IT leaders must do more than deploy new systems—they must also bridge the gap between innovation and execution. Gary C. Crisci, an IT Transformation Executive, has built a career on doing precisely that. With over two decades of experience aligning IT investments with corporate objectives, Crisci has helped businesses to navigate digital modernization efforts, drive operational efficiency, and unlock scalable growth.
Speaking the Language of Business
One of the fundamental challenges IT leaders face is the disconnect between technology teams and business objectives. Crisci emphasizes that too often, IT success is measured in technical terms—system uptime, infrastructure improvements, and feature releases—while business leaders prioritize outcomes such as revenue growth, risk management, and operational efficiency.
“Know the difference between value expected and value added,” says Crisci. “The value expected is the table stakes—delivering reliable technology solutions. The value added is what moves the needle—competitive advantage, agility, and innovation.” By shifting IT’s focus from a support function to a strategic enabler, organizations can redefine the role of technology in driving measurable business outcomes.
Aligning IT priorities with business impact transforms the perception of IT from a cost center to a key driver of growth and innovation. “When IT is seen as a business partner rather than just a service provider, it unlocks new opportunities for collaboration and strategic decision-making,” he says, emphasizing that IT leaders who grasp this are best positioned to create a culture where technology is not just a support function but a fundamental pillar of business success.
Breaking Down Silos by Embedding IT Where Work Happens
Organizational silos have long been a roadblock to collaboration between IT and business teams. Traditional IT structures often operate separately from the teams they serve, leading to misalignments, resistance to change, and inefficiencies. “To drive real collaboration, eliminate IT silos by pushing technology closer to where the work is actually done,” Crisci advises.
This approach involves embedding IT leaders within business units so they can see challenges firsthand and co-create solutions. Crisci advocates for moving beyond traditional “requirements gathering” toward continuous feedback loops between IT and end-users. Additionally, investing in citizen development programs—where non-technical employees are empowered to shape digital solutions—ensures that technology is not just imposed from above but evolves organically within the business.
“When IT is embedded in the day-to-day business operations, it’s no longer viewed as an external function—it becomes a core part of how work gets done,” he explains. Integrating IT leaders directly into business units allows companies to foster deeper collaboration and accelerate problem-solving.
Making Transformation About People, Not Just Technology
“Many transformation efforts fail not because the technology isn’t good, but because the people using it weren’t brought along for the journey,” he says. While many transformation initiatives focus on implementing new technology, Crisci stresses that people—not just systems—are at the heart of successful change.
Ensuring that stakeholders understand the purpose behind technological change is critical to fostering adoption and engagement. Crisci highlights three core principles for successful transformation:
- Clarity: Stakeholders must understand what’s changing, why, and how it benefits them.
- Collaboration: Resistance diminishes when teams are involved early and often in the process.
- Adoption as a Measure of Success: The real metric of success isn’t just deployment—it’s whether technology drives tangible business impact.
IT leaders who prioritize these three principles can ensure that transformation initiatives become collaborative efforts that empower employees and create lasting change.
The Future of IT Leadership: Alignment, Trust, and Innovation
For Crisci, the essence of IT leadership lies in aligning technology with business goals, fostering trust among stakeholders, and driving meaningful innovation. “Speak the language of the business. Bring IT closer to the work. Ensure technology serves a clear purpose,” he says. This philosophy has been the cornerstone of Crisci’s success, allowing him to lead enterprise-wide transformations that enhance agility, efficiency, and competitive advantage.
IT is no longer just about managing infrastructure—it’s about driving business evolution. And as Crisci continues to shape the future of IT leadership, his insights continue to help organizations effectively harness technology as a catalyst for success. To connect with Gary C. Crisci and explore more of his insights, visit his LinkedIn.
