ValueCentric CIO, Judy Feldman, shares insight on the world of technology and her successful career within the field
Recently, I had the opportunity to head over to the ValueCentric headquarters in Buffalo and sit down with the CIO, Judy Feldman. Judy has held many roles in technology throughout her career, including being the CIO of Independent Health, CTO of Fiserv, Inc, and much more! Currently she is the CIO of ValueCentric, where she has been since October of 2017. I got to ask Judy all about her career, her current position, and her interest in technology:
How did you get started in technology?
“When I was in college, I did a year abroad in Israel and I came back wondering what I could put together to create a major. I realized I had enough from my courses to put together a computer science major. Back then you could really write your ticket anywhere with a computer science degree. Being completely honest, I really did not plan this path, but I have loved every minute of what I have done.”
What keeps you interested in technology?
“Technology can enable so much. There’s that linkage between understanding what the business is trying to do and what technology can do to help, and bringing that together to create value is just amazing. The field of technology is always evolving as well, some of the stuff we are doing with machine learning, and the ability to create information based on the data we have is tremendous. You have to understand what the business goal is and link that with the right technology. Another thing about technology is the people. People tend to believe that IT are the folks with their heads down and working in solitude. I’ve always found that the technology groups are really creative and can do really amazing things.”
Biggest challenge you have faced thus far?
“I think it is more of a trend in the industry, and that is finding and keeping up with the right technology. Using networks in different ways, and participating in various initiatives in Buffalo like the innovation summit, the work that the University at Buffalo is doing, and more. It can be tough to keep current with what is going on in technology, but we continue to advance our IT depth locally and learn more.”
Is there any book/blog/podcast that has helped you in your career?
“There have been several along my career, and we are currently reading one as an organization. One of our development managers read it and thought it was a really good book. It is called “Inspired: How to Create Tech Products Customers Love”. ValueCentric has a group across our IT and product areas who are reading this book and discussing what values and implications it has for us here at ValueCentric.”
Advice for someone who is just starting out in tech?
“I am a big believer in the Nike quote, “Just do it.” Often times when people start out in the business world, especially people coming right out of college, they have such a timid nature, but there is so much potential as a young proffesional. Not being afraid to speak up is huge. An organization should be built around people bringing their ideas. Sometimes someone coming out of college can have a way better idea than what is already being done, and speaking up can be really valuable.”
What are your ideal characteristics in an employee?
“The first thing I look for is passion. You can see it in their eyes. The desire to make things better and influence an organization. Do you have fun with what you do? Are you dedicated? Do you want to be here? If you truly love what you are doing and are really passionate about your work it will show.”
Advice for someone who wants to work at ValueCentric
“Talk to me. We’re open. For students and people coming into the industry from an educational background, we have so many opportunities. There are so many opportunities to get in, and it starts by simply talking to someone here. We may not have a specific job posted, but we may have internship opportunities, or a chance to shadow someone here. There are plenty of ways to get in beyond the job posting. Give someone here a call and let them know you are interested.”
Your future plans?
“I never really had that grandiose plan that other people have, and I have always just sort of found the right opportunity. I plan to be here for a while!”
Thank you to Judy for taking the time to share some of her insight and passion into the world of technology! ValueCentric currently has some jobs in the tech/IT fields posted on our site, check them out! Have a question or comment? Leave it below!