Becoming the Chief Connecting Officer (wsg Erik Wille)
Wed Jan 28 2026
Host Gregg Garrett speaks with Erik Wille, CTO of Cabinetworks Group, about the journey of Technology Leaders in the AI era. Erik shares his "Top 3": Jennifer, his wife, who keeps him balanced in leadership; Seth VanderVlucht, who helps him balance faith and his profession; his father, who taught him how to always give it his all; and his MBA "Crew"–Andrew, Michael, Geoff, and Drew–who act as his personal advisory board. And you have to hear what he says about disconnecting.
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SHOW HIGHLIGHTS
During this episode:
(0:00) Introduction
(1:02) The changing role of Technology Leaders
(7:58) Meet Erik Wille
The "Top Three":
(10:30) Erik's wife, Jennifer: Keeps him balanced in leadership
(14:43) Seth VanderVlucht: Helps Erik balance faith and his profession
(20:25) Erik's father, Larry: Taught him how to always give it his all
(24:35) Erik's MBA "Crew": Act as his personal advisory board
Other Points of Interest:
(33:11) Erik's transition from CISO to CTO
(38:57) The evolution of CIO roles and the path forward
(48:33) Friction leads to change
You Have to Hear This:
(54:52) Force yourself to disconnect
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LINKS AND RESOURCES
Erik Wille: LinkedIn
Cabinetworks Group: Website | LinkedIn
Gregg Garrett: LinkedIn | Twitter | About
CGS Advisors: Website | LinkedIn
More
Host Gregg Garrett speaks with Erik Wille, CTO of Cabinetworks Group, about the journey of Technology Leaders in the AI era. Erik shares his "Top 3": Jennifer, his wife, who keeps him balanced in leadership; Seth VanderVlucht, who helps him balance faith and his profession; his father, who taught him how to always give it his all; and his MBA "Crew"–Andrew, Michael, Geoff, and Drew–who act as his personal advisory board. And you have to hear what he says about disconnecting. . SHOW HIGHLIGHTS During this episode: (0:00) Introduction (1:02) The changing role of Technology Leaders (7:58) Meet Erik Wille The "Top Three": (10:30) Erik's wife, Jennifer: Keeps him balanced in leadership (14:43) Seth VanderVlucht: Helps Erik balance faith and his profession (20:25) Erik's father, Larry: Taught him how to always give it his all (24:35) Erik's MBA "Crew": Act as his personal advisory board Other Points of Interest: (33:11) Erik's transition from CISO to CTO (38:57) The evolution of CIO roles and the path forward (48:33) Friction leads to change You Have to Hear This: (54:52) Force yourself to disconnect . LINKS AND RESOURCES Erik Wille: LinkedIn Cabinetworks Group: Website | LinkedIn Gregg Garrett: LinkedIn | Twitter | About CGS Advisors: Website | LinkedIn