Ultimately, all we can really ask for in the working world is a job that we have a passion. And that’s why interviewing Wayne Mills was such a pleasure.
Mills took what essentially a negative experience, a death in the family, and turned into a positive. He is driven by the desire to improve health care information systems so countless others can benefit.
He chose not to complain or to dwell on the downside, seeing instead an opportunity not just to change but to ultimately transform the health care experience.
How many of us, put in similar circumstances, would do the same? Would we bemoan the situation or would we decide to move on?
Would we, like Mills, pledge to go forward on a seven-year journey aimed at revamping everything from IT infrastructure to business processes as a means of improving health care, or take some easier or safer route where the stakes are so much lower?
Mills is one example, but it makes me think about all the other CIOs who have had similar challenges. Where are they now? What about all the ex-CIOs out there? What happened to them? Are they available to mentor the “next-generation” CIO, whatever that may turn out to be?
At this juncture, many other CIOs I know are at an interesting place in their careers. No doubt driven all this time by passion for technology and business, they may realize that energy level isn’t what it used to be or would like to slow down and pursue other passions.
At the same time, I’m also hearing from career counselors and experts in human resources that there may be no better time to design your own career and combine it with your outside interests. Actually, where you end up working could be of secondary importance.
It ultimately boils down to taking control of your own situation and seeing an opportunity or stepping up to a challenge.
We’re entering an interesting time where things won’t be quite as neat and tidy, but at the same time, the opportunities will be bigger.
It all depends on whether you think the glass is half-full or half-empty.