DPIT: IT Budget Hell by Cindy Novak - DeLaurell #357
Dissecting Popular IT Nerds, Thursday, May 8th, 2025
With over 30 years of experience, Cindy Novak - DeLaurell brings a refreshing perspective on transitioning into technology leadership. A licensed pilot who drives Sherman tanks and manages multi-million dollar IT budgets, she demonstrates how diverse experiences shape effective leadership.
Cindy she brings a distinctive blend of life sciences expertise and IT leadership to her role as Director of R&D and Technical Operations Business Partner at Avidity Biosciences. She shares her unique journey from quality engineering to IT leadership while breaking barriers in tech.
Listen now, discover:
- Why saying 'no' to leadership roles can be the right choice
- How to manage relationships between IT and scientists
- How to manage complex IT budgets effectively
- How IT leaders can build confidence in high-stakes environments
- Why finding and leveraging mentorship opportunities is crucial to leadership success
3 Key Takeaways
Balancing technical skills with business needs
Understand both technical and business aspects to bridge communication gaps
Find mentors who can guide your growth, even outside your industry