Jon Rike, the chief information officer (CIO) for the City of Dayton, has a remarkable journey full of valuable lessons on leadership, career, growth and navigating the evolving technology landscape. His experiences provide a wealth of insights for aspiring leaders in the technology industry. Watch the full video interview to dive deeper into Jon’s inspiring story.
Early Influences: Lessons on Perseverance
Jon’s early life was profoundly influenced by his grandmother, a resilient and positive figure who faced numerous challenges with grace. She instilled in Jon the importance of perseverance, grit and determination. Her optimistic outlook and strong work ethic taught Jon that while many aspects of life are beyond our control, we always have control over our attitude and how we respond to challenges.
Career Growth: From Desktop Technician to CIO
John’s career journey took off during his junior year at the University of Dayton. Despite having limited experience, he seized a co-op opportunity that involved working on the Y2K conversion, which sparked his interest in technology.
Over the years, Jon transitioned from a desktop technician to managing service desks and eventually overseeing IT operations. He attributes much of his growth to the mentorship and guidance of the leaders he worked under. Although a hard worker, he recognizes the most efficient and effective way to achieve your goals is by using your network and learning from those who have done it already.
Leading the City of Dayton: Challenges and Opportunities
As the CIO of the City of Dayton, Jon faces significant challenges, including budgetary constraints and the need to modernize the city’s infrastructure. Despite these hurdles, Jon emphasizes the importance of creating a positive culture within his team and focusing on service to both internal and external stakeholders.
He sees himself as a coach, tasked with assembling a talented team and empowering them to deliver exceptional results. Once again, he leans into embracing his community and empowering those around him. Because when his team wins, so does he.
Advice for Aspiring Technologists
Jon offers two key pieces of advice for young professionals entering the technology field. First, he stresses the importance of lifelong learning, echoing Truman’s words: “Not all readers are leaders, but all leaders are readers.” He also highlights the value of building a strong professional network, as it can open doors to new opportunities and facilitate career growth.
Industry Trends: The Intersection of AI and Cybersecurity
Jon is particularly intrigued by the intersection of AI and cybersecurity. He views AI as a powerful tool for enhancing cybersecurity defenses, despite the challenges it may pose.
Jon remains optimistic about AI’s potential benefits in strengthening cybersecurity measures, believing it will play a crucial role in the future of technology.
Jon Rike: Embracing Leadership and Innovation in Technology
Jon Rike’s journey from a young technologist to the CIO of Dayton offers invaluable insights into leadership, career development and the evolving technology landscape. His emphasis on positivity, continual learning and service-oriented leadership exemplifies the qualities of a successful leader in the technology industry. To learn more about Jon Rike’s inspiring journey and to gain further insights, watch the full video interview above. For information on how technology can transform your organization, contact us today.
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