Last week, we announced that the new CIO at Celestica was joining the team. I couldn't be happier with the selection of Mary Gendron to replace me and to work with her on the transition.
When I began the engagement with Celestica, I was given three mandates - Fix IT (what we eventually dubbed "Stabilize"), create and implement a strategic plan and roadmap for IT (Standardize and Optimize), and replace myself. The team's been very successful with the first two and now I can safely say we've upgraded by executing the last bit.
In the process, I've relearned some lessons about leadership change.
Rule number 1: always replace yourself with people smarter than you! It keeps people from asking why you bothered and others from doing it for you!
Rule number 2: never underestimate the impact of leadership changes even when you've carefully obeyed rule number 1.
Even with really strong leadership teams in place, change at the top is stressful on the organization. That said, it's a pleasure to watch the leadership team do what they do so well which is lead through change.
I've had lots of questions about what I'm doing next. The short answer is I'll be with Celestica for another couple of months on the current plan, helping with transition issues and working on some projects that I think are very interesting! Stay tuned!
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