The Folding Chair at the Table: What True Leadership in Tech Should Mean

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What does true tech leadership look like when you’re stuck managing critical systems but don’t get to steer the ship?

Inspired by a LinkedIn post, this episode, the “folding chair” at the corporate table becomes a metaphor for reclaiming autonomy, breaking out of what the poster, A CISO, called the cyber Stockholm Syndrome, and rewriting the rules on influence in the industry.

We’ll unpack:

• Why IT leaders must reclaim ownership and genuine decision-making power
• The hidden cost of working in “liability management” and being reduced to cost center status
• How CISOs and tech professionals can escape the trap of visibility without real authority
• Why empowerment starts with having your insights valued—and the right to say “no”
• Action strategies for redefining your seat at the table and pushing for lasting change

If you’re tired of checking all the boxes but never calling the shots, tune in to get practical tactics and energizing perspective shifts.

Connect with me on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dawnbutler1/

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The views and opinions expressed by the host and guests are personal and not reflective of any employer.