What inspired you to pursue a career in technology, and how did that path lead you to become CTO at GovSpend?
Tech has always been a part of my life. My mother retired from IBM, so I practically grew up surrounded by the latest PCs and the buzz of their offices. It was a cool environment to be around. I majored in Computer Engineering and IT, which led me to work in data centers and then into data and software. I’ve always been drawn to the agility of small to mid-sized companies where innovation happens quickly, so GovSpend was a great fit. My experience in building AI applications on big data aligned perfectly with what they needed at the time.
What strategic initiatives, recent feature updates, or platform improvements are you most excited about right now?
I’m very excited about the integration of generative AI interaction and the enhanced semantic search capabilities we’re adding to the platform. When you combine that with the potential for automation through AI agents, it’s going to significantly improve the customer experience. Very soon, our customers will have the best opportunities automatically prioritized and analyzed, ready for them to act on with minimal effort.
How does GovSpend stay ahead of emerging trends and technological changes?
We’re fortunate to have a team of dedicated, continuous learners, both on the technical and customer-facing sides. We’re constantly experimenting with pre-release or newly released AI models and other tech innovations before they become mainstream. We always think about how our customers can leverage these new features without adding extra complexity to their workflow.
Is there a book, podcast, or resource that has shaped your approach to leadership?
The AI Daily Brief Podcast is a great resource. Generative AI 101 is another fantastic quick daily update. In terms of leadership, while they might be a bit older now, “The Leadership Challenge,” “The 5 Dysfunctions of a Team,” Myers-Briggs, and Strengths Finder were all influential, along with learning about emotional intelligence. It’s crucial to put people in roles that align with their natural personality, strengths, and passion, and then give them the autonomy to excel.
Who inspires you the most, either inside or outside the business world?
I’m a big Formula 1 fan, and I really admire Toto Wolff, the team principal at Mercedes, for his leadership style. I’ve also had the privilege of working with some very inspiring business partners and colleagues over the years who have taught me the importance of leading with humility and fostering that in my teams. Recognizing that everyone makes mistakes allows us to build trust and achieve great things together.
If you could give one piece of advice to your younger self, what would it be?
Don’t waste time. Identify your passion early on and pursue it wholeheartedly. Set clear goals with deadlines and make them happen.
What qualities do you value most within your team, and how do you foster a culture of innovation and collaboration?
Teamwork and collaboration are paramount. A company’s strength lies in its people. A strong team trusts each other, supports each other, and isn’t afraid to challenge each other. We have regular discussions, share knowledge about the latest technology, and always make time for experimentation.
What do you like to do outside of work to recharge and stay motivated?
I try to get out on the water or play golf, but time can be limited, and I’m not exactly a golf pro. I often find myself at the computer when I should be outdoors. I do enjoy mountain biking, even here in Florida. I’ve also set up a sim-racing rig and a golf simulator at home to beat the heat and maybe improve my skills.
If you could have dinner with anyone, living or deceased, who would it be and why?
Probably Nikola Tesla. I believe there’s so much more to explore in physics than we currently understand. It bothers me that we’re still relying on chemical rockets and Newton’s laws for space travel. Why aren’t we exploring the universe more extensively? But that’s a topic for another time.
About the Author: GovSpend
