Ever notice how fast a clinician’s eyes glaze over once your slide deck starts speaking fluent acronym?

The quickest way to clear a room is to lead with latency stats and server IDs instead of the numbers that touch patients.

Trade tech-speak for plain-language KPIs they actually care about: infection rate, case length, turnover time.

Strip one deck tonight—just replace every acronym with a patient-facing outcome—and watch the next steering meeting stay awake past slide three.

Need a hand mapping who cares about which metric?

Download my one-page Stakeholder Flight-Plan worksheet.

Which bit of jargon keeps sneaking into your executive updates?

Get my one-page Stakeholder Flight-Plan worksheet and resource from my book Zero-Downtime Care.

This content was originally posted on LinkedIn.

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Ever cleared a new lane on the highway only to see traffic jam up anyway?

That’s what can happen during a cloud-migration: shiny route, hidden bottleneck.

Legacy imaging servers—the ones humming in a back closet—often hold untracked dependencies.
If you flip the switch without spotting them first, files stall, scans repeat, and schedules slide.

Take five minutes today and inventory one DICOM node that predates your youngest team member.
Map every system that still calls it home, then book its retirement before your next cut-over.
Future you—and every patient downstream—will thank you.

Need a step-by-step for zero-downtime hand-offs?

Grab my one-page Launch-Readiness Checklist.

Which dusty server is still hiding in your equipment closet?

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Forty-five days ago those steaks looked just like every other cut in the cooler. Enzymes, time, and steady airflow did their quiet work until the moment you see in swipes 2 and 3. Last night we tasted the payoff while celebrating my wife’s birthday—and it reminded me why some upgrades in healthcare IT should be treated more like dry-aging than fast-food.

I meet leaders who pull go-live dates forward because “the board wants quick wins.” Yet the richest value—seamless hand-offs, clinician trust, measurable equity gains—only shows up after a workflow has time to breathe, refine and mature.

If you are weighing a rushed release against an extra cycle of user testing, consider the steak. Flavor compounds aren’t built in an afternoon, and neither is lasting digital transformation.

Quick exercise: grab one live initiative and ask, “What could an extra 30 days of purposeful aging unlock—risk mitigated, adoption lifted, data validated?” The difference may taste a lot like that first bite of rib-eye.

In the comments I’ve linked the blank CRT Worksheet I use to score Capacity, Risk and Timeline. Download it, run your numbers and see if your project needs extra aging.

Which project in your organization would benefit most from an intentional pause and refinement?

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Yesterday a Chicagoland CFO sent an SOS:
“Our interface froze for 17 minutes—delayed care and $28K in overtime.”

In the manuscript I’m polishing, we tackle moments like this with the CARE Modernization™ Framework:

1. CLARIFY the real-world stakes (patients, revenue, reputation)
2. ALIGN every leader on a downtime-proof roadmap
3. REGULATE early—security, compliance, funding in one loop
4. ENGAGE teams to deliver upgrades without disruption

Each cover draft reminds me the real “cover” we need is a resilient tech backbone—so clinicians focus on care, not spinning hourglasses or “system unavailable” banners.

Skim the 2-page overview (PDF) — low-commitment read
Join the launch team — early preorder links & share graphics

Thanks for following the journey. Let’s turn downtime stories into uptime victories together.

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A plain-English playbook for Providers, Payers & Population-Health Leaders to secure and scale IT.

Why it matters

1. Silence hidden tech threats draining budgets & morale
2. Turn downtime into growth time with the CARE Modernization™ Framework
3. Lead with confidence—no coding required

What you’ll master

• Clarify the Wins 
• Align the Teams 
• Regulate as You Build 
• Engage for Lift-Off

Grab the 2-page overview (PDF) – low-commitment skim
Join the launch team – early preorder links + share-graphics

Huge thanks to every colleague who offered feedback, tools, or cheer-squad energy—you made this milestone possible. If you know someone wrestling with outdated tech, tag them below and let’s turn hidden threats into mission momentum together!

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The Rising Stakes of Data Privacy.

Whether you’re running a family-owned retail shop, growing a medical practice, or managing multiple office locations, if you handle customer or employee data, privacy compliance applies to you.

In Illinois, two of the strictest privacy laws in the country—the Biometric Information Privacy Act (BIPA) and the Personal Information Protection Act (PIPA)—create clear legal obligations that can cost thousands (or millions) if ignored.

As an IT consultant who works with small and midsize businesses across the state, I’m here to break down what you need to know and how you can protect your business before problems arise.

Understanding Key Illinois Privacy Laws

Biometric Information Privacy Act (BIPA)

BIPA regulates how private businesses collect, use, and store biometric data like fingerprints, facial scans, and retina scans. It requires:

• Informed written consent before collecting or storing biometric data.
• Disclosure of the specific purpose and storage duration.
• A public retention and destruction policy.
• A strict prohibition on selling or profiting from biometric data.
• Private right of action, meaning individuals can sue your business for violations.

Even something as common as a fingerprint time clock or facial recognition camera falls under BIPA. Penalties and fines can be applied for violations of negligence, recklessness or intentional action.

Personal Information Protection Act (PIPA)

PIPA focuses on safeguarding broader categories of personal data, including Social Security numbers, driver’s license numbers, medical and health insurance information, account numbers, and login credentials.

It requires:

• Prompt breach notification to affected Illinois residents.
• Reporting breaches to the Illinois Attorney General (if 500+ individuals are impacted).
• Reasonable security measures to protect data.
• Proper disposal of sensitive data.
• Contracts with third parties that require them to maintain security.

Violations are considered unlawful practices under the state’s Consumer Fraud Act and can result in enforcement actions.

Common Compliance Pitfalls

Despite the legal requirements, many businesses unintentionally fall short. Here are some of the most common missteps:

• Using biometric time clocks without proper notice or consent.
• Collecting customer or employee data without a written policy or retention schedule.
• Failing to implement encryption, firewalls, or access controls.
• Assuming that cloud storage providers automatically ensure compliance.
• Not having an incident response plan or breach notification process.

Often, the biggest risk comes not from bad intentions but from lack of awareness.

Steps Toward Compliance: IT Consultant’s Checklist

Here is a practical checklist to help your business align with Illinois privacy laws:

1. Audit Your Data: Know what types of personal and biometric data you collect, where it’s stored, who has access, and how long you keep it.
2. Create a Written Privacy Policy: Include clear language about data collection, usage, retention, and destruction.
3. Implement Consent Procedures: Obtain written consent before collecting biometric data and explain how it will be used.
4. Secure Your Systems: Use encryption, secure user authentication, regular patching, and monitoring to protect stored data.
5. Train Your Employees: Ensure your staff understands data privacy procedures and how to respond to data incidents.
6. Plan for Breaches: Develop and test an incident response plan, including breach notification protocols.
7. Review Vendor Contracts: Make sure service providers who access your data agree to meet your security requirements.

The Cost of Non-Compliance

Non-compliance isn’t just a legal problem—it can be a business-ending event. Illinois courts have upheld massive BIPA settlements, with some cases costing businesses millions in damages. A single fingerprint scan collected without consent can lead to multiple violations, each carrying its own penalty.

With PIPA, a data breach could force you to notify thousands of customers, face scrutiny from the Attorney General, and deal with damaged customer trust.

Tools and Tech That Can Help

Fortunately, the right tools can make compliance manageable:

• Consent management platforms to track and store written consents.
• Data loss prevention (DLP) software to monitor sensitive information.
• Security information and event management (SIEM) tools for real-time alerts.
• Encryption solutions for both stored and transmitted data.
• Automated backups with secure, offsite storage.

Don’t overlook free or low-cost training platforms to keep your team informed.

Make Privacy a Business Priority

Privacy compliance isn’t a one-time fix—it’s an ongoing responsibility. If you collect any form of personal or biometric data, you are legally and ethically responsible for protecting it.

By investing in secure systems, clear policies, and proper staff training, you’re not just avoiding fines—you’re building customer trust and long-term resilience.

If you’re unsure where to start or whether your current practices meet Illinois standards, now is the time to act.

Local IT consultants, privacy professionals can help you:

• Audit your systems and data handling practices
• Develop legally sound policies and consent forms
• Deploy the right technologies for security and monitoring
• Train your team to maintain compliance

Don’t wait until a lawsuit or a breach that forces your hand. Reach out to a trusted local technology expert today and take control of your privacy compliance strategy.

This content was originally posted on Medium

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The recent National Public Data (NPD) breach, which compromised the personal information of over a million individuals, serves as a stark reminder of the ever-growing need for strengthened cybersecurity measures. As organizations increasingly rely on digital platforms to store sensitive data, the importance of cybersecurity cannot be overstated. Data breaches are no longer isolated incidents—they have become a significant, ongoing threat to businesses and their customers. With the rapid evolution of technology, companies must prioritize the implementation of robust cybersecurity frameworks to safeguard their operations, protect consumer trust, and ensure long-term business continuity.

The NPD Breach: A Wake-Up Call for Cybersecurity

The NPD incident was a clear demonstration of how vulnerable even large, data-driven organizations can be to cyberattacks. Although the breach reportedly impacted 1.3 million individuals, some experts argue the actual scale of the compromise might be larger, considering the 2.9 billion records reportedly exposed on the dark web. This gap between the company’s official disclosure and the broader cybersecurity community’s findings highlights a recurring challenge: many organizations underestimate the extent of their vulnerabilities until it’s too late.

In the wake of such incidents, businesses must ask themselves: Are we doing enough to protect our digital assets? Data breaches like the NPD case underscore the importance of taking proactive measures to avoid devastating consequences, such as financial losses, damaged reputations, and loss of consumer trust.

Why Cybersecurity is Critical for Today’s Businesses

Businesses today operate in an increasingly complex digital landscape. From financial institutions to healthcare providers, nearly every industry depends on digital infrastructure to facilitate daily operations, communicate with clients, and store critical data. However, this reliance on technology comes with its own set of risks.

Cybercriminals are becoming more sophisticated, leveraging advanced techniques to exploit vulnerabilities in systems. They target weak spots, from outdated software to poorly configured cloud platforms, and the consequences of these attacks can be catastrophic. According to the IBM and Ponemon Institute’s 2024 Cost of a Data Breach Report, the global average cost of a data breach increased to USD 4.88 million in 2024, marking a 10% increase over the previous year. Business disruption and the costs associated with post-breach responses, such as customer support and regulatory compliance, contributed to this significant rise. For small businesses, these figures could result in bankruptcy or closure. This is why cybersecurity has evolved from a technical concern to a strategic business priority.

The Long-Term Costs of Data Breaches

Beyond the immediate financial impact, the long-term effects of data breaches can be equally damaging. Businesses may face legal repercussions, including fines and lawsuits from customers whose data has been compromised. Additionally, regulatory bodies such as the California Consumer Privacy Act of 2018 (CCPA), the state of Illinois’ Personal Information Protection Act (PIPA) or the Biometric Information Privacy Act (BIPA) can impose strict penalties for non-compliance with data protection standards.

A breach can also severely damage a company’s reputation. Consumers are increasingly aware of the importance of data security, and a company’s failure to protect their information can lead to a loss of trust. When customers no longer feel secure doing business with a company, they take their business elsewhere, further eroding the company’s market share.

Moreover, data breaches disrupt operations. Recovery efforts often involve halting production, isolating systems, and launching extensive investigations. This downtime can significantly hinder a company’s ability to serve its customers, exacerbating the damage caused by the breach.

Proactive Cybersecurity Measures

To avoid the far-reaching consequences of a data breach, organizations need to adopt proactive cybersecurity strategies. The following measures can help businesses mitigate risks and strengthen their defenses:

1. Comprehensive Risk Assessments
Businesses must regularly conduct thorough risk assessments to identify potential vulnerabilities within their digital infrastructure. These assessments should not only focus on internal systems but also include third-party vendors and partners who have access to company data. A well-rounded risk assessment allows businesses to prioritize cybersecurity investments and focus on areas that present the highest risk.

2. Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA)
A simple yet effective security measure, multi-factor authentication adds an extra layer of protection by requiring multiple forms of verification before granting access to sensitive systems. This reduces the likelihood of unauthorized access, even if a password is compromised.

3. Regular Software Updates and Patching
Cybercriminals often exploit known vulnerabilities in outdated software. Ensuring that all systems are regularly updated and patched is critical to closing these gaps. Organizations should have a clear patch management process in place, with designated personnel responsible for monitoring and implementing updates.

4. Employee Training and Awareness
One of the most common ways cyberattacks occur is through human error. Phishing schemes and social engineering tactics exploit untrained employees to gain access to sensitive information. To combat this, businesses must invest in continuous cybersecurity training programs that educate employees on the latest threats and how to recognize them.

5. Data Encryption
Encrypting sensitive data ensures that, even if a breach occurs, the stolen information is unreadable to unauthorized users. Businesses should implement encryption protocols both for data at rest (stored data) and data in transit (information being sent between systems).

6. Incident Response Planning
Having a robust incident response plan in place can help businesses quickly address and mitigate the effects of a breach. An effective plan should include clear protocols for isolating compromised systems, notifying affected stakeholders, and conducting forensic analysis to determine the scope of the breach. Regular testing of the incident response plan ensures that all team members are familiar with their roles in the event of a breach.

The Role of Cloud Security

With the shift towards cloud computing, businesses are increasingly relying on cloud providers to store and manage their data. However, cloud environments present their own unique set of challenges. Data breaches in cloud infrastructures can occur due to misconfigurations, lack of encryption, or insecure APIs. Therefore, organizations must ensure they partner with reputable cloud providers who offer robust security measures, such as encryption, regular monitoring, and adherence to industry standards.

It’s also critical for businesses to maintain visibility and control over their cloud environments. Implementing cloud security tools, such as cloud access security brokers (CASBs), can help organizations monitor and enforce security policies across cloud services. These tools offer real-time visibility into user activities, identifying potential threats before they can escalate into full-blown breaches.

Learning from the NPD Breach: The Need for Transparency

One of the lessons businesses can learn from the NPD breach is the importance of transparency. In many cases, companies are hesitant to disclose breaches until they have a complete understanding of what happened. However, this approach can delay critical responses, such as notifying affected individuals or taking action to prevent further damage.

Transparency and timely reporting are not just ethical obligations—they are also critical components of crisis management. Customers need to be informed promptly if their data has been compromised so that they can take steps to protect themselves. Moreover, regulatory agencies often require timely disclosures, and failure to comply can result in additional penalties.

The Future of Cybersecurity: Evolving with the Threats

Cyber threats are constantly evolving, which means businesses must remain vigilant and adaptive. Cybersecurity is not a one-time investment; it requires continuous updates, monitoring, and strategic planning. As artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML) become more integrated into cybercriminals’ arsenals, businesses will need to leverage these same technologies to defend against sophisticated attacks.

By adopting a forward-thinking approach to cybersecurity, businesses can stay one step ahead of cybercriminals, protecting both their operations and their customers. In today’s digital world, investing in cybersecurity is not just about avoiding breaches—it’s about building a resilient organization that can thrive in the face of adversity.

The NPD breach is a reminder that no organization, regardless of size or industry, is immune to cyberattacks. Strengthening cybersecurity requires a proactive, comprehensive approach that addresses both technological vulnerabilities and human factors. By implementing robust cybersecurity strategies, businesses can protect themselves from the ever-present threat of data breaches, safeguard their customers, and secure their future in the digital economy.

This content was originally posted on Medium.

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GIAC Security Leadership (GSLC) was issued by Global Information Assurance Certification (GIAC) to Wylie Blanchard on February 14, 2024.

The GIAC Security Leadership (GSLC) certification validates a practitioner’s understanding of governance and technical controls focused on protecting, detecting, and responding to security issues. GSLC certification holders have demonstrated knowledge of data, network, host, application, and user controls along with key management topics that address the overall security lifecycle.

Learn more.

Skills:

Access Control, Change Management, Cyber Defense, Incident Handling, Information Security, IT Business Management, Leadership, Network Security, Project Management, Risk Management, Security Operations, Security Policy, Software Security, and Vulnerability Management.

Earning Criteria:

• Accept GIAC’s Code of Ethics.
• Acquire skills via industry experience or from a training course.
• Achieve a passing score on the GSLC exam.

Analyst Number:
13012

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ITIL® LEADER Digital and IT Strategy (DITS) was issued by AXELOS to Wylie Blanchard on January 28, 2024.

ITIL 4® Leader Digital and IT Strategy (DITS) demonstrates the individual has the practical understanding and application of crafting a digital vision and strategy, shaping and integrating IT and business strategies aligned with the wider organizational goals to enable success of the business. They develop cross-functional digital strategy, elevate discussions to strategic levels, drive operational excellence, analyze and respond effectively to VUCA factors.

Learn more.

Skills:

Adaptability, Agile Ways Of Working, Business Case Development, Business Change Management, Business Plan Development, Collaboration And Teamwork, Communication, Creation and Implementation of Target Operating Models, Creativity, Customer Service Management, Data Management, DevOps Methodology Knowledge, Digital Design (including UX and UI), Digital Technology Architecture, Driving Company Culture Change, Education and Training Provision, Emerging Technology Monitoring, Emotional and Social Intelligence, Enterprise Architecture, Financial Management, Information Analysis, Information Security Management, Information Security Strategy Development, Information Systems Governance, Innovation, Knowledge Management, Leadership Development, Negotiation, Planning And Organisation, Problem Solving, Product Development, Product Management, Project – Programme and Portfolio Management, Risk Management, Robotics and Automation Engineering, Service Delivery and Management, Software Development And Management, Stakeholder Management, Strategic Planning, Supplier Management, Sustainable Management, Systems Development and Management, Systems Engineering, UX Design, Experience and Support.

Earning Criteria:

• Obtained the ITIL 4 Foundation certification designation prior to studying for ITIL LEADER Digital and IT Strategy.
• Meet the managerial experience requirement.
• Complete required training.
• Complete and receive a passing score on four case study assignments.
• Passed the ITIL 4 ® LEADER Digital and IT Strategy (DITS) exam.

Evidence:

Certification Number
GR679004963WB

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Digital transformation has become more than just a buzzword; it’s now a fundamental imperative for businesses seeking to thrive in an era defined by rapid technological advancements. As organizations across various industries grapple with the challenges of embracing digital transformation, a recent study conducted by Chief Executive Group in collaboration with Amazon Web Services (AWS) reveals both the high aspirations and the significant execution gaps in leveraging digital transformation for sustainable business growth.

The study surveyed over 500 C-suite executives and public company board members, revealing a substantial gap between the aspiration to harness digital transformation for growth and the actual adoption of advanced digital practices.

The Aspiration: Growth Through Digital Transformation

One of the key takeaways from the study is the strong desire among leaders to leverage digital transformation for growth. More than half of those surveyed listed growth through either new (28 percent) or existing (36 percent) products or markets as their company’s top priority for the year ahead. This aspiration aligns with the widespread recognition that digital transformation can be a powerful catalyst for business expansion and innovation.

The Reality: A Disconnect in Execution

Despite the high aspirations, the study indicates that many organizations are struggling to translate their digital transformation intentions into concrete actions. The data reveals several critical areas where companies fall short of harnessing the full potential of digital transformation:

1. Insufficient Utilization of Customer Data:

• The study highlights that most businesses still rely on anecdotal comments or conversations (23 percent), customer service data (21 percent), and ongoing tracking of NPS scores (15 percent) to understand customer needs.
• Only a mere 2 percent have adopted advanced techniques such as AI-driven insights to gain a deeper understanding of customer preferences and behaviors.

2. Lag in Real-Time Adaptation:

• Approximately 47 percent of leaders expressed the desire to use real-time data to inform and change their strategies instantly, but only 28 percent reported currently doing so.
• Many companies still align their strategies with three- to five-year projections (30 percent), missing out on the agility required to adapt rapidly to evolving consumer trends.

3. Traditional Approaches to Customer Involvement:

• A staggering 82 percent of organizations rely on longstanding, non-digital practices for involving customers in the development process.
• Only 15 percent use continuous monitoring of purchase or usage behavior, and a mere 3 percent do so at scale using algorithmic insights.

4. Long-Term Business Cases vs. Real-Time Adaptation:

• While 47 percent of organizations aspire to use real-time data for strategy adaptation, 30 percent still rely on long-term (3-5 years) business cases and projections.

These findings highlight a stark disconnect between ambition and execution when it comes to digital transformation. Many organizations are grappling with the challenge of embracing the real-time, data-driven, and customer-centric approaches that are essential for unlocking the full potential of digital transformation.

Bridging the Gap: Strategies for Success

To bridge the gap between aspiration and execution in digital transformation, organizations need to adopt a more strategic and holistic approach. Here are some key strategies:

1. Prioritize Customer-Centricity:

• Invest in advanced data analytics and AI-driven insights to understand customer needs, preferences, and behaviors in real-time.
• Leverage customer advisory boards, focus groups, and continuous monitoring of purchase and usage behavior to co-create products and services with customers.

2. Embrace Real-Time Decision-Making:

• Shift from long-term projections to real-time data-driven decision-making.
• Invest in technology and analytics capabilities that enable instant strategy adaptation based on real-time insights.

3. Foster a Culture of Innovation:

• Encourage a culture of continuous experimentation and innovation.
• Empower teams to explore new products, services, and go-to-market strategies based on real-time data.

4. Invest in Digital Infrastructure:

• Ensure that the organization has the necessary digital infrastructure and tools to collect, process, and analyze real-time data.
• Collaborate with technology partners to stay at the forefront of digital capabilities.

5. Educate and Empower Leadership:

• Provide leadership teams with training and resources to understand the value of digital transformation.
• Foster a mindset of adaptability and openness to change.

Digital transformation holds immense potential for driving business growth and innovation. However, organizations must bridge the gap between aspiration and execution to reap the full benefits. By prioritizing customer-centricity, embracing real-time decision-making, fostering a culture of innovation, investing in digital infrastructure, and educating leadership, companies can position themselves for success in the digital age. The journey may be challenging, but the rewards are substantial for those who can truly unleash the power of digital transformation.

This content was originally posted on Medium.

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