Developing a Diverse IT Force, with Matthew B. Parks, Sr.

IT Matters | Tech Solutions and Strategies for Every Industry

Matthew B. Parks, Sr., is the VP of IT and Security for The Pace Center for Girls and has been involved in IT since 1995. In this episode, we discuss old technologies as well as mindsets and how they trap the modern IT leader into doing things the same way in an evolving environment. Matthew is bullish on flip phones and a diverse workforce, which he thinks are both going to play important roles in future technology.

Conversation Highlights:
[00:26] Introducing our guest, Matthew B. Parks, Sr.
[04:16] Discussing the technology of the 90's
[05:37] Parks' first computer build
[08:07] Favorite childhood video games
[10:49] Exciting personal tech on the horizon
[16:01] Discussing Parks' worst day in IT
[19:19] Recruiting a diverse IT force
[25:14] Creating well rounded leaders in IT
[37:56] Refining discussions with vendors
[40:08] What to avoid in the IT space
[43:00] How to connect with Parks
[44:42] Closing thoughts

Notable Quotes:
"I always get asked, 'What would you tell your younger self?' Networking and relationships, do it earlier." Matthew B. Parks, Sr. [27:14]

"The motto that I live by personally and professionally is 'If you stay ready, you don't have to get ready'." Matthew B. Parks, Sr. [41:16]

"One thing we need to do is we need to redefine STEM, and we need to embrace vocation." Matthew B. Parks, Sr. [44:57]

Connect With Matthew Parks

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/matthew-b-parks-sr-b507a813/
Twitter: MatthewBParksSr

The IT Matters Podcast is about IT matters and matters pertaining to IT.

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1. Introducing our guest, Matthew B. Parks, Sr. (00:00:26)

2. Discussing the technology of the 90's (00:04:16)

3. Parks' first computer build (00:05:37)

4. Favorite childhood video games (00:08:07)

5. Exciting personal tech on the horizon (00:10:49)

6. Discussing Parks' worst day in IT (00:16:01)

7. Recruiting a diverse IT force (00:19:19)

8. Creating well rounded leaders in IT (00:25:14)

9. Refining discussions with vendors (00:37:56)

10. What to avoid in the IT space (00:40:08)

11. How to connect with Parks (00:43:00)

12. Closing thoughts (00:44:42)