Real Talk with Don Monistere

Описание: ‪@ThinkRobinHunt‬ of ⁨‪@Thinkdatasol‬ loves real talk! Listen as she has engaging discussions with exceptional guests!

Don Monistere, CEO of General Informatics, built his career by adapting to major tech changes and leading teams through transitions. Originally planning to sell insurance, he shifted to tech after automating workflows with Lotus 1-2-3, eventually launching a systems integration firm, pioneering managed IT services, and returning to head General Informatics in 2020.

Don has guided teams through shifts like moving from Novell to Windows NT and on-prem Exchange to cloud services. He stresses that resisting change is costly, and leaders must stay involved with new technologies like AI and cybersecurity. For AI adoption, Don recommends starting small, recognizing both its rapid evolution and potential pitfalls such as biases in early models. He measures his own impact by logging “legacy impressions,” emphasizing that leadership is about keeping people at the center as technology evolves.

Takeaways

Embracing change pays off: Adopting new tools or processes may slow you down at first, but sticking with them leads to greater achievements.

Adaptability drives tech careers: Reinvention and adapting to industry shifts are essential for long-term success in technology.

Resisting industry shifts is costly: Fighting inevitable changes, like major technology transitions, can make you irrelevant and hamper growth.

People matter in transitions: Acknowledging the human side of change and supporting team members helps smooth the process.

AI and cybersecurity require active leadership: Leaders should engage directly with these evolving areas, start small with AI, and recognize both the opportunities and limitations of new technologies.

Resources

https://geninf.com/

Who should watch this episode:

Business leaders who are navigating change (especially around cybersecurity and AI) and want practical perspectives in leadership

Entrepreneurs and founders, especially people building or running service businesses, who want to hear real discussions on growing companies, productizing services, and adapting to market shifts

Career-minded professionals in tech who want an in-depth view of long careers, including pivots, mentorship, and learning curves

People interested in responsible AI adoption in organizations