From Individual Contributor to Manager to Leader: Requirements and Pitfalls ft. Ron Double

IT Leaders

In this episode of IT Leaders, Ron Double, a seasoned IT professional with extensive experience in healthcare technology, shares his journey from an individual contributor to a leadership role. Ron opens up about his background, growing up in a small town and working his way through various educational institutions while developing a strong foundation in IT. He discusses the significant shift he experienced when transitioning from manufacturing to healthcare IT, where he found a deeper purpose in his work.

Ron emphasizes the importance of self-awareness in leadership, urging leaders to understand their personal stories, core competencies, and the unique characteristics of their teams. He shares valuable insights on the pitfalls of leadership, such as getting too caught up in the technology rather than focusing on outcomes, and the challenge of stepping out of the weeds to trust others with responsibilities.

Throughout the episode, Ron highlights the critical role of mentorship and the need for leaders to build strong, transparent relationships with their teams. He advocates for continuous learning, vulnerability, and the courage to make and learn from mistakes as key elements of effective leadership.

Listeners will gain practical advice on developing leadership skills, understanding the nuances of managing versus leading, and the importance of aligning personal values with professional responsibilities. This episode is a must-listen for IT professionals looking to transition into leadership roles, offering actionable takeaways and inspiring stories from a leader who has successfully navigated the complexities of IT leadership in the healthcare industry.