S01-E33-Leading Across Campus Cultures: Michael Barr on Polytech, Non‑U15, and U15 Realities

Bo and Dana talk with Dr. Jeffrey Gardiner about his groundbreaking research on why cybersecurity teams still experience major breaches despite strong tools, training, and budgets. Jeff explains how the profession uses the language of risk without actually practicing risk management, why leaders assume skills that aren’t there, and how “epistemic compression” undermines decision‑making. A practical, accessible conversation for CIOs, CISOs, and anyone responsible for organizational resilience.

Bo and Dana talk with Jill Kowalchuk from the University of Calgary about the realities of leading Research IT. Jill shares insights on collaboration, security, funding, and the growing demands placed on digital research infrastructure across Canadian campuses.

Season two of Bytes of Experience kicks off with a quick preview of what’s ahead. After a summer pause, Bo and Dana return energized and ready to dive into another year of honest, thoughtful conversations about leadership, technology, governance, and the realities facing higher education today.

Bo and Dana wrap up Season 1 by reflecting on the themes that defined their conversations — trust, culture, crisis leadership, governance, and the deeply human side of IT. They share what surprised them, what they learned, and why their guests’ honesty and vulnerability made the season so special. A warm, grateful look back at the people and stories that shaped their first year — and a hint of what’s coming in Season 2.

Bo and Dana talk with Deloitte’s Mark DiNello and Manj Kanwal about the CIO Transition Lab — a structured approach to helping new tech leaders navigate their first 180 days. They explore why CIO transitions are uniquely hard, how to balance listening with action, and why time, talent, and relationships matter more than ever. A practical, candid look at what it really takes to land the CIO role successfully.