The Secret to Success: Empowering Teams and Driving Innovation
Mike Voss
CTO at SHI International Corp.
Welcome to the Leaders in Tech podcast, where we dive deep into the journeys of leaders who are shaping the future of technology. In this episode, we have the pleasure of speaking with Mike Voss, Field Chief Technology Officer at SHI International. Mike takes us through his career journey, from starting in government contracting to leading in the value-added reseller (VAR) space, and shares his insights on leadership, technology, and maintaining a balance between work and life.
The Role of a Value-Added Reseller (VAR) in Technology
Mike Voss works at SHI International, a company that operates in the value-added reseller (VAR) space. A VAR acts as a middleman between technology manufacturers and businesses, helping organizations select, deploy, and manage the technology they need. This can range from hardware and software to networking and data center infrastructure. SHI partners with major manufacturers and helps clients navigate their tech decisions with personalized solutions.
What makes VARs essential is their expertise and deep customer relationships. They don't just sell technology—they help clients figure out what solutions best fit their business. Mike explains that many manufacturers don’t have the resources to manage large-scale sales operations, so they rely on companies like SHI to bring their products to market. SHI’s value lies in their ability to make complex tech decisions easier for businesses.
Moreover, VARs provide ongoing support. Whether it’s selecting the right cloud solution or ensuring data center performance, companies like SHI offer a wide array of services. This partnership allows clients to focus on their core operations, knowing they have a reliable tech adviser guiding them through the latest innovations in IT.
From Technologist to Leader: Mike Voss' Career Path
Mike’s path to becoming Field CTO was shaped by his deep love for technology and a shift toward leadership. Originally, Mike intended to major in accounting, but his passion for technology led him to pursue a degree in Computer Information Systems at James Madison University. He recalls organizing "LAN parties" with friends, which fueled his early interest in tech.
After college, Mike’s career took off when he joined Booz Allen Hamilton, a prominent government consulting firm. Here, he learned invaluable skills not just in technology, but in leadership, communication, and business strategy. Consulting roles gave him the polish and experience needed to become a leader. Over the years, Mike transitioned from being an individual contributor to taking on more strategic roles that required both technical expertise and business acumen.
This experience gave Mike a unique perspective: balancing the technical with the non-technical. He’s not only able to communicate complex tech concepts to engineers but can also explain business outcomes to non-tech stakeholders. As Mike puts it, understanding both worlds—technology and business—is essential for anyone aiming to take on a leadership role in technology.
Consulting as a Foundation for Leadership
Mike's early career in consulting at Booz Allen Hamilton laid a strong foundation for his leadership style. He attributes his success to the mentoring, rigorous review processes, and high standards of excellence at the consulting firm. Consulting not only helped him refine his technical skills but also his interpersonal and business skills, making him a well-rounded leader.
One of the key lessons Mike learned was the importance of building a personal brand. In the consulting world, your reputation can determine your success. Mike emphasizes that he treated everyone, from clients to peers, as customers. He aimed to impress and build trust, which helped him build a strong professional network and elevate his brand within the industry.
This mindset—of being both technically proficient and client-focused—carried over when he transitioned to the VAR industry. Consulting also taught him the value of mentorship. Helping others grow in their careers has become a significant part of Mike’s leadership approach. He believes in fostering talent, guiding others to success, and creating strong loyalty within his teams.
Balancing Technical Expertise with Business Acumen
For Mike, transitioning from technologist to leader required a shift in focus—from being the smartest person in the room to thinking strategically about outcomes and leadership. In his role as a Field CTO, Mike doesn't just solve technical problems; he also consults on business strategy and aligns technology solutions with long-term business goals.
This shift from technical expert to strategic leader is something many technologists face as they climb the corporate ladder. Mike notes that while engineers often excel at understanding technology, the ability to translate that into business value is what sets future leaders apart. As a leader, Mike had to step away from focusing on the minutiae of technology and instead focus on the bigger picture—what outcomes the technology would drive for the business.
Developing this business acumen came naturally to Mike due to his consulting background. He learned to articulate the return on investment (ROI) of technology decisions, which is critical in any leadership role. For technologists looking to advance, Mike’s advice is clear: sharpen your business skills alongside your technical expertise.
Maintaining Work-Life Balance as a Tech Leader
One of the most important lessons Mike has learned throughout his career is the importance of maintaining work-life balance. In the high-pressure world of consulting and tech leadership, it’s easy to become consumed by work. Mike recalls his earlier days working weekends to meet client deadlines, sometimes sacrificing personal time for professional success.
As his career progressed, Mike became more intentional about balancing his professional responsibilities with personal life. Although his role still requires travel and long hours, he’s been able to create a healthier balance by focusing on time management and prioritizing family. He shares how this balance is not only crucial for personal happiness but also for long-term career success.
For young professionals, Mike’s advice is to find that balance early on. While ambition is important, so is taking care of your well-being and relationships. Mike reflects on how being a good leader isn’t just about technical or business skills—it’s about being a well-rounded person who can maintain both professional and personal happiness.
Conclusion
Mike Voss’ journey from technologist to Field CTO offers invaluable insights into how to navigate a career in tech leadership. From his consulting days at Booz Allen Hamilton to his current role at SHI International, Mike has mastered the art of balancing technical expertise with business acumen. His focus on building strong relationships, both with his teams and clients, has been key to his success. As Mike shares, leadership in technology is about more than just knowledge—it’s about influence, trust, and maintaining a healthy work-life balance.
Written by Dhan Ababa
“Be a Good Person”
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