#USA #New York #Insight Partners #Empower Program #CIO Advisory

Insight Partners Launches Empower: A Structured Path for CIOs

In today's rapidly changing business environment, the demand for tech-savvy leadership in boardrooms has never been more pronounced. Insight Partners, a prominent investor in AI and software, has unveiled a groundbreaking initiative called Empower, potentially revolutionizing how Global 2000 CIOs prepare for board positions and advisory roles.

The Empower program is tailored specifically for CIOs who see their operational roles aligning with broader governance and advisory responsibilities. Launched with the support of ten partners, including Diligent, Heidrick & Struggles, and Global Mentors Group, Empower aims to assist CIOs in developing comprehensive career strategies while they continue to engage in their current positions.

Bridging the Expertise Gap

As companies increasingly integrate AI into their operations, the skills needed around the board table have shifted. A recent survey by the Diligent Institute revealed that only 8% of directors reported possessing strong AI expertise—making it the least represented skill area. With 28% of directors actively seeking AI talent for future appointments, it’s clear that there’s a significant gap in knowledge that CIOs can adeptly fill.

CIOs are uniquely positioned to navigate the complexities of AI transformation and cybersecurity governance, yet many have found it challenging to secure a seat at the boardroom table. Historically, board recruitment has favored executives with direct profit-and-loss responsibilities, leaving many CIOs overlooked despite their considerable expertise.

Insight Partners recognizes this shift in demand, emphasizing the need for CIOs to cultivate their boardroom presence proactively. Emmet B. Keeffe III, Managing Director at Insight Partners, points out that strategic networking and relationship-building are essential to accessing these opportunities.

Defining the Empower Framework

Empower is structured to address three critical gaps that CIOs face on their journey to board readiness:
The Perception Gap: Many CIOs underestimate the importance of a visible and well-defined board path until late in their careers. Data shows that 90% of CIOs in the Empower community lacked a written transition plan.
The Preparation Gap: Unlike traditional pathways—from CEO or CFO to board—CIOs have few resources to translate their operational know-how into governance skills, including fiduciary duties and risk management.
* The Network Gap: Nearly 70% of directors noted that their most recent board member was identified through personal connections. This underscores the importance of building relationships within the board and advisory space.

Karenann Terrell, a board member and former Chief Digital and Technology Officer, reflected on her experience transitioning from operational roles, acknowledging the lack of structured preparation for board service. She emphasized how a program like Empower could have helped shape her portfolio career ahead of time.

Empower's Comprehensive Approach

Empower employs a multifaceted approach to guide CIOs through their transition. Participants undergo a tailored intake process that aligns their ambitions with potential career pathways into boards and advisory roles. The program is fortified through a network of partners, including Diligent, which provides certification programs and opportunities for participants to connect with seasoned board members.

With the rapid pace of AI adoption, it is pivotal for leaders overseeing such initiatives to possess firsthand experience in guiding technology transformation. Brian Stafford, Diligent's CEO, states that with Empower, senior technology leaders will not only negotiate the complexities of AI but also ensure that AI strategies translate into tangible business results.

Building Empowered Relationships

To an extent, being a CIO today means actively engaging with a network that transcends traditional boundaries. The Empower program aims to forge meaningful connections between technology leaders and the board community, enriching the overall dialogue surrounding AI and governance.

Seth Cohen, a former CIO, highlights the significant value of being part of a community that focuses on long-range leadership and operational impact. For Insight Partners and its extensive portfolio of companies, Empower serves to widen the scope of enterprise CIOs capable of assessing products and opening doors to their peers.

Looking Ahead

Empower stands as a beacon of possibility for Global 2000 CIOs seeking to enhance their influence and impact beyond operational roles. By fostering an environment where technology leaders can cultivate their boardroom presence while continuing their work, Insight Partners is reshaping the blueprint for career trajectories in the modern enterprise landscape.

For those interested in joining the Empower program, it is currently open to in-role Global 2000 CIOs via nomination. More details can be found at Insight Partners.

About Insight Partners

Insight Partners is a global investor known for its partnership with high-growth technology and software companies. With over $90 billion in regulatory assets, it has invested in over 900 companies, aiding transformative changes in their respective industries. With a head office in New York and additional offices worldwide, Insight's mission is to support visionary executives through tailored, hands-on expertise.