Leading IT Operations Experts

Mark Lynd is the Head of Executive Advisory & Strategy at Netsync, one of the nation's leading value-added resellers, where he works daily with C-Suite executives on AI, cybersecurity strategy, and digital transformation. A 5x CIO/CISO, author, thought leader and keynote speaker with decades of hands-on operational experience, Mark brings a rare combination of boardroom perspective and practitioner depth to every engagement. Ranked as a Top 5 Global Thought Leader in both AI and Cybersecurity by Thinkers360, Mark has facilitated over 150 incident response tabletop exercises across school districts, Fortune 500 enterprises, healthcare systems, government agencies, and mid-market manufacturers. His original research from these exercises represents the most comprehensive tabletop dataset published by a single practitioner. Mark has delivered more than 100 keynotes at marquee events including RSA Conference, Oracle CloudWorld, Cisco Partner Summit, Dell Technologies World, IBM Think, and Gartner Security & Risk Management Summit. His speaking topics span AI generative strategy, AI infrastructure, cybersecurity operations, ransomware preparedness, incident response, and business continuity. He holds a Bachelor of Science degree from the University of Tulsa and attended The Wharton School. Mark served honorably in the United States Army's 3rd Ranger battalion, and 82d Airborne. My Newsletters: - Cybervizer: Weekly strategic briefings for 10k+ professionals. (www.cybervizer.com) - AI Bursts: Cutting through the noise of AI adoption. (www.aibursts.com) My Published Books: Books available on Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Apple Books, and many other outlets: - Cyber War: One Scenario – A guide to infrastructure resilience. - A Leader’s Playbook to Cyber Insurance – Managing the financial ROI of risk. - Cybersecurity Life Skills for Teens – My passion project for digital safety.

𝐈𝐬 𝐈𝐓 𝐚 𝐠𝐫𝐨𝐰𝐭𝐡 𝐞𝐧𝐠𝐢𝐧𝐞 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐲𝐨𝐮𝐫 𝐨𝐫𝐠𝐚𝐧𝐢𝐳𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧?Is your tech strategy aligned with your overall business vision?Are you too reliant on your IT vendor, or a tech middle manager?Do you need expert IT guidance, but can’t justify the cost of a full-time CIO?How we help midsize organizations solve these problems:At Innovation Vista, we specialize in providing tailored, strategic, and economical IT guidance specifically designed for midsize organizations. Our approach goes beyond simply keeping the lights on; we aim to transform your IT into a powerful driver of business results. By leveraging our network of over 400 hand-picked, top-flight consultants, we ensure you receive 100% of the expertise of a seasoned C-level IT leader at a fraction of the cost of a full-time hire. Whether it’s leading digital transformation, optimizing current systems, or creating new revenue streams, our experts are equipped to help you innovate beyond efficiency and achieve your strategic objectives.Who is a good fit for our services?- Midsize businesses who have lost trust in their IT platform- Organizations with a stable tech infrastructure but seeking IT-driven growth and innovation- Companies without a need for a full-time CIO/CTO, but who nonetheless need high-level IT strategy - Businesses undergoing M&A or digital transformation requiring expert IT guidance- Organizations needing C-suite or Board-level IT advisory servicesOur results speak for themselves:- $1,400,000,000+ in new client revenue from IT & Analytics- $1,200,000,000 in IT-driven efficiencies & cost savings- 700+ C-suites/Boards advised by our consulting team+1 832.271.9100 · innovationvista.com · beyond@innovationvista.comPublication bio:Jeff Roberts, the founder of Innovation Vista, has over 30 years of IT leadership experience, including five tenures as a CIO. He has guided dozens of successful mergers, led multiple digital transformations, and turned around struggling IT departments into profit centers. His journey has been recognized with myriad awards, including nomination as Enterprise CIO of the Year. 19 of his former subordinates have advanced to C-level positions themselves. Since founding Innovation Vista in 2019, he's built a team of over 400 consultants that deliver C-level IT strategy and leadership services to midsize organizations, advising over 700 boards/C-suites, and powering over $2.6 billion in client results to date. For several years running, they have been named the #1 Provider of CIO Services in the U.S.

Michael Ferrara is an IT Analyst at Arnold & Porter in Boston, a technology writer, and an industry commentator with extensive experience supporting complex technology environments, including enterprise organizations and law firms. Throughout his career, Michael has worked across IT support, infrastructure, systems administration, end-user technology, audiovisual support, and technology operations. His experience includes supporting executives and professionals in demanding environments where reliability, security, communication, and business continuity are essential. He has also worked with technologies spanning endpoint management, virtualization, cloud services, networking, identity and access management, and enterprise infrastructure. In addition to his professional IT experience, Michael is the creator of Conceptual Technology and the author of Tech Topics, a technology-focused publication followed by a growing audience of professionals and technology enthusiasts. Through his writing, he translates complex technology topics into clear, accessible insights for a broad audience. Michael frequently writes and comments on artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, IT leadership, workplace technology, digital transformation, technology adoption, enterprise IT, employee experience, and the practical impact of emerging technologies on organizations and individuals. His perspective is shaped by hands-on experience. Rather than focusing solely on technology theory, Michael brings a practical understanding of how technology is implemented, managed, supported, and experienced by the people who rely on it every day. He is particularly interested in the intersection of technology, business, and human behavior. Michael has contributed expert insights to publications including Fast Company and Software News, offering commentary on topics such as artificial intelligence, performance management, and essential cybersecurity practices. He has also been recognized among the top 5% of LinkedIn influencers by Favikon. As a technology professional and writer, Michael is available to provide expert commentary and insights on enterprise IT, artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, technology trends, digital transformation, workplace technology, IT operations, and the evolving relationship between people and technology.

For more than 20 years, I have been helping the energy industry improve safety and operational performance through collaboration, innovation and the practical application of emerging technologies. As the facilitator of the DROPS Asia Chapter, I work with operators, drilling contractors and service companies to share knowledge, develop industry best practices and accelerate the adoption of practical safety solutions. Through conferences, workshops and collaborative initiatives, I help organizations translate lessons learned into measurable improvements. As the founder of DrillingVR, I develop digital solutions that make safety knowledge more accessible, engaging and actionable. My work increasingly focuses on Artificial Intelligence, computer vision, workflow automation and digital transformation, while continuing to leverage Virtual Reality and immersive technologies where they provide genuine value. Recent initiatives include: * AI-powered Red Zone Monitoring that helps organizations understand and reduce personnel exposure through data-driven insights. * AI assistants and workflow automation that simplify safety processes and improve access to operational knowledge. * The DROPS Metaverse and other digital learning platforms that support competency development, collaboration and knowledge sharing across the global energy industry. I believe technology should empower people rather than replace them. The greatest improvements come from understanding how work is actually performed and using data to build safer, smarter and more efficient ways of working. I am passionate about bringing people together, sharing knowledge and helping the energy industry adopt practical innovations that deliver measurable improvements in safety, operational performance and human factors.

Derrick Mains is an itinerant speaker and visual artist, Emmy Award-winning content creator, and five-time author, and creator of The System an Operating System for Operations Teams. Derrick is an storyteller and optimization consultant that renowned for his pioneering work in process engineering, design, and transformation for over 300 companies.

I'm a technology executive, strategic operator, and advisor with more than 20 years of experience helping founders and high-growth companies scale through technology, artificial intelligence, and operational excellence. My work sits at the intersection of executive strategy, business operations, and technology helping organizations build the systems, operating models, and leadership disciplines that transform ambitious growth plans into sustainable businesses. I've led technology and go-to-market organizations at companies ranging from venture-backed startups to publicly traded enterprises, including GitLab (NASDAQ: GTLB) and SecurityScorecard. Through my work with Go Nimbly, I've also partnered with some of the world's fastest-growing companies including Vanta, Figma, and American Express Global Business Travel, to modernize technology ecosystems, streamline operations, and design scalable revenue organizations. Having worked across executive leadership, consulting, startups, and enterprise environments, I bring a practical perspective on what separates companies that scale successfully from those constrained by operational complexity. What differentiates my perspective is that I don't approach growth through a single discipline. I've built companies, led executive teams, raised capital, advised founders and boards, architected enterprise technology strategies, and partnered across marketing, sales, product, engineering, finance, and customer success. That breadth allows me to connect executive vision with operational execution. Translating strategy into systems that drive measurable business outcomes. I'm frequently asked to comment on artificial intelligence, technology strategy, startup growth, SaaS, digital transformation, executive leadership, revenue operations, organizational design, technology investment decisions, and how companies can scale without sacrificing agility. My philosophy is simple: technology should accelerate business, not complicate it. The best systems are the ones that empower people, enable better decisions, and create lasting competitive advantage. Outside of the technology industry, I serve as a C-level executive and strategic advisor for organizations in the outdoor and nonprofit sectors. I'm also a professional angler, speaker, and leadership coach, drawing lessons from high-performance environments to teach resilience, disciplined decision-making, and leadership under pressure.

Supply chain analytics expert with over 13 years of experience in manufacturing companies in Russia, Europe, and the US. I know how physical movements of products are translated into digital insights and what can (and does) go wrong.

Results-oriented technology leader with over 9 years of experience in Infrastructure Security, Automation, Generative AI, and Software-Defined Operations. Demonstrated ability to lead high-performing teams, streamline enterprise support, and execute strategic initiatives that enhance organizational resilience and operational efficiency. A seasoned cybersecurity professional, experienced in vulnerability and patch management at scale, with a strong track record of driving measurable, data-driven impact through intelligent automation. Skilled in designing and implementing secure, scalable, and compliant infrastructure solutions that align with business and regulatory goals. Proven expertise in project and program management, particularly within Agile and Scrum frameworks, with a focus on cross-functional collaboration, risk mitigation, and continuous improvement. Recognized for combining technical depth with strategic vision to deliver transformative outcomes in complex enterprise environments.

The first thing I ask in nearly every scenario is "can this be made better, more…

Adeel Ali is an Enterprise Infrastructure Manager and Systems Strategist. Specializing in hybrid cloud topology design, FinOps optimization, and sustainable system architectures, he helps organizations scale resilient IT environments while maintaining strict cost and operational governance. His work bridges the gap between high-level project management and core technical operations, with a focus on zero-trust frameworks and modern cloud integration. My main focus in Business Operations and Program Operation's

I'm Bryan Chia, the Founder and Director of Techease Solutions, where I empower Singaporean SMEs to modernize and secure their IT without breaking the bank. With over a decade of experience in IT—spanning aviation and finance—I specialize in translating complex technology into practical, actionable solutions that drive real business outcomes. I’m passionate about making digital transformation accessible and straightforward for local businesses, and I love collaborating with owners to harness the full potential of technology. Let’s connect to explore smarter ways to make tech work for you!

I am an operations strategist and the founder of OpsAtlas, an advisory practice focused on operational efficiency and AI-enabled operating models. Over the past 20 years, I've run operations at startups, growth-stage companies, and large enterprises across SaaS, fintech, healthcare staffing, and enterprise telecom. My specialty is finding the friction that quietly erodes business performance — fragmented workflows, manual work, unclear ownership, and handoffs that slow revenue, create rework, and compress margins. I help leaders diagnose where execution is breaking down and redesign the operating model so the organization can scale with speed and leverage instead of adding more people and process. My central argument, and the perspective I bring to any story on AI adoption: AI cannot fix a poorly designed way of working. Most companies don't have an AI problem — they have an operations problem, and technology applied to broken ways of working amplifies the breakage. Meaningful value comes from diagnosing the friction first, redesigning the work, and then applying AI where it creates measurable leverage. I write Find the Friction, a newsletter on operational leverage, workflow design, and practical AI adoption. I'm available for expert commentary, contributed articles, and practical insights on business operations, organizational scaling, execution, workplace productivity, AI adoption, automation, governance, leadership, and the changing nature of work.

Gaurav Sengar is the Founder & CEO of ITSecOps.Cloud, a cybersecurity and IT operations consulting firm specializing in building secure, compliant, and highly reliable technology environments for SMBs, MSPs, and growing enterprises. With over 8 years of hands-on experience across cloud infrastructure, cybersecurity operations, and IT service management, Gaurav has worked extensively in SOC 2 Type II, ISO/IEC 27001, HIPAA, CMMC Level 2, and NIST 800-171 readiness programs. His work focuses on closing the gap between compliance requirements and real-world IT operations — where most organizations fail audits and suffer security incidents. Gaurav has led and executed security operations including threat hunting, incident investigations, phishing analysis, identity and access hardening, cloud security posture management, and vulnerability remediation across Microsoft Azure, Microsoft Defender, Microsoft Purview, and hybrid enterprise environments. He has supported legal investigations by tracing user activity, analyzing logs, and producing audit-defensible evidence. Unlike traditional cybersecurity advisors, Gaurav is known for his operator-first approach, combining cybersecurity strategy with deep IT operations expertise — covering cloud infrastructure, identity systems, networking, endpoint management, automation, monitoring, and 24×7 support models. This allows organizations to achieve security and compliance without disrupting business operations. Through ITSecOps.Cloud, Gaurav advises leadership teams, CISOs, and founders on cybersecurity risk reduction, compliance readiness, IT cost optimization, and scalable operations. His insights are frequently sought on topics such as cybersecurity failures in SMBs, compliance mistakes made by MSPs, cloud security risks, and how operational gaps create real-world breaches. Gaurav is particularly focused on helping organizations move from “checkbox security” to practical, auditable, and sustainable security operations.

I’m the founder of m365.show and datascience.show, two independent platforms and content hubs dedicated to spotlighting innovation, strategy, and community voices in the Microsoft ecosystem. My work focuses on bridging enterprise needs with the fast-moving capabilities of tools like Microsoft Fabric, Power BI Copilot, and the broader Power Platform — areas where data, AI, and low-code solutions are transforming how organizations work, decide, and scale. With over a decade of experience at the intersection of technology and storytelling, I lead and organize livestream events, interviews, and hands-on demos that bring clarity to Microsoft's most complex offerings. These events serve thousands of viewers across industries, helping IT leaders, data professionals, and decision-makers keep pace with change — and make confident moves toward digital transformation. Through m365.show, I provide insights on the evolving Microsoft 365 landscape, from governance and compliance to collaboration and automation. On datascience.show, I dive deeper into analytics, AI, and the data stack — especially how Microsoft Fabric is reshaping enterprise data architecture and how tools like Copilot in Power BI are changing how business users interact with data using natural language. As a speaker, host, and curator, I’m passionate about making advanced technology accessible and relevant — not just for developers and architects, but also for media, analysts, and business audiences trying to understand what these trends mean in practice. If you're a journalist or content creator covering the future of work, AI in the enterprise, low-code/no-code solutions, or digital transformation within the Microsoft ecosystem, I’d be happy to contribute. Whether it's on-the-record commentary, demos, community trends, or expert takes on announcements from Microsoft, I'm always open to a conversation. 📨 Let’s connect — I welcome media inquiries, collaborations, and guest opportunities.

Matt Lindley is the Chief Innovation & Information Security Officer at NINJIO, a leading cybersecurity awareness training and human risk management platform. Matt leads NINJIO’s cybersecurity team and AI innovation projects. Previously, he was the CEO and Principal Consultant at REIN Cybersecurity, which focused on governance, risk management, and compliance (GRC). He has also served as the Director of Security Services at Cal Net Technology Group and the virtual CIO at Convergence Networks. Matt is an authority on IT, cybersecurity, GRC, and operational maturity whose expert insights have been published in media outlets spanning cybersecurity and many other relevant verticals. His byline has appeared in a wide range of cybersecurity and tech publications, including Dark Reading, Cyber Defense Magazine, Innovation & Tech Today, Spiceworks, Security Magazine, Cybersecurity Insiders, Security Boulevard, U.S. Cybersecurity Magazine, Information Week, and Cyber Protection Magazine. Matt has also published extensively in outlets serving specific industry verticals, such as InsuranceNewsNet, Business Traveler, Manufacturing.net, and Carrier Management. He is considered a leading security analyst whose research and expertise cover AI strategy and transformation, emerging cyberthreats, behavioral psychology, social engineering, and organizational resilience. Matt has over a decade and a half of experience as both a practitioner and a thought leader in cybersecurity, and he is particularly focused on human risk management—a core pillar of cybersecurity at a time when the human element is implicated in the majority of breaches.

Momenul Ahmad is a digital strategist and founder of SEOSiri, a firm that moves businesses beyond vanity metrics to achieve real revenue growth. He believes true digital success lies at the intersection of data-driven technical SEO and human-centric communication, turning search traffic into measurable outcomes. Through his agency, SEOSiri, Momenul architects full-funnel digital strategies that integrate cutting-edge technical expertise with persuasive, high-conversion content. His approach is built on a deep understanding of search engine algorithms, user behavior, and the core principles of brand authority. His core expertise includes: Technical & On-Page SEO: Ensuring flawless site architecture, maximum crawlability, and advanced Schema implementation for search dominance. Content Strategy & SEO Copywriting: Crafting high-conversion content that builds authority, answers user intent, and drives action. Local & International SEO: Scaling brand presence effectively, from targeting local customers to expanding into global markets. Future-Ready Optimization: Specializing in the next wave of search, including Voice Search Optimization & Generative Engine Optimization (GEO). Proven Expertise & Industry Recognition Momenul's strategic vision has been proven in practice. His work includes transforming the NazrulSangeet cultural archive into a global authority through sophisticated bilingual SEO & architecting a B2B lead generation engine from the ground up for OrganicAgriPro As a respected thought leader, his insights are featured in industry publications like HubSpot (Top Contributor), Muckrack (Verified Digital Journalist) & UZABASE verified Experts. He holds advanced certifications from HubSpot in both SEO & Digital Marketing, Google Project Management Professional Certification. Available for Expert Commentary Momenul is available to provide clear, actionable, and forward-thinking insights for journalists on the following topics: The business impact of technical SEO on revenue and lead generation. The future of search, including AI's role in Generative Engine Optimization (GEO) and Voice Search. Effective content marketing strategies that build trust and convert. Common SEO mistakes businesses make and how to fix them. Digital strategy for B2B vs. cultural heritage projects. For journalists seeking expert insights that connect technical SEO to tangible business strategy, Momenul Ahmad offers a clear, authoritative voice available for hire.

Founder of FixTech, a practical tech troubleshooting platform focused on Android, Windows, and AI tools. I write hands-on guides that help users fix performance issues, understand basic cybersecurity, and improve search visibility without the fluff. I’ve spent over 20 years in web development, working on real-world sites where speed, structure, and SEO actually matter. Main focus: making tech behave properly instead of mysteriously breaking every five minutes.

Steve Drury is a forward-thinking digital strategist and the founder of web-aviso, a Formby-based consultancy that has been at the forefront of search technology since 2004. Steve has transitioned from a creative background into global banking media technologies and traditional SEO to become a specialist in the next generation of digital visibility: AI Search Optimisation (AISO) and Generative Engine Optimisation (GEO). As traditional search engines evolve into AI-powered "answer engines," Steve has positioned web-aviso as a leading UK consultancy for businesses seeking to remain visible in a "zero-click" world. He specialises in ensuring that brands are not just found by algorithms, but are accurately cited, recommended, and trusted by Large Language Models (LLMs) such as ChatGPT, Perplexity, Google Gemini, and Bing Copilot. Steve’s approach to AI is uniquely colored by his extensive background in psychology and the mystery arts. An internationally respected author and consultant for professional mentalists and psychic entertainers, he understands the nuances of human perception and 'inner rapport' (the specialist publishing company he also runs). He applies these psychological principles to digital marketing, ensuring that AI-generated responses for his clients are framed with the right sentiment, positioning them as experts, local specialists, or trusted authorities. Corporate Rigour Meets Creative Innovation Before founding web-aviso, Steve managed EMEA region communication media divisions for one of the world's largest global banking corporations. This background in project management (incorporating ITIL and Six Sigma methodologies) allows him to provide SME clients with agency-level strategy and technical precision without the typical agency overheads.

Technology is an investment, not an expense. But without the right strategy, it can quickly become a liability. As the Director of Operations at Level5 Management, I bring a unique perspective to the world of Managed Services. With a background in the Financial Industry, I have always viewed operational decisions through the lens of ROI, risk management, and long-term value creation. The Bigger Picture I joined Level5 in 2021 because I saw a company that understood something critical: IT isn't just about fixing computers; it's about empowering business growth. My role is to ensure that our existing customers are getting maximum value from their services and to help guide the strategic direction of our partnership. My Approach: Strategic Account Management: I don't just check in when things break. I work with our clients to forecast their needs, plan their budgets, and align their technology roadmap with their financial goals. Operational Leadership: I believe in leading by example. Whether it's mentoring our internal team or collaborating with a client's leadership, I focus on transparency, accountability, and results. Client Advocacy: I am the voice of the client within Level5. I ensure that your needs drive our innovation. From Cybersecurity Compliance to Cloud Cost Optimization, I help you navigate the complex decisions that define your business's digital future. If you are looking for a technology partner who understands the bottom line as well as the server line, let’s connect.

With over 15 years of hands-on experience delivering IT solutions across enterprise and small-to-medium business environments, I bring a broad and deep skill set that covers nearly every aspect of business technology. My background includes more than a decade of specialized work in network design, administration, and support – spanning diverse network architectures and operational needs. I have strong expertise in supporting and managing both on-premise and cloud-based domain infrastructures, including Windows and Linux server environments. It's important to me to emphasize clear, thorough network documentation to ensure operational continuity and transparency. My work follows industry best practices with a consistent focus on maintaining a strong security posture and system reliability. What sets me apart is my ability to translate complex IT systems and infrastructure into clear, actionable strategies for stakeholders at every level – from end users to executive leadership. Whether you’re seeking strategic guidance, infrastructure modernization, or end-to-end IT leadership, I provide executive IT services tailored to support long-term business growth and operational excellence.