In this episode of The Daily Windup, host Eric Coffie dives into a captivating story of leadership and organizational transformation. Starting with an unexpected turn of events, Austin Tsosie recounts how he found himself taking on the role of CEO after the turbulent times experienced by DDC IT Services. As the holding company, Nova Corporation, underwent a transformative phase, Austin faced the challenge of aligning subsidiaries and implementing a competitive strategy to overcome revenue loss and ensure future growth.

We explore the critical importance of early strategic planning, highlighting the “cliff” phenomenon that companies face when exiting programs and the need to establish competitive strategies beforehand. Austin also emphasizes the significance of the Navajo heart, expressing the journey of infusing tribal identity into the organization and fostering connections with various stakeholders, including the Navajo Nation government, military personnel, contracting offices, and internal subsidiaries. The creation of a robust governance model, incorporating audits, processes, policies, authority matrices, and ethical guidelines, further exemplifies the commitment to excellence and economic development.

Tune in now as we unravel the remarkable story of Austin’s journey from unexpected leadership to building the Navajo heart, showcasing the power of vision, adaptability, and collaboration in organizational success.