Upgrade Your Boardroom with These Business Technology Experts
Why Your Boardroom Needs a Business Technology Expert
Finding the right business technology expert has become critical for companies that want to survive and thrive in today's digital landscape. These professionals bridge the gap between complex technology and business strategy, ensuring your tech investments actually drive measurable results.
What a Business Technology Expert Does:
- Aligns technology strategy with business goals and revenue targets
- Manages digital change initiatives across departments
- Ensures cybersecurity and compliance in all tech decisions
- Optimizes operations through AI, cloud, and automation
- Delivers measurable ROI on technology investments
- Guides emerging tech adoption like generative AI and blockchain
The stakes couldn't be higher. Research shows that 70% of enterprise change projects fail to meet expectations, while leaders who double down on technology investments achieve 5x the revenue growth compared to those who don't.
As one industry expert puts it: "Technology is the key to outcompete. It only achieves its transformative value when clear strategy, culture, and capabilities meet execution and delivery."
The best business technology experts don't just manage IT systems. They act as strategic advisors who translate complex tech concepts into business value. They help you avoid costly mistakes while identifying game-changing opportunities that your competitors might miss.
But finding the right expert isn't easy. You need someone who understands both cutting-edge technology and real-world business challenges. Someone who can speak to your board about ROI while also getting their hands dirty with implementation.
What Makes a Business Technology Expert Essential in 2024
The world of business technology has changed dramatically. Gone are the days when IT managers simply kept computers running and servers humming. Today's business technology expert needs to be part strategist, part innovator, and part business translator.
Here's what's driving this shift: 57% of CIO/CTOs are now focusing their investments on revenue growth rather than just cutting costs. Even more telling, 61% of CIOs are working on overall business change instead of single-function improvements. This isn't just a trend—it's a fundamental change in how smart companies think about technology.
The most successful organizations today treat technology strategy as a natural extension of their business strategy. Both sides guide and influence each other. This creates a powerful feedback loop, but it requires leaders who can speak both languages fluently.
Companies that get this right see remarkable results. Those who double down on strategic technology investments achieve 5x the revenue growth compared to companies that treat tech as an afterthought. The difference? They have the right person bridging the gap between what's possible and what's profitable.
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Definition of a Business Technology Expert
A true business technology expert lives at the crossroads where people, strategy, and technology meet. They're not just technical wizards hiding in server rooms. They're cross-functional leaders who turn complex technical possibilities into practical business wins.
Think of them as innovation catalysts. They look at emerging technologies like AI and ask, "How can this help our customers?" instead of just "How does this work?" This shift in perspective makes all the difference.
The best business technology experts have what we call "cloud fluency." This goes beyond knowing how to set up cloud servers. They understand how cloud solutions can make businesses more agile, reduce risks, and keep operations running smoothly even when unexpected challenges arise.
What sets these professionals apart is their ability to see the bigger picture. They evaluate new technologies not just for their cool factor, but for their potential to create real competitive advantages. They know that successful digital change requires putting technology at the heart of business reinvention, not just bolting it onto existing processes.
Core Responsibilities Every Business Technology Expert Must Master
Modern business technology experts wear many hats, and each one requires a different skill set. Let's look at the most critical areas where they make their mark.
Technology-business alignment forms the foundation of everything they do. Every technology investment needs to support clear business objectives. This means translating complex technical concepts into language that executives can understand and act on. It's harder than it sounds—technical jargon and business speak often feel like different languages.
Cybersecurity oversight has become increasingly complex as threats evolve rapidly. The best business technology experts implement robust security frameworks while keeping business agility intact. They understand that security measures shouldn't become business bottlenecks. The goal is protection that enables productivity, not hinders it.
Change management might be their most important responsibility. As one industry expert puts it, "True adoption of smart technology requires a culture shift, not just technical deployment." People resist change, especially when it involves learning new systems or processes. Successful technology experts know how to guide organizations through these transitions smoothly.
Stakeholder engagement ties everything together. These professionals build coalitions across business, technology, and finance teams. They foster enterprise-wide buy-in for technology initiatives because they understand that even the best technical solution will fail without organizational support.
Measuring Business Technology Expert Impact
The most effective business technology experts deliver results you can measure. When organizations use structured methodologies and proven frameworks, the numbers speak for themselves.
Companies report achieving 108% ROI on projects built with established frameworks. Data teams see 20% efficiency increases through optimized processes. Development teams deliver tools 75% faster using modern operating models. Customer engagement jumps 20% through technology-enabled experiences.
These aren't just impressive statistics—they represent real business change. The right business technology expert doesn't just manage technology systems. They transform business performance by applying technology strategically where it can make the biggest difference.
The key insight here is that technology success isn't measured in uptime percentages or server speeds. It's measured in business outcomes: increased revenue, improved efficiency, better customer experiences, and sustainable competitive advantages.
7 Boardroom-Ready Business Technology Experts to Hire Now
We've identified seven exceptional business technology experts who can immediately lift your organization's digital capabilities. Each brings unique strengths that address different aspects of modern technology leadership.
Daniel Burrus – Futurist & Anticipatory Strategist
Daniel Burrus stands out as one of the world's leading futurists, having accurately identified 20 exponential technologies driving business change. His Anticipatory Organization® methodology helps companies turn disruption into strategic advantage.
With over 3,000 keynote speeches delivered worldwide and seven books including two New York Times bestsellers, Burrus brings unparalleled expertise in hard trends versus soft trends analysis. He helps organizations distinguish between future certainties and assumptions, enabling more confident strategic planning.
His approach focuses on making disruption a choice rather than a risk. As he puts it, disruption doesn't have to be negative—it can be the result of intentional innovation. This perspective is invaluable for boards looking to proactively shape their digital future rather than simply react to market changes.
Jack Shaw – Emerging Tech Visionary
Jack Shaw combines deep technical expertise with innovative presentation methods, including 3D holographic telepresence for global audiences. He's delivered over 1,000 keynotes to more than 300,000 leaders across 26 countries, with particular expertise in blockchain, AI, and supply chain change.
His unique value lies in explaining complex technologies like ChatGPT, blockchain, and Web3 in easily understood terms while demonstrating their practical business applications. Shaw's work spans aerospace manufacturing, financial services, and B2B/B2C supply chains.
What sets Shaw apart is his ability to paint vivid pictures of future scenarios, helping organizations understand not just what technologies are emerging, but how they'll reshape entire industries. His blockchain expertise alone—having led over 100 blockchain speeches across a dozen countries—makes him invaluable for organizations exploring distributed ledger applications.
Brian Greenberg – The IT Risk Warrior
Brian Greenberg brings a unique perspective as someone who's lived "at the intersection of people and technology" throughout his career. His approach emphasizes that every worker, regardless of industry, has become a technology worker to some extent.
His expertise spans cybersecurity, AI innovation, and operational optimization. Greenberg's thought leadership focuses on practical technology adoption across all job functions—from healthcare workers leveraging digital patient records to carpenters using CAD software.
This broad perspective makes him particularly valuable for organizations undergoing digital change, as he understands how technology impacts every role within a company, not just IT departments.
Eugene Beetge – Hands-On AI Implementer
With over 30 years in IT, Eugene Beetge combines traditional technology consulting with cutting-edge AI capabilities. His expertise in AI prompt engineering and custom software development makes him ideal for organizations ready to move beyond AI pilots to production-ready implementations.
Beetge's approach emphasizes practical, cost-effective solutions that minimize risk while maximizing efficiency. He conducts comprehensive technology audits to identify potential issues before implementation, helping organizations avoid costly mistakes.
His hands-on development approach means he doesn't just advise—he actively builds and implements solutions. This combination of strategic thinking and technical execution is particularly valuable for organizations that need both guidance and implementation support.
Evan J Schwartz – Pain-Managed ERP Leader
Evan Schwartz has developed a unique "pain management" methodology for technology adoption after 30+ years of enterprise system implementations across hundreds of businesses. His approach focuses on reducing risk and ensuring predictable costs during complex technology rollouts.
His expertise spans massive ERP global implementations to modern generative AI integration for daily business operations. Schwartz's methodology addresses the reality that "there is no change without pain, but you don't have to put your business at risk."
This approach is particularly valuable for organizations facing large-scale system migrations or ERP implementations, where cost overruns and timeline delays are common industry challenges.
Kim Bozzella – Enterprise Tech Governance Pro
Kim Bozzella specializes in enterprise technology governance, with particular expertise in SAP GRC implementation, responsible AI frameworks, and design thinking methodologies. Her work focuses on building robust governance structures that enable innovation while managing compliance and risk.
Her approach emphasizes embedding design thinking across all organizational levels, from C-suite to front-line consultants. This methodology drives solution innovation while maintaining the risk-based focus essential for enterprise technology decisions.
Bozzella's expertise in responsible AI governance is particularly timely as organizations grapple with implementing generative AI at scale while managing ethical and compliance considerations.
Aaron Alfini – Fractional CIO for SMBs
Aaron Alfini addresses a critical gap in the market by providing fractional CIO services to small and medium businesses. His approach delivers enterprise-level technology strategy without the executive salary overhead.
His methodology emphasizes that "every tech dollar spent should translate directly to measurable business growth." This ROI-focused approach is particularly valuable for smaller organizations that need strategic technology guidance but can't justify a full-time executive role.
Alfini's services include technology audits, AI automation implementation, and strategic planning sessions designed to help SMBs compete effectively with larger organizations through smart technology adoption.
How Business Technology Experts Drive Value Across the Organization
The magic happens when a skilled business technology expert gets their hands on your organization. They don't just install software and walk away—they weave technology into the very fabric of how your business operates, creating ripple effects that touch every department and every employee.
Think about it this way: when most companies implement new technology, they're basically throwing expensive tools at problems without changing how people actually work. But a true business technology expert? They understand that operational efficiency comes from aligning technology with human behavior and business processes.
Take generative AI, for example. We're seeing teams report 20% increases in efficiency when AI is properly integrated into their workflows. Customer engagement jumps by similar margins. But here's the catch—these gains only show up when someone who really understands both technology and business orchestrates the entire implementation.
The best results come from combining internal expertise with smart partnerships. Injecting AI into the partnership shows how strategic technology alliances can accelerate innovation beyond what any single organization could achieve alone.
But none of this works without proper alignment. What is Alignment Between Business and Information Technology becomes the foundation that ensures your technology investments actually support your business goals instead of creating expensive digital monuments that nobody uses.
The most successful business technology experts excel at cloud modernization that doesn't disrupt daily operations, data analytics implementations that actually influence decision-making, and creating sustainable competitive edges through smart technology choices.
Business Technology Expert Playbook for Emerging Tech
Smart business technology experts follow a proven playbook when evaluating and implementing emerging technologies. They don't chase every shiny new tool—instead, they focus on technologies that can genuinely transform business outcomes.
AI governance sits at the top of their priority list. They build frameworks that let organizations innovate with AI while managing the very real risks that come with it. This means setting up proper data governance, establishing ethical guidelines, and creating monitoring systems that catch problems before they become disasters.
Quantum-safe security might sound like science fiction, but forward-thinking experts are already preparing for quantum computing's impact on cybersecurity. They're implementing quantum-safe encryption methods now, before they become absolutely necessary for business survival.
Edge computing integration helps them distribute computing power closer to where data gets created. This reduces delays and improves performance for applications that need real-time responses—think manufacturing sensors or customer service chatbots.
The smartest experts also excel at ecosystem orchestration. They leverage platforms like watsonx and build strategic partnerships with cloud providers and specialized vendors. This approach gives organizations access to cutting-edge capabilities without the massive investment of building everything from scratch.
Organizations that properly implement these emerging technologies see remarkable results. Leaders who double down on technology and innovation investments achieve 5x revenue growth compared to those who take a more cautious approach.
Traditional IT Manager vs Business Technology Expert
| Aspect | Traditional IT Manager | Business Technology Expert |
|---|---|---|
| Primary Focus | System maintenance and support | Strategic business change |
| Success Metrics | Uptime, ticket resolution | Revenue growth, competitive advantage |
| Scope | IT department operations | Cross-functional business impact |
| Risk Approach | Risk avoidance | Risk-based innovation |
| Stakeholder Engagement | Technical teams | C-suite, business units, external partners |
| Technology Perspective | Cost center management | Revenue and growth driver |
| Decision Making | Reactive problem-solving | Proactive opportunity identification |
This comparison shows exactly why organizations are moving away from traditional IT management toward business technology expertise. The shift reflects a fundamental truth: technology can no longer be treated as a separate department that keeps the computers running.
Today's business technology experts understand that technology must be embedded at the center of business strategy. They speak the language of revenue, growth, and competitive advantage—not just servers, software, and support tickets.
Hiring & Retaining Your First Business Technology Expert
Finding and keeping the right business technology expert feels like hunting for a unicorn sometimes. The best candidates are already working somewhere else, probably making good money, and definitely not scrolling job boards on LinkedIn.
Here's the thing though—the most talented technology experts aren't just looking for their next paycheck. They want to solve interesting problems and make a real difference. They want to work with organizations that actually get technology instead of treating it like a necessary evil.
The competition for top talent is fierce right now. Companies are throwing around impressive job titles and salary numbers. But what really attracts exceptional candidates is the opportunity to drive meaningful change and work with cutting-edge tools that actually matter.
Smart organizations focus on building environments where technology experts can flex their strategic muscles. This means giving them real authority to make decisions, access to modern platforms, and the freedom to experiment with emerging technologies.
Understanding Cloud-Based Business Solutions has become absolutely essential for any serious technology expert. Candidates expect to work with modern cloud architectures, AI-enabled platforms, and agile development approaches—not legacy systems held together with digital duct tape.
Crafting a Competitive Offer for a Business Technology Expert
Money matters, obviously. But the best business technology experts care about more than just their salary. They want to grow, learn, and make an impact that goes beyond keeping the servers running.
Continuous learning opportunities are huge draws for top candidates. Offer access to cloud certifications, AI training programs, and industry conferences. The technology world moves fast, and the best experts want to stay ahead of the curve. Consider partnerships with technology vendors that provide sandbox environments and early access to emerging platforms.
Strategic authority separates great offers from mediocre ones. Top candidates don't want to be order-takers who implement decisions made by people who don't understand technology. They want a seat at the table where business strategy gets decided. Make it clear that their technical expertise will directly influence business direction.
Flexible work arrangements have become non-negotiable for many candidates. The pandemic proved that technology work can be incredibly effective when done remotely or in hybrid arrangements. The best experts expect this flexibility and will choose companies that offer it over those that don't.
Innovation budgets show you're serious about staying competitive. Provide dedicated resources for experimenting with emerging technologies. This might include budget for proof-of-concept projects, access to AI platforms, or protected time for research and development activities.
Onboarding & Continuous Development
Getting your new business technology expert up to speed requires more than showing them where the coffee machine is and handing them a laptop. You need a structured approach that helps them understand both your technology landscape and your business goals.
Agile integration methods like IBM Garage sprints work incredibly well for bringing new experts into existing teams. These intensive, collaborative sessions help new hires understand your technical architecture while also grasping your business objectives. It's like a crash course in "how we actually get things done around here."
Mentorship programs make a huge difference in retention. Pair your new expert with experienced business leaders who can provide context on organizational culture, stakeholder dynamics, and strategic priorities. Technical skills are important, but understanding the human side of your business is what turns good experts into great ones.
Clear certification pathways show you're invested in their professional growth. Establish progression routes for advanced certifications in cloud platforms, AI frameworks, and cybersecurity. Organizations that follow structured development programs report 75% faster tool delivery compared to those that wing it.
Cross-functional exposure helps your new expert understand how technology impacts every part of your business. Make sure they spend time with sales, marketing, operations, and finance teams. This broader perspective is what separates strategic technology leaders from pure technicians.
The investment you make in proper onboarding and development pays dividends for years. Great technology experts who feel supported and challenged tend to stick around. And in today's competitive market, retention is just as important as recruitment.
Frequently Asked Questions about Business Technology Experts
Let's address the most common questions we hear from organizations looking to hire their first business technology expert. These insights come from years of helping companies steer this critical hiring decision.
What qualifications define a top-tier business technology expert?
The best business technology experts aren't just technical wizards—they're business translators who can turn complex technology into real results. While credentials matter, what really sets them apart is their ability to drive measurable business outcomes.
Technical expertise forms the foundation. Look for deep knowledge in cloud platforms like AWS, Azure, or Google Cloud. They should understand AI and machine learning implementation, not just the theory. Cybersecurity frameworks and risk management experience are non-negotiable in today's threat landscape.
But here's what separates good from great: business strategy understanding. The top candidates can demonstrate clear ROI delivery from past technology initiatives. They speak the language of revenue, efficiency, and competitive advantage—not just uptime and system performance.
Change management skills are equally crucial. Technology is only as good as its adoption, and the best experts know how to lead people through digital change. They've successfully guided teams through major system implementations and cultural shifts.
Executive communication abilities round out the package. These professionals need to present to boards, explain complex concepts to non-technical stakeholders, and build coalitions across departments. Industry certifications from major vendors help, but proven results matter more.
How do business technology experts ensure technology investments deliver ROI?
Smart business technology experts follow a proven playbook that starts with business objectives, not technology features. They've learned that the shiniest new tool means nothing if it doesn't solve real business problems.
Value-based planning comes first. Before evaluating any technology solution, they work with business leaders to define clear success metrics. What specific business challenge are we solving? How will we measure success? What's the expected timeline for results?
Phased implementation reduces risk while demonstrating ongoing value. Instead of betting everything on one massive deployment, they break initiatives into smaller chunks that deliver results quickly. This approach lets them course-correct when needed and keeps stakeholders engaged through visible progress.
Organizations using these structured approaches report 108% ROI on their technology projects. That's not luck—it's methodology.
Performance monitoring never stops. The best experts establish comprehensive tracking that measures both technical performance and business impact. They create dashboards that executives can actually understand, showing how technology investments translate into revenue growth, cost savings, or efficiency gains.
Stakeholder alignment keeps everyone moving in the same direction. Regular communication with business leaders ensures technology initiatives stay aligned with evolving priorities. When business needs change, technology strategy adapts accordingly.
What challenges do business technology experts face in a rapidly evolving tech landscape?
Even the most experienced business technology experts face significant headwinds in today's fast-moving environment. Understanding these challenges helps organizations provide better support for their technology leaders.
Technology complexity grows exponentially. AI alone evolves so rapidly that best practices change monthly. Keeping up requires continuous learning, experimentation, and the humility to admit when something isn't working. The experts who thrive treat learning as a core part of their job, not something they do when they have spare time.
Skills gap management creates ongoing pressure. Finding technical talent for emerging technologies like quantum computing or advanced AI remains incredibly difficult. Smart experts build strong relationships with consulting partners and invest heavily in upskilling their existing teams.
Security threats evolve constantly, forcing experts to balance innovation with protection. They must implement security measures that enable business agility rather than constraining it. This requires deep understanding of both emerging threats and business operations.
Change resistance often proves more challenging than technical implementation. People naturally resist change, especially when it affects their daily work routines. The most successful experts develop strong relationships across the organization and invest significant time in change management.
Budget constraints add another layer of complexity. Technology experts must demonstrate clear ROI while competing with other business priorities for limited resources. This requires exceptional communication skills and the ability to connect technology investments to business outcomes.
The experts who succeed don't try to solve these challenges alone. They build strong networks, maintain strategic partnerships, and focus on delivering measurable results that build trust and support for future initiatives.
Conclusion
Your boardroom's future success depends on the technology decisions you make today. The digital landscape isn't slowing down—it's accelerating. Companies that recognize this reality and invest in exceptional business technology experts don't just survive the change; they shape their entire industries.
The seven professionals we've showcased each bring something unique to the table. Daniel Burrus helps you see around corners with anticipatory strategy. Jack Shaw makes emerging tech tangible through innovative presentations. Brian Greenberg bridges the critical gap between people and technology. Eugene Beetge gets his hands dirty with actual AI implementation.
Then there's Evan Schwartz, who takes the pain out of complex system rollouts. Kim Bozzella builds the governance frameworks that let you innovate safely. And Aaron Alfini proves that small businesses can access enterprise-level technology strategy without the executive price tag.
What they all share is remarkable: strategic thinking combined with real-world execution skills. They don't just talk about technology—they make it work for business growth.
The numbers tell a compelling story. Organizations with strong technology leadership achieve 5x the revenue growth of their competitors. Meanwhile, 70% of digital change projects stumble without proper expertise. The math is simple: invest in the right technology leadership or watch your competitors pull ahead.
This is where our experience at Justin McKelvey becomes invaluable. We've spent years helping SaaS companies, eCommerce businesses, agencies, and service organizations steer these exact challenges. We've seen how the right business technology expert can transform struggling tech initiatives into growth engines.
The future rewards the prepared. Companies that can harness AI, cloud computing, and emerging technologies will write the next chapter of their industries. Those that can't will become footnotes in someone else's success story.
Your boardroom needs technology expertise that goes beyond keeping the lights on. You need strategic thinkers who can translate complex possibilities into profitable realities. The experts we've highlighted can provide exactly that kind of leadership.
The question isn't whether technology will reshape your industry—it's whether you'll lead that change or simply react to it. Make sure your organization has the expertise to choose its own digital destiny.
