Welcome to my blog! I’m Dean Clark, and I’m an experienced tech exec who has spent over 40 years immersed in the ever-evolving world of technology. My journey began as a software engineer, creating cutting-edge online systems for major players in the insurance and banking sectors. Back then, as a young coder, my primary motivation was simple: to make a living doing what I loved. But as I progressed, I realized that while I was passionate about coding, it alone wasn’t going to meet my financial goals. But let me tell you more about me.
From Coding Enthusiast to Business Builder
Driven by my love for software development, I considered launching my own software company. For a time, I worked as a freelance consultant, but the experience was challenging. Freelance roles often focused on leveraging existing skills rather than providing opportunities to learn and grow. Balancing the need to stay current in a rapidly changing industry with the demands of client work proved frustrating.
Eventually, I decided to pivot and joined a small software consulting firm as a senior technology executive. This role offered the chance to develop my business acumen without the risks of self-employment. During my tenure in India, I played a pivotal role in the company’s global expansion. That experience not only broadened my perspective but also opened doors to new opportunities, shaping me into a seasoned tech leader.
One of the most challenging yet rewarding roles of my career was serving as the on-the-ground CIO in India for a Big-4 consultancy over the span of eight years. My mission was to build and scale an internal operation capable of supporting a global organization of 350,000 employees. Leading a multifaceted team, we managed everything from application development and infrastructure support to cybersecurity, call center operations, technology support, and global tech teams, among other responsibilities.
To maintain alignment and efficiency across the 20 teams under my leadership, I established a technology council that fostered collaboration, streamlined operations, and unified our overall technology strategy. This role was both demanding and transformative, teaching me invaluable lessons in leadership, innovation, and global teamwork.
Empathetic Leadership for Lasting Impact
Throughout my career, I have built and led technology teams, programs, and businesses, always guided by a commitment to empathetic leadership and its transformative potential. I believe that compassionate, empowering leadership not only drives cultural change but also unlocks an organization’s true potential. By aligning the right talent with the right roles and creating an environment where individuals can thrive, success becomes a natural outcome. Engaged and fulfilled teams have the power to deliver extraordinary results.
My passion for leadership has consistently translated into exceptional business growth and revenue expansion. I firmly advocate for cultivating leadership teams that prioritize empathy, support, and collaboration, embedding these values into an organization’s culture.
Thriving as a tech executive requires more than leadership expertise—it demands staying ahead in a constantly evolving industry. I embrace this challenge, actively pursuing opportunities to deepen my technical knowledge while maintaining up-to-date certifications in cybersecurity, including CISSP and CISM.
As a former Chief Architect, I’ve led organizations in discovering innovative applications for cloud platforms, pushing technological boundaries to deliver strategic value. I’ve also partnered with businesses to explore the potential of AI, leveraging existing technologies to drive meaningful improvements and elevate operational performance.
At the heart of my work lies a steadfast belief in the power of empathy, innovation, and continuous growth to create lasting impact—both for the teams I lead and the organizations I serve.
Career Highlights
My professional journey has taken me through a variety of leadership roles, including:
- Program Director at a leading high-tech company
- Executive Vice President at a start-up consultancy, spearheading efforts to establish their presence in India
- Chief Operating Officer at a consulting firm specializing in legal clients
- Chief Information Officer for an organization with over 3,000 employees
- Chief Information Security Officer serving as a fractional executive for a major global bank
- Chief Technology Officer at a $3 billion enterprise
- Managing Director at a prestigious Big-4 consultancy
- Chief Architect at a renowned Big-4 consultancy
- Executive Vice President at a growing software consulting firm
With over 15 years of international experience, including a decade spent living and working in India, I have developed a deep passion for understanding organizational cultures. By analyzing how workplaces operate, we can drive meaningful change and promote continuous improvement. Recognizing and navigating workplace culture is essential to thriving as a tech executive.
To learn more about me please take a look at my LinkedIn profile.
With decades of experience under my belt, I’ve gained a wealth of knowledge in building teams, driving growth, and steering organizations toward success. I invite you to explore my blog, where I share insights and lessons from my career. You’ll learn more about me as we delve into leadership, innovation, and the future of technology together!
Click here for a post on a career in software development and what to consider.