IT Executive’s Playbook Certificate Program

 

 

Program Overview

In today’s rapidly evolving business environment, effective technology strategy is more critical than ever. Our program is designed to equip mid-level managers and newly appointed VPs with the essential skills and insights needed to navigate and excel in their roles.

IT Executive’s Playbook is designed to provide practical, contemporary strategies and techniques to help navigate current issues facing technology leaders and executives. The course explores current topics using case studies, recent articles and research, and practical examples of IT leadership dilemmas that require critical thinking and decision-making tradeoffs. A graduate certificate will be attainable for those who complete all six courses of the program.

 

 

The Problem

By addressing these areas, the IT Executive’s Playbook Certificate Program equips technology professionals with the essential skills and insights needed to excel in executive leadership roles.

 

Leadership Skills

  • Executive roles often involve navigating complex interpersonal dynamics and influencing decision-making at the highest levels.

Tactical to Strategic Thinking

  • Technology professionals typically focus on operational details and immediate problem-solving, while executive leadership demands a broader, future-oriented view to align technology initiatives with business goals.

Balancing Innovation with Stability

  • Technology executives must drive innovation to stay competitive while maintaining the stability of existing systems and processes. A 2025 report notes that 74% of executives identify technological disruption as their primary business risk, underscoring the challenges of pursuing innovation while maintaining operational stability.

 

 

Our Solution

The IT Executive’s Playbook Certificate Program is designed to equip mid-level managers and newly appointed VPs with the essential skills and insights needed to navigate and excel in their roles.

 

Product vs Project Management

  • By offering participants tools, frameworks, and insights from case studies to make informed decisions.

Executive Presence

  • Develop and maintain executive presence with their leadership team, peers, and external partners.

Minimizing Risks

  • Best practices for minimizing risks associated with enterprise (ERP) initiatives.

Partner Centered Relationships

  • Gain new tools for cultivating strong, partner-centered relationships with key suppliers.

 

 

Learning Objectives and Program Benefits

 

High Level Decision-Making

High Level Decision-Making

Develop strategic thinking skills to analyze complex challenges, evaluate risks, and make informed decisions that drive business success.

Executive Presence

Executive Presence

Develop and maintain executive presence with their leadership team, peers, and external partners.

Minimizing Risks

Minimizing Risks

Best practices for minimizing risks associated with enterprise (ERP) initiatives.

Innovation

Innovation

Possess a distinction and appreciation for the balance between innovation, risk-taking, and consistent results.

Partner-Centered Relationships

Partner-Centered Relationships

Gain new tools for cultivating strong, partner-centered relationships with key suppliers.

Who Should Attend

  • Enterprise Program Directors
  • VP and Directors of Technology
  • IT Product Management
  • Technology Executives
  • Graduates of TAG Pathways to Leadership

What to Expect

Learning will be achieved through a combination of facilitation by experienced CIOs, discussions with peer-level IT thought leaders, excerpts from books on technology leadership, and some problem-solving scenarios. Learning sessions will involve assigned readings, discussions, experiential exercises, role-playing, and problem-solving activities.

Program participants are expected to

  • Actively participate by asking questions, sharing experiences, and making observations.
  • Listen attentively with the intention of understanding.
  • Maintain confidence in themselves and others.
  • Come prepared and ready to engage.
  • Keep cameras on throughout the session. This is required to receive certificate credit.

Program Schedule

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IT Executive’s Playbook – Orientation

Thursday, May 1, 2025

12:00 – 1:00 p.m.

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Course 1: Product vs Project Management

Wednesday, May 28, 2025

12:00 – 1:30 p.m.

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Course 2: De-Risking ERP and Enterprise Implementations

Wednesday, June 11, 2025

12:00 – 1:30 p.m.

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Course 3: Transitioning Vendors into Strategic Partners

Wednesday, June 25, 2025

12:00 – 1:30 p.m.

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Course 4: Building Diverse Teams with Strong Culture for Collaboration

Wednesday, July 9, 2025

12:00 – 1:30 p.m.

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Course 5: Innovation and Risk Taking

Wednesday, July 23, 2025

12:00 – 1:30 p.m.

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Course 6: Building and Sustaining Executive Presence

Wednesday, August 6, 2025

12:00 – 1:30 p.m.

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Program Instructor: Bill VanCuren

Retired Fortune 500 CIO, Educator, and Board Advisor

 

Bill VanCuren is a global business executive and board member who leads transformations for growth through a balance of technology and business solutions, from private to publicly traded, from mid-size to multibillion-dollar corporations. Bill is an insightful business leader who leads teams through uncertain times, drives execution, and is always at the confluence of human factors and technology introduction.

Full Bio

Program Testimonials (Click to View)

Valarie Merced

Valarie Merced

Senior Project Manager - Motrex LLC

I recently completed the IT Executive’s Playbook Certificate Program, and it was a fantastic experience. The sessions were super engaging and packed with practical insights I could apply right away. The Product vs. Product Management session was a game-changer for me. I am managing my first new product development project in manufacturing, and it gave me a much clearer understanding of the differences between the two roles and how to approach agile delivery more effectively. I also loved the Executive Presence session—it was full of tips on how to show up confidently and connect better with leadership, peers, and partners. The online format and flexible session times were a huge plus, making it easy to fit into my schedule.

Overall, this program was a great investment in my growth as a technology leader, and I’d recommend it to anyone looking to level up their skills

Sam Jacobs

Sam Jacobs

Associate Director Product Strategy - Credigy

The IT Executive’s Playbook is an essential guide for tech leaders. Bill’s real-world expertise brings depth to every session, offering actionable insights and frameworks you can apply immediately at work. I highly recommend this course to anyone in technology leadership.

Mike Chubb

Mike Chubb

Executive Director, Product Development & Engineering, Payments - Deluxe

Don’t hesitate, take advantage of one of the great CIO’s of Atlanta sharing his knowledge and expertise. Bill’s insight into his diverse experiences makes this program something that you can’t miss if given the opportunity. The course structure was relevant and relatable, while maintaining a clean simplicity to it. As they say, simplicity is complex, but Bill and team made it look easy. If you’re looking to take that next step in technology leadership, round out your skills, or simply want to listen to someone who has “done it”, then this is your program. Super valuable, and highly recommended

Registration for IT Executive’s

Playbook Certificate Program is Now Open