In institutions of higher education, technology leaders sit at a unique intersection. They are responsible for overseeing systems that power nearly every function on campus while driving digital transformation within a shared-governance environment, yet they often work behind the scenes or outside the spotlight. Over the past quarter century, leaders across the academy—including presidents and provosts—have identified technological change as one of the most consequential trends shaping higher education, fundamentally transforming teaching, research, operations, and the student experience in ways few other forces have matched. This pervasive impact, recognized not just by IT professionals but by the highest institutional leaders, underscores how keenly aware senior leaders are of technology’s strategic significance and that they expect IT leaders to partner with them to navigate and harness that change. Effective CIOs and IT leaders therefore succeed not only by managing technology but by positioning themselves as strategic partners: listening deeply; building relationships across the institution; leading from in front, behind, and alongside other leaders; and enabling others to succeed and achieve objectives.