Beyond Networking: How SIM Builds Lasting Relationships and Accelerates IT Careers
In today’s fast-moving tech landscape, many IT leaders find themselves feeling isolated at the top.
How do some consistently stay ahead, make the right moves, and truly thrive?
For me, the answer is simple: the strength of my professional network.
When I first joined the Southern California chapter of the Society for Information Management (SCSIM), I was looking for peers who understood the unique challenges and opportunities of technology leadership.
What I found was much more: A community that shaped my career and gave me opportunities to give back in ways I never expected.
Over the past 15 years serving on the SCSIM board, SIM has become a cornerstone of my professional journey.
Several of my own career moves came directly from connections I made through SIM. Just as importantly, I’ve had the privilege to coach, mentor, and advise others along their paths.
That spirit of mutual support is what makes SIM truly special.
What Makes SIM Different?
SIM’s mission is to empower today’s and enable tomorrow’s exceptional technology leaders. We do this through three core pillars:
🔹 Unparalleled Connection Authentic, high-trust relationships with CIOs, CTOs, CISOs, rising leaders, academics, and practitioners — locally and nationally.
🔹 Unparalleled Career Development From leadership programs and speaker series to mentoring and peer learning, SIM helps you grow at every stage of your career.
🔹 Unparalleled Contribution Through the SIM Foundation, STEM outreach, and local philanthropy, we give back and help shape the next generation of tech leaders.
SCSIM: A Thriving Local Community
As the largest SIM chapter in California and one of the most active nationwide, SCSIM leads with purpose.
We’ve more than tripled in size, fueled by a commitment to connection, leadership, and service.
Here’s what we offer locally:
✅ Enclaves – Small, peer-only dinners for candid, meaningful dialogue
✅ Firesides – Events for rising IT leaders with CXO panels and interactive town halls
✅ Summits – Flagship gatherings with speakers and cross-industry insight
✅ Community Giveback – Active support for STEM scholarships and innovation nonprofits
SIM National: A Network That Scales With You
Your SIM membership also unlocks a powerful national platform, including:
💡 SIM Leadership Institute – Including the renowned Regional Leadership Forum (RLF)
💡 SIM Foundation – Supporting STEM education and social impact
💡 Advanced Practices Council (APC) – Peer exchange for CIOs, CTOs, and CDOs
💡 SIM Enclave® – Executive-only dinner groups that foster trusted relationships
💡 Special Interest Groups (SIGs) – Covering Digital Risk, EA, Procurement, Women in Tech, and more
💡 Members in Transition (MIT) – Support for tech leaders navigating change
💡 SIM TechExec – A national event to recharge and collaborate with your peers
The Real Value: Trusted Relationships and Community
SIM is not just a professional network, it’s a community.
The trusted relationships I’ve built across the country have become mentors, collaborators, and lifelong friends.
My network has become a strategic advantage. SIM has been the catalyst.
Ready to Build Your Network?
🔷 Already a Member? Re-engage with your local chapter and national programs. Attend events, join SIGs, and build deeper relationships.
🔷 Thinking About Joining? Now is the perfect time to get involved in a purpose-driven network of technology leaders.
👉 Join SIM
🔷 New to SIM? See how we support leaders like you across industries and career stages. 👉 About SIM
Let’s keep building something exceptional — together.
Author:
John Manzanares , Managing Partner, TechElevate Advisors
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Lance Ralls, Howard Miller, MBA, PMP, CISM, CRISC, Julie Shroyer, Lea Eriksen, Kevin Gray, George Sheth, MBA, FHIMSS, Kathy Linares, Jake Westphal, Michael Olinger, Greg Geary, CISM, Thomas Phelps, David O'Brien, MBA, CHCIO, HCISPP, Tina Machi, MSIT, Joel Manfredo, MBA, MS (Finance), Nancy Kim-Yun, Beth Hilbing, Todd Britton, EdD, Kathy Lomax, Rich Lindberg, Berhanu Tadesse, John Buccola, YuChih Liou, Carmella Cassetta, John Manzanares, Rachel Yegiaian, Cindy McKenzie, Tamara Armstrong, Grant Anderson, Garrett Zorko, Harry Cometa, Atul Anand, Jacqueline Toubes