Episode 44

The Future of IT Operating Models

Published on: 9th September, 2025

On this episode of The Smart IT Podcast, I welcomed Jared Webb to the show for an discussion on the future of IT operating models. We reflected on how different companies, even those of similar size and industry, approached IT strategy in unique ways, shaped by leadership style, risk appetite, and business goals.

We explored how many IT teams had shifted from building large in-house teams to adopting more agile, partner-driven models as technology cycles accelerated. Jared emphasized that IT leaders needed to first understand the business, balance risk, and work closely with stakeholders to identify efficiencies and create value.

We discussed the importance of trust between IT and business leaders, noting that far too many organizations struggled because executives made technology decisions without IT’s full input. IT should proactively bring forward improvement ideas, using clear storytelling to secure buy-in. He highlighted how strategic thinking was often undermined by the expectation for IT leaders to remain deeply tactical.

The conversation also explored vendor management and the critical role of value-added resellers and partners. Jared stressed the need for diligence, warning that outsourcing without oversight could lead to poor service. He described how trusted sales relationships often outweighed technology features in purchasing decisions.

We turned to development strategies, weighing in-house versus outsourced approaches. Jared noted that advances in AI had made small, skilled teams far more capable, shifting the balance toward building internally where possible. Still, he cautioned that businesses often undervalued experienced IT staff, leading to risks from “brain drain” and over-reliance on junior talent or quick fixes.

Finally, we examined broader cultural challenges: short-termism in business, the risk of ignoring institutional knowledge, and the need for IT to demonstrate value in long-term competitiveness. We agreed that trust, communication, and relationship-building were the cornerstones of effective IT leadership. IT leaders must pair technical expertise with strong human skills, preparing for a future where they may oversee both people and automated systems.

A much needed conversations in these uncertain times for everyone to review their operating model and adapt it as needed to maintain pace with their organizations growing needs.

Production: Brilliant Beam Media | Syya Yasotornrat

#SmartIT #IT #technology #operatingmodel #businessstrategy #vendorrelationships #riskmanagement #leadership


Show notes:


Link to episode: https://youtu.be/9uO8ceIWeOo


🔹Link to this episode: https://youtu.be/9uO8ceIWeOo

🔹Jared on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jaredlwebb/

🔹The Smart IT Podcast YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@thesmartitpodcast

🔹Captivate Website for all episodes: https://the-smart-it-podcast.captivate.fm/

All Episodes Previous Episode

Listen for free

Show artwork for The Smart IT Podcast

About the Podcast

The Smart IT Podcast
Where IT explores what's next...
The Smart IT Podcast, where IT professionals can assemble and hear from each other, industry leaders, thought leaders, and those in adjacent fields to collaborate and learn from each other and explore what’s next for IT.

The Smart IT Podcast explores what’s next for IT as it continues to find ways to get the important things done for our organizations.
Preparing for the next decade, we need to think differently about how we approach our work to continue to thrive into the future.

Smart IT is an approach, conceptual framework, and development model to getting the important things done by transforming the way traditional IT thinks, works, and leads. It supports the disruption of the status quo, simplifies the complex, reduces uncertainty, and improves risk mitigation.

There has never been more pressure to deliver for our organizations; but I know IT is up to the challenge.

That will require IT to lead by working smarter. Let’s do it together.

About your host

Profile picture for William Reed

William Reed

I am an advisor of technology for business use, have seen the possibilities, the challenges, the constraints, and the risks. I have seen firsthand the technical debt, silos, broken communication, despair of IT, and business frustrations. And, I have seen the possibilities, the hopes, and the opportunities while working in the trenches of IT.

As someone that has analyzed, designed, built, and supported technology infrastructure for many businesses over the years, and followed the technology trends and cyber threats, I see the opportunities for our organizations and for the professionals of IT as a fulfilling and thriving career.

I believe we have been blessed with great opportunities to continue to improve ourselves and organizations. If it’s possible, there is no reason enterprise IT cannot reach new heights and help our businesses thrive in age of disruption, complexity, and risk.

I have a passion is bringing a fresh perspective to the challenges in front of IT and help inspire a team to tackle and win. And to help individuals and organizations make better decisions to improve outcomes and experiences.

I advise on matters of technology use for organizational benefits. He has over 20 years’ experience in the Information Technology field. He has worked for multiple technology value added resellers, representing the major vendors and technologies in the industry. He has consulted across the major industries, including banking, health care, retail, oil & gas, education, government, finance, and legal.