How to Level Up From IT Management to IT Leadership
CIO, Monday, August 17th, 2026
Rising IT professionals describe how business acumen and soft skills open the path to C-suite technology roles.
CIO.com's Next CIO Award winners discuss tactics for progressing from mid-level IT management into senior leadership.
Key strategies include developing business understanding alongside technical expertise, building cross-organizational relationships, taking high-impact stretch assignments, learning from failure and cultivating mentors.
Leaders emphasize that communication, empathy and the ability to solve business problems rather than only technical ones are critical for reaching CIO and other executive roles.