In this interview, we delve into the remarkable story of how Jeff Roberts, the Founder and CEO of Innovation Vista, embarked on his path to success in the world of technology consulting. Join us as Jeff shares his experiences, notable accomplishments, leadership style, and the values that have guided him along the way. Discover what sets Innovation Vista apart from other firms, how Jeff navigated the challenges of the ever-evolving tech landscape, and his aspirations for the future. Get ready to be inspired by Jeff’s journey as a CEO and his relentless pursuit of excellence in the field of technology consulting.
Leadership Qualities Contributing to Success
Jeff Roberts believes that his success as a leader stems from his commitment to servant leadership. He views his role as one that involves clearing blockades for his team, casting a vision using input from everyone, and nurturing a collaborative team environment where everyone can contribute and grow. This approach has allowed him to build a strong, cohesive team that is dedicated to the mission of Innovation Vista.
Key Trends and Challenges in the Industry
The growing hype around AI is a significant trend in the tech industry, according to Jeff. While it raises awareness of strategic opportunities for many organizations, it also attracts many charlatans, creating a challenge for firms like Innovation Vista to differentiate themselves. Jeff emphasizes the importance of a comprehensive approach to AI, which includes extensive data preparation, as opposed to the hollow promises of immediate success made by less scrupulous players in the field.
Adapting and Thriving in a Changing Landscape
Jeff prepares his business to adapt and thrive by maintaining frequent conversations with consultants and clients to keep up with the pace of change in the tech industry and the evolving expectations of business leaders. With a team of over 400 experts to draw upon, Jeff is constantly learning and influencing his team’s mindset on innovation, always keeping business impact as the true goal and measure of success.
Overcoming Major Obstacles
Jeff has learned to stay humble as a CEO, reminding himself not to “fall in love with the plan” and to always measure whether his approach is delivering true improvement in business results for clients. Flexibility is key, especially when operating on the leading edge of technology innovation, and sometimes it is necessary to reconsider previous decisions as the landscape of capabilities changes.
Fostering a Culture of Innovation
Leading a consulting firm dedicated to innovation, Jeff ensures that his team remains focused on achieving business results for clients rather than viewing innovation as an end in itself. By prioritizing practical outcomes over theoretical research, Innovation Vista maintains its edge in providing impactful solutions.
Resources and Learning Experiences Impacting Leadership Style
Jeff’s five tenures as CIO gave him many opportunities to climb the learning curve on leadership. Each promotion involved taking additional responsibility and collaborating with IT professionals, culminating in his C-suite role where he refined his vision of modern IT in organizations. This extensive experience has significantly shaped his leadership style and approach.
Building and Nurturing a Strong Team
Innovation Vista’s model relies on a deep and wide team of expert consultants. Jeff dedicates a significant amount of time and energy to meeting and staying in contact with these experts, ensuring that those who join the network are highly qualified and aligned with the firm’s mission. This approach allows Innovation Vista to deliver exceptional service and delight clients.
Incorporating Social and Environmental Responsibility
Jeff and his team have embraced the digital revolution, working from home offices and minimizing their carbon footprint. While travel is sometimes necessary to build trust in client relationships, most work is conducted remotely, aligning with their commitment to environmental responsibility.
Importance of Digital Transformation
Digital Transformation remains a top strategy service for Innovation Vista. In 2023-2024, it increasingly includes a major AI component, but many aspects of the firm’s DT framework remain relevant for identifying opportunities for efficiency, revenue growth, and market-share expansion. Jeff sees Digital Transformation as a mindset that forward-looking organizations adopt in response to shifting customer expectations.
Essential Skills for Success in Business
Jeff emphasizes the importance of listening as a crucial skill for success. Rather than focusing on formulating responses during conversations with clients, he prioritizes understanding their priorities, assumptions, preferences, and experiences. This approach ensures that engagements are tailored to meet clients’ needs and achieve successful outcomes.
A Different Approach to Team Building
Jeff believes that Innovation Vista’s innovative approach to consulting, which involves a network of pre-vetted consultants rather than a traditional bench of talent, sets it apart. This model allows the firm to prioritize industry experience and match consultants to client projects more effectively, avoiding the common square peg/round hole problem in the consulting industry.
Influencing the Business Landscape
Jeff plans to continue publishing thought leadership pieces and speaking at events, webinars, and podcasts. He enjoys listening to other industry leaders and hopes his insights contribute to the broader ecosystem, providing valuable perspectives on innovation and technology consulting.
Significant Achievements and Milestones
With over 28 years of IT leadership, Jeff has been recognized as a 5-time CIO and a former finalist for Enterprise CIO of the Year. Since founding Innovation Vista in 2019, he has turned around struggling IT departments, led successful M&A transactions, guided Digital Transformations, and transformed IT departments into profit centers. His leadership has helped 19 former subordinates advance to C-level positions, and he has been interviewed on various platforms about innovation, IT leadership, tech consulting, and Digital Transformation.
In conclusion, Jeff Roberts’ journey as the Founder and CEO of Innovation Vista is a testament to the power of servant leadership, adaptability, and a relentless focus on business impact. His commitment to fostering a collaborative and innovative team environment, staying ahead of industry trends, and embracing digital transformation has positioned Innovation Vista as a leader in technology consulting. Jeff’s extensive experience, coupled with his unique approach to building a network of expert consultants, sets him apart in the consulting industry, and his insights and achievements continue to inspire and influence the business landscape.
