NICOLAS P. LIAKOPULOS
Chief Information Officer at UCAN
Can you please provide a little introduction about yourself
I am based in the city of Chicago Illinois – USA and I am the CIO.
What has your journey to your position been like? What path have you taken?
The journey has taken 6 years to build a broken IT Team and redefine the technology for the agency. Nowadays a lot of manual processes have been automated and applications move into the cloud. For infrastructure, it has been updated and strengthen by utilizing the most up-to-date technology for wide area networks.
Has it always been your vision to reach the position you’re at? Was your current role part of your vision to become a tech leader?
Absolutely yes, I have worked my way up the ladder all my work life.
Have you had a role model or mentor that has helped you on your journey?
I have had several role models in my lifetime.
How do you see the role of the technology leader evolving over the next 5 years?
To be stronger and accessible to everyone.
What skills do you think leaders of the future will need in order to thrive?
Innovation, high communication skills, strong listening skills, high sensitivity to the audience and clients, build strong relationships internal and external, and perseverance.
How do you keep current with new skills, technologies and personal development?
Assist to online webinars, online research, talking to piers, and listening to others.
What do you see as the next leap in technology that will impact your business or industry in particular?
Utilization of the right technology to make more precise decision making.
"To continue to improve on people and listening skills."
If you were mentoring a leader of the future, what advice or guidance would you give to help them on their way?
To continue to improve on people and listening skills.
Is there anything in particular that you would still like to achieve in your career or what is the next step on your journey?
To continue to innovate by providing the right technology to the agency.
If you could change one thing in the world, what would it be?
Peace around the world.
A big thank you to Nicolas P. Liakopulos from UCAN for sharing his journey to date.
If you would like to gain more perspective from Tech Leaders and CIOs you can read some of our other interviews here.
