The Digital Leader's Playbook: A Guide for IT Chiefs
Computer Weekly, Friday, May 29th, 2026
CIO Paul Coby distills 25+ years of experience into essential leadership maxims for IT chiefs.
Paul Coby, a veteran CIO who has led IT at major UK companies including British Airways and John Lewis, presents a handbook of 62 leadership maxims for Chief Information Officers.
The guide covers critical areas including AI adoption, board management, supplier relationships, and IT department leadership. Key principles emphasize that CIOs must love the business they serve rather than just technology, ensure executives receive priority IT service, simplify technical communication for non-technical stakeholders, and recognize that people matter more than systems. Coby advocates for alignment between IT and business strategy through understanding, trust, and collaborative relationships while maintaining cost discipline across IT operations.