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Since Fortium Partners is dedicated to helping businesses navigate their most complex technology challenges with experienced technology leadership, we're pleased to introduce one of our newest Partners. Maureen Minard is a distinguished technology leader renowned for her strategic acumen and hands-on approach to digital transformation. Maureen brings a wealth of experience as a former CTO and CIO across diverse retail environments, with a proven track record in driving operational excellence and fostering innovation.
Today, Fortium Partners' CEO, Burke Autrey, chats with Maureen to discuss her unique perspective on technology leadership and how she helps companies unlock their full potential.
Burke Autrey: Maureen, welcome to Fortium Partners. You’ve had an extensive career leading technology initiatives, particularly within the retail sector, for companies ranging from $150 million to $2 billion in revenue. What is your core philosophy when it comes to leveraging technology to drive business transformation and operational excellence?
Maureen Minard: Thank you, Burke. My philosophy centers on being a problem solver who embraces innovation and new applications. I relish the opportunity to streamline systems to enhance efficiency and scalability. For me, technology isn't just about tools; it's about developing a strategy to address business challenges and improve operational excellence. This means driving change initiatives and technology implementations that strengthen performance and transform the business. I've found success in both B2B and B2C environments, and across organizations of varying sizes, by always focusing on how technology can translate into tangible business value. My goal is to deliver business insights and practical solutions to clients from the intersection of technology and operations.
Burke Autrey: Your profile highlights your comfort in both turnaround and fast-growth situations. For many CEOs, these are critical junctures. Could you elaborate on your approach to leading technology through such challenging scenarios?
Maureen Minard: Whether it's a turnaround or a period of rapid growth, the core approach involves strategic planning and change management. For example, at Kirkland's, I was recruited to join the Senior Leadership team to assist in a business turnaround, focusing on process improvement, reducing operational expenses, and creating a strategic plan for system improvements. In a growth scenario, such as my time at Agility Recovery, I developed a strategy for business systems upgrades to support growth, increase efficiencies, improve reliability and productivity, and enhance their competitive advantage. My leadership success in these diverse contexts reflects a passion for problem-solving and innovation and the ability to be both "tough but fair" and "demanding but realistic". I believe in empowering staff and investing in people to bring out their best, which is crucial for navigating any significant change.
Burke Autrey: Data is often described as the new oil, and with the rise of Artificial Intelligence, the importance of clean data and robust governance cannot be overstated. How do you champion these areas in your work, particularly in preparation for AI implementations?
Maureen Minard: Data is indeed foundational. I am a strong champion of clean data and robust governance. This is particularly critical today because I prioritize these practices in preparation for AI implementation. My expertise includes leveraging data to launch new products and implementing data reporting and executive dashboards. Given that I am a Member of the Retail AI Council, I have a valuable perspective on emerging trends and applications in this space. My skills in Data Analytics, Data Management, and AI are integral to how I help clients build a solid data foundation that can truly power their strategic initiatives, including AI.
Burke Autrey: You also hold a Certificate in Cyber Risk Governance from The DCRO Institute and cybersecurity is listed among your key skills. How critical is cyber risk governance for today's C-suite, and how do you help clients navigate these complex challenges?
Maureen Minard: Cyber risk governance is no longer just an IT issue; it’s a board-level imperative that directly impacts reputation, financial stability, and operational continuity. My certificate and experience underscore my focus on the strategic oversight of cyber risks, which involves understanding the full landscape of threats and ensuring that an organization's digital security measures are aligned with its business objectives. I guide clients on developing robust governance practices and implementing appropriate cybersecurity and digital security measures to mitigate risk effectively. My experience also includes IT Risk Management, which ensures that security is integrated into the broader technology strategy.
Burke Autrey: Fortium Partners is known for providing senior technology leadership in flexible capacities, such as fractional or interim roles. From your vantage point as a seasoned CIO and CTO, what is the strategic advantage for a company to engage an executive leader in this model?
Maureen Minard: The strategic advantage is immense. Companies gain immediate access to deep expertise without the long-term commitment of a full-time hire. A fractional or interim leader can quickly step in to assess situations, develop strategy, and drive critical initiatives that might otherwise stall due to lack of senior-level bandwidth. I bring broad experience across small to large organizations in both B2B and B2C environments, along with a track record of handling complex systems upgrades and implementations, even across multiple countries. This means I can provide immediate business insights and practical solutions, whether it's optimizing ERP platforms like Oracle, NetSuite, and Blue Yonder, managing M&A technical due diligence and post-transaction integration, or championing continuous process improvement to unlock new business opportunities. It's about bringing the right senior expertise, precisely when and where it's needed, to achieve specific strategic outcomes.
Burke Autrey: Maureen, your insights are invaluable. Thank you for sharing your expertise with us today.
Maureen Minard: My pleasure, Burke. I'm excited to leverage my experience to help Fortium Partners' clients achieve their technology and business objectives.
Maureen Minard's strategic vision and deep operational experience make her an exceptional asset to Fortium Partners. If your organization is seeking to transform operations, enhance customer experiences, mitigate risk, or foster a positive corporate culture through strategic technology leadership, learn more about how Fortium Partners can support your goals. Visit us at https://www.fortiumpartners.com.
