From Apparel to IT: Greg Tsirulnik’s Playbook for Growth and Resilience

In This Episode:

Greg Tsirulnik discusses his unique role as CIO of Creative Home Ideas, a leading home textile company with operations in the U.S., China, Turkey, India, Pakistan, and more. From bedding and rugs to towels and curtains, the company produces and distributes both licensed and in-house brands found in major retailers like Costco, Walmart, and Target. Greg shares how his background in fashion and manufacturing allowed him to seamlessly transition into the IT space, leveraging his deep understanding of business operations to solve technical challenges.

Throughout the conversation, Greg emphasizes the importance of passion, resilience, and continuous learning. He recounts his path from helping his father in a Soviet-era cooperative to managing a complex IT infrastructure for a global enterprise. He also shares his philosophy on leadership—treating people with respect, maintaining a sense of humor, and always showing up for the job you want, not just the job you have.

Beyond IT, Greg dives into his personal development journey, revealing details about his upcoming book, The Lens of Possibility, a daily guide to inspiration and transformation tailored for IT professionals and executives facing burnout. The discussion touches on the pressures of being an IT leader, the stigma around admitting mistakes, and the need for better communication and support within organizations to prevent isolation.