Linda Apsley on navigating the intersection of technology and leadership in today’s world
Linda Apsley
Linda Apsley is a seasoned technology executive whose career has spanned several industries, including technology, retail, media, banking, and insurance. Her expertise lies in blending deep technological knowledge with leadership and business skills to build innovative and transformative technology teams and solutions. Currently, she is a Senior Advisor to Boston Consulting Group (BCG), focusing on technology, data, and AI in the insurance and finance sectors. Furthermore, Apsley is involved with two startups, Runpod.ai and Vendia, providing her expertise in technology and strategic development.
In this interview, Linda Apsley shares her insights on leadership, innovation, and her approach to maintaining a positive professional reputation. Her unique experiences offer valuable perspectives on navigating the ever-evolving technological landscape.
Vision and innovation in technology
How has innovation or new tools impacted your career and business strategy?
Innovation and new tools are the lifeblood of the technology industry. When designing a new system, I always start with the question of what could be. I like to push the boundaries to find new and easier ways to meet customer goals. Approaching problems from an architectural perspective allows me to gain insights into how solutions can work and how much innovation can be applied. It’s about looking for patterns that enable innovation and simplify processes simultaneously.
Can you provide an example of how you have leveraged new technology to solve a complex problem?
One significant example was during my tenure at GEICO, where I transitioned the technology team from an IT-focused approach to an engineering-focused one. This shift allowed us to restore stability to the company’s systems while managing a substantial budget. We created and began implementing a five-year plan that included building insurance software in-house, which was crucial for maintaining competitive advantage. This plan also involved updating GEICO’s data ecosystem, ensuring that data became the backbone of decision-making processes.
Leadership and building trust
What strategies do you implement to build and maintain trust with your clients and teams?
Listening and responding are critical in building trusted relationships. People need to feel heard and safe in their interactions with me. My goal is to support clients in deeper ways, which can only be achieved when we respond from a position of deep understanding. Additionally, maintaining confidences is crucial. Whether it’s innovation or personal situations, it’s important not to share information inappropriately. If I believe sharing could be valuable, I seek permission from the individual involved.
How do you handle complaints, criticism, and feedback to improve your professional growth?
My first inclination is to listen and grow. I actively seek out feedback, but I also consider its source and how it aligns with my core values. Sometimes, you have to sift through feedback to find what’s truly valuable. When I receive constructive criticism from someone experienced, I work to implement changes. I often use visual reminders, like stickies on my computer monitor, to keep improvement areas top of mind.
Maintaining a professional reputation
What methods do you use to build and enhance your professional reputation?
Being respectful of others is paramount. Listening to people, really hearing and understanding them, and responding accordingly is the best reputation builder. Day-to-day interactions are where most reputation management occurs. Whether it’s providing quick advice to a senior leader or engaging in discussions after a conference talk, I strive to be genuinely gracious. Delivering successful solutions consistently is perhaps the most significant contributor to a positive reputation in technology.
What steps do you take to protect your professional reputation from potential risks?
I’m judicious about using social media and steer clear of politically charged topics. Keeping conversations focused on technology helps mitigate risks. When discussing leadership and professional growth, I adopt a non-judgemental stance. I assume the best intentions in others, which often leads to discovering their good intentions.
Staying informed and relevant
How do you stay informed about changes in your industry to ensure your brand remains relevant?
I am an avid reader across technology and leadership development fields. Attending conferences and participating in local Chief Technology Officer (CTO) groups are also effective ways to stay abreast of the latest trends. It’s all about continuous learning and adapting to new developments.
Could you share a recent learning experience that had a significant impact on your approach?
Earlier this year, I decided to teach at the Boston Consulting Group University Data & AI program, even though I’ve built data and AI solutions for over a dozen years. I knew there was more to learn. I invested over 160 hours in further study, utilizing textbooks, online courses, and designing solutions. This experience not only enhanced my proficiency but also offered a fresh perspective on teaching and mentoring.
Finally, what advice would you give upcoming technology leaders striving to make their mark?
Stay curious and keep learning. The technology landscape is always evolving, and being adaptable is crucial. Seek feedback actively, but don’t lose sight of your values. Building strong relationships through respect and understanding will carry you far. And importantly, remember that successful solutions are what genuinely stand the test of time.
As her career illustrates, Linda Apsley stands at the intersection of technology and leadership, which is filled with opportunities for innovation and growth. Her dedication to listening, learning, and leading by example sets a benchmark for others in the field. Her insights into maintaining a professional reputation and adapting to technological advancements are invaluable for anyone looking to excel in this dynamic industry.
