Top CIO Traits: Insights from Tracy Keeling

Tracy Keeling is Executive Advisory Partner and VP at IDC, a world leader in the provision of market intelligence and advisory services. She has operated at CIO level for the past decade in a variety of businesses and is also a judge for the CIO 100 awards, held annually in London to recognise the outstanding CIOs across private and public sectors in the UK. She writes for SF Technology about her experiences and what it takes to be a top CIO.

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From a young age, I’ve been drawn to leadership. At 16, I found myself running a family business, managing staff much older and more experienced than I was. It was a steep learning curve, but it taught me that transforming any business begins with engaging its people. After earning my degree in business management, I spent five years at IBM as their youngest senior consultant, delivering major IT programmes for global corporations. Fast forward 12 years, I became CIO and COO, for a 4,000-strong organisation that achieved tenfold growth in a short period. That role gave me exposure to every operational aspect of the business, helping me see how technology must be embedded strategically to create real value. Today, my work at IDC allows me to collaborate with incredible analysts and guide organisations, witnessing firsthand how technology continues to evolve and shape industries.

I get asked often, what makes a top CIO?

Being a successful CIO today requires a broad set of skills. First and foremost, you must understand your business inside and out. What is the wider strategy? What are the objectives? What needs to change to meet them? Your actions must always align with these priorities.

But even the best strategic plan in the world depends on having the right team. A CIO’s ability to attract, engage, and motivate talented people determines whether their strategy can be executed successfully. In 2025, no CIO can be an expert in everything—but the best surround themselves with brilliant people who are.

Another essential trait is learning from experience—not just your own, but from peers and organisations across the industry. Great CIOs stay curious, actively engaging with their network and borrowing ideas that they can adapt and apply effectively.

Finally, exceptional communication skills are non-negotiable. A top CIO can simplify complex concepts and articulate them in ways that resonate with everyone, from technical teams to executive boards.

I spend a lot of time thinking about what future trends look like. We’ve all seen how AI has completely revolutionised the tech landscape, but it’s also created challenges. We see fatigue among staff and unrealistic expectations are real risks. CIOs must understand what AI tools can genuinely deliver and look beyond the hype to implement AI in meaningful ways.

We’re also seeing a growing diversification of Chief Officer roles in technology, particularly in larger organisations. The rise of Chief AI Officers and other specialised roles reflects the increasing value of niche skills. I believe this trend will continue as businesses seek more tailored expertise at the leadership level.

Another noticeable shift is the increasing overlap in CIO responsibilities with other functions. Collaboration across departments is more critical than ever—for example, issues like data sovereignty vary widely in how they’re managed across organisations.

The role of a CIO is constantly evolving, and the demands placed on tech leaders today are greater than ever. But if there’s one thing I’ve learned throughout my career, it’s that success doesn’t come from having all the answers—it comes from being willing to adapt, to learn, and to lead with authenticity.

As CIOs, we’re not just technologists; we’re connectors, strategists, and communicators. It’s our job to bridge the gap between the complexity of technology and the human needs of the organisations we serve. That requires empathy, curiosity and a genuine passion for helping others succeed.

For me, the most rewarding moments in my career have come from working alongside brilliant teams, asking the right questions, and watching ideas come to life. Leadership isn’t about having all the expertise yourself—it’s about empowering others to reach their full potential and creating an environment where innovation thrives. Whether you’re just starting your journey or are already in a leadership role, ever underestimate the power of collaboration

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Tracy’s Advice to Aspiring Tech Executives

1. Embrace new experiences

Take on challenges and learning opportunities that stretch you. They’ll build the resilience and expertise you’ll need to tackle complex problems.

2. Make a plan

Define what you want to achieve in your career, identify the skills and experiences you need, and map out how to get there. Progress doesn’t happen by accident.

3. Ask the right questions

Often, knowing what to ask is more important than having all the answers. It allows you to draw on your team’s expertise and coach them to find solutions.

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Our special thanks to Tracy Keeling for her insights, ideas and valuable contribution for this article.