Trina L. Hill: Creating Opportunities for Leadership Roles through Hard Work

Trina L. Hill, SVP Technology Consumer Bank & Treasury at FINTECH, believes in fostering growth opportunities through hard work. She commenced her career as a Disaster Recovery Project Manager at IBM Global Services, going the extra mile to collaborate with colleagues across teams in developing robust disaster recovery processes for high-value clients, facilitating faster recovery from attacks. Trina L. Hill, also, assumed leadership roles in smaller projects that not only enhanced her leadership skills but also established her as a go-getter in the eyes of higher management. Her reputation for leadership and adept problem-solving skills soon led to higher positions, first as a Program Manager at IBM, and later as an IT Service Continuity Manager/Disaster Recovery at CheckFree.

At a pivotal point in her career, when opportunities for advancement arose, Trina L. Hill prioritized parenthood. Without hesitation, she took a break from her career to spend more time with her son during his formative years. Upon returning to the job market, she ascended to the role of Global Commercial Operations Process Leader/Chief of Staff at GE and subsequently became Senior Vice President of Technology at Consumer Bank & Treasury within FINTECH.

Trina L. Hill isn’t just a successful tech executive; she also provides life and professional coaching to her peers, Fintech’s ERGs, University of Georgia mentees, and many others. Additionally, she serves as a board advisor for Working Women Worship, a non-profit organization dedicated to the spiritual and professional development of women. Trina L. Hill’s involvement extends further as she served on the Executive Steering Committee for African American initiatives and remains an active member of the Women’s Network Employee Resource Group. She played a pivotal role as a founding member of the former African American Women’s Initiative (Black Experience+ Network) and continues to mentor young women in STEM through her company’s summer immersion program with Girls Who Code.

Moreover, Trina L. Hill is the Founder of TECH CARE, a platform that provides a psychologically safe environment for Women of Color to thrive in the marketplace, at home, and in their communities. Her focus lies on empowering WOC through coaching, community building, and compassion.

In a recent conversation with Trina L. Hill, we delved into her career journey, her passion for mentoring women to advance in their careers, and the valuable insights she offers to aspiring executives. Explore more in the article below.

Trina L. Hill: Describe your career progression from the start to where you are and what pivotal decisions, moves you made, circumstances, and other facts that facilitated your growth.

• Throughout my professional journey, I have encountered a series of pivotal moments, decisions, and opportunities that have guided my path from university to my current role. Upon completing my degree in Management Information Systems at the University of Georgia, I commenced my career at IBM Global Services as a Disaster Recovery Project Manager. In this position, I acquired valuable cross-functional experience, refined my problem-solving abilities, and contributed significantly to the development of processes for high-value client accounts. It was during this time that I uncovered my passion for process enhancement and collaboration with colleagues.

• As I progressed within IBM Global Services, I actively pursued chances to broaden my scope of work and make contributions beyond the confines of my job description. I assumed leadership roles in smaller projects, collaborated with various departments, and participated in professional development workshops to enhance my skill set. I delved deep into comprehending the entire services process, from the initial request for proposal to the final steady state.

• A pivotal moment in my professional journey transpired when I was presented with a more substantial role at a different organization due to my reputation for leadership and adept problem-solving skills. This new opportunity enabled me to further cultivate my leadership capabilities, mentor junior team members, and manage intricate projects with stringent deadlines.

• Understanding the significance of continuous learning, I pursued advanced certifications such as a Masters of Business Administration, PMI, and CBCP certifications, in addition to internal training programs focusing on emerging technologies like agile and grid security. These investments in my professional growth positioned me as an expert in crucial technology domains.

• Furthermore, a critical juncture in my career journey was when I decided to prioritize family and achieve a better work-life balance by taking a step back in my career. Although this entailed assuming a role of lower seniority, it allowed me to be more present for my son during his formative years and considerably reduced my commute time. Surprisingly, this decision led to numerous growth opportunities within the same company over the subsequent decade.

• Throughout my career trajectory, I have embraced calculated risks, capitalized on opportunities for progression, and pushed myself beyond my comfort zone. Each role I have undertaken has presented distinctive challenges and valuable learning opportunities, and through leveraging my skills and knowledge, I have steadily ascended the ranks to my current position as a technology executive.

Trina L. Hill: What are the key skills and qualifications that aspiring tech executives in the tech industry should focus on developing to enhance their career prospects?

• To succeed in the rapidly evolving tech industry, future tech leaders need a wide range of skills and knowledge. Proficiency in Artificial Intelligence (AI) technologies, such as machine learning, natural language processing, and computer vision, is crucial for driving innovation and staying abreast of industry developments that have the potential to transform various sectors and enhance organizational efficiency.

• Effective communication skills are just as vital for tech executives to articulate intricate technical concepts to non-technical stakeholders, lead teams, and nurture relationships with clients and partners. By communicating clearly and concisely, they can bridge the gap between technical and non-technical individuals, ensuring smooth project execution and successful goal attainment.

• In today’s digital era, cybersecurity is essential for protecting organizations against cyber threats, ensuring data privacy, and regulatory compliance. Tech executives should have a solid grasp of cybersecurity principles, best practices, and technologies to mitigate potential risks. Moreover, familiarity with Agile methodologies like Scrum and Kanban can optimize project management, encourage collaboration, and facilitate the prompt delivery of top-notch products and services.

• By honing leadership, strategic thinking, problem-solving abilities, and business acumen, aspiring tech executives can prepare themselves for leadership roles in the tech sector. Pursuing advanced degrees and relevant certifications can further enhance their qualifications and readiness for the dynamic challenges of the tech landscape.

• Leaders must possess the ability to flexibly adjust to the ever-changing landscape of technology and the dynamic needs of the people they lead. It’s imperative not only to stay attuned to market trends and technological advancements but also to prioritize understanding and meeting the evolving needs of your team. Adaptability to both external and internal factors is key to effective leadership in the rapidly evolving tech industry.

Trina L. Hill: What are some key milestones or achievements that tech executives should aim for at various stages of their career to demonstrate their growth and readiness for higher-level roles?

Tech executives should aim for several key milestones or achievements at various stages of their career to demonstrate their growth and readiness for higher-level roles. In the early stages of their career, it is important for tech executives to focus on successfully completing projects that showcase their technical proficiency, gaining experience in cross-functional teamwork, and receiving positive feedback on their problem-solving abilities. As they progress into mid-career, they should aim to lead impactful projects, take on leadership roles, mentor junior team members, and pursue relevant certifications or advanced degrees.

In the senior leadership stage, tech executives should focus on assuming positions with increasing responsibility, leading organizational transformations, developing long-term strategic plans aligned with company goals, effectively managing resources, and building strong relationships with key stakeholders. Additionally, being recognized as a thought leader in their field through speaking engagements, publications, or industry awards can further solidify their position as a leader in the tech industry. By achieving these milestones and continuously seeking opportunities for growth and development, tech executives can demonstrate their readiness for higher-level roles and contribute significantly to the success of their organizations.

Trina L. Hill: How important is it for tech executives to actively seek out mentorship or coaching opportunities to advance their careers? What benefits can they derive from such relationships?

No Tech Executive is flawless, and success is not achieved in isolation. Having a mentor who has traversed the path you’re embarking on is crucial—a trusted guide in a safe space. Regarding coaching, I advocate for multiple coaches, each specializing in different areas. For leadership challenges, seek coaches specializing in leadership; for work-life balance and prioritization issues, engage a coach with expertise in those areas. Coaches provide accountability and guide you toward future-oriented perspectives. Having a safe environment to reflect on the present and envision the future is paramount; here, you’re seen as a person, not just a position.

Trina L. Hill: In your experience, what role does professional networking play in the career progression of tech executives? How can tech executives effectively build and leverage their networks?

Professional networking is paramount; people tend to hire those they like and promote those they trust. Building relationships requires spending time together. Tech Executives can expand their networks by attending local and global technology events like the Women in Technology, and Technology Association (TAG), and industry conferences such as PMI or TECH World. Leveraging LinkedIn to connect with others is also highly recommended, and informal coffee chats can be particularly effective for fostering meaningful connections.

Trina L. Hill: Are there any specific certifications, advanced degrees, or executive education programs that can significantly enhance the career prospects of tech executives in the tech industry? 

• Master of Business Administration (MBA): Provides a broad understanding of business principles, strategic management, and leadership skills, especially in technology management concentrations.

• Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP): Validates expertise in cybersecurity and information security management, including designing, implementing, and managing security programs and infrastructure.

• Executive Education Programs: Offer tailored programs covering digital transformation, innovation management, data analytics, and leadership development specifically for tech executives.

• SAFE Agile Certified ScrumMaster (CSM) Certification: Demonstrates proficiency in Agile methodologies for software development and project management, valuable for leading Agile teams.

• Technology-specific Certifications: Include Cisco Certified Internetwork Expert (CCIE), Amazon Web Services (AWS) certifications, Microsoft Certified: Azure Solutions Architect Expert, and others. These certifications validate expertise in specific technologies and platforms, enhancing career prospects in those areas.

Trina L. Hill: Can you share any examples of notable tech executives who have successfully transitioned from one role (e.g., CIO) to another (e.g., CEO) within the same organization or industry? What factors contributed to their success?

Marissa Mayer’s remarkable career path illustrates her profound impact on the tech industry. Joining Google in 1999, she played a crucial role in the development of groundbreaking products such as Google Search, Gmail, and Google Maps. With her innovative ideas and strategic foresight, Mayer significantly shaped Google’s success during its early stages.

Transitioning to the position of CEO at Yahoo in 2012, Mayer set out to rejuvenate the company and drive innovation in emerging fields like mobile technology and digital media. Under her guidance, Yahoo underwent numerous transformative endeavors aimed at modernizing its offerings to align with shifting market dynamics.

Throughout her time at Yahoo, Mayer prioritized enhancing user experiences, fostering partnerships, and instilling a culture of innovation within the organization. Despite encountering obstacles, she led initiatives to reposition Yahoo as a key player in the ever-evolving tech landscape. Mayer’s tenure as CEO, characterized by triumphs and challenges, underscores her strategic leadership approach and unwavering dedication to advancing the frontiers of technology and digital progress. Her enduring contributions to both Google and Yahoo have solidified her legacy as a prominent figure in the tech realm.

Trina L. Hill: How important is it for tech executives to cultivate a personal brand and establish thought leadership within the industry? What are some effective ways for tech executives to showcase their expertise and gain visibility?

It’s imperative to cultivate a personal brand and position yourself as a thought leader. Maintaining a strong brand facilitates expanding your network within and beyond your company. Demonstrating expertise and increasing visibility can be achieved through avenues such as speaking at conferences, active engagement on LinkedIn, and authoring books. It’s essential for others to recognize you beyond your current company or role. 

Trina L. Hill: Lastly, what advice would you give to aspiring tech executives who are looking to accelerate their career progression and make a lasting impact in the tech industry?

Establish clarity by delineating your goals and charting your course. Enhance visibility through refining communication skills and shaping your personal brand. Prioritize your genuine aspirations. Seek mentorship from seasoned leaders and pinpoint areas for skill development. Strategically plan your path to growth. Additionally, prioritize your well-being and spirituality.  Maintaining balance in your personal life is essential for professional success. Remember not to let work consume your entire focus; nurturing other aspects of your life contributes to overall fulfillment and effectiveness.

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Emmanuel Ramos, Chief Solutions Officer, OZ Digital Consulting

As a visionary Business and Technology Leader, I bring a proven track record of driving innovation, fostering collaboration, and delivering exceptional results in fast-paced and dynamic environments. I have honed outstanding skills in articulating a compelling vision and rallying active support from internal executives, development teams, and client business and IT leadership. I am proud to be a member of both the Forbes Technology Council and HITEC (Hispanic Technology Executives Council), which underscores my commitment to being at the forefront of industry trends and developments.

My special talent is demonstrating value to clients at all touch points – I instill these concepts in my teams.