I just got back from an incredible experience at the ITSMF S2-S4 Symposium in St. Louis, and I’ve got to tell you—it was amazing! Hosted by the Information Technology Senior Management Forum (ITSMF), this gathering brought together some of the sharpest minds in tech to talk about innovation, leadership, and inclusion in ways that felt personal, practical, and completely inspiring.
Now, if ITSMF is new to you, let me give you the scoop. This groundbreaking organization is all about advancing Black leaders in technology. And when I say they’re making waves, I mean waves. Being part of this symposium didn’t just spark new ideas for me—it completely lit a fire. So, let me take you inside to share why the ITSMF Symposium was so impactful, the lessons that hit home, and how these ideas can change how we all lead in tech.
You know how some tech events feel like a rundown of tools and trends? Well, this wasn’t that. The ITSMF Symposium wasn’t just about the what of technology; it was about the why. Every session, every conversation—there was a purpose behind it all: How do we use technology to drive meaningful, lasting change?
This year’s theme was all about diversity and tech coming together to create a future that’s brighter and more equitable. And let me tell you, that focus showed up everywhere—on panels, in workshops, and even in the casual hallway conversations. It wasn’t just about innovation for innovation’s sake. It was about asking, “Who benefits? How do we make this accessible for everyone?”
What really stood out to me was how honest the conversations were. No fluff, no buzzwords—just real talk. We dove into the questions that make you stop and think: How can AI empower entire communities? What does it mean to lead with purpose in today’s fast-moving world? And here’s a big one: How do we make sure that all this progress we’re creating is actually fair and inclusive?
One of the absolute highlights for me was being part of the panel “A 360-Degree Look at AI.” You already know how much I love talking about AI, so this was my happy place. Sharing the stage with incredible thought leaders like Nathaniel Henry, Senior Director at Microsoft, and Kenneth Yu, Managing Director of Data and AI at Accenture, made the experience even more special.
We explored how AI is reshaping not just innovation but also leadership itself.
Let’s be real, AI isn’t just about automating tasks or crunching data faster. It’s about opening up possibilities. It takes the repetitive tasks off your plate so you can focus on the things that matter—strategy, creativity, and building relationships.
Let’s shift gears for a second. One of the things that hit me during the ITSMF Symposium was the focus on people. As a tech leader, being in a space like this reminded me how much representation matters. ITSMF’s mission to empower Black professionals isn’t just a great idea—it’s a movement that’s changing the game.
The stories shared at the event were incredible. People talked about breaking barriers, overcoming challenges, and creating paths for others to follow. It wasn’t just inspiring—it was a reminder of the responsibility we all share to mentor, uplift, and open doors for underrepresented voices.
During the AI panel Q&A, someone asked a question that made me pause: “What’s the real potential of AI?”
I took a moment—not because I didn’t have an answer, but because this was the question. The kind of question that makes you step back and really reflect on the bigger picture.
My answer? “AI isn’t just about changing how we work—it’s about changing how we lead.”
That’s the heart of it, isn’t it? Leadership today isn’t just about being efficient—it’s about empathy, vision, and making decisions that create a better future for everyone. Sitting in that room, surrounded by brilliant, passionate leaders at the ITSMF Symposium, I felt this renewed sense of purpose.
So, where do we go from here? If there’s one thing I took away, it’s this: Technology is only as impactful as the people behind it. It’s up to us to use it thoughtfully and with purpose.
Let me challenge you to reflect:
These are the questions I’m asking myself. The symposium reminded me to keep showing up every day with integrity, passion, and a whole lot of purpose.
Now it’s your turn. What are your thoughts on AI and its role in shaping leadership? How do you think technology can drive equity and inclusion? I’d love to hear your ideas—and collaborate on what’s possible.
Let’s connect—because the best ideas happen when we share, listen, and build something amazing together.