At the University of California, professional growth goes hand-in-hand with the institution’s mission to lead in innovation and adaptability. Key initiatives exemplifying this commitment are three programs that are part of the UC Tech Academy: The Digital Risk Leadership Program, the Lead from Where You Are Program, and the IT Leadership Program.
These programs provide UC Tech professionals from diverse fields opportunities to build critical leadership skills, deepen expertise in digital and cyber-risk management, and enhance capacity to lead strategic change. By expanding access and participation, UC equips its workforce to remain at the forefront of technological and organizational leadership, prepared to navigate the challenges of an ever-evolving digital landscape.
Celebrating Success
The Digital Risk Leadership Program has not only achieved an impressive average recommendation score of 9.65 out of 10 but has also left a lasting impact on its participants. Recent program attendees said:
“The program encourages you to step beyond your day-to-day work and consider the bigger picture,
providing valuable tools for leadership.”
“In years of working in UC IT, with the DOE, and in startups, this was perhaps the best seminar series
I’ve attended.”
“This is one of the few programs I’ve attended that I found both fully useful and interesting. Every
presentation was relevant and potentially applicable to my work.”
These reflections highlight the program’s ability to provide valuable leadership tools, foster meaningful connections, and offer relevant, applicable content. The success of this program underscores UC’s commitment to professional growth and development.
The Lead from Where You Are Program participants rated their satisfaction at 5.83 out of 6,
and an impressive 62% described the program as not only significant but transformational or
even game-changing for their development. Here’s some recent feedback from cohort members:
“Thank you to you and your staff for the coordination and ultimately for the opportunity for our
cohort to form and travel this path together. It was truly meaningful and has made such a great
difference in my day-to-day approach. I am invigorated and highly motivated to continue the path!”
“Thank you again for your commitment to the MOR Lead from Where You Are program and your
dedication to professional development and leadership within UC! And a big thank you to those that
helped make this happen behind the scenes….”
The latest cohort of the IT Leadership Program rated their program experience and satisfaction with the program a 7 (out of 7). All of the survey responders agreed that they “can effectively apply the content learned from the program to their job”, and that the program was a “worthwhile investment in their person career development.” Here are some comments from participants of the program:
“The program content is so good and apt for leaders at our level.”
“The content was well done and condensed effectively. The professors were world class, and the
sponsors were incredibly supportive.”
“Thanks to UCOP for organizing this program and exposing UC leaders to such good material and
colleagues.”
Learn more: Digital Risk Leadership Program
The UC Tech Digital Risk Leadership Program strengthens the university’s digital defense by providing advanced leadership training for senior UC professionals in disciplines that collaborate on digital and cyber-risk, including security, privacy, legal, audit, law enforcement, risk, compliance, and public safety. Participants learn about current and emerging digital risk issues, leadership skills (including negotiation), conflict resolution, communications, strategic planning, and change management techniques. This program is part of the UC Tech Academy, a suite of professional development programs for the UC Tech community.
The program occurs approximately every 18 months and takes place in person at UC Berkeley Haas School of Business over the course of six days, divided into two, three-day modules.
Learn more: Lead from Where You Are Program
The Lead from Where You Are Program is for individual contributors and managers. Maximizing Organizational Resources (MOR) Associates created this program, and it is offered to UC Tech community members who are interested in the program themselves or who are selected by their leaders. Recognizing and engaging individuals, this unique offering accelerates development, builds confidence, and provides participants ways of identifying new opportunities to contribute to the success of the organization.
The program consists of six, 2-day sessions that run during a six-month period at different UC locations. This is a hybrid program, three of which are in-person and the other three online. Individual contributors, managers and/or technical leads are nominated by their departments based on their potential for leadership growth.
Learn more: UC IT Leadership Program
The IT Leadership Program equips participants with the essential leadership skills needed to advance their careers and drive change within the UC technology landscape. Launched in 2015, the program has already graduated hundreds of leaders, with the latest cohort completing their training in April 2024.
Hosted in-person at the UC Berkeley Haas School of Business, this program fosters peer engagement with colleagues across the university, alongside targeted exercises designed to empower participants in guiding their teams through periods of change.
Offered every 18 months, the program features two intensive three-day sessions, held several months apart, for a total of six days of learning and development.
Looking ahead
The success of these programs is attributed to a team committed to the support and celebration of professional growth within our community. Much appreciation goes to the CIO Council, comprised of chief information officers (CIOs) and other senior information technology (IT) leaders, who sponsor and support the UC Tech Academy, along with Van Williams, VP of Information Technology Services and UC CIO. Their dedication and devotion to the UC Tech Academy guarantees that together, we continue to foster a culture of continuous learning and development.
Stay tuned for more updates on future programs.
Please bookmark the UC Tech Academy webpage to stay informed about upcoming nominations and application deadlines: https://www.ucop.edu/information-technology-services/initiatives/cio-council/uc-it-leadership-academy.html
Questions? Reach out to UC Tech Academy Program Director Kristin Cordova:
Kristin.Cordova@ucop.edu
Contact
Chief of Staff to the Vice President and Chief Information Officer
University of California
Author
Digital Risk Communications and Events Manager
UC Office of the President