The following summary has been condensed for length and readability. To listen to the full discussion, click here. This episode is sponsored by ETI Software and VETRO FiberMap.
In this episode of The Broadband Bunch, host Brad Hine welcomes listeners from the bustling expo floor of the 2024 UTC Telecom and Technology Conference in Mobile, Alabama. This special episode features a profound discussion with Stacy Mill, CEO of Pivot Technology Solutions and a veteran in IT and cybersecurity, on the transformative impact of technology across various sectors, with a focus on utilities.
Stacy introduces herself to the Broadband Bunch audience, detailing her journey from a young coder to a top executive in the tech industry. She shares her early experiences with programming in BASIC and Assembler, her educational background in computer science, and her progression through various roles in the tech sector. Stacy emphasizes how her deep-rooted interest in technology and her hands-on approach have shaped her career path and leadership style.
The discussion moves to the significant changes in technology within businesses over the past decades. Stacy reflects on her tenure at Humana in the early 90s, a time when technology was just beginning to become a fundamental component of corporate operations. She discusses the challenges of integrating new technologies into established systems and the strategic importance of staying ahead in technology adoption to enhance operational efficiency and compliance, particularly with new regulations like HIPAA.
Stacy provides insights into her experiences at major corporations, where she led significant IT initiatives and systems overhauls. She recounts her role at Car Global, where she managed IT assessments and integrations for multiple acquisitions, emphasizing the critical nature of cybersecurity in these processes. Her stories highlight the complexity of merging IT systems and the strategic decisions involved in ensuring technological coherence and security integrity post-acquisition.
As the CTO for the state of Kansas during the pandemic, Stacy faced unprecedented challenges in rapidly transitioning state operations to remote work. She describes the logistical and technical hurdles overcome to equip thousands of employees with the necessary tools and security to operate effectively from home. This effort underscored the essential role of IT in maintaining government functions during a crisis, showcasing her leadership in high-pressure environments.
At Pivot Technology Solutions, Stacy’s current focus is on fostering technological adoption in the utility industry. She discusses her efforts to shift cultural perspectives towards digital transformation, stressing the importance of integrating advanced IT solutions to improve efficiency, security, and customer service in utilities. Stacy shares success stories and ongoing projects that illustrate the potential of technology to revolutionize traditional industries.
Further delving into her experiences with utilities, Stacy discusses the cultural resistance to digital change within these organizations. She explains how she navigates these challenges by demonstrating the tangible benefits of IT upgrades, such as increased operational resilience and improved compliance with regulatory standards. Her approach involves strategic communication and stakeholder engagement to align technology goals with broader organizational objectives.
The conversation turns to the critical role of broadband and telecommunications in the modernization of utility services. Stacy and Brad discuss how reliable connectivity is crucial for the deployment of new technologies within utilities, enabling better management of resources and faster response times in service delivery. They explore how broadband can facilitate the integration of smart grids and IoT devices, which are pivotal in advancing utility operations.
As the episode wraps up, Stacy reflects on the broader impact of her work and the future directions of technology in utilities and other sectors. She underscores the ongoing need for innovation and adaptation in technology strategies to meet evolving challenges and opportunities. Brad thanks Stacy for her insights, acknowledging her significant contributions to the field of IT and her role in shaping the future of technology in utilities.
This detailed podcast episode offers a rich narrative of Stacy Mill’s impactful career in IT and cybersecurity, her strategic vision for technological integration, and her leadership in transforming business practices to harness the benefits of advanced technologies across multiple industries.
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