Luis Ibarra is a self-confessed “nerd,” and this is what has propelled him into the hyper-competitive and innovative technology space. As Chief Technology Officer, he leverages his passion for IT and 20 years of experience in Fortune 100 and 500 companies to drive the growth and success of PingWind. He leads a rockstar team, and together, they are creating innovative, customer-focused solutions that set PingWind apart in the industry.
Key aspects behind his success are his innovative mindset, adaptability, resilience, and belief in continuous learning and improvement. “As my career field is in a constant state of evolution, requiring a commitment to staying ahead of advancements in the industry, adaptability, and continuous improvement are a necessity for survival,” he says.
Throughout his career, Luis has received several awards and recognitions. Among them, one that stands out is his induction into the Alpha Sigma Nu honor society when he graduated with honors from Regis University, with a Master’s degree in computer science. “This honor society is one of the most prestigious at Jesuit campuses across the world,” he points out “This recognition was not just an acknowledgment of my academic achievements, but also a testament to my leadership in the field of technology,” He is also proud of his acceptance into the Forbes Technology Council, an invitation-only community for world-class CIOs, CTOs, and technology executives. This membership has allowed him to connect with other technology leaders and contribute to the broader tech community.
Life before PingWind Days
Luis took over as the CTO at PingWind in January of 2022. Recalling his life before joining the company, Luis says, “I think my life before PingWind included more sleep!” However, those who have known him for a while have a different tale to tell. They say that he has been a nerd all his life and always preferred writing code over sleeping.
The significant event that marked the beginning of Luis’ career happened in the Commodore 64 era. “The moment I laid my hands on its keys, I was captivated by the intoxicating allure of technology,” he remembers. Following that, he spent countless hours tinkering with the machine once he figured out how to get into the coding part of the operating system. He felt like he had discovered a secret language, and he was determined to become fluent in it.
Little did he know, this “corruption” would evolve into a lifelong passion for the information technology industry. “So, if you’re looking for the culprit that sparked my madness in this nerdy IT career, look no further than the humble Commodore 64,” Luis points out. “It might have been an instrument of ‘corruption’, but I wouldn’t have it any other way!”
Lessons Learned from Challenges
Throughout his professional journey, Luis has encountered several roadblocks and challenges.
According to him, not every challenge leads to positive outcomes; excessive or prolonged challenges without adequate support can lead to stress and burnout. Therefore, he believes in having strategies in place to manage challenges effectively. “Navigating them successfully can lead to personal and professional growth,” he says. “They can enhance your leadership skills, strategic thinking, and industry expertise.”
Luis has learned valuable lessons from the roadblocks he has encountered. One significant challenge was adapting to rapid technological changes. Luis explains that the pace of technological change is incredibly fast, and keeping up with these changes to ensure that a company’s technology stack remains relevant is a significant ongoing challenge. This taught him the importance of continuous learning and fostering a culture of innovation within the team.
Scaling infrastructure of a growing business was another roadblock Luis faced. It is because as their company grew, so did their user base. From the experience of scaling their infrastructure to support the company’s growth, he learned the value of planning for scalability from the outset and investing in robust, scalable solutions.
In the tech industry, recruiting and retaining talent continues to be a constant challenge. This has taught Luis the importance of creating a positive work environment where people feel valued and can grow professionally. One of the roadblocks that he often encounters is balancing short-term and long-term goals. Luis explains that it is easy to get caught up in immediate problems and lose sight of the bigger picture. From this roadblock, he has learned the importance of strategic planning and balancing short-term needs with long-term vision.
“Lastly, with an increasing number of cyber threats, ensuring the security of our systems and data has been a constant challenge,” Luis points out. For him, this has underscored the importance of a proactive approach to security, including regular audits, employee training, and staying updated on the latest security trends.
“Each roadblock has been a learning opportunity, helping me to grow as a leader and make more informed decisions for our technology strategy,” Luis says. “My time as a veteran in the United States Coast Guard instilled in me a resilience and adaptability that I carry into my leadership role. The challenges I faced and the teamwork I experienced there have equipped me with unique skillsets to take on new challenges and work with teams for actionable outcomes.”
A Brief Introduction to PingWind
PingWind, a government contracting firm established in 2012, is renowned for its cutting-edge cybersecurity, IT, software development, management consulting, and supply chain solutions tailored for the federal government, with a special focus on Veterans Affairs. Headquartered in Annandale, VA, PingWind has grown exponentially, boasting nearly 300 employees spread across 30 states and has extended its reach internationally into Latin America. The company’s leadership team, with their extensive military, private sector, and Fortune 100 experience, has been instrumental in guiding PingWind’s growth and strategic vision. As a CVE-certified Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Business, PingWind is committed to recruiting and hiring veterans. This commitment was recognized when PingWind received the HIRE Vets Medallion Award from the U.S. Secretary of Labor in November 2022.
Culture of Integrity and Innovation
Luis’ role extends beyond fostering a culture of integrity and innovation within their team; it also involves spreading these values to industry partners and customers. “This starts with leading by example,” Luis says. He strives to embody honesty, transparency, and accountability, setting the standard for the behavior he expects from his team. Open and honest communication is a cornerstone of this culture, according to him.
Luis explains that they acknowledge their mistakes, learn from them, and use these lessons to move forward. Clear expectations for ethical behavior are set, and everyone, including him, is held accountable to these standards.
He extends this culture of integrity to industry partners and customers, ensuring that interactions are characterized by mutual respect, honesty, and transparency. “By doing so, we not only strengthen our relationships but also contribute to a broader culture of integrity in our industry,” he says. This approach, he believes, is key to fostering a sustainable and innovative business environment.
As diverse teams are more innovative, Luis promotes diversity and inclusion in the organization. He strives to create an inclusive environment where everyone feels valued and heard, and where different perspectives are encouraged and respected.
And, recognizing that innovation requires continuous learning, he promotes a culture of curiosity, encouraging his team to pursue learning opportunities through attending conferences, participating in webinars, or taking online courses. He also recognizes and rewards innovative ideas and solutions. According to Luis, this not only motivates the team but also fosters a culture where innovation is valued and encouraged.
Furthermore, to foster innovation, he ensures his team has access to the resources and tools they need to experiment and implement their ideas. Luis understands that innovation often involves taking risks, so he creates a safe environment where calculated risk-taking is encouraged, and where failure is seen as an opportunity to learn and grow.
“Creating a culture of integrity and innovation doesn’t happen overnight,” Luis points out. “It requires consistent effort, patience, and commitment from the entire team. But the payoff – a team that’s ethical, innovative, and highly effective – is well worth the effort.”
Responsibilities and Typical Day of a CTO
As the CTO of PingWind Inc., Luis’ responsibilities are multifaceted and dynamic, reflecting the nature of a growing company. His primary responsibility is to oversee the technical aspects and technological resources of the company, ensuring they align with the vision, goals, and objectives of its business strategy. This involves strategic decision-making that could impact the company’s growth and scalability.
Luis’ day typically starts with a quick sync-up with his team leads to discuss any immediate technical issues or updates. This, he says, helps him stay informed about the ongoing projects and any potential roadblocks that might need his attention. Next, he usually spends some time reviewing their tech stack and infrastructure, ensuring everything is running smoothly. Luis also works closely with the IT security team to ensure their data and customer information remain secure.
A significant part of his day is spent on strategic planning and decision-making. Luis points out that he could be involved in researching new technologies that can drive efficiency, brainstorming with team members about implementing new technology strategies or discussing with the rest of the executive team about the technological vision of the company. He mentors and guides his technical staff as well. He does that through conducting code reviews, providing feedback, and sometimes even pairing programming with them to solve complex problems.
In a growing company like PingWind, Luis and his team often attend client meetings or growth calls where they present their technological capabilities, solutions, and strategies. Luis says that his role here is to ensure that their technology can meet the client’s needs and align with their business goals.
Towards the end of the day, Luis usually winds down by checking emails and updating his task list for the next day. He believes in maintaining a clear line of communication with all team members, so he makes sure to address any queries or concerns they might have.
As the environment in which he works is dynamic, Luis does not have a fixed schedule. It can change. But he is always ready to tackle unforeseen challenges, whether it’s a sudden technical glitch or a shift in their project requirements. “Every day brings new challenges and learning opportunities,” Luis says. “It’s this constant change and dynamism that makes my role as a CTO both exciting and fulfilling.”
Motivation Goes Beyond Meeting Targets
In the modern workplace, Luis says that motivation goes beyond just meeting targets. He explains that it is about creating a work environment that fosters innovation, collaboration, and flexibility, and technology plays a key role in this.
“We use collaborative tools that allow the team to work together seamlessly, irrespective of their location,” he adds. In addition to that, they also use project management tools to set clear goals and track progress, which helps keep everyone motivated.
However, the most important aspect is the company culture. PingWind’s leadership team strives to create a culture that values each employee’s contribution, provides growth opportunities, and maintains a healthy work-life balance. “This approach keeps my team and I motivated to deliver our best,” Luis shares.
Vision and Plans for the Future
PingWind, a CVE-certified Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Business (SDVOSB), is dedicated to enhancing the security and performance of its customers’ IT and operational assets. They utilize their extensive federal government, military, and Fortune 100 experience to deliver outstanding results. Strategic acquisitions have played a key role in PingWind’s growth. For instance, they completed the acquisition of Exeter Information Technology Services, LLC (Exeter) as of January 17, 2023. EITS is now a wholly owned subsidiary of PingWind, Inc. Additionally, PingWind is also a successor to Delta Research Associates (DRA), which was acquired and integrated in 2019.
Under the leadership of Luis, the company’s CTO, PingWind achieved significant milestones in 2023. The company obtained ISO 9001, 20000, 27001 certifications, which are globally recognized standards for quality management, IT service management, and information security management respectively. These certifications demonstrate PingWind’s commitment to delivering high-quality services, managing IT services effectively, and protecting sensitive information.
Additionally, PingWind was appraised at CMMI Level 3 for Service and CMMI Level 3 for Development. This appraisal indicates that PingWind’s processes are well characterized and understood, and are described in standards, procedures, tools, and methods. It shows that PingWind has a proven and repeatable approach to delivering quality software and services.
PingWind has achieved NIST 800-171 compliance, which is crucial for organizations working with sensitive Federal information as it helps prevent unauthorized access and keeps both the government and contractors safe. It enhances trust, complies with regulations, and manages risks.
These accomplishments are important milestones for any company as they demonstrate a strong commitment to quality, service, and security. They not only enhance the company’s reputation but also give it a competitive edge in the market.
One of PingWind’s core values is to ensure that their employees feel secure, valued, and enabled. This includes a commitment to continuously assessing and improving opportunities for long-term employment, professional development, competitive compensation and benefits, community service opportunities, and investment in team member success. This is the most important vision and plan for the company’s people.
As for the future, Luis intends to continue leveraging his experience to design and integrate large-scale enterprise solutions that drive success in government agencies. He is also committed to helping Latino veterans recognize their indispensable contributions and thrive in their careers. “And, as a technology leader, I strive to stay at the forefront of driving and implementing strategic cybersecurity and IT solutions for the company and our customer’s security interests,” he says. He aims to continue pushing the boundaries of technological innovation at PingWind, ensuring they remain at the cutting edge of technological breakthroughs.
PingWind, under the leadership of Luis and the rest of the team, is poised to continue its trajectory of growth and innovation. The company’s commitment to quality, service, security, and the well-being of its employees is a testament to its success. As PingWind looks to the future, it remains dedicated to its mission of delivering superior outcomes for its clients, fostering a positive and caring culture for its employees, and contributing to the broader community.
Influencing the Next-Generation
As CTO, influenced by his culture and upbringing in Mexico, Luis believes that making an influential impact on the next generation of leaders interested in technology involves a multifaceted approach. Firstly, it is about breaking barriers and empowering diversity.
He explains that the technology sector thrives on diverse perspectives and ideas that spur innovation and change. So, as leaders, he believes that they need to strive to empower individuals from all backgrounds, particularly those who are underrepresented in the technology sector.
Secondly, it is about mentorship and support. Luis is devoted to mentoring and supporting rising leaders through training programs and other initiatives. He helps young people develop their careers, provides counsel to overcome hurdles, and shares his experiences and insights with them.
Thirdly, according to him, it is about creating an inclusive environment. He says that cultural diversity is not just about representation but also about building an inclusive environment where everyone can flourish with their distinctive contributions. Lastly, it is about advocacy for education and professional options. Luis highlights the need for providing education and professional options for underrepresented groups as an advocate for STEM vocations.
“Making an influential impact on the next generation of leaders in technology is not just about imparting knowledge and skills, but also about fostering an environment that values diversity, inclusivity, and mentorship,” Luis says. “This is how I wish to contribute to shaping the future technology leaders.”
Message to Aspiring Leaders in the Industry
Luis encourages aspiring leaders to embrace the challenges and opportunities that come their way. “Strive for excellence, not just in your work, but also in how you contribute to society,” he advises them in his message to them. “Success is not just about technical expertise, but also about how you use that expertise to make a positive impact.”
