CIO at 3CG Ventures
Can you please provide a little introduction about yourself
Hi, everyone! Vera here, based out of Kansas City, Missouri. I've just taken a new role as CIO for a Los Angeles leadership consulting firm, 3CG Ventures.
At 3CG, relationships are at the center of our services helping professionals see, think, and act more clearly.
After a rewarding 25+ year leadership journey in technology and customer success in the financial services industry, my new role perfectly blends my passion for innovation with a focus on empowering people.
What path have you taken to your current position?
My path to becoming a tech leader wasn't exactly linear. I received my degrees in Biology and Sociology around the time the whole world was buzzing about Y2K. My affinity for logic and problem-solving pulled me into the tech world, even though I was considering a career in healthcare and human ethics! So, after a crash course in coding and a short stint as a junior programmer/quality analyst, I took a position in technology at a massive financial services company. It was here that I discovered my passion - leadership and service. I thrived on meeting client expectations, which required building great teams, not just code.
As a technologist, I was passionate about developing tech strategies and architectural designs with teams and clients. I didn't just focus on the tech; I liked bridging the gap between intricate solutions and overarching partnership needs. I wanted each team member to leave the room feeling good about our approach.
As I moved up the ranks, I gravitated to leadership roles where I could spend more time blending the technical with the human element of business: restructuring processes to align with client needs, cultivating client relationships to develop stronger partnerships, building organizational structures to optimize execution and delivery globally, and implementing system-level strategies to ensure secure and efficient environments. Each step, mixing tech and leadership, led me to CIO.
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?
I’ve always intended to work in a business environment as a decision-maker, toe-to-toe with my male counterparts; aiming to make a difference.
As I experienced the power of innovation to meet client needs, the more I was drawn to leading the charge. Tech was the tool, but my real passion was the people who made it happen.
My drive to embrace new challenges and make an impact within my relationships fueled my desire to play a key role in customer success and technical strategies.
It's about the collective journey, the impact we create as a team, and the chance to make a significant difference by leading from the front.
Have you had a role model or mentor that has helped you on your journey?
I've been lucky to have many mentors throughout my career—each of them crucial to my growth and success.
They've taught me invaluable lessons on leadership, innovation, and sticking to my values. It's not just one person; it's a whole group who've pushed me forward.
Their guidance has been foundational, profoundly shaping my professional journey and motivating me to mentor others in turn. I truly have a hard time choosing just one.
But I can say that my best mentors encouraged me to look inward.
How do you see the role of the technology leader evolving over the next 5 years?
I can share how I hope tech leaders will evolve over the next 5 years to be successful leaders.
First, leading in a remote and hybrid world requires building a strong sense of belonging across geographical locations. Leaders will need to make a conscious effort to connect with their people on a deeper level and this is crucial for performance and retention.
Second, is the ability to adapt in the age of automation. AI and automation are game changers, impacting everything from strategic decision-making to learning and development.
Finally, I believe there is a shift toward socially responsible innovation. As technology becomes more ubiquitous, socially responsible organizations have business goals specific to technology. As these businesses flood the digital markets, they will become our future cultural influencers.
What skills do you think leaders of the future will need in order to thrive?
Leaders will need to adapt to increasingly complex digital landscapes requiring not just technical proficiency but a profound sense of empathy, emotional intelligence, and commitment to diversity and inclusion.
Skills in AI, machine learning, and cybersecurity will be foundational, yet the ability to inspire, unite, and lead with conviction and compassion will set true leaders apart.
Is there anything in particular that you would still like to achieve in your career or what is the next step on your journey?
Keeping up? For me, it’s about staying curious and connected, always.
At the top of the list is networking and listening to my community of peers, mentors, and thought leaders. I do my best to keep up with social media, books, writing, and research.
Artificial intelligence and machine learning are on the brink of transforming how we engage with the world.
In our business, I see these technologies not just streamlining operations but revolutionizing the customer experience, making services more personalized and impactful.
But, in these early stages it will take time to educate and implement across industries and companies.
"Embrace your journey with its ups and downs."
What role do you see emerging technologies (e.g., AI, machine learning, blockchain) playing in your industry, and how are you preparing for them?
A big thank you to Vera Burdt from 3CG Ventures for sharing her 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.
