About the Author

Those who know John D. Hughes consistently use one word to describe him: passionate. John combined his passions for leadership, business and IT strategy to launch his management consulting company, GrowthWave, in 2005. GrowthWave provides CEO Advisory, Interim CIO and CIO Coaching services.

Prior to GrowthWave, John was CIO for TrendWest Resorts in Redmond, WA, and VP of IT Strategy and Business Alignment for the Cendant Corporation’s $1.5B Timeshare Resort Group. His career includes time with some of America’s best run companies, including Bank One (now Chase), ADP and Worthington Industries.

John began his career at 19 as a mainframe computer operator for Robbins & Myers in Springfield, OH. From there he moved on to computer programming roles, then systems analysis, project management and IT management roles. Never satisfied with just knowing the technical side of business, John developed a deep desire to learn the strategy side of business as well.

Through his career experiences, John developed the unique ability to advise CEOs in building more effective IT organizations, expertly step in and lead IT organizations as an Interim CIO, and coach CIOs to become business leaders within IT.

Through Haunting the CEO, John was able to combine his CEO advisory, Interim CIO and CIO coaching experiences into an insightful, helpful and entertaining leadership tale.

In addition to writing and consulting, John also speaks. He will customize an engaging, insightful talk or presentation for your business meeting, conference, or retreat. Topics include Leadership Lessons from Haunting the CEO, Leadership Development that Sticks, The Changing Role of the CIO, Increasing the Business Value of IT, Leading IT as a CEO, and more. Presentations can be geared toward any group of leaders, emerging leaders, or C-level executives. Click here if you’re interested in bringing John to your meeting or event.

John lives in Woodinville, Washington, enjoying time with his family, writing, speaking, consulting, hiking the unmatched beauty of the Pacific Northwest, and taking in a Seattle Mariners game when he can.