1 FREE CPE FOR MEMBERS

Please note: This is an ISACA Global Community Event

Register Here: Building a Career with Curiosity & Courage with Alex Harwood Webinar—Elevate Your Career

Career paths are rarely straight lines, more like messy scribbles with surprise detours. In this session, Alex Harwood, AVP of Advanced Computing and CTO at Cal Poly Pomona, shares his not-so-linear journey from studying anthropology and art (and realizing retail wasn’t the dream) to leading major technology initiatives across the California State University system.

Along the way, Alex learned to say “yes” to opportunities he wasn’t entirely sure he was ready for, like being hired to lead a Drupal implementation right after Googling what “Drupal” even was. Through those pivots, he discovered that leadership isn’t about knowing every technical detail; it’s about building trust, showing empathy, and protecting your team so they can thrive.

This session offers candid stories of imposter syndrome, unexpected turns, and lessons learned from turning doubt into momentum.

Key Takeaways:

• Why uncertainty is normal (and survivable)
• How to recognize and “package” your transferable skills
• The importance of trust and empathy in leadership

• Why saying “yes” and then figuring it out is often the smartest move.

Date: Wednesday, October 29, 2025

Time: 5:00 PM - 6:15 PM PST