g-f(2)2888 The Rise of the SuperTech Leader: Streamlining C-Suite Tech Roles

 

genioux Fact post by Fernando Machuca and Perplexity

Introduction:

The Harvard Business Review article "Why Companies Should Consolidate Tech Roles in the C-Suite" by Thomas H. Davenport, John Spens, and Saurabh Gupta explores the growing trend of consolidating senior technology and data roles in organizations. This consolidation aims to address the confusion and inefficiencies caused by the proliferation of C-level technology positions over the past few decades.

genioux GK Nugget:

"Consolidating tech leadership roles into a 'SuperTech' position streamlines digital transformation efforts, enhancing clarity, accountability, and strategic alignment within organizations." — Fernando Machuca and Perplexity, September 13, 2024

genioux Foundational Fact:

The proliferation of C-level technology roles has led to confusion and inefficiency in many organizations. A recent study found that over 80% of surveyed technology and data leaders reported confusion about the roles of different technology-oriented groups. To address this issue, some organizations are consolidating senior technology and data roles into a "SuperTech" leadership position. This consolidation aims to bring clarity, accountability, and strategic alignment to digital transformation initiatives, potentially improving an organization's ability to leverage technology for business success.

The 10 most relevant genioux Facts:

1. The proliferation of C-level technology roles has led to confusion and inefficiency in many organizations.
2. Over 80% of surveyed technology and data leaders reported confusion about the roles of different technology-oriented groups.
3. Only 12% of surveyed leaders reported no confusion regarding technology-oriented roles and services.
4. 30% of leaders lack clarity about how their role relates to other technology and data leadership roles.
5. Organizations are beginning to consolidate senior technology and data roles into "SuperTech" leadership positions.
6. SuperTech leaders typically have broad responsibility for data and technology functions, often including operational responsibilities.
7. The most important skills for SuperTech leaders are overall leadership, senior executive relationships, and business strategy and vision.
8. SuperTech leaders should be heavily business-oriented with a technical underpinning.
9. Consolidating tech leadership roles can bring clarity and accountability to digital transformation initiatives.
10. The trend towards specialized technology and data leaders may have gone too far, necessitating greater coordination and integration.

Conclusion:

The consolidation of technology leadership roles into a SuperTech position represents a strategic shift in how organizations approach their digital transformation efforts. By streamlining leadership and fostering greater integration between various technology and data functions, companies can potentially overcome the confusion and inefficiencies that have arisen from the proliferation of specialized C-suite roles. This approach emphasizes the importance of business-oriented technology leadership with a broad understanding of both technical and strategic aspects of the organization. As technology continues to play an increasingly critical role in business success, the SuperTech leadership model may provide a more effective way to leverage technological capabilities and drive innovation across the enterprise.

REFERENCES

The g-f GK Context

Thomas H. Davenport, John Spens, and Saurabh Gupta, Why Companies Should Consolidate Tech Roles in the C-Suite, Harvard Business Review, September 13, 2024.

ABOUT THE AUTHORS

Thomas H. Davenport is the President’s Distinguished Professor of Information Technology and Management at Babson College, a visiting scholar at the MIT Initiative on the Digital Economy, and a senior adviser to Deloitte’s AI practice. He is a co-author of All-in on AI: How Smart Companies Win Big with Artificial Intelligence (Harvard Business Review Press, 2023).

John Spens is the North American Managing Director of the Data and AI service line at Thoughtworks. He has over 30 years of experience in building critical software applications and business intelligence solutions across the globe.

Saurabh Gupta is the Chief Strategy and Revenue Officer at The Modern Data Company. Prior to that he has been in leadership roles in data and technology in organizations including Thoughtworks, the Washington DC government, IMF, and the World Bank.

Classical Summary of Article:

The article "Why Companies Should Consolidate Tech Roles in the C-Suite" by Thomas H. Davenport, John Spens, and Saurabh Gupta discusses the challenges posed by the increasing number of C-level technology roles within organizations. Over the past few decades, the proliferation of positions such as Chief Information Officer (CIO), Chief Technology Officer (CTO), Chief Data Officer, and Chief Artificial Intelligence Officer has led to confusion and inefficiency in technology leadership.

A recent survey revealed that over 80% of technology and data leaders reported confusion regarding the roles and responsibilities of different technology-oriented groups within their organizations. This lack of clarity can hinder digital transformation efforts and negatively impact organizational performance. To combat this issue, some companies are consolidating these roles into a single "SuperTech" leadership position, typically held by a CIO who oversees all technology and data functions. This consolidation aims to enhance accountability and streamline decision-making processes.

The article highlights the skills necessary for SuperTech leaders, emphasizing the importance of business acumen alongside technical expertise. Successful SuperTech leaders should focus on overall leadership, strategic vision, and fostering strong relationships with other executives. While some technology leaders express concerns about the consolidation of roles, the authors argue that a SuperTech model can provide clearer direction and more effective governance of technology initiatives.

In conclusion, the article advocates for the consolidation of technology roles in the C-suite to address the confusion and inefficiencies that have arisen from the proliferation of specialized tech positions. By establishing clear leadership structures and promoting collaboration among technology and data leaders, organizations can enhance their digital transformation efforts and drive greater business value.

Thomas H. Davenport

Thomas H. Davenport is a renowned academic and author specializing in analytics, business process innovation, knowledge management, and artificial intelligence. Born on October 17, 1954, he has made significant contributions to the field of information technology and management¹.

Education and Early Career

Davenport initially trained as a sociologist, earning a BA in Sociology from Trinity University in 1976, a Master's degree in Sociology from Harvard in 1979, and a Ph.D. in Sociology from Harvard in 1980¹. After completing his Ph.D., he worked as an academic before transitioning to a research and consulting role at Index, where he studied business process improvement¹.

Professional Achievements

Currently, Davenport holds the position of President’s Distinguished Professor of Information Technology and Management at Babson College. He is also a visiting scholar at the MIT Initiative on the Digital Economy and a senior adviser to Deloitte’s AI practice¹². Additionally, he co-founded the International Institute for Analytics and has directed research centers for Accenture and Ernst & Young¹.

Publications and Contributions

Davenport has written or edited twenty books and over 250 articles for prestigious publications such as Harvard Business Review, MIT Sloan Management Review, and the Financial Times². Some of his notable works include:

• "Competing on Analytics: The New Science of Winning": This book, co-authored with Jeanne Harris, provides guidelines for basing competitive strategies on the analysis of business data¹.
• "Only Humans Need Apply: Winners and Losers in the Age of Smart Machines": Co-authored with Julia Kirby, this book offers tools for individuals working with cognitive technologies².
• "The AI Advantage: How to Put the Artificial Intelligence Revolution to Work": This book provides a guide to using artificial intelligence technologies in business².

Recognition and Influence

Davenport has been recognized as one of the top three business/technology analysts in the world and one of the 100 most influential people in the IT industry². He has also been named one of the world’s top fifty business school professors by Fortune magazine².

Personal Life

Davenport's contributions extend beyond his professional achievements. He is a father to two sons, Hayes Davenport, a television comedy writer and podcaster, and Chase Davenport, who makes surfboards and researches artificial intelligence¹.

Thomas H. Davenport continues to be a leading voice in the fields of analytics, artificial intelligence, and digital transformation, shaping the future of technology and management.

¹: [Wikipedia](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Thomas_H._Davenport)

²: [Tom Davenport's Official Website](https://www.tomdavenport.com/about/)

Source: Conversation with Copilot, 9/13/2024

(1) Thomas H. Davenport - Wikipedia. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Thomas_H._Davenport.

(2) About - Tom Davenport. https://www.tomdavenport.com/about/.

(3) Thomas Davenport | Electric Car, Automobile Engineer & Ironworker. https://www.britannica.com/biography/Thomas-Davenport.

(4) Thomas H. Davenport, Senior Advisor - Deloitte. https://www.deloitte.com/global/en/about/people/profiles.tdavenport+d8f68d6e.html.

(5) Thomas H. Davenport - Wikiquote. https://en.wikiquote.org/wiki/Thomas_H._Davenport.

John Spens

John Spens is the North American Managing Director of the Data and AI service line at Thoughtworks, a global technology consultancy. With over 30 years of experience in the technology industry, Spens has established himself as an expert in building critical software applications and business intelligence solutions across the globe.

In his current role at Thoughtworks, Spens leads the Data and AI practice for North America, helping organizations leverage data and artificial intelligence to drive business value and innovation. His extensive background in software development and data analytics positions him well to guide companies through digital transformations and AI adoption strategies.

Throughout his career, Spens has likely worked with a diverse range of clients across various industries, applying his expertise to solve complex business problems through technology. His long tenure in the field suggests he has witnessed and adapted to many technological shifts, from the early days of business computing to today's AI-driven landscape.

While specific details about his educational background and earlier career roles are not provided in the given context, it's reasonable to assume that Spens has held several leadership positions in technology firms, given his current senior role at a prominent company like Thoughtworks. His focus on data and AI also indicates that he has kept his skills and knowledge current with the latest advancements in these rapidly evolving fields.

As a co-author of the article on consolidating tech roles in the C-suite, Spens demonstrates thought leadership in the area of organizational structure and technology management. This suggests he not only has technical expertise but also a strong understanding of business strategy and organizational dynamics in the context of technology adoption.

Citations:

[1] https://ppl-ai-file-upload.s3.amazonaws.com/web/direct-files/18631139/cbed9c58-2266-42fe-b3bb-76b5b5ae01e7/paste.txt

[2] https://ppl-ai-file-upload.s3.amazonaws.com/web/direct-files/18631139/1406ffca-38fa-48f6-bdde-958393cbd0e7/paste.txt

[3] https://ppl-ai-file-upload.s3.amazonaws.com/web/direct-files/18631139/d0574290-6967-4ee7-9236-30e4c000fd07/paste.txt

Saurabh Gupta

Saurabh Gupta is a seasoned technology executive, currently serving as the Chief Strategy and Revenue Officer at The Modern Data Company¹. With a career spanning over two decades, Saurabh has been instrumental in driving strategic growth and data-centric transformations across various organizations.

Early Life and Education

Saurabh's passion for technology and data began early in his life. He pursued executive education from MIT Sloan and holds a degree from the University of California, Berkeley, Haas School of Business². His academic background provided a strong foundation for his future endeavors in the tech industry.

Professional Career

Saurabh's career is marked by leadership roles at prestigious organizations. Before joining The Modern Data Company, he served as the Head of Data Strategy and Governance at Thoughtworks, a global technology consulting company³. He also held the position of Chief Data Officer/Director of Data Strategy, Operations & Modernization at the DC Office of the State Superintendent of Education (OSSE)².

In his current role at The Modern Data Company, Saurabh is responsible for all revenue generation initiatives and driving strategic growth. He leads the company's sales, marketing, and strategy teams, ensuring a cohesive approach to market leadership and customer success¹. His expertise in strategic planning and revenue generation has been pivotal in propelling the company's DataOS® to new heights¹.

Contributions and Achievements

Saurabh is known for his thought leadership in the field of data and AI. He has introduced innovative strategies and data-driven approaches that have significantly impacted the organizations he has worked with¹. His insights and expertise have been instrumental in shaping the future of data management and AI-driven decision-making.

Personal Life

Outside of his professional life, Saurabh is actively involved in mentoring young professionals and contributing to various tech startups as an investor and advisor². He is also an editorial board member for the CDOIQ Program².

Saurabh Gupta continues to be a leading voice in the fields of data and AI, shaping the future of technology and management.

¹: [Business Wire](https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20240417239709/en/The-Modern-Data-Company-Strengthens-Leadership-Team-with-Saurabh-Gupta-as-Chief-Revenue-Officer-and-Chief-Strategy-Officer/)

²: [The Org](https://theorg.com/org/the-modern-data-company/org-chart/saurabh-gupta)

³: [CDOIQ Symposium](https://cdoiq2024.org/2023/09/saurabh-gupta/)

Source: Conversation with Copilot, 9/13/2024

(1) The Modern Data Company Strengthens Leadership Team with Saurabh Gupta .... https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20240417239709/en/The-Modern-Data-Company-Strengthens-Leadership-Team-with-Saurabh-Gupta-as-Chief-Revenue-Officer-and-Chief-Strategy-Officer/.

(2) Saurabh Gupta - Chief Strategy & Revenue Officer at The Modern Data .... https://theorg.com/org/the-modern-data-company/org-chart/saurabh-gupta.

(3) Saurabh Gupta, The Modern Data Company – The 18th Annual CDOIQ Symposium. https://cdoiq2024.org/2023/09/saurabh-gupta/.

(4) How Data Leaders Can Make Data Governance a Priority with Saurabh Gupta .... https://www.datacamp.com/podcast/how-data-leaders-can-make-data-governance-a-priority-with-saurabh-gupta.

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REFERENCES

“genioux facts”: The online program on "MASTERING THE BIG PICTURE OF THE DIGITAL AGE”, g-f(2)2888, Fernando Machuca and Perplexity, September 13, 2024, Genioux.com Corporation.

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