The P&L Difference: Jim Chilton’s Journey as Cengage Group CTO
Introduction
Jim Chilton, the CTO of Cengage Group, is a renowned leader in the field of technology and business. With his vast experience and unique approach, Chilton has successfully driven innovation and optimized technology within the company. In a recent conversation on the Tech Whisperers podcast, Chilton discussed his leadership philosophies, vision for building a robust pipeline of cyber leaders, and his strategies for success in a complex business environment. In this article, we delve deeper into Chilton’s experiences as a P&L (Profit and Loss) leader and how it has contributed to his success as a CTO.
Becoming a P&L leader
Chilton’s journey as a P&L leader began during his time at Coda Financial, an enterprise software company, in the 1990s. Initially joining as a CIO (Chief Information Officer), Chilton was later assigned to lead the professional services department due to the increasing importance of technology consultation. Over time, he took on the responsibility of the consulting organization, tech support, and IT.
As the leader of the North America operations, Chilton was responsible for the consulting revenue, handling implementations for major companies with vast geographic footprints. This experience allowed him to transform the traditional one-to-one consulting approach into a one-to-many ratio, resulting in better P&L returns and profitability. By offering a guarantee that the implementation cost would not exceed the software cost, Chilton’s team achieved significant success and a competitive edge in the market.
Another opportunity to take on P&L responsibility presented itself at Dassault Systèmes, where Chilton was tasked with running the strategy and sales operations for the SolidWorks channel. This role involved addressing software piracy as a business opportunity rather than a challenge. By developing technology that could track stolen software and engage with the individuals responsible, Chilton’s team created a new sales channel that generates hundreds of millions of dollars.
Chilton’s most recent experience as a P&L leader came when he assumed the role of general manager at Infosec Institute within Cengage Group. After an acquisition, Chilton faced the challenge of assembling a new leadership team to achieve the company’s growth goals. Despite losing some leaders post-acquisition, Chilton and his team remained committed to delivering on their promises, assembling a strong team to propel Infosec Institute towards success.
Lessons learned from P&L leadership
Through his various experiences as a P&L leader, Chilton has gained valuable insights and learnings. One significant lesson he learned post-acquisition at Infosec Institute was the importance of developing a strong leadership team. By empowering his team members and encouraging them to take on more responsibilities, Chilton ensured the company’s growth and success. He emphasizes that building a strong team doesn’t make a leader less relevant; instead, it enables them to thrive.
Chilton also highlights the importance of clearly communicating one’s ambitions and career goals to executives. By discussing his interest in board seats and advisory work with the CEO, Chilton was able to align his aspirations with his current role and demonstrate his commitment to personal growth and development.
When it comes to getting overlooked for new roles or opportunities, Chilton suggests that individuals may fail to clearly express their expectations and deliver consistently. Being vulnerable about one’s aspirations while demonstrating a track record of fulfilling expectations is crucial. Chilton believes in the value of hard work and the rewards and recognition it brings, cautioning against those who demand more without earning it.
The value of a business role for IT professionals
Chilton emphasizes that pursuing a business role can be a game-changer for IT professionals. First, it allows individuals to differentiate themselves by showcasing their ability to think beyond their specific track. Diversifying one’s skill set and demonstrating a range of
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