The Fractional CIO: Accountability, Readiness, and Real Partnership with Dan Heckaman
From Get to the Point — The High Point Networks Podcast · 47:33
Show by High Point Networks
What happens when a business has outgrown ad hoc IT help but isn't ready for a full-time CIO? In this episode, Andy and Brandi talk with Dan Heckaman about the fractional CIO model. They cover what it is, who it's for, and how it differs from a traditional advisory role. Dan explains why readiness matters more than willingness, how he helps IT teams through change, and why treating IT as an investment (and choosing true partners) changes what a business gets back.Dan Heckaman is the founder of Mindset Partners, where he serves as a fractional CIO for small and mid-sized businesses. He has more than 25 years of IT and administrative leadership experience across private healthcare and higher education. Most recently he served as Associate Vice President for Finance and Administration and CIO at Minnesota State University Moorhead, after more than a decade as the university's CIO.0:00 – Welcome & meet Dan Heckaman 3:01 – Fractional CIO vs. consultant: where accountability starts 9:47 – When it's a fit (and when it isn't) 12:42 – Leading teams through change 18:09 – From healthcare and higher ed to Mindset Partners 26:59 – "Do we need a CIO?" and having hard conversations 32:13 – Every IT dollar as an investment 34:01 – Partners vs. vendors 37:23 – Readiness and the first next step 44:00 – Questions from the jar🗨️ Mentioned in this episode: Fractional CIO – A part-time, contracted CIO who becomes part of an organization's leadership team and shares accountability for its technology strategy Mindset Partners – https://www.mindsetpartnersnd.com Connect with Dan: https://www.linkedin.com/in/danheckaman New episodes every other Wednesday.Connect with us: 🌐 highpointnetworks.com 📱 LinkedIn, Instagram & Facebook: @highpointnetworksSubscribe — Spotify | Apple Podcasts | YouTube | And wherever you listen.Get to the Point is produced by High Point Networks for informational purposes only. Guests include High Point Networks professionals as well as subject matter experts from across the industry, each speaking from their own experience and expertise. Content shared is intended as general information and should be evaluated within the context of your specific organization and circumstances. Views expressed by outside guests are their own and do not necessarily reflect those of High Point Networks or its affiliates. High Point Networks assumes no liability for decisions or actions taken based on content discussed in this podcast.
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