Five Themes CIOs Are Wrestling With in 2025

Across every industry, CIOs and CTOs are navigating a complex mix of priorities as they aim to realise the potential of technology and digital services.

Here are five CIOs themes for 2025.

1. Balancing Innovation with Stability

The first challenge is executing on both innovative and stable priorities. Organisations are wrestling with how to allocate limited resources between foundational operations and future-focused initiatives. There’s a noticeable gap between what’s available in the market and what internal teams can deliver - largely due to persistent skills shortages. Partnering with external providers and accelerating internal capability development are proving essential.

2. Data is Now Everyone’s Responsibility

Executives and boards are recognising that data isn’t just a back-office concern - it holds the key to customer enhancement, operational optimisation, and new revenue streams. As a result, data is becoming a whole-of-enterprise responsibility with stronger governance and greater strategic focus.

3. Product Over Project Orientation

Successful technology teams are shifting from a project-based approach to a product-oriented mindset. Rather than working on standalone efforts, they are building integrated platforms and assessing priorities across multiple products. This product focus ensures that technology delivers consistent and scalable value across the organisation.

4. Influence Through Transparency

Reputation drives influence. The ability of IT teams to clearly articulate the value they bring - and to be transparent about delivery timelines - is critical. Without this, trust diminishes, and the technology function loses its voice in broader business decisions.

5. The Need for Agility and Alignment

Finally, agility in learning, partnering, and communicating is crucial. Technical skills development, data literacy, and alignment with business stakeholders are increasingly important. Technology leaders must continually adapt to ensure their teams stay relevant and effective as the business landscape evolves.

If these themes resonate with you and you’re exploring how to better support your organisation, feel free to reach out.

I’d be happy to discuss how I can help you and your team realise more of your potential.