Elena: Thank you for taking the time to conduct this interview with us. So, to start off, what inspired you to get into the world of IT and tech strategy?
Karen: What inspired me is that one of my biggest passions has always been helping people. I’ve found that combining that with the fast pace of technology—and my love for learning and digging deeper—creates the perfect match. It’s where I found my passion for technology.
Elena: What’s your favorite part of working with our clients as a vCIO?
Karen: My favorite part is helping them and understanding their needs. I think that’s the biggest part of this role. Not only that but also making sure that our technicians know what our clients need.
Elena: What’s a piece of tech you think every business should be using by now?
Karen: I definitely have been looking a little more into AI and how to leverage it into a business environment. It’s not perfect yet, but I think in the near future, we will start looking at more technology that works with AI.
Elena: Oh, definitely. What’s one tech myth or misconception you wish more people understood?
Karen: That cloud is cheaper. It’s not always cheaper – it really depends on what you’re trying to accomplish with the cloud. Sometimes it’s cheaper to do everything On-Premise. But really, again, it depends on what you’re trying to accomplish.
Elena: What’s the first computer you ever had?
Karen: Well, I’m actually newer to technology, but my first computer was an Windows XP.
Elena: If you weren’t in tech, what do you think you’d be doing instead?
Karen: Photography for sure. That’s what I was doing before I actually started with technology, and I really wanted to start doing more.
Joven: What did you do, glamor shots?
Karen: Studio shoots – I was learning all the techniques that I needed to maybe eventually start my own studio.
Joven: I did not know that about you!
Elena: Me either. What’s a surprising skill or hobby you have outside of work?
Karen: I do a little bit of everything – I did photography, I read books…there’s nothing specific that I’m really good at, but I like trying a lot of new things.
Joven: Do you have a camera at home?
Karen: I do.
Joven: What do you have?
Karen: I have an alpha. I think it’s okay – it’s just out of the box, but I’ve been using it a lot on my travels.
Elena: Nice! What inspired you to pursue a career in technology? And how did you enter your role as a vCIO?
Karen: What inspired me was how diverse this field was. I like how it’s new every single day, and there’s nothing constant. It’s always changing, and as a vCIO, I’m just learning how to leverage wanting to help our customers, especially understanding what they need help with.
Elena: Can you tell me more about what a vCIO is?
Karen: A vCIO is like a part-time tech advisor for your business. They help you make smart decisions about your technology—things like planning for the future, staying secure, and making sure your IT actually supports your goals. It’s less about fixing things and more about strategy.
Elena: What does a typical day look like for you at LG Networks?
Karen: A typical day starts with me reviewing some of my tickets, and throughout the day, just helping the help desk if they ever get stuck on a problem or if a customer has a question or concern.
Elena: What qualities do you think are essential for someone to succeed in the vCIO role?
Karen: You don’t just need to understand the technology—you also need to genuinely care about people and really listen to them. It’s about putting their needs first and then finding the right solution that works for them.
Elena: What do you love the most about working at LG Networks?
Karen: I love everyone from the owner to the CIO. I really like the people that work here and that’s what I love the most about this company.
Elena: Can you share a project or moment at LG Networks that you’re especially proud of?
Karen: A project or moment that comes to mind is the beginning when I started here as a support solutions engineer. I think that was my first break fix. I had no idea what I was working on. I think it was like 2016. I had no idea what work I was walking into but LG opened the doors for me to be able to experience those things, and that was the start of me learning even more than what I knew already.
Joven: Did you feel like a legit help desk technician after?
Karen: When I started taking more of those calls, it made me feel a little bit more of a consultant in a way, and it also helped me grow that confidence.
Elena: What advice would you give young professionals entering the tech field today?
Karen: Be curious. Curiosity brings you closer to learning new things. And, obviously, don’t break stuff on purpose, but even if you do break something, learn from those mistakes. And keep going. The more you learn, the better you’ll get as a technician.
Elena: What’s the best piece of advice you’ve ever received – personally or professionally?
Karen: Don’t be a doormat. It always comes to mind when I’m like, okay, can I handle this, or should I give it to someone else? Don’t take something on that you can’t handle. Learn to say no.
Elena: What’s your favorite way to unwind after a long day?
Karen: My favorite way to unwind is by taking a nap.
Elena: What book, podcast, or show are you currently enjoying?
Karen: I really love anime. Signs and affection is what I’m watching now.
Elena: Have you seen Attack on Titan? I’m watching that now.
Karen: I actually read the manga before it became an anime, and it got really big.
Elena: Alright, well thank you for this interview! That was all the questions for today.
Joven: Thank you so much Karen.
Karen: No, thank you!
