Ep. 63: Kelvin Llaverias, Building a CIO Career Through Curiosity, Accountability, and Vision

This of Next in Line features Cesar Jimenez sitting down with Kelvin Llaverias, CIO at Tabacalera USA, for a powerful conversation on leadership, intentional career growth, ERP modernization, AI readiness, and what it truly takes to earn a seat at the executive table. Kelvin shares his 30+ year journey through IT — starting in data entry and software development in the Dominican Republic before moving back to the United States and climbing through multiple industries and leadership roles on the path to becoming a CIO. Throughout the episode, Kelvin breaks down the importance of curiosity, accountability, business alignment, and why understanding the business matters far more than simply understanding technology.

Topics covered in this episode include:

• Leading large scale ERP modernization projects

• Building trust as a CIO and strategic business partner

• Why many organizations are not truly ready for AI yet

• The importance of clean data and strong operational foundations

• Listening first before driving organizational change

• Managing teams through pressure, uncertainty, and transformation

• Lessons learned from failure and difficult leadership moments

• Intentional career moves that prepared him for executive leadership

• Advice for young professionals entering the technology industry today

This episode is packed with practical leadership insights for aspiring CIOs, IT professionals, business leaders, and anyone navigating growth and change in today’s rapidly evolving workforce.