Failing Forward & Building Resilient IT Teams with Tim Winders

🎧 In this episode of The Heartbeat Podcast, host Mike Sommer sits down with Tim Winders, Associate VP of IT and Deputy CIO at Purdue University. With over 30 years in higher ed IT, Tim shares lessons from leading major initiatives—like the IT centralization across Purdue campuses and unifying Purdue Northwest.

 

He dives into how tech can truly transform the student and faculty experience, why strong business processes beat flashy tools, and why shared governance is non-negotiable. From cybersecurity hurdles to hybrid work challenges and the power of in-person networking, this episode is packed with hard-earned insights.

 

Stick around for Tim’s advice on work-life balance—and hear what keeps him motivated after three decades in the field.

 

🎙️ A must-listen for IT leaders navigating digital transformation in complex organizations.

 

00:00 Introduction to Heartbeat Podcast 00:15 Meet Tim Winders: A Journey in Higher Education IT 00:59 Transformational Initiatives in Higher Ed 01:25 Tim's Path to Deputy CIO 03:09 The Impact of Technology on Education 04:48 Digital Transformation and Business Processes 07:52 Emerging Trends and Technology in Universities 12:02 Collaboration and Networking in Higher Ed 17:13 Balancing Security and Innovation 20:59 Governance in Higher Education 25:28 Remote and Hybrid Work Models 33:10 Personal Insights and Advice 38:40 Conclusion and Final Thoughts