Podcasts Other You, Me, and Your Top Three Uncomfortably Fun (wsg David Behen)

Uncomfortably Fun (wsg David Behen)

Published: June 17, 2020, 10 a.m.

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During this episode, You Me and Your Top Three host, Gregg Garrett, speaks with David Behen, Chief Information Officer of the iconic company and brand, La-Z-Boy. He discusses the power of being brave enough to ask and how being brave can make all the difference in a mentorship relationship. Behen highlights his closest virtual advisors from his life partner to day-to-day business partners to experienced IT and investment advisors to the former governor of Michigan. Additionally, he shares must-hear advise on keeping things uncomfortably fun.

About David Behen

David Behen has served as Vice President and Chief Information Officer (CIO) at La-Z-Boy, Inc. since June 2017. In this role, he leads the information technology (IT) function across the enterprise, aligning technology with the La-Z-Boy business objectives. Behen works to ensure optimal technology performance and cybersecurity for the company in support of La-Z-Boy\\u2019s future growth and success across manufacturing and retail operations. His responsibilities include IT strategy, cybersecurity, enterprise architecture, enterprise resource planning (ERP) deployment, network optimization and procuring new technologies.

Prior to joining La-Z-Boy, Behen spent over six years as a Cabinet Member for Governor Rick Snyder as the Director of Department of Technology, Management and Budget and Chief Information Officer for the State of Michigan. There, he led a department that employed 2,800 associates with an annual operating budget of $1.4 billion. Under Behen\\u2019s direction, Michigan established itself as a national leader in the IT arena, delivering a portfolio of high-impact and innovative initiatives aimed at improving government through technology.

Earlier, Behen founded a software company, InfoReady, and served as a vice president and CIO of its parent company. He also worked as CIO and Deputy County Administrator of Washtenaw County, Mich. Behen holds a number of board and committee positions in professional and technology organizations. He is currently a member of the Western Michigan University Board of Trustees. In addition, he is a co- chair of the governing body for the Detroit CIO Executive Summit and is a member of the National Retail Federation CIO Executive Council, as well as the Cybersecurity Council.

Behen frequently serves as a keynote speaker, expert panelist, and moderator for national and international audiences providing expertise on information technology, cybersecurity, data management and leadership.

Behen earned his Master of Public Administration degree and Bachelor of Science degree from Eastern Michigan University.

Show Highlights

Segment 1: Overview

1:06\\xa0\\xa0\\xa0\\xa0\\xa0 Building meaningful relationships starts with being brave enough to ask

3:38\\xa0\\xa0\\xa0\\xa0\\xa0 David Behen\\u2019s willingness to just ask created a first of its kind Kitchen Cabinet of Advisors

Segment 2: The \\u201cTop Three\\u201d

6:12\\xa0\\xa0\\xa0\\xa0\\xa0 A career full of leadership roles with help from mentorships and coaching

7:50\\xa0\\xa0\\xa0\\xa0\\xa0 Behen\\u2019s \\u201cTop Three\\u201d starts with his wife, life partner who keeps him humble

12:00\\xa0\\xa0 Behen\\u2019s \\u201cTop Three\\u201d continues with a provider of great practical advice, Doug Wiescinski

14:57\\xa0\\xa0 How to operationalize your network

17:05\\xa0\\xa0 Behen\\u2019s \\u201cTop Three\\u201d builds with a mentor/ mentee relationship with James McFarlane who challenges him

21:10\\xa0\\xa0 How to make yourself vulnerable to learn something from the people who report to you \\xa0

23:06\\xa0\\xa0 Similarities between a sports team and a team in the workplace

27:34 \\xa0 Behen\\u2019s \\u201cTop Three\\u201d grows with Chris Rizik who is an outstanding soundboard

33:40\\xa0\\xa0 Behen\\u2019s \\u201cTop Three\\u201d concludes with former Michigan Governor, Rick Snyder

38:47\\xa0\\xa0 Be brave enough to ask for the mentorship

42:03\\xa0\\xa0 \\u201cGreat leaders make things simple, don\\u2019t they?\\u201d

Segment 3: Impact of Disruption & Technology on Manufacturing and Home Furnishing Industries \\xa0

42:41\\xa0\\xa0 \\u201cWhat are the big things people in technology should be paying attention to for these industries?\\u201d \\xa0\\xa0

44:57\\xa0\\xa0 The impact of technology in retail

46:00\\xa0\\xa0 \\u201cThe evolution of people buying furniture online will still continue but there will still be a need of a presence of a store.\\u201d

46:35\\xa0\\xa0 The need to talk about the continuation of automation in every business

47:00\\xa0\\xa0 Long-term impacts on buying and shopping habits from COVID-19

48:45\\xa0\\xa0 \\u201cHow are you going to digitalize your business to be pandemic proof moving forward?\\u201d

Segment 4: Wrapping Up

51:21\\xa0\\xa0 Tips for being a better, braver leader

52:24\\xa0\\xa0 How to follow up with David on his great advise

Additional Information

Contact David Behen:

Contact Gregg Garrett:

Contact CGS Advisors:

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