Terrible’s

Brad Sexton's journey is a testament to the twists and turns that life can take. While initially steered towards civil engineering, a path his father envisioned for him, destiny had other plans. Brad's adventure began in the realm of recreation, where he found the purpose of running youth programs for children of military personnel in Europe. However, fate intervened, leading him into the dynamic world of information technology.

Driven by a curious and tinkering mind, Brad's fascination with video games and a natural talent for building computers redirected his path. His passion for technology became evident as he pursued a degree in information systems management, a decision that captivated him like nothing else. Brad's unique journey ultimately brought him to Terrible’s, where he works as the Chief Information Officer.

How did your journey prepare you for the current roles and responsibilities you currently handle?

With nearly three decades of IT experience, I began my career in the military as a technician handling routers, switches, and networking systems. I progressed into management roles, focusing on security-related controls in highly regulated environments. My journey spans diverse industries, including higher education, federal government, law enforcement, city and county government, and private industry.

As a Chief Information Officer in higher education and a Community College Campus CIO, I honed my technical expertise, IT management, and security operations skills. My roles in various sectors provide a unique perspective on problem-solving approaches. This diverse background has proven invaluable in my current position at Terrible's, a highly diversified company. It allows me to leverage alternative viewpoints and tackle challenges creatively.

When you look at the wireless initiative, what are some of the prominent challenges in the market? 

The predominant theme in wireless technology discussions centers around merging consumer-grade IT and connectivity with enterprise-level systems. While individuals seamlessly connect household devices, ensuring similar simplicity and ubiquity at the enterprise level raises challenges, especially in terms of security for large organizations.

“With the increasing adoption of company-provided or organizationally provided wireless technology and applications, the scope for analyzing extensive datasets, seemingly disparate, is expanding.”

Unlike home devices, an organization our size must proactively secure interconnected systems. Establishing controls, ensuring unified oversight across diverse devices, and providing user-friendly experiences for our extensive employee base become crucial. Balancing ease of use with robust security on a larger scale is key in addressing these complex challenges, requiring scalable strategies for ongoing support and adaptability to evolving needs.

Is there a recent project you could talk to me about where you have encountered the challenges you mentioned and implemented a methodology or a strategic approach to mitigate those roadblocks? 

We recently initiated the implementation of a new Human Resource Information System (HRIS) company-wide, focusing on easy access for our diverse employee base. The system accommodates both smartphone-savvy younger employees and those seeking part-time roles. Covering 200 locations across four states, geofencing was crucial to ensure accurate clocking in and out at designated work locations.

To streamline the process, we deployed tablets at all locations, enabling a three-step login, clock in/out, and access to pay statements and benefits. Adapting this solution to diverse workforce needs took months of effort and multiple iterations. The system has just been rolled out this week, and initial results are promising, giving us cautious optimism for its success.

Could you speak about security and privacy and how that is viewed within the wireless community today?

In our pursuit of innovative tools, particularly those from startups, we prioritize a careful balance between cutting-edge technology and robust controls, especially concerning customer data and privacy. Recognizing that startups may lack established processes for information security, we collaborate with them, guiding them on essential security requirements and certifications. We assume some responsibility for securing and controlling the technology, offering insights, and advising on considerations like data localization, especially when using cloud services. Our goal is to help startups architect solutions that protect customer data, ensuring security while fostering innovation within our organization.

What are some of the technological trends or advancements that the community should look out for? 

AI is reshaping technology delivery across wireless, mobile applications, and wired connectivity. In the mobile space, AI expedites iterations, integrates new tech, and enhances capabilities through data analysis. The adoption of company-provided wireless tech expands the scope for analyzing extensive datasets. In higher education, AI scrutinizes diverse data sets for better analysis. Connected environments, like smart home appliances and cars, signal a shift toward centralized services, simplifying user experiences.

AI's role goes beyond identifying failures; it uncovers insights, providing a deeper understanding of data patterns. For example, in convenience stores, wireless technology offers personalized app guidance based on customer purchase history. With abundant data, robust AI controls are crucial, enhancing visibility, classification, and uniform control, safeguarding privacy in the wireless domain and prioritizing data security.

What would be your piece of advice for your peers and aspiring professionals within this space today to navigate these challenges but, at the same time, keep pace with upcoming trends?

Incoming CIOs should focus on two key aspects. Firstly, recognize the dual nature of your role—both relied upon and challenged by the organization. Actively listen to customers, empathize with their needs, and deliver services aligned with their perspectives. Secondly, continually ask questions and understand your peers' communication styles. Comprehending departmental challenges, like time-consuming paperwork in convenience stores, allows you to communicate how technology can address specific issues.

As a CIO, a comprehensive understanding of various business areas is essential. Your influence extends across the organization, requiring a holistic approach that considers the entire organization's needs, rather than just a technologist's viewpoint emphasizing scalability and manageability.