“True leadership is not about being in charge; it’s about helping make other people the hero of their story,” says Jeff Jacobs, Managing Partner and CIO at Strategic Systems Inc. His leadership resembles a seasoned investor, recognizing and nurturing the untapped potential within each team member, maximizing their contributions and driving collective success. He has a unique and inspiring journey into the tech world. Growing up in Youngstown, Ohio, he developed a passion for technology early on, building an LED flashlight at age eight and dismantling radios by ten. His first home computer at eleven solidified his interest in technology, thanks in part to encouragement from his uncle and his brother.
Having grown through the ranks in his career, Jeff has held positions at every level. His experience as a software developer, engineering, infrastructure, cloud computing architect, and AI all the way up to an Executive. As a leader, this experience has given Jeff the technical prowess that separates him from most CIOs. He led a data center for a major grocery retailer, where he honed his technical and collaborative skills through challenging late-night troubleshooting. His experience managing diverse projects, including a global ERP implementation for a Fortune 50 company, reinforced his belief in technology’s business value.
As a CIO, Jeff has driven significant initiatives, such as migrating a legacy mainframe to an open platform and integrating AI into operations. He emphasizes the importance of cloud technologies, cybersecurity, and data analytics in encouraing innovation and customer trust.
Tenet to become a successful CIO
Jeff views today’s CIO role as multifaceted. Beyond managing the IT backbone, they must be visionary, anticipating the future and steering their organization through the digital storm. This requires a deep dive into emerging technologies like AI, cloud, and cybersecurity, not just for their own sake but to fuel business growth and enhance customer experiences.
He advocates for a culture of continuous learning and agility and encouraging experimentation and cultivating innovation. Yet, he’s reminded to always prioritize security and compliance. The modern-day CIO must build bridges with other departments, champion IT initiatives, and secure vital support. According to Jeff, such professionals are strategic partners who combine technical expertise with interpersonal skills and a clear vision, guiding teams through the complexities of the digital world.
ASCEND: A Transformational Leap into the Future
His forward-thinking guides everything. One prime example of this is his leadership in successfully rebranding Strategic Systems. The founder and CEO, Sankar Mangapuram, had a vision of growing his company beyond a staffing firm. He made some strategic moves in acquiring two technology companies, but he knew pieces of the puzzle were missing and wanted to bring a leader to the firm with deep technical prowess, a devotion to leadership and a proven track record of successfully transforming a company. After their first meeting Sankar and Jeff knew this was a great fit and they were off and running. After two decades as a leading staffing firm in central Ohio, Jeff soon recognized that the company had outgrown its identity and no longer accurately reflected its evolution. As a prescient leader, he boldly proposed a radical solution: to create a new holding company to rebrand the company and its subsidiaries.
Jeff understood the vision and spearheaded the transformation. The new name, “ASCEND,” with the tagline “insights into impact,” was carefully chosen to embody the company’s aspirations. But ASCEND was more than a name. It encapsulates who we are and what we aspire to achieve. “ASCEND reflects our evolution, our commitment to innovation, and our vision for the future.” He explains.
Aligned with the philosophy, “Great companies are built with great people. Invest in your team, empower their potential, and challenge them to transform challenges into opportunities,” Jeff empowered cross-functional teams across the company to define the new Mission, Vision, and Values. Working in strict confidence, these teams collectively crafted guiding principles that surpassed even Jeff’s own expectations. This collaborative approach, he believes, was crucial for ensuring the new identity truly resonated with the entire organization.
ASCEND signifies a renewed commitment to excellence and innovation and a future filled with exciting possibilities for both the company and its clients. He conveys, “Our commitment to our customers, our dedication to quality, and our passion for innovation will continue to drive us forward.”
ASCEND-ING Approach to Work-life Balance
At ASCEND, Jeff emphasizes that they embrace a strong culture of work-life balance, noting, “It’s real and not a cliché.” They understand it’s vital not just for productivity but for personal fulfillment. In executive roles, where the pursuit of excellence can be all-consuming, they stress that personal life is just as integral to who we are. To foster this balance, ASCEND encourages employees to focus on core priorities and manage their time effectively.
Self-care is another major focus. Jeff shares that they advocate for exercise, hobbies, and reflection to recharge the mind and body—practices that boost performance and satisfaction in both work and life. He underlines setting clear boundaries, like turning off email notifications after hours or designating family days. Attaining this equipoise is an ongoing journey that requires mindfulness and adaptability as work demands fluctuate.
Staying Ahead of the Curve: A CIO’s Imperative
For Strategic Systems Inc., this responsibility falls squarely on the shoulders of CIO Jeff, who has cultivated a multi-pronged approach to ensure the company remains at the forefront of innovation. His strategy begins with deep immersion. He actively engages with the technological domain, devouring industry reports, attending conferences, and participating in webinars. Jeff meticulously analyzes this information, identifying trends specifically relevant to his industry and translating them into actionable insights.
Collaboration is key. Jeff recognizes the power of collective intelligence. He cultivates a strong network of relationships with other technology leaders, vendors, and innovators. These connections provide access to a wealth of knowledge, foster collaborative opportunities, and facilitate the rapid adoption of new solutions. He works closely with Kaushal Vadada, the company’s Chief Operating Officer. According to Jeff, his success thus far is possible in large part because of the synergies between he and Kaushal. “He’s very sharp and great at what he does. He’s one of those guys I wish I had met years ago. I instantly clicked with Kaushal and that is a rare thing especially for executives. So many have egos that stand in the way of productivity. I can honestly say that doesn’t exist with Kaushal. We truly are a team and he is a good friend too.” [insert picture of Chris Deal, Managing Partner, Staffing, Kaushal Vadada Managing Partner & COO, Jeff Jacobs, Managing Partner & CIO]
Continuous learning is non-negotiable. Jeff emphasizes the importance of ongoing professional development, both for himself and his teams. He ensures lifelong learning through advanced certifications, specialized training, and informal online courses. Anticipating business needs is paramount. Jeff works closely with other executives to align technology with the organization’s strategic goals. This proactive approach ensures agility and responsiveness to market changes, allowing the company to seize opportunities before competitors.
A Defining Moment in Digital Transformation Leadership
When asked, Jeff paused and reflected on his most significant achievement: leading digital transformation across four different organizations, spanning four industries across dozens of countries. Jeff, named one of “The 10 Most Innovative Tech Leaders Shaping the Future, 2025,” humbly resists discussing personal accomplishments, saying, “I am not one to look internally at *my* achievements. I’m not comfortable doing that or even talking about it, to be honest. There isn’t a leader anywhere that can win without being surrounded by a great team.”
Despite encountering common resistance—hearing, “Our industry is different”—Jeff learned that the formula for digital transformation success remains constant. He believes digital transformation is about supporting creativity and agility at all corporate levels, not merely installing new technology. IT’s transformation from a support function to a business-aligned strategic partner was crucial. Profitability increased due to enhanced operational efficiency, better data analytics, and automation.
For Jeff, effective CIO leadership necessitates navigating organizational change, overcoming resistance, and cultivating an adaptable workforce. Such an approach promotes greater employee engagement and productivity. He favors a robust cybersecurity framework. Ultimately, Jeff considers aligning IT strategy with business outcomes, driving digital change, nurturing innovation, and safeguarding cybersecurity as his key contributions—cementing his place as an indispensable leader within his organization.
Leading Global Technology Teams: Jeff’s Human-Centered Approach
Jeff believes the magic of ASCEND’s global teams lies in their incredible diversity. He thrives on the sparks that fly when diverse perspectives, experiences, and working styles intersect. This “creative friction” fuels discussion and pushes teams beyond their individual limitations. Culturally it drives innovation. He encourages open, honest communication, candid feedback, and active listening. He accentuates empathy and understanding that cultural nuances can significantly impact communication styles and work habits.
Instead of top-down directives, Jeff empowers teams to define their own success metrics, which gives a sense of ownership and intrinsic motivation. He encourages calculated risks and celebrates both triumphs and “learning opportunities,” creating a psychologically safe space for experimentation.
Technology is a powerful enabler, but Jeff recognizes its limitations. He invests in robust communication platforms and provides comprehensive training to ensure seamless collaboration across time zones and cultures. He champions diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI), believing it drives innovation and enhances problem-solving capabilities. Recruitment strategies, robust mentorship programs, comprehensive cross-culture training ensures everyone is treated fairly.
AI: A Catalyst for ASCEND’s Success
Jeff regards AI or artificial intelligence as a transformative force in business. AI isn’t just a tool; it’s a strategic partner and can be the driving force behind smarter decisions, streamlined operations, and standout customer experiences. Machine learning takes things up a notch, uncovering patterns in customer behavior, market shifts, and operational trends. AI automates the mundane, freeing teams to focus on creativity and impact. Personalization is another win—AI-driven analytics tailor offerings to customers, boosting satisfaction and loyalty. Predictive analytics keep ASCEND ahead of the curve, anticipating customer needs and perfecting inventory management.
Jeff highlights how ASCEND leverages cutting-edge platforms like Snowflake and Data Bricks to deploy advanced AI solutions. Collaboration also gets a boost, with AI integrating seamlessly into communication and project tools to supercharge teamwork. Ethical practices are non-negotiable, ensuring AI use is transparent, responsible, and aligned with company values.
As AI continues to evolve, so does its role at ASCEND.
A Day in the Life of ASCEND’s Visionary CIO
ASCEND’s dynamic Managing Partner and CIO’s days begin with a whirlwind of emails and reports, quickly followed by high-level discussions with COO Kaushal Vadada. Together, they dissect staffing, analytics, and tech trends, setting the stage for a day of dynamic action. Mondays are all about teamwork. Jeff kicks off the week with energizing executive team huddles, aligning everyone on the most pressing challenges and celebrating shared victories. Mid-mornings are a flurry of activity – such as client meetings, and strategic updates from the various lines of business. Jeff believes in transparency, keeping everyone in the loop, and nurtures a culture of trust and open communication.
Building strong client relationships is paramount for Jeff. Afternoons are dedicated to driving revenue discussions and exploring new opportunities, with a special focus on a new line of business- ASCEND Digital Solutions, led by Sven Christianson, Vice President. [insert photo of Sven Christianson, Vice President, ASCEND Digital Solutions] At the end of each day, Jeff takes a moment to assess progress, recognize his team’s hard work, and prepare for the exciting challenges. In his words: “This not only boosts morale but also reinforces our shared commitment to our goals.”
Initiatives for Growth and Innovation at ASCEND
Jeff explains expansion and novelty at ASCEND hinges on a forward-thinking vision that strikes a balance between achieving immediate financial goals and delivering long-term customer satisfaction. He emphasizes that the company’s strategy is in sync with its core values and is adaptable to market shifts. A major priority for ASCEND is staying attuned to customer needs through ongoing engagement and one-on-one discussions. Reflecting on recent moves, Jeff points to the 2023 acquisitions of eLearningDoc and Pandata Group as pivotal in expanding ASCEND’s offerings. eLearningDoc, led by CEO Angela Robbins, brings custom eLearning solutions to the table, while Pandata Group, led by CEO Jor-EL Digman boosts ASCEND’s capabilities in data modernization, enabling the company to better serve evolving industry demands. Strategic partnerships with tech companies, universities, and industry bodies are also key to opening new avenues and co-creating next-gen products. By actively participating in industry conferences, ASCEND increases its visibility and strengthens its reputation. Jeff also highlights the importance of a dynamic sales strategy, leveraging CRM tools, data-driven insights, and a consultative approach.
Vision for the Future of Strategic Systems Inc.
As ASCEND’s CIO, Jeff envisions a future where technology seamlessly integrates into every aspect of the business. “Vision is not just about seeing a bright future, it’s about creating it,” he asserts. Jeff believes collaboration with other executives is crucial to bringing this vision to life. Data-driven decision-making is a key component. Building a data-literate culture will empower ASCENDians to make informed decisions. There is an enhanced focus on tools that improves communication and teamwork in remote work environments.
Jeff further underlines building a resilient organization that thrives amid change. He hopes to leave a legacy of a thriving ASCEND, one that embraces change, encourages experimentation, and views setbacks as opportunities for growth. He envisions a workplace where ASCENDians feel empowered to contribute their ideas and where innovation flourishes. Building strong relationships within and outside the organization is important. They aim to leverage technology for social good.
Message for Aspiring Leaders
ASCEND’s adept CIO asserts that a genuine passion for technology is the lifeblood of innovation, fueling an insatiable curiosity. Staying abreast of the latest advancements is table stakes. True leadership demands a deep understanding of how technology addresses real-world challenges and an active immersion in the vibrant tapestry of the tech community.
Effective communication is not merely a skill; it’s a superpower. Leaders must possess the rhetorical finesse to articulate complex concepts with clarity and conviction, ensuring technology aligns seamlessly with organizational objectives. Cultivating a robust network through mentorship, collaboration, and strategic connections is paramount in navigating the turbulent waters of the tech landscape.
Jeff advocates to embrace a voracious appetite for knowledge. He underscores the critical role of emotional intelligence to inspire others. He concludes with a clarion call to action, urging aspiring leaders to embrace calculated risks, reminding them, “Success is not just about what you achieve, but how you inspire others to reach their potential.”
He believes a great CIO understands that the success of technological initiatives hinges on the team’s strength. At ASCEND, Jeff is committed to harnessing technology to fuel business growth and elevate customer experiences ensuring that teams can effectively prioritize initiatives and allocate resources to projects with the highest potential impact. He emphasizes the need for thoughtful risk assessment and informed decision-making to strike a balance between potential rewards and the organization’s risk tolerance. “My journey as a CIO has been defined by a relentless passion for leveraging technology to drive innovation and operational excellence for the business. I have been fortunate the opportunity to lead transformative initiatives that not only enhance business performance but also empower teams to achieve their fullest potential. I remain dedicated to exploring new frontiers in technology and guiding organizations toward a future where possibilities are limitless.”
