Cultivating Leadership, Networks, and Trust: Insights from Former Deloitte CIO Larry Quinlan

In a recent episode of The Networker Podcast by Covve, Larry Quinlan, former Global CIO of Deloitte, reflected on his journey from the small island of St. Kitts to leading a global team of over 10,000. In conversation with Covve’s CEO Yiannis Gavrielides, Quinlan shared actionable insights on relationships, intentional leadership, and leveraging AI. His perspective offered a valuable framework for leaders aiming to create a meaningful impact in today’s fast-evolving business environment.

The Value of Education and Lifelong Learning

Quinlan credited his career trajectory to the importance his parents placed on education. Growing up, he was instilled with a deep respect for learning, a value he carried forward throughout his personal and professional development. He believed that this continuous learning mindset was essential for leaders, especially as technology and industries advanced at rapid rates.

To foster this in their organizations, Quinlan advised leaders to prioritize intellectual curiosity and promote growth opportunities for their teams. Leaders, he noted, benefited from maintaining a learning-oriented approach themselves, which kept them relevant and adaptable in the face of change.

Building Networks with Authenticity and Intentionality

A cornerstone of Quinlan’s success was building meaningful relationships, which he achieved by adopting a non-transactional approach to networking. Rather than seeking connections for career advancement alone, he viewed relationships as opportunities to learn from diverse perspectives and grow as a leader.

He was also intentional about maintaining his network, using tools like Covve to remember birthdays, schedule check-ins, and stay engaged. This structured yet authentic approach allowed him to strengthen connections even as his responsibilities grew.

Scaling Leadership and Trust Across Large Teams

As Deloitte’s CIO, Quinlan oversaw a vast, international team. He learned that fostering trust at scale required consistent presence and authenticity. Despite his position, he took the time to connect with team members across different locations, often scheduling lunches and visits that communicated his investment in their success and well-being.

Quinlan emphasized that trust is the foundation of a cohesive organization, built through “showing up” both in person and with authentic, personalized communication. In today’s complex environment, where employees feel more engaged when valued, leaders who demonstrate genuine care, vulnerability, and transparency inspire a high-trust culture that motivates and aligns teams.

Harnessing AI with Purpose and Industry-Relevant Application

As AI continues to reshape business operations, Quinlan urged leaders to adopt an industry-specific approach to implementation. He believed AI’s role depended on its applications—whether to improve productivity, reduce costs, or even reshape business models. He advises leaders to identify use cases, prepare their workforce, and foster curiosity through hands-on AI exploration to inspire adaptability and reduce resistance.

Essential Skills for Leaders in a Rapidly Changing World
Reflecting on today’s necessary leadership skills, Quinlan highlighted several timeless qualities: trustworthiness, effective communication, and the ability to inspire. While AI and other technologies might support these skills, he believes that they had to be rooted in genuine human attributes.

In Quinlan’s view, trust remained the foundation of any successful organization, especially as technology amplified, but never replaced, authentic relationships. Similarly, clear and genuine communication, supported by AI when helpful, was essential to advancing team goals. Finally, he emphasized intellectual curiosity, a trait that enabled leaders to adapt and remain engaged amid constant technological shifts.

Key Takeaways for Leaders

  1. Prioritize Learning: Establish a culture of continuous learning and curiosity Build Relationships with Intention: Approach networking as an opportunity for mutual growth rather than a transaction, maintaining authenticity.
  2. Be Present to Build Trust: Even within large organizations, personal gestures and transparent communication are central to fostering trust.
  3. Embrace AI Purposefully: Identify industry-relevant applications of AI and encourage team exploration to make technology an ally, not a threat.
  4. Lead with Timeless Skills: Trust, clear communication, and curiosity remain critical, regardless of technological advancements.

Larry Quinlan’s insights underscored a central theme: that successful leadership requires a blend of timeless human qualities and an adaptable mindset attuned to technological advancements. His experiences offer leaders at all stages a powerful reminder that trust, curiosity, and authentic connection remain essential as organizations navigate today’s digital complexities.

 

Written on 05 Dec 2024.

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