The demands on IT leaders have never been greater. You’re expected to be technically brilliant while also leading your teams through constant change and disruption. But what happens when your “superhero” drive to do more, learn more, and be more starts to work against you?

As Michael Pompey, Chief Information and Transformation Officer for the Girl Scouts of Eastern Pennsylvania, shares in a recent podcast interview, many IT leaders fall into the trap of believing that “more is more.” They push themselves to the limit, taking on every challenge and striving for perfection. While this drive can lead to early success, it can also become a recipe for burnout and stagnation.

From “More Is More” To Meaningful Impact

For Michael, the breaking point came when he realized that his intense drive to fix every problem within his organization was actually harming both himself and the organization. He was experiencing physical and emotional symptoms of stress, including weight gain, sleep disturbances, and a loss of enjoyment in his hobbies. He was wearing a mask, hiding his struggles from his team while feeling increasingly suffocated and trapped. It was only when he started to journal and speak with a coach that he realized the extent to which he had internalized the organization’s problems and taken on the unrealistic burden of its success.

Embracing a Growth Mindset

Michael’s coach helped him see that his “superhero” approach was actually holding him back. He needed to shift from a “more is more” mentality to a growth mindset. A growth mindset is about embracing challenges, learning from failures, and recognizing that discomfort is often a sign of progress. It means stepping outside of your comfort zone, seeking out new experiences, and developing new skills, even if it means feeling uncertain or insecure at times.

Key Elements of an IT Leadership Growth Mindset:

• Self-Awareness: Regularly assess your strengths, weaknesses, and areas for growth. Journaling and working with a coach can be invaluable tools for self-reflection.
• Learning Agility: Be open to new ideas, perspectives, and ways of working. Embrace continuous learning and seek out opportunities to expand your knowledge and skillset.
• Focus on Impact, Not Perfection: Shift your focus from trying to do everything perfectly to identifying the areas where you can have the greatest impact. Delegate tasks, empower your team, and celebrate successes along the way.
• Building Relationships: Cultivate strong relationships with your team, stakeholders, and mentors. Seek out support and guidance when you need it, and be willing to offer support to others.
• Celebrating Growth, Not Just Outcomes: Recognize that growth is a journey, not a destination. Celebrate your progress and the lessons you learn along the way, even if you don’t always achieve the desired outcome.

Key Takeaway

Michael’s experience highlights the importance of an IT Leadership growth mindset. By embracing challenges, seeking out new experiences, and focusing on meaningful impact, IT leaders can not only thrive in their roles but also inspire their teams to reach new heights.

About Michael Pompey

Michael is a seasoned technology executive with over two decades of experience driving innovation and transformation in mission-driven organizations. Currently serving as the Chief Information and Transformation Officer for the Girl Scouts of Eastern Pennsylvania, he leads the organization’s technology strategy, overseeing the assessment and expansion of its digital capabilities to support growth in existing and new markets, with the ultimate aim of reaching all girls in the region. Michael’s career in technology began in the field of Juvenile Justice, where as a probation officer, he identified critical gaps in data management. By developing applications to track and forecast social and offender data, he demonstrated the transformative power of technology in improving case management and youth outcomes. This experience ignited his passion for leveraging data and technology to serve youth-focused nonprofits, propelling him into leadership roles across various mission-driven organizations. With a unique blend of expertise in both nonprofit and technology sectors, Michael has continually refined his skills to drive digital transformation in organizations dedicated to youth development. His academic foundation from the University of South Florida, combined with professional certifications from Microsoft, TBM, ITIL, and other leading technology providers, have equipped him to navigate the complexities of the digital age. Highly regarded for his thought leadership, Michael has served on advisory boards, including the Philadelphia Society for Information Management (SIM) Council, the CIO Forum Executive Council, and the Black Data Processing Associates (BDPA). His insights have been featured in prominent publications such as *CIO Magazine* and the *Business Intelligence Journal*. Outside of his professional endeavors, Michael is a dedicated family man and proud father of two teenage boys, who continually inspire his passion for technology and its impact on the next generation.

About The Girl Scouts of Eastern Pennsylvania

The Girl Scouts of Eastern Pennsylvania (GSEP) is the largest girl-serving organization in Pennsylvania and a leader in building girls of courage, confidence, and character, who make the world a better place. Serving over 25,000 girls and engaging over 15,000 adult volunteers, GSEP covers a nine-county footprint, including Berks, Bucks, Carbon, Chester, Delaware, Lehigh, Montgomery, Northampton, and Philadelphia Counties. With a mission to empower girls to reach their full potential, GSEP offers a diverse array of programs designed to foster leadership, STEM education, entrepreneurship, outdoor adventure, and community service. From robotics and coding to environmental stewardship and financial literacy, GSEP provides girls with the skills and experiences they need to thrive in today’s rapidly changing world. As part of the national Girl Scouts organization, GSEP is committed to inclusivity, serving girls from all backgrounds and communities. The council operates 5 premier camp properties and three regional service centers, providing girls with access to a wide range of outdoor and leadership development opportunities. In partnership with its dedicated volunteers, corporate sponsors, and community organizations, GSEP is creating the next generation of women leaders who are prepared to lead with compassion, innovation, and a commitment to making a positive impact on society. GSEP’s vision as the preeminent organization for girl leadership development in Eastern Pennsylvania, is to ensure that every girl has the opportunity to unlock her full potential and become a leader in her own life and in the world around her.

Connect with Michael Pompey

https://www.linkedin.com/in/michaelpompey/