WHERE GLOBAL PERSPECTIVE MEETS LOCAL INNOVATION: A SOUTH FLORIDA TECH JOURNEY
Just as my camera lens has captured moments across 120 countries, my journey in technology has taught me to see innovation through multiple frames. After nearly four decades in the utility industry, including my role as Business Unit CIO at Florida Power & Light (FPL), I’ve learned that the most powerful solutions emerge when we bring different perspectives into focus.
My passion for immersing myself in new cultures – not just as a tourist, but as a true explorer –has profoundly shaped how I approach leadership and innovation. Whether I’m navigating a bustling market in Bangladesh or leading a technology transformation at FPL, I’ve found that genuine curiosity and openness to different viewpoints are universal keys to success.
This philosophy drives my work on the South Florida Tech Hub Board of Directors, where we’re building something extraordinary: a vibrant, inclusive tech ecosystem in South Florida. Like my favorite travel experiences, the most meaningful innovations often happen when we step out of our comfort zones and embrace the unexpected. The creation process isn’t always Instagram-perfect – it can be messy, unpredictable, and sometimes uncomfortable. But those “unscripted moments” often lead to our greatest breakthroughs.
Just as every country I’ve visited has its own unique rhythm and energy, each team member brings their own invaluable perspective to the table. I’ve seen firsthand how diverse teams naturally challenge assumptions and push boundaries, creating solutions that none of us could have envisioned alone. It’s like composing the perfect photograph – sometimes the most striking images come from unexpected angles.
The timing for South Florida’s tech scene couldn’t be more exciting. We’re experiencing a beautiful confluence of established companies, ambitious startups, and international talent. Like a well-framed shot, all the elements are coming together: the companies, the innovation, and the global attention that confirms what we’ve known all along – South Florida is becoming a world-class tech hub.
My approach to both leadership and life centers on continuous improvement and authentic connections. Each day presents an opportunity to make something better, to learn from someone new, to see things from a different perspective. Whether I’m mentoring a startup founder or collaborating with fellow board members at TechHub, I bring the same enthusiasm for genuine engagement that I carry with me around the globe.
Success in our dynamic tech ecosystem requires more than technical expertise – it demands the kind of cultural intelligence and adaptability that comes from stepping outside our familiar environments. By fostering inclusive teams and embracing the occasional messiness of innovation, we’re creating something unique in South Florida. It’s not just about building companies; it’s about cultivating an ecosystem where diverse perspectives fuel creativity, where bold ideas take flight, and where every voice contributes to our shared success.
The journey of transforming South Florida into a premier tech hub continues, and like every great adventure, it’s the people who make it extraordinary. Through South Florida Tech Hub and beyond, we’re not just developing technology – we’re building bridges between cultures, ideas, and possibilities.
