#232: The CIO Who Doesn't Adapt Gets Demoted | Info-Tech LIVE NOLA | Tom Zehren and John Burris

Episode Summary

In this Info-Tech LIVE New Orleans episode, Tom Zehren, CEO of Info-Tech Research Group, and John Burris, CIO of Southeastern Louisiana University, break down why AI efficiency is a growth mindset - not a cost-cutting exercise - and what the CIO role actually becomes when Agentic AI is the next IT super trend.

Featuring

Tom Zehren is CEO at Info-Tech Research Group - a global research and advisory firm now operating across North America, Europe, and APAC.

John Burris is CIO at Southeastern Louisiana University - and an associate professor of computer science focused on the theory of computation and Alan Turing's work, who went from faculty to CIO in one of the sharpest career pivots in higher ed.

Timestamps

(1:00) AI efficiency reframed - why it's performance over cost, not a cut mindset

(5:00) How Info-Tech tools create a common language between CIOs and CEOs

(8:00) The era of autonomization - Tom Zehren on Agentic AI as the next IT super trend

(9:30) Agentic AI defined - autonomous decision-making vs. fancy automated workflows

(11:00) Student advising - the AI use case universities can't afford to miss

(15:00) What does the CIO role look like in 5–10 years?

(16:00) The exponential IT leader - Info-Tech's two-path prediction for where CIOs go from here

(23:00) Closing round - EQ, IQ & AQ: and what both guests want to explore next

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Whenever you’re ready, there are 3 ways you can connect with TechTables:

1. 📬 The TechTables Newsletter

Thanks for reading TechTables! Get early access to new episodes, insights, upcoming events, and more — straight to your inbox.

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2. 🤝 Are you a local government CIO who wants to become a better leader?

Check out our high-trust, vendor-free peer group built for local government CIOs tackling real challenges, honest conversations, and an authentic desire to become a better leader — our next retreat is November 4th-6th in Austin, TX!

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3. 🤝 The Better Together Series

The narrative-driven series bringing together industry partners and public sector CXOs. Discover the compelling stories that unfold when we stop working in silos and start building together.

»»» Email joe@techtables.com to learn more.