Women Talk Tech Episode 34: The Evolution of the CIO

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On this week’s episode of Women Talk Tech, we speak to Fawn Annan who is the President and CEO of IT World Canada / IDG Canada. She is also a partner and CMO for a digital content agency called Amazing! Agency, which is ITWC’s creative arm. Fawn speaks about her role at IT World Canada and some of the things IT World Canada has been covering in the tech sector.

Fawn was always passionate about creativity and going into the arts. Fawn initially graduated from university with a double major in communications and business and a minor in political science. One thing led to another and Fawn, like so many guests on the show, slipped into the tech sector. She recognized the crucial role of IT leaders in organizations. Fawn discusses the big movement for VP’s of IT, the journey of the role “CIO”, and challenges CIO’s face in a boardroom. Fawn addresses the struggle organizations have faced due to technology transformation.

Fawn is the Co-Chair of the Sara Kirke Declaration with CATA (Canadian Advanced Technology Association) for gender parity. Fawn emphasizes that we must change the way female entrepreneurs are financed today. The general idea is to get male and female executives signing on to the declaration that can be presented to the government bodies at hand to state that it is not good enough to just continue with the type of rules that are in place for hiring and funding. You can read the full details here and here.

Be sure to tune in and in case you missed it, Women Talk Tech has launched a 2020 Action Plan Report. Download this report to help develop a program in your organization to advance women.

Available on iTunes, Spotify and Google Play Music.

ABOUT FAWN ANNAN

Fawn Annan is the President and CEO of IT World Canada/IDG Canada. She is also a partner and CMO for a digital content agency called Amazing! Agency, which is ITWC’s creative arm. She joined ITWC in 1995 as General Manager, Executive Programs, launching the publishing enterprise into C-level events and research projects. In 2008 she was promoted to Chief Strategy Officer, helping IT World navigate the turmoil that was descending upon the print industry.

Fawn is Founder and Chair of the Canadian Channel Chiefs Council, sits on the Ontario Board of the Information Technology Association of Canada (ITAC), Vice-Chair on the national board of Canadian Women in Communications and Technology (WCT), Co-Chair of the Sara Kirke Declaration with CATA for gender parity, as well as part of the Advisory Council for CATA (Canadian Advanced Technology Association).

Fawn has operated her own business and held senior positions in marketing and strategy with a variety of firms. In 2012 she received the Queen Elizabeth Diamond Jubilee Award for her contribution to the IT industry. In 2017 she was awarded the MISA/ASIM Dennis Steen Award and the RBC/CATA Sara Kirke Award for Entrepreneurship and Innovation, recognizing her contributions to the industry.

She received her education in Canada, attending York University, studying Communications and Business. She also studied at Boston’s famous Babson College, which houses the IDG Publishing Institute. Fawn is a firm believer in lifelong education, completing her MBA in 2017 on Media Leadership at Cumbria University in Northern England. You can connect with Fawn on LinkedIn.

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