to their companies.

Gildan Media and Bibliomotion are proud to bring you another Bibliomotion Audiobook. Featuring exceptional content for today’s listener, these notable audiobooks contain the essential tools that can be applied to every facet of your life.

©2012 Martha Heller (P)2014 Gildan Media LLC

Critic reviews

“In The CIO Paradox, Martha Heller has clearly articulated the many contradictions that permeate the CIO role. But more than that, she includes rich examples of how successful CIOs have managed to break through these contradictions. IT leadership is a balancing act, as Heller demonstrates in this entertaining and insightful book.” (Carol Zierhoffer, VP & Global CIO, Xerox)

Really good and impressive spot-on book

Just finished listening to "The CIO Paradox" by Martha Heller and I'm impressed by how much it resonated with my own experiences as a CIO. Throughout my 6-7 years in this role, I've tackled similar tasks and challenges, and it was fascinating to see these echoed in the book.

As I answered many of the paradoxes and questions posed by Martha with my own approaches, I found myself nodding along, often thinking, "I just said that!" This read not only reinforced my strategies but also highlighted the universal challenges and triumphs that CIOs face. This sentence is one of my favourites: "CIO have a bias for action, they are change agents, who are deadline oriented and they want results."

intriguing and well resonating

intriguing and well resonating depiction of IT and the Business relationships, which are often at odds though driving towards success of the company.

story telling doesn't offer the first person story telling of the likes of the Goal nor the lessons learned, hence might get less interested in following up

Detail analysis, useful advice through practical examples.

Martha Heller's "CIO Paradox" offers valuable insights rooted in real-world examples, making it more than just a one-time read. The practical advice provided serves as a comprehensive reference for navigating the challenges faced by Chief Information Officers. The blend of theoretical concepts and actionable strategies makes this book a go-to resource for IT leaders.

Must Read for anyone in IT

For anyone looking to gain a "place at the table" for IT and the relationship with the business customers. This book lays out great strategic tips and examples where IT has been successful in driving business objectives. If you lead any aspect in IT or strive for leadership positions, this book is a great place to start.

Why male narrator?

I was so pleased to see a good title in IT by a female author. Why a male narrator for a female author when there are so many good female narrators? I found the content good but the narration weird.

Very good and relavant

I recently relistened to this book when taking a new director position. It was as good if not better the second time around.

a good overview of the CIO role

a fun way of incorporating a variety of case studies as well as one-on-one interviews with cios over the years. All these case studies are interesting and informative. what I found most beneficial was the converting those case stories into actual checklists and actions to be taken. while this applied very well when I first started the book it applies less so for me today. But I will be referring back to this and the checklist provided in the future as it comes up again and again.

Solid insight into what it takes to be a great CIO

Would you listen to The CIO Paradox again? Why?

The story was great. However, the narration by Sean Pratt with his excessively long pregnant pauses between each and every sentence almost made me stop listening. If the book was not as great as it was I really would have stopped. Had to move it to 2X speed just to get his pauses to seem normal. I am literally going to check who is reading the book from now on to avoid this if possible.

Narration is so poor hard to really rate

How did the narrator detract from the book?

No emotion, no inflection, same pace, so mind numbing I could not listen anymore. I tried multiple times and gave up.

What did you take away from The CIO Paradox that you can apply to your work?

The business does not understand IT and never will, so get use to it. Chapter 1, what other chapters have to say I could not bear to even attempt it.

Must have for aspiring CIOs

Balanced deep insight and keeping it an interesting story. Would recommend, listened twice, great use of a credit.