Career pathways and IT leadership: insights from Paula Tolliver

Based on an interview with Paula Tolliver on her executive trajectory, this report examines Information Technology (IT) strategy through the IT Strategy Triangle and four integrated areas: career pathways, technology as a business enabler, university – industry collaboration, and the evolving CIO role. It frames the shift from narrow systems stewardship to enterprise strategy, aligning business, organizational, and IT choices. Findings emphasize data as a core corporate asset, IT-enabled growth and transformation, and the shift in the CIO’s role toward balancing enterprise-wide AI adoption with strong cybersecurity and governance. The analysis also highlights how advisory boards and Management Information Systems (MIS) programs act as translator bridges between business needs and technical capability, strengthening curricula and talent pipelines. The result is actionable guidance for educators, students, and practitioners on orchestrating the triangle’s three dimensions to create value and institutional resilience.