The CIO’s New Mandate: Build Trust. Deliver Value. Shape What’s Next.

At our most recent Higher Education Technology Congress, IT leaders came together to tackle the challenges shaping the future of higher ed. Two standout sessions captured the moment: one exploring how CIOs can harness storytelling to build trust in an era of skepticism, and another outlining the “Ex-Factors” that will define how institutions deliver lasting value. Together, they paint a picture of leadership that goes beyond technology — toward resilience, adaptability, and culture at scale.

The Oceans We Swim In: A Storytelling Workshop on Trust

In today’s screen-divided, remote-work world, skepticism is rising and trust is eroding. Rebecca Joffrey argues that CIOs must become architects of resilience — leaders who use storytelling not as fluff, but as a tool for repairing trust, aligning teams, and driving cultural transformation. Her session reveals why the most effective IT organizations of the future will be built not only on technical excellence, but on the ability to forge belief and connection across every level

Ready for What’s Next: Understanding the “Ex” Factors to Deliver Value

Change is the only constant in higher education — and CIOs must be ready. John Rathje introduces the “Ex-Factors” that determine organizational resilience: Expectations, Experiences, External Influences, and Execution with Excellence. From elevating the student experience to leading with adaptability and purpose, Rathje shares a pragmatic blueprint for CIOs to create value that lasts. His challenge is clear: think differently, move with velocity, and lead with resilience.