Bytes of Experience : CIOs Unplugged

Bo and Dana wrap up Season 1 by reflecting on the themes that defined their conversations — trust, culture, crisis leadership, governance, and the deeply human side of IT. They share what surprised them, what they learned, and why their guests’ honesty and vulnerability made the season so special. A warm, grateful look back at the people and stories that shaped their first year — and a hint of what’s coming in Season 2.

Bo and Dana talk with Axel Schulz from CANARIE about the evolution of shared cybersecurity services in Canada’s research and education network. Axel breaks down the strategic pillars, the rise of threat‑intel collaboration, and why higher ed’s decentralized culture makes partnership essential.

Bo and Dana talk with Ray Darling, University Registrar at the University of Windsor, about leadership, data stewardship, and the critical Registrar–CIO partnership. Ray reflects on lessons from four institutions, the realities of registration stress, and how business and IT teams can truly co‑design the student experience.

Bo and Dana talk with Pete Bombacci, founder of GenWell, about why human connection is now a leadership essential. Pete shares the 2003 blackout story that sparked his mission, the science linking connection to well‑being and performance, and the hidden costs of disconnection in hybrid workplaces. They explore practical ways leaders can build trust, culture, and community — and why intentional, shared experiences matter more than ever. A powerful conversation for anyone trying to build healthier, more resilient teams.

A focused conversation with Bob Cook and Gayleen Gray on how CUCCIO’s Leadership Development Program and Information Security LDP are shaping the next generation of IT leaders in Canadian higher education. The episode explores program design, university governance, leadership skills, and the power of cohort‑based learning.

Former SWAT operator and cybercrime investigator Kevin Paul joins Bytes of Experience to explore how policing shaped his approach to cybersecurity in higher education. He discusses triage, governance challenges, nation‑state risks, shared SOC models, and Cybera’s groundbreaking partnership with Australia’s ARNet. A fast‑paced look at collaboration, detection, and the future of campus security.

Healthcare leader Michele James shares how culture, belonging, and inclusion transform organizations. From Scarborough’s diverse workforce to Communities of Inclusion, she explains why people‑first leadership drives performance and trust. Featuring the six “C‑words” of inclusive leadership (from Deloitte model) — commitment, courage, cognizance of bias, curiosity, cultural intelligence, and collaboration.

ichard Godsmark reflects on his career across Canadian colleges, Canadian universities, and now the Australian higher education system. He compares how governance, funding models, culture, and technology stacks differ across these environments, and how those differences shape decision‑making, pace of change, and the work of IT leaders. He also discusses his shift from Deputy CIO to Strategic Advisor for Digital Innovation at Sheridan, where he focused on long‑term thinking, institutional differentiation, and revenue diversification. Richard shares lessons about influence, trust‑building, and protecting time to think — offering a grounded, cross‑border perspective on leading digital strategy in higher education.

Jason Oliver, CIO at Western University, reflects on his first year in Canada after leading IT in the UK. From sector similarities to cultural surprises, financial pressures, and student experience, Jason shares candid insights on building community and driving transformation in higher ed.

Alex Matos, Internal Auditor at the University of Toronto, joins Bo and Dana to explore how CIOs and internal auditors can work together to strengthen institutional strategy, IT governance, and cybersecurity. The conversation covers the evolving role of internal audit, board oversight, the need for technical expertise on audit committees, and practical ways to build trust, visibility, and alignment across the institution.

Bo and Dana talk with Marc Denoncourt about his journey from CIO to board director and how governance training transformed his approach to IT leadership. They explore how to frame technology as strategy, build trust with boards, elevate student‑focused digital services, and use IT committees to drive better oversight. A practical, candid look at what modern CIOs need to succeed at the board table.

A year into Bytes of Experience, Dana and Bo look back at the first 15 episodes to uncover the themes that shaped their conversations — people‑centered leadership, trust, navigating change, mentorship, cybersecurity, and the human side of technology. They revisit standout moments, share lessons learned, and reflect on what this growing community has taught them along the way.

Bytes of Experience revisits CanSoC with guest Isaac Straley to explore how shared security works in practice. The episode digs into trust, real-time threat sharing, regional SOCs, equity across provinces, and how leadership can build a sustainable, collaborative cybersecurity model amid rising costs and AI-driven threats. CanSSOC - https://canssoc.ca/