Sue Bergamo joined Dr. Rebecca Wynn on the Soulful CXO. She is an award-winning global CISO and CIO. Sue shares her expertise in leadership and technology, focusing on promoting innovation and productivity enhancements while ensuring data security. She has held strategic positions at Microsoft, Active Campaign, Precisely, Episerver, Aramark, and CVS Pharmacy. She serves as a program director for Brandis University and advises startup companies worldwide. Recently, she was awarded the 2022 Cybersecurity Professional of the Year by the Cybersecurity Excellent Awards.
Trust is Essential for a Productive Work Environment
Creating a culture of trust is essential for fostering a positive and productive work environment. This is evident throughout the discussion between Dr. Rebecca Wynn and Sue Bergamo, where they discuss management styles and how leaders' actions affect their teams.
Bergamo emphasizes the significance of mentoring individuals, regardless of their age or experience level. She believes in giving people a safe environment to fail and learn new skills. Mentors can help individuals gain confidence and grow professionally by providing guidance and support. This approach highlights the importance of creating opportunities for learning and development within an organization.
The Value of Cross-training Team Members
Furthermore, they emphasize the value of cross-training team members. A strong belief in equipping individuals with a diverse skill set ensures the team can function effectively, even without a specific team member. This approach promotes collaboration and teamwork and builds trust within the group. When team members trust and support each other, they are more likely to work together towards common goals and overcome challenges.
They address the fear of being replaced or having one's role removed. Sue shares that in her team, politicking and backstabbing are not allowed. Instead, she builds a group based on trust. This means that team members can rely on each other without worrying about someone taking their role. Her approach highlights the importance of fostering a supportive and inclusive work environment where individuals feel valued and secure in their positions.
To create a culture of trust, transparency is crucial. When team members know the organization's goals, challenges, and decisions, they can better understand the larger context and contribute effectively. Transparency also promotes accountability and reduces misunderstandings or conflicts.
Examples of Creating a Culture of Trust
They share many real-life examples of creating a culture of trust and how it is essential for a prosperous and harmonious work environment. Examples included practicing a management style that highlights mentorship, cross-training, and transparency in fostering trust within a team. By embracing these principles, they show how they have been successful in helping organizations create an atmosphere where individuals feel supported, valued, and motivated to contribute their best. Ultimately, a culture of trust leads to increased collaboration, productivity, retention, and overall success.
Listen to the full episode for insights on leadership skills, embracing resiliency, and bridging the gap between technology and business. Additionally, Bergamo shares her journey and credits her success to her willingness to raise her hand for new opportunities and the support of her mentors and managers. She also highlights her early experience in setting up a data center and the hands-on learning it provided. If you want to gain valuable insights from a seasoned industry expert and learn how to cultivate leadership skills, this episode is a must-listen!
Remember to subscribe to the Soulful CXO on your favorite platforms.
Apple Podcasts
Spotify
Google Podcasts
