Richard Godsmark
AVP Informaton Technology and Chief Information Officer
Sheridan College
Richard Godsmark, currently serving as the Associate Vice President (AVP) and Chief Information Officer (CIO) at Sheridan College in Oakville, Ontario, brings a wealth of experience from his 25 year+ career in Information Technology. With over two decades dedicated to the Canadian higher education sector, Richard’s contributions have significantly shaped the development and implementation of IT strategies and services across various institutions.
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Give us a brief overview of the path that led to your current role.
I started in a junior role while still completing an IT degree many, many years ago. I have progressed throughout my career by identifying where things are going and by constantly trying to do myself out of a job (secret, they also find you more work). I came to Canada over 20 years ago from Australia and started working at an Ontario University supporting the residential network for students. Some things happened, as they do, and management opportunities arose and also an interest in IT security. This interest in IT security led to certifications and ultimately landing at another university, tasked with improving the IT security posture of that organization.
Things happen again, as they do, and suddenly I am the acting Director of a number of areas within the IT department. I spent the next few years being a Director and building relationships until becoming the Deputy CTO, helping to lead IT institutionally in partnership with the academic side of the house through the development of a Digital Learning Strategic Framework. And then, the opportunity came at Sheridan to take things up a level, and what they were looking for was right in my capabilities and experience.
What is one of your guiding leadership principles?
It is really about the people first. Anyone can manage technology, however it takes a focus on people to lead them. Also, I like to try and remain curious, and I have committed to being a lifelong learner, which has served me well.
What is the greatest challenge CIOs face today, and how are you addressing it?
Helping people through continuous change is one of the greatest challenges. We’re addressing it through building strong, trusting relationships throughout the organization and keeping the lines of communication open so that people feel like they are and can be a part of something bigger.
What is the key to success for someone just starting out as a CIO?
Listen first, hold judgment, don't talk too much about what you have done elsewhere and why that was/is better than what they are doing here. Every place is different and the decisions made in the past were the right one for the time, and now is just the opportunity to reevaluate if there are other ways forward.
How do you measure success as a leader?
The ability of people to make fun of the boss. This shows a level of psychological safety that we should all strive for, which is critical for engagement and moving people-change as technology changes forward.
What is the value of being a member of the Evanta community?
It’s a great opportunity to learn from others and to share what you have learned. We are stronger and better together.
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