Show Notes
What does it take to go from managing IT under missile fire in Afghanistan to leading technology for one of the world’s most influential human rights organizations? In this episode of Soul of the CIO, Paul Smith, CIO of Amnesty International, sits down to share his remarkable career journey — from his early days supporting defense operations in active war zones to shaping Amnesty’s global tech strategy today. Paul reflects on: The lessons learned building IT systems in conflict zones How gratitude, resilience, and mentorship shaped his leadership The unique cybersecurity challenges facing Amnesty’s global mission Why purpose-driven work—and paying it forward—define his approach to technology and leadership Hear how Paul’s path from a young father and defense IT manager to a global nonprofit leader reveals the true soul of the CIO: courage, empathy, and purpose.
Soul of the CIO is brought to you by Nexthink — the AI-powered DEX platform that keeps IT ahead of every disruption.
Check out the full video version on our Soul of the CIO YouTube channel.
More from Soul of the CIO
How do you turn AI from an experiment into a capability that transforms an entire organization?
AI isn’t just another technology upgrade.
What separates great technology leaders from everyone else? According to Allen Hill, it starts with resisting the urge to solve problems before fully understanding them.
Discover how technology is transforming emergency response with Michelle, CIO of the San Francisco Department of Emergency Management. In this episode of Soul of the CIO, Michelle shares how one of the nation's busiest emergency management organizations is modernizing 911, adopting AI responsibly, improving disaster response, and leading digital transformation across city government.
What does it take to lead technology at one of the largest and most complex organizations in the world?