For the CIO
Every system works on its’ own, but how they connect is where the risk is.
CIOs view each individual part of the business as prepared, but the company as a whole as exposed.
Three numbers
of CIOs call each function “very prepared,” the highest response of any role
of CIOs are very confident in the company as a whole, against 52% of CEOs
vs 27% overall CIOs who review strategic risk at least weekly
The split. Ask CIOs how prepared each part of the business is and they give the highest response of any seat. Ask those same CIOs whether the entire company could handle a major disruption and they’re the least confident.
Why it isn’t a contradiction. A foundation built across pieces looks different from the inside. Reliable reporting systems, ongoing AI deployment, and progressing enterprise tech transformation initiatives continue to move forward within functions. Every system passes its own test, but the CIO is often the only person who can see how they operate together. That’s why belief in the parts doesn’t always translate to confidence across the whole.
The table already agrees. CFOs have direct visibility into the importance of modernizing outdated systems, and by bringing together both perspectives, you make the business case for continued innovation clear.
What this means
Tell them how ready the technology architecture is, not just the systems.
Leadership hears that each system is functioning, because in isolation, each system is. But what they need to hear is whether they’re meaningfully connected and working together.
Finance is already on your side.
Since CFOs also recognize the challenge of legacy systems and outdated technology, the case for modernization is already there. Now you can begin building that case together. Highspring's Ready Layer One playbook covers the steps you can take to get there.
Ask how often strategic risk gets reviewed.
CEOs report reviewing strategic risk more often than CIOs do: seven in 10 conduct monthly reviews, compared to five in 10 CIOs. But the systems and infrastructure risk is the unique perspective that you can surface to other leaders.
Two questions
1
NOW
Every system has passed its own test. But have I taken the steps to show the leadership team how confident I am in the entire technology ecosystem?
2
THE YEAR AHEAD
Am I in the room when strategic risk is reviewed? How the systems connect within the greater architecture is the risk you need to make sure the other leaders are aware of.
The systems function across the organization, but the connections are still undergoing modernization. This is an opportunity to keep your organization creating impact and innovating.