No Silver Bullets: Why Smart Tech Leadership Starts With Humility.
Author Dr Jamie Smith
In an age where the pace of technological change can feel intense, it’s tempting for leaders to grab at the next big thing, AI, cloud, quantum computing and so on, hoping it will solve everything in one go. But Steve Groom, CEO of IT support powerhouse Vissensa, doesn’t deal in silver bullets. He deals in reality. And his brand of leadership is refreshingly honest, grounded, and very human. I’ve known Steve a long time and his insights and experience are priceless.
“We’re not here to sell you a dream. We’re here to solve your problems, if we can,” Steve told us in a recent conversation that explored everything from cloud evolution to cyber resilience, AI, and the changing role of tech leaders.
This wasn’t your usual corporate cheerleading. It was an unfiltered masterclass in how to lead well in a digital world.
From Cloud 1.0 to Edge and Hybrid: Lessons from the Trenches
Steve’s journey leading Vissensa has spanned monumental shifts in the tech landscape, starting back in 2008 with a stronghold in data centres. When Cloud 1.0 rolled in, it promised simplicity and savings. “It sounded good,” Steve says, “but the reality didn’t always match. Egress charges, loss of control, it didn’t live up to the hype.”
Cue Cloud 2.0. And now? Edge computing. Hybrid environments. A return to complexity, but with nuance.
“Processing needs to happen closer to where the data lives. There’s speed, cost, and control at stake,” Steve explains. And that’s exactly where businesses need support, not just in picking tech, but in designing it right.
AI Isn’t Magic, It’s Maths, Models, and Mistakes
Few topics generate more hype than AI. But Steve issues a stark warning: “AI is not a panacea. Garbage in, garbage out still applies.”
He described AI today as a “mischievous teenager”, smart, but easily led astray. The solution? Don’t just plug in ChatGPT and hope for the best. Instead, invest in building your own IP using small language models. It’s about ownership, control, and strategic advantage.
“AI’s value lies in creating something unique, something yours. Otherwise, you’re just feeding someone else’s model.”
Cyber Security: Not Just a Tech Problem, a Board-Level Risk
Steve doesn’t sugarcoat the threats. “We’ve seen state-sponsored attacks. We’ve seen executives accidentally leak salary data via AI tools. This isn’t hypothetical.”
He shared examples where companies faced bankruptcy from data breaches and regulatory fines. “If you’re not testing your recovery plans, you don’t have one,” he warned. “Backup alone isn’t enough, you’ve got to test it, audit it, know it works.”
And for those still dragging their feet on basic security practices? “There’s no excuse for not knowing. If you’re unsure whether your data’s secure, you’re already behind.”
Leadership Lessons: Start With Humility, End With Foresight
So what makes a great tech leader today?
“Humility,” Steve says without hesitation. “The ability to walk the talk. To listen, learn, and teach. Especially with younger generations coming into this space.”
And if he could give one piece of advice to a CEO feeling lost in the fog of innovation?
“Get to the ceiling. Look down from above before making decisions. Understand the whole picture.”
Final Word: Don’t Buy the Hype. Build the Foundation.
At C-Learning, we’ve worked with a lot of tech leaders. Steve Groom stands out because he isn’t dazzled by buzzwords. He’s focused on building trust, solving real problems, and preparing organisations for the long haul, not just the next press release.
The big takeaway? Leadership in tech isn’t about having all the answers. It’s about asking the right questions, and being brave enough to admit when you don’t know. A long time ago when I first met Steve I needed his help to solve a big technical problem and a major international and household name IT company pointed me in his direction for help. It was a great call. Steven listened and knew how to ask just the right questions, and we solved the problem.
Ready to lead with humility and foresight in the tech landscape? Connect with us at www.c-learning.net or follow us on LinkedIn to discover how.
📩 Connect with us at www.c-learning.net
🔗 Follow the conversation on LinkedIn
