How has the evolution of IT's role in recent years impacted how we communicate its value?

I completely agree with Alan. This is indeed the billion-dollar question. IT now has a seat at the table in every organization, including mine, but it often doesn't feel like a full seat due to existing biases and a lack of understanding. Despite this, the importance of IT is recognized, and I'm a co-sponsor of nearly 90% of projects because everything involves a tech component, even areas like communications. The CEO acknowledges IT's significance, ensuring we're involved from the outset of discussions. However, we're rarely in the driver's seat, as initiatives are typically business-led. This can make IT seem like a black box to others, leading to misconceptions about our resources and capabilities. When budget cuts are discussed, there's often an assumption that IT has room to spare, without understanding the potential impacts. We must frame these discussions in terms the business can relate to, illustrating how cuts might affect specific services. Sometimes, it takes experiencing the consequences for the business to fully appreciate IT's role. Cuts in IT now often go beyond surplus and into essential functions, and the business will feel it. Occasionally, it's necessary to let them experience this to drive home the point.

The focus has shifted significantly toward demonstrating value, even beyond traditional metrics like availability and security. IT has become central to nearly every aspect of business operations, which has necessitated a more compelling narrative about its value. Unlike a few years ago, the expectation now is that IT is indispensable. For instance, if Microsoft Teams or email goes down, it immediately disrupts business operations. This pervasive role has elevated IT to a business-critical function. However, many people still lack a deep understanding of IT, which challenges us to communicate its value more effectively. Every interaction with business stakeholders is an opportunity to explain what we do and why it matters.