GLOBAL INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY DIRECTOR

Summary

Mike Kuykendall
Vision without action is merely a dream. Action without vision just passes the time. Vision with action can change the world.
My life is a reflection of the above quote by Joel A. Baker in nearly every personal and professional endeavor pursued. These words inspire me to be the type of leader that strives to make significant and unique contributions that are evident to all, whether it be as a colleague, subordinate, leaders, peer, husband, parent, grand-parent friend, or athlete. Whether at work or at play, I enjoy fast-paced, exciting, constantly evolving environments.

LEADERSHIP - “Management is doing things right; leadership is doing the right things.” by Peter Drucker, has been influential in shaping me as a leader. Colleagues describe me as someone who can generate new ideas, formulate a strategy, foresee future uses of technology, develop a plan to integrate and then implement in a hands-on manner.

MANAGEMENT STYLE - I am recognized as being transparent, approachable, and consistently communicating vision, mission and direction as it relates to the work being performed. Organizations benefit from my commitment to creating and nurturing high performing teams by attracting, developing, and retaining the right talent.

RESULTS DRIVEN - Recognized for delivering results through a collaborative, open minded, and data-driven approach with influence and clarity. Lead by example with strong integrity, honesty, ethics, and a calm demeanor. Model effective strategies for turning complex problems into sustainable solutions. Simplicity, consistency and patterns are paramount. 

GLOBAL REACH - Experience in managing teams in size from 11 to >850 in the U.S., Canada, India, Brazil, United Kingdom, Europe, Australia, the Middle East and Indonesia. I have experience with labor laws, cultural norms, and management requirements of employees and contractors within these regions.

Mike Kuykendall
mikekuyk@gmail.com
281-844-2605

Results

  • >425
    Enterprise Applications Accountable
  • 4
    Artificial Intellegence Platforms implemented
  • 28
    Complete migration to Outsource Service Providers
  • 5
    Enterprise Resources PLanning migrations
  • >120
    # of IT sox and internal audit policies created
  • 6
    Infr. Platform-as-a-service environments migrated
  • 100+
    Petabytes stored data migrated to cloud Providers
  • >75
    Applications converted to SW-As-a -Service -Cloud
  • 9
    led infrastructure and Data Base DIVESTITURES
  • 21
    Acquisitions AND MERGERS Integration Efforts led
  • 15
    countries where RESPONSIBLE for Direct reports
  • >85%
    staff retention level Last 9 years
  • 12
    Global Directors and VP's managed at one time
  • >850
    Largest Gross Staff Managed
  • 91%
    Annual Budgets at or under target
  • $40 M
    Largest Accountable Capital budget
  • $120M
    Largest Accountable Expense Budget

Questions & Answers

What are your long-term goals?
To be recognized for adding value that results in positive outcomes such as increasing revenue and optimizing costs. My experience continues to build year-over-year and has become quite broad as well as deep. My short and long term goal is to bring these assets to my employer that will leverage all that I can offer to increase shareholder value and improve customer satisfaction. I seek positions where I can lead and mentor individuals and serve my superiors in a way that exceeds their satisfaction. Longer term than that? I do not plan to retire....I'm not built that way. :)
What tools do you use?
I am recognized for being able to go through the decision tree thought process very quickly. This allows me to see 2 or 3 steps ahead when making critical decisions and acting on the outcome. But before acting, I have learned the tremendous value in taking the time to get other opinions of teammates and other smart people around me. This results in inclusion of their input and ownership of the outcome.
Describe your greatest accomplishment.
Work related, it would be the accomplishments I delivered while at Cameron. Over a 13 month period, we accomplished 3 to 4 years worth of work with simultaneous integration projects and organizational transformation work required to integrate Cameron's IT environment into Schlumberger IT. I was part of a great team at Cameron and Schlumberger that worked well together. This effort, although short lived, was very fulfilling and rewarding.

Personally, raising my children to become independent, accomplished adults with their own families and career paths. But the absolutely greatest accomplishment is my grandson. When my wife and I spending time with him it restores my souls.
Who are your main influences?
I have a personal "Board of Directors" of 6 individuals who influence my professional direction. Each of them know they are on my "board" and gladly accept the advisory role they fill. They offer truthful insights into areas to improve upon, conferences to attend, books to read, etc. I am forever grateful for them since their guidance has led me to much professional and personal fulfillment.
Why did you choose your profession?
My profession actually chose me. I began my career in Denver, Colorado as an Account Manager in the Oil & Gas Industry. Although not in IT, I made significant contributions on several IT related projects with our organization's IT team. Several years later my Manager needed someone to run the regional IT group in the Houston office for "just for a month or so until we can find a replacement".

I became totally engaged in leveraging technology to make processes work smoother and after several months I was promoted to the permanent IT Manager position. I am still grateful for that opportunity. And the rest is history.

Education Highlights

  • Highlight Title
  • Executive Leadership Program, Cox School of Business
    Southern Methodist University
  • Chief Information Officer Institute
    University of California - BERKELEY
  • Bachelor of Science -               Industrial Management
    Abilene CHRISTIAN University
  • Master's Business Administration (M.B.A.)
    University of Houston

Causes

  • Leukemia and Lymphoma Society
    An active participant in fundraising and awareness campaigns to provider Services to find a cure.
  • Multiple Sclerosis Fund Raiser
    A 'Top 300' fundraiser in the greater Houston area for MS150
  • Samaritan's Purse
    Disaster Response team active member
  • Texas Department of Criminal Justice
    Current Instructor - 'Personal Leadership' & 'Management'

Personal Interests

  • Grand Parent
    I love devoting time to my 3 Grands. “Something magical happens when parents turn into grandparent
  • Backpacking
    Enoy Section Hikes. Have completed Sections of Colorado Trail, PCT and Appalachian Trails
  • Running and Cycling
    "Age is just a number" - Recently Set my Personal Bests in several Agre Groups
  • Triathlons
    Competed in Half-Ironman Races in Georgia, Santa Cruz and Texas from 2017-2022