The Journey of Leadership and Innovation in Technology with Gary Wang
Gary Wang
Chief Technology Officer at Digital Management, LLC
In today’s fast-paced technology landscape, innovation and leadership go hand-in-hand, driving businesses forward in a competitive market. In a recent episode of *Anchoring Hope*, David Mansilla sat down with Gary Wang, Chief Technology Officer (CTO) at DMI, a global consulting and IT services company. Gary shares his inspiring journey from being a system engineer to becoming a respected leader, as well as the lessons he has learned along the way about leadership, technology, and growth.
The Evolution of a Career in Technology
Gary Wang’s career in technology began humbly, working as a system engineer. His early roles involved managing databases, networks, and applications in federal contracting companies. Through hard work and a dedication to technical excellence, he quickly rose through the ranks.
One of Gary’s key turning points came when he was unexpectedly asked to become a program manager. Though initially reluctant to take on the leadership role, he realized the importance of seizing the opportunity. This decision led to several promotions and shaped his understanding of how technical expertise and leadership can intersect.
As he progressed, Gary’s career saw him working with some of the largest corporations, including Lockheed Martin and IBM, where he gained a broad perspective on how businesses grow through innovation. His journey highlights the importance of being open to new challenges and stepping out of your comfort zone.
Leadership Through Innovation
Gary’s role as CTO at DMI involves driving innovation and developing cutting-edge technologies for both public and commercial sectors. Under his leadership, DMI provides services like digital transformation, cloud security, AI, and machine learning to a diverse customer base. His leadership is not just about managing technology but fostering a culture of innovation that can scale across industries.
One of Gary’s key beliefs is that leadership is not just about managing projects—it’s about empowering teams to explore new technologies and pushing the boundaries of what’s possible. By doing this, he ensures that his teams remain passionate and engaged, constantly contributing new ideas and solutions to drive the company forward.
In an industry where the next big thing can be just around the corner, Gary’s approach to leadership helps his organization stay ahead of the curve while remaining rooted in solid business principles.
Balancing Technical Expertise and Business Acumen
A significant theme throughout Gary Wang’s story is the balance between technical prowess and business understanding. Gary’s technical background gives him the ability to communicate effectively with both engineers and executives. This rare combination allows him to make decisions that are not only innovative but also aligned with business objectives.
Gary emphasizes that technical leaders must learn to speak the language of business—focusing on return on investment, risk management, and scalability. Without this ability, even the most brilliant technical solutions may struggle to gain traction in a business environment.
By balancing technical knowledge with business acumen, Gary has been able to create value for both his clients and the organizations he works with, ensuring that innovation aligns with business goals.
The Power of Leading by Example
Leadership in technology often involves more than just guiding teams; it requires building trust and inspiring action. For Gary, this meant rolling up his sleeves and working alongside his team, particularly in high-stress situations like a data center migration project at Lockheed Martin. By being hands-on and showing that he was willing to put in the work, Gary earned the respect and trust of his team.
Leading by example has been a cornerstone of Gary’s leadership style throughout his career. Whether it's tackling technical challenges or making tough management decisions, Gary believes that leaders must be willing to demonstrate their commitment to the project. This approach not only builds trust but also fosters a collaborative team environment where everyone is working toward the same goal.
Lessons in Risk Management and Innovation
Gary believes that successful innovation requires careful risk management. In his career, he has seen firsthand how businesses can be swept up by the allure of “shiny objects,” such as new technologies, without fully considering their feasibility or long-term impact. For example, he spoke about how many businesses rush to implement technologies like blockchain or AI without fully understanding their potential ROI or risks.
To mitigate these risks, Gary advocates for a balanced approach. By testing new ideas in controlled environments (such as skunkworks projects), companies can innovate while managing the risks associated with implementing cutting-edge technologies. He highlights the importance of agile methodologies, where failures are seen as part of the learning process, and quick iterations allow for innovation without compromising the business.
Conclusion
Gary Wang’s journey from system engineer to CTO is an inspiring example of how technical expertise, leadership, and innovation can work together to drive business success. His philosophy of leading by example, balancing technical and business knowledge, and managing risk effectively offers valuable insights for anyone in a leadership position in the tech world. As Gary continues to lead with a vision for innovation at DMI, his story serves as a reminder of the importance of staying curious, adaptable, and committed to excellence.
Written by Dhan Ababa
““Leadership isn’t just about managing people or projects—it’s about empowering your team to explore new technologies, driving innovation, and creating real impact for the business”
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