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Higher ed IT isn’t just about technology—it’s about leadership, strategy, and navigating the unique challenges of institutional culture. And we’ve seen it all. Two retired Canadian Higher Ed CIOs—and CUCCIO CIO of the Year winners—Bo Wandschneider and Dana Sanderson—bring decades of experience tackling technology, governance, and innovation in Canadian universities. In Bytes of Experience: CIOs Unplugged, they cut through the noise to discuss real challenges, real solutions, and the realities of IT leadership. Expect deep insights, candid discussions, and plenty of humor—because IT isn’t always glamorous, but it’s always interesting. Whether you’re a seasoned pro or new to the field, join them for an unfiltered look at the digital evolution of higher ed IT.
Higher ed IT isn’t just about technology—it’s about leadership, strategy, and navigating the unique challenges of institutional culture. And we’ve seen it all. Two retired Canadian Higher Ed CIOs—and CUCCIO CIO of the Year winners—Bo Wandschneider and Dana Sanderson—bring decades of experience tackling technology, governance, and innovation in Canadian universities. In Bytes of Experience: CIOs Unplugged, they cut through the noise to discuss real challenges, real solutions, and the realities of IT leadership. Expect deep insights, candid discussions, and plenty of humor—because IT isn’t always glamorous, but it’s always interesting. Whether you’re a seasoned pro or new to the field, join them for an unfiltered look at the digital evolution of higher ed IT.
Episodes

Thursday Oct 30, 2025
S01-E08-Cutting Ourselves Short: IT, Strategy, and the Budget Crisis
Thursday Oct 30, 2025
Thursday Oct 30, 2025
In this episode, Gayleen Gray, CTO at McMaster University, joins us to unpack why blanket budget cuts undermine institutional resilience when IT is treated as a cost center. Drawing on Alex Usher’s insights, we explore digital transformation gaps, the rise of shadow IT, benchmarking strategies, and how smart investments in people and platforms can drive efficiency, trust, and long-term savings.
Resources:
"No One is Coming to Save Us” June 12, 2024
🔗 Link to blog
“Nobody is Coming to Save Us, But…” March 17, 2025
🔗 Link to blog
“Where Canada Lies in Global Trends” (World of Higher Ed podcast) January 9, 2025
🔗 Podcast episode

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