THE grıll
Frank Wander
Create a relaxed
environment and watch
IT people excel, says
Guardian’s CIO.
What’s the most interesting
thing people don’t know about
you? That I was a biology major
in college and have remained
interested in how living systems
evolve and how people are wired.
What new place would you like
to visit? Polynesia. It looks like
an intimate version of Hawaii.
What’s the best piece of advice
you’ve ever gotten? When your
boss asks you for something, say,
“No problem. When would you
like it?” and then deliver on the
commitment (exercising moral
and ethical judgment, of course).
If you could have a
superpower, what would it be?
I would love to be able to fly.
Frank Wander, CIO and senior vice
president at Guardian Life Insurance
in New York, likes to quote when
talking about his unique approach to
running a successful IT organization.
Too many IT departments are run like
20th century factories — with most of
the emphasis on equipment rather than
on people, who are largely regarded
as interchangeable parts. In contrast,
Wander, a biologist by training, is a
firm believer in the deep brain connections between IT productivity and
innovation and working in a relaxed,
stress-free and collaborative environment. Wander is currently writing a
book on the subject, which he has tentatively titled Professional Intimacy.
“IN MY EXPERIENCE, the best creative work is never done when one is unhappy.” So said Albert Einstein, whom
