We sat down with David Lee, Director of IT Audit & Data Analytics at Cushman & Wakefield, to discuss his experience at Kodi Connect's CIO Executive Networking Exchange in Chicago. With nearly two decades of experience spanning IT governance, cybersecurity, data analytics, and emerging technology risk, David has built a career helping organizations navigate complex technology challenges. Today, he leads Cushman & Wakefield's IT audit function with a focus on cybersecurity, data risk, and emerging technology governance.

If David had to describe the event in one word, it would be "connected." As he explained, "It definitely helps you connect with other folks within your peer group that really understand some of the risks and challenges you're going through, especially in the world of IT, cybersecurity, and data analytics." He was particularly impressed by the opportunity to engage with executives from different industries who are facing many of the same issues. "You meet a lot of people from different industries that are making high-level decisions and really get to understand their challenges, share your insights, and connect on a level where you can build upon those relationships after the event."

For David, the event was absolutely worth the time investment. One of the biggest takeaways was realizing that many technology leaders are wrestling with similar questions around artificial intelligence. “Many organizations are still working to keep pace with the rapid evolution of AI,” he shared. “It’s advancing quickly, and there’s an ongoing effort to better understand how to apply it effectively.” Hearing that perspective from peers was both valuable and reassuring. “Hearing similar perspectives from peers is valuable - it reinforces that organizations are navigating many of the same questions around AI adoption.”

David also highlighted the value of engaging with solution providers, noting that understanding new technologies and how they can address current or future business challenges is critical. “While some may initially view it as traditional vendor engagement, it’s really an opportunity to better understand emerging technologies and how they can help address current and future business challenges.”

When asked about the energy in the room, David immediately pointed to one word: "curiosity." He explained, "A lot of people are just curious about how other folks within their career field are handling different challenges, what risks they're facing, and especially how they're using AI." That openness creates an environment where meaningful conversations happen naturally. "People are willing to ask a lot of questions, and people are willing to provide a lot of their opinions if you ask them questions on things." David believes the format itself plays a major role in making those conversations productive. “The setting encourages more open and candid discussions, creating an environment where participants feel comfortable sharing perspectives and insights,” he said. After connecting with sponsors and learning about emerging technologies, attendees have the opportunity to sit down with peers and discuss everything from career challenges to cybersecurity risks and AI adoption. "That makes everyone just feel so much more comfortable." As a result, attendees can openly exchange ideas, discuss concerns, and learn from one another's experiences in a way that feels authentic and collaborative.

One of the aspects David values most is the trusted network that develops through repeated interactions. "I've met a lot of great people through the Kodi events and stayed in touch with them," he shared. Over time, those relationships become resources that extend well beyond the event itself. “It creates an ongoing network of peers where you can exchange perspectives on challenges, tools, and approaches, and learn from how others are addressing similar issues.” For David, that ongoing access to peers facing similar challenges is one of the most valuable outcomes of participating in the community.

When asked what keeps him engaged at events like these, David pointed again to the importance of staying connected and continuing to learn. "Especially with AI moving so quickly, you have to stay connected," he said. Whether it's understanding the latest technologies, hearing how peers are approaching cybersecurity frameworks, or discussing the practical realities of AI adoption, these conversations help him stay informed about what's actually happening in the field. “These discussions provide practical insight into how organizations are approaching adoption, where they are seeing value, and how they are working through implementation considerations.” That's the value he sees in these discussions.

For anyone considering attending their first Kodi Connect event, David recommends arriving with an open mind. "Come with curiosity and a willingness to network and explore what other people are doing," he advised. "If you talk to the vendors, network with as many people as you can, understand their challenges, and be open to sharing your own, you'll get a lot out of it." He added that while the value may not always be immediate, it grows over time as relationships develop and connections deepen.

Ultimately, David sees Kodi Connect as more than just an event series - it's a community of technology leaders passionate about learning, sharing, and helping one another navigate an increasingly complex landscape. "If you're passionate about technology, this is the place to be," he said. "You'll meet a lot of great people, have meaningful conversations, and stay connected to what others are doing in the real world." It's also what inspired David's interest in joining the Kodi Connect Advisory Board. Having spent his career at the intersection of IT governance, cybersecurity, data analytics, and emerging technology risk, he hopes to help shape future programming around topics such as AI governance, data risk, and emerging cyber threats while continuing to contribute to and learn from the exceptional network Kodi Connect has built.

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To stay connected with upcoming Kodi Connect cybersecurity and technology leadership events, you can explore the full schedule of future peer-to-peer networking experiences here: https://www.kodiconnect.com/all-events. These events bring together senior leaders across cybersecurity, cloud, AI, and enterprise technology to share real-world insights and strategies. If you’re interested in taking a more active role in shaping these high-impact discussions, learn more about the Kodi Connect Advisory Board and how industry leaders help guide event programming and community direction here: https://www.kodiconnect.com/advisory-board.