Rebooting the Rules: IT Leaders Who Listen and Learn

In this episode of Reboot IT, host Dave Coriale sits down with Ginger Ausloos, Vice President of Technology Solutions and Data Strategy at AACSB International, and Gretchen Steenstra, Director, Project Strategy and Leadership at DelCor, to explore the evolution from digital transformation to digital strategy. Ginger shares how her organization has embraced cloud-based systems, built a transparent IT culture, and developed a governance model that empowers business units. The conversation also dives into leadership styles, AI adoption, and the importance of aligning IT with organizational goals. 

Themes and Topics:

Digital Strategy vs. Digital Transformation

• Ginger emphasizes that it’s time to move from digital transformation to governing and optimizing digital strategy.
• AACSB’s digital strategy sits just below organizational strategy and guides tools, communication, and member engagement.
• Many associations still focus on transformation, but the real challenge is managing change in a cloud-based world.

Leadership Through Transparency and Partnership

• Ginger uses a public-facing Monday board to share IT priorities and progress with the entire organization.
• Business units are involved in strategic planning, fostering collaboration and shared ownership.
• Her leadership style is described as “gentle maneuvers” rather than command and control.

Best-of-Breed Technology and Integration Strategy

• AACSB avoids long-term vendor lock-in, preferring 3-year contracts and best-of-breed solutions.
• A centralized data warehouse enables flexible integrations and easier system replacements.
• The organization has decoupled its AMS from other systems to reduce disruption and increase agility.

Governance and Change Management

• Ginger highlights the importance of protocols for change to avoid chaos in a cloud environment.
• The IT Steering Committee, though currently paused, played a key role in prioritizing initiatives across departments.
• Change management is reframed as adoption and strategic communication, using digital strategy as the glue.

AI Adoption and Organizational Readiness

• Ginger is pursuing a doctorate focused on AI and machine learning, but sees slow adoption at the organizational level.
• She warns that AI is being explored individually, not strategically, and leaders need to drive top-down initiatives.-
• ChatGPT-enhanced emails are not enough. Real transformation requires leadership engagement.

Professional Development and Personal Growth

• Ginger is a Six Sigma Black Belt, beekeeper, and self-described professional development junkie.
• Her journey from receptionist to VP over 20 years reflects a deep commitment to learning and leadership.
• She encourages her team to keep moving forward: “If you're not moving forward, you're being left behind.”