Leadership isn’t just about making decisions or managing teams—it’s about fostering growth, embracing curiosity, and continuously seeking out new ways to drive innovation. In a recent episode of the Future Focused CXOs podcast, we had the privilege of speaking with Bradley Enneking, Chief Information Officer at Heartland Financial USA (HTLF). With a rich background spanning technology, banking, and consulting, Bradley brings a unique perspective to leadership and organizational transformation. Here’s an exploration of the key insights he shared during our conversation on the power of curiosity, technology, and proactive leadership.

Curiosity: The Cornerstone of Career Growth

Bradley’s journey to becoming the CIO at HTLF was not a linear path. It was shaped by a deep curiosity that led him to ask questions, seek out new information, and find creative solutions to problems. Whether in his early days as a developer or in his leadership role today, curiosity has been the driving force behind his career growth.

Bradley emphasizes that curiosity is essential for those looking to advance in their careers, particularly in the ever-evolving fields of technology and business. Rather than following a predefined script, he advocates for a mindset of constant learning, adaptation, and seeking new opportunities to make an impact. In his experience, being curious about the world around you not only leads to new insights but also opens up new pathways for personal and professional growth.

Key Takeaway: To thrive in any career, especially in leadership roles, embracing curiosity is crucial. It drives innovation, fosters growth, and helps you see opportunities where others might miss them.

The Transition from Developer to Leader

One of the most significant shifts in Bradley’s career was his transition from a developer to a leadership role. Early in his career, Bradley focused heavily on technical expertise and problem-solving. However, as his career progressed, he realized that leadership required more than just technical skills. It required understanding people, building effective teams, and creating an environment where everyone could contribute to the company’s success.

Bradley reflects on this transition, explaining how he had to move away from focusing solely on technology and start thinking about how to empower his team to make decisions, collaborate, and solve problems together. As he took on more leadership responsibilities, he learned that guiding others, developing talent, and setting clear goals were just as important as technical knowledge.

Bridging the Gap Between Technology and Business

As the CIO of Heartland Financial USA, Bradley is at the forefront of digital transformation. One of his primary responsibilities is ensuring that technology initiatives align with the overall business strategy. But this alignment doesn’t always happen automatically. Bradley shared that one of the most important aspects of his role is bridging the gap between technology teams and business operations, ensuring that both sides are on the same page when it comes to objectives, goals, and execution.

He pointed out that strong communication between business and technology teams is essential for successful digital transformation. Without it, technology solutions can end up disconnected from business needs, resulting in wasted resources and missed opportunities. Bradley’s focus is on ensuring that every technological advancement serves a clear business purpose, whether that’s improving efficiency, enhancing customer experience, or driving growth.

AI in Banking: A Double-Edged Sword

Artificial intelligence is a hot topic in almost every industry, and banking is no exception. Bradley shared his views on the growing role of AI in the banking sector, recognizing its potential to revolutionize everything from customer service to data analysis. However, he also offered a cautious perspective, especially when it comes to how AI should be integrated into the heavily regulated banking industry.

Bradley explained that AI has immense potential, but it must be used responsibly and in ways that complement human judgment. While AI can certainly automate tasks, predict trends, and enhance decision-making, it cannot replace the critical thinking and experience of human leaders. In the context of banking, where customer trust and regulatory compliance are paramount, AI should be a tool that supports, rather than replaces, human decision-making.

Proactive Leadership: Empowering Teams to Drive Change

One of the most valuable lessons Bradley shared was the importance of being a proactive leader. In a world where change is constant, leaders can no longer afford to sit back and wait for challenges to arise—they must anticipate issues, identify potential risks, and take action early to prevent problems from escalating.

Bradley emphasized that proactive leadership involves empowering teams to take ownership of projects and make decisions. When team members feel trusted to lead initiatives and solve problems, they are more engaged and motivated to deliver high-quality results. Bradley’s leadership approach focuses on fostering a culture of accountability, where everyone feels empowered to drive change and make a meaningful impact.

The Future of Leadership: Curiosity and Empathy at the Core

As industries continue to evolve, the qualities of effective leadership will also need to adapt. Bradley’s vision for the future of leadership is one that emphasizes curiosity, empathy, and the ability to foster strong, collaborative teams. He believes that leaders who embrace these qualities will be the ones who can successfully navigate the complex challenges ahead and lead their organizations to success.

Bradley Enneking’s insights remind us that leadership is not just about managing processes or making strategic decisions—it’s about inspiring curiosity, empowering teams, and driving meaningful change. By embracing curiosity and prioritizing communication and collaboration, leaders can foster innovation, overcome challenges, and build organizations that thrive in the digital age.

To dive deeper into Bradley’s leadership philosophy and gain more insights into his approach to technology, AI, and team empowerment, don’t miss the full episode of Future Focused CXOs. You can listen to the episode and learn how curiosity can be the key to your leadership success.