Episode 13: Mastering Leadership: The Art of Delegation and Empowerment of Team

The Future Focused CXO is the podcast for C-level executives aiming to scale their organizations, lead through transformative challenges, and stay ahead in adopting cutting-edge technologies like AI. Each episode explores actionable leadership strategies, insights on managing rapid organizational change, and real-world examples from top executives tackling the complexities of modern business operations.

In this episode of Future-Focused CXOs, we sit down with Tony Clark, former SVP of Technology and Innovation at Colliers. With a career spanning companies like AT&T, Cox Enterprises, and Iron Mountain, Tony shares his wealth of experience in leadership, technology, and innovation.

Here’s what you’ll learn:

Mastering Delegation: How to empower your team and avoid micromanaging while ensuring success.
Building High-Performance Teams: Key strategies for fostering trust, communication, and autonomy.
Adapting Leadership in a Crisis: Lessons from managing remote teams and addressing challenges during COVID-19.
Career Advice for Aspiring CXOs: The importance of mentorship, communication skills, and taking bold steps.

Join us as Tony dives into the critical aspects of leadership and how to create a culture of success.

The Future Focused CXO Episode 13: Show Notes

In a world where businesses must constantly adapt and innovate, true leadership goes beyond task management—it’s about empowering teams, sparking creativity, and navigating change with confidence.In the latest episode of Future-Focused CXOs, we sat down with Tony Clark, former SVP of Technology and Innovation at Colliers, to explore the nuances of leadership, technology, and transformation.

Tony’s journey from a developer at AT&T to a senior leadership role at Colliers is a testament to the power of mentorship, bold decision-making, and fostering high-performing teams. Here’s a deep dive into the conversation and the valuable lessons it holds for leaders at every level.

The Evolution of Leadership: From Developer to Visionary

Tony began his career at AT&T, where a well-structured onboarding program laid the foundation for his growth.

“Mentorship played a significant role in my career,” Tony shared, highlighting the importance of learning from others.

As he moved into roles like enterprise architect, Tony discovered his knack for solving complex problems and aligning technology with business goals.

His transition to management at Cox Enterprises marked a turning point. Tony spearheaded initiatives like creating an enterprise architecture function, enabling the company to navigate growth challenges while maintaining security and efficiency.

Leadership, for Tony, is not just about taking on responsibility but about empowering others to succeed. His journey underscores the importance of embracing new challenges and learning at every step.

Building High-Performance Teams Through Delegation

One of the cornerstones of Tony’s leadership philosophy is delegation.

“Success isn’t about micromanaging,” he explained, “It’s about creating a shared vision and trusting your team to execute it.”

Tony emphasized the importance of clear communication, setting measurable goals, and removing barriers so teams can focus on their strengths. While early in his management career, he admits to meddling more than necessary; over time, he learned the value of stepping back and allowing his team to thrive independently.

The result? A culture of trust and accountability, where team members are motivated to deliver their best work.

Leveraging Cloud and Agile for Business Growth

In today’s tech-driven world, Tony sees cloud-native architecture and agile methodologies as a winning combination. These approaches enable businesses to scale efficiently, adapt quickly, and innovate effectively.

But success in the cloud comes with its challenges. Tony stressed the need for cost management strategies like “FinOps” to optimize cloud spending. He also highlighted the importance of hybrid solutions that balance flexibility with cost efficiency. For organizations looking to innovate, the cloud offers unparalleled opportunities, provided they adopt a strategic and thoughtful approach.

Navigating Uncertainty: Lessons from COVID-19

The COVID-19 pandemic tested Tony’s leadership in unprecedented ways. At Colliers, he faced the challenge of keeping a reduced workforce aligned and effective in a remote-only environment.

Tony tackled this by focusing on three key areas:

Creating a Shared Culture: Building a sense of purpose and belonging in a virtual setting.
Aligning Communication: Ensuring the team was clear on organizational goals and priorities.
Strengthening Team Connections: Facilitating remote-friendly activities to foster collaboration.

These strategies not only helped his teams survive the crisis but also positioned them to thrive in a new normal.

Advice for Aspiring CXOs: Boldness and Mentorship Matter

For those aiming to lead, Tony offers timeless advice:

Seek Out Mentors: Surround yourself with people who challenge and inspire you.
Communicate with Purpose: Great leaders connect with their teams through clear, effective communication.
Be Bold: Don’t wait for someone to recognize your potential—seize opportunities and make your mark.

Tony’s journey exemplifies the rewards of taking calculated risks and embracing continuous learning. His insights are a reminder that great leaders don’t just lead—they empower, adapt, and inspire.

Final Thoughts

Tony’s perspective on leadership, cloud innovation, and team empowerment offers valuable lessons for today’s CXOs and aspiring leaders. His story is a powerful reminder that leadership is about more than achieving business goals—it’s about creating environments where people and ideas flourish.