IT Leaders

In this engaging episode, Full Court Leadership: The Power Behind the Strategy, Steve Reese, CIO of the Phoenix Suns, shares his unique leadership philosophy shaped by decades of experience in IT, professional sports, and personal adversity. With a career that spans roles with the Houston Oilers, Tennessee Titans, Houston Astros, and San Diego Padres, Reese offers a wealth of insights on how to lead effectively, especially during crises.

He recounts stories from his challenging upbringing in Detroit, where resilience became a cornerstone of his leadership style, to navigating the complexities of IT in professional sports. Reese shares how he helped teams like the Phoenix Suns and Houston Oilers through difficult transitions, including handling IT meltdowns and leading through an arena renovation amidst the COVID-19 pandemic. He explores how to rebuild leadership teams, implement survival strategies, and create a more positive, productive work environment.

One of the highlights of the conversation is Reese’s concept of "addictive leadership," where leaders earn deep loyalty and inspire their teams to push through obstacles. He uses powerful examples, including historical lessons from Gettysburg's Joshua Chamberlain and his personal experience with NFL coach Jeff Fisher, to illustrate how great leaders instill trust and commitment.

The episode also touches on practical leadership tools like fostering gratitude, practicing random acts of kindness, and prioritizing sleep for personal and team well-being. Reese's focus on emotional intelligence, communication, and building strong peer networks is invaluable for leaders looking to create lasting impact in their organizations.

Listeners will walk away with actionable strategies to navigate leadership challenges, build cohesive teams, and inspire loyalty through empathy, resilience, and a focus on the human side of leadership.