I occasionally share my thoughts about topics that are relevant to me and my areas of focus. You can check out what I’ve written below.
Every organization has processes, whether formal or not. Some are like well-marked trails—safe, efficient, and reliable. Others are dirt shortcuts—useful in the moment, but risky in the long run. The best organizations design processes that balance effectiveness (getting the right results), efficiency (using resources wisely), and risk mitigation (preparing for what could go wrong). Done well, compliance follows naturally, and “process debt” doesn’t pile up for future teams to pay.
In today’s fast-paced IT environment, too many organizations operate in “reaction mode,” fighting fires instead of preventing them. Drawing inspiration from Dan Heath’s Upstream, this article explores how technology leaders can shift their mindset from downstream firefighting to upstream problem-solving. By identifying root causes early, clarifying ownership of risks, and freeing teams from constant crisis management, organizations can strengthen governance, enhance resilience, and create sustainable risk management practices. The key takeaway: investing time and structure in prevention pays dividends in performance, compliance, and confidence.