I didn't want to rely on on-the-job learning, though. I sought out the management program at Northwestern University's Kellogg School of Management, where I learned the value of networking, communication and listening. When I brought that back into the corporate environment, it helped me go from just being at the executive committee table to being an active, strategic participant.

I'm still learning what more I can do to advance my and IT's role, and drive value for the company. But I know I have already succeeded in making a significant change in my approach and in my peers' understanding. In the middle of the poor economy of the last few years--and the budget cuts and freezes--I got approval for the replacement of a major legacy system. This happened because I didn't sell it as just replacing a failing system, but as making a necessary upgrade to help the company move forward. That focus on strategy and results that I have gained makes me a more valuable business leader and CIO.

Marina Lubinsky is senior VP and CIO at Oakwood Worldwide, a real estate-management company. She's a member of the CIO Executive Council.