Compaq co-founder and former CEO Rod Canion joins the pod again this week to look forward through his departure from Compaq and towards a future of forging the tech ecosystem in Houston and beyond. Since leaving Compaq in 1991, Rod has been an inspiration for Houston founders and a prolific member of numerous groups, boards and organizations that have helped Texas become a thriving place for tech. Talking points include transitioning from founder to board member, creating opportunities with GOOSE Capital and the Houston Technology Center, and the importance of startup ecosystem persistence.

Compaq’s legendary Co-founder and former CEO Rod Canion joins the pod this week to talk about how an uncertain career risk led to one of the fastest growing tech companies of the 1980s. Rod discusses the company’s earliest days in part 1 of this insightful interview, including Compaq’s rapid growth from $100 million in sales in its first year and to its $1 billion milestone by year 5. Talking points include raising $10 million in venture and achieving $100 million in sales, finding compatibility with IBM software, and securing Compaq’s continued success after Canion’s exit in 1991.

In this episode, Chris Howard sits down with Tamara Shaw, former Chief Transformation Officer at C1, to discuss the evolving role of Chief Transformation Officers (CTOs) and the challenges of integrating company culture during acquisitions. Talking points include managing offshore and global initiatives, the necessity of operational technology investments, and Tamara’s advice for aspiring future Transformation Officers.