Leadership can take on different meanings depending on context, culture, and individual roles. For Chief Information Officers (CIOs), the role requires more than just technical acumen. It demands a strategic mindset capable of driving innovation, influencing change, and fostering collaboration. As technology evolves and business landscapes shift, CIOs must embrace transformational leadership, data-driven decision-making, and emotional intelligence to stay ahead.
Larry Quinlan, a seasoned technology leader and former Global CIO of Deloitte, offers a fresh perspective on leadership. Quinlan, who guided 10,000 IT professionals globally and spearheaded transformative initiatives across one of the world’s largest professional services firms, champions a different approach. “Larry emphasises the importance of listening to the voices inside you and trusting yourself. He believes in adding value as a leader while surrounding yourself with people who are better than you.”
While serving a firm with over 330,000 employees in 150+ countries, Quinlan consistently redefined leadership through adaptability, collaboration, and humility. In this special edition, “10 Most Inspiring CIOs in India 2024,” we distil the core lessons from his career to empower the next generation of tech leaders.
Table of Contents
1. Communicate to Inspire Action
Quinlan believes that great ideas can go unnoticed if they are poorly communicated. Effective communication is not just about information exchange but about inspiring and influencing others. “It’s not just what you say, but how you make others feel about it,” Quinlan emphasises.
Lesson to learn – Effective communication inspires and influences others beyond info exchange
2. Influence Begins with Empathy and Authenticity
Genuine influence comes from listening first. Quinlan highlights the importance of understanding others’ perspectives before seeking to guide them. Authenticity, coupled with empathy, builds trust—a crucial element for effective leadership. “You have to meet people where they are,” says Quinlan, highlighting the importance of showing people you truly care about their success.
Lesson to learn – Empathy and Authenticity are crucial elements of leadership
3. Leverage Networks for Growth
Quinlan attributes much of his success to the relationships he nurtured with mentors and sponsors. These connections were vital in opening doors and advocating for him in key moments. “What people say about you when you’re not in the room often defines the opportunities you get,” Quinlan notes. Building and maintaining these relationships is essential for long-term growth, regardless of position and industry.
Lesson to learn – Making connections and networks are essential for long-term growth
4. Leadership Is a Team Sport
Leadership, according to Quinlan, is inherently collaborative. He refutes the notion that leaders must shoulder every challenge alone. “At every critical point in my career, there was always someone who helped me get there,” he says. Successful leadership hinges on recognizing and leveraging the strengths of those around you.
Lesson to Learn – Leadership is a collaborative endeavour
5. Embrace Humility and Delegate with Trust
A cornerstone of Quinlan’s leadership is humility. He consistently reminds himself that he could be wrong, allowing for continuous growth and innovation. Additionally, Quinlan values the power of delegation. By empowering his team and trusting them with decision-making, he fosters a culture of accountability and inclusivity that drives both personal and organisational success.
Lesson to Learn – Accept your drawbacks for continuous growth
Leadership Through Trust and Empowerment
Larry Quinlan’s leadership philosophy is both practical and profound. From the importance of communication and empathy to the power of networks and humility, his principles offer a roadmap for becoming an effective, bold leader. At the heart of his approach is the belief that leadership is not a solo endeavour—it’s about inspiring others, building trust, and fostering an environment where people can thrive together.
Lesson to Learn – Empowering people with trust and belief
For any aspiring CIO or leader, Quinlan’s insights provide a timeless guide to navigating the complexities of leadership in today’s evolving landscape.
