A college track captain finds his way to tech Leadership: how Joe Herington became CIDO of Charter Manufacturing.
In a candid interview with Joe Herington, Chief Information and Digital Officer at Charter Manufacturing, we gain insight into how an unexpected career path and key life lessons shaped his journey to becoming a technology leader.
Joe Herington grew up in Westerville, Ohio, a northern suburb of Columbus, where he lived until his senior year of high school.
He describes Westerville as a "heavy middle class" community with good schools where education was a priority.
His childhood included typical suburban experiences - playing sports like soccer, basketball, and baseball, and spending summers riding bikes to the local pool.
Joe’s formative years would lay the groundwork for his future success, though not in the way anyone might have expected.
One of the most formative experiences in Joe’s leadership development came not from the corporate world, but from his time as a track team captain at Marquette University.
"The ability to communicate and lead with teammates and have a passion for team success over individual success has honestly been probably the biggest foundation," he reflects.
This early lesson in collective achievement would become a cornerstone of his leadership philosophy.
A pivotal strategy in Joe’s career was the creation of what he calls his personal "board of directors."
His first personal board director, Sue, proved instrumental in pushing Joe beyond his comfort zone.
Despite his non-traditional background—a marketing major with minimal technical experience—her mentorship helped him secure a spot in GE Healthcare's prestigious IT leadership program.
Perhaps most interesting is Joe’s evolution in how he defines success.
Early in his career, he admits to being driven by a fear of failure, regularly working 80-90 hour weeks.
However, this perspective shifted dramatically as he moved into leadership roles.
"Success is about how well the team does," he explains. "I focus on how many people I help get promoted, and how many people I help get opportunities."
In what might be the most powerful moment of this conversation, Joe shares a perspective that encapsulates his mature view on career and life: "Your tombstone is going to have a date with a dash with another date. It's not going to say your company or great employee at this company!"
This philosophy underscores his emphasis on finding personal fulfillment and maintaining work-life balance, rather than wearing long hours as a badge of honor.
Joe Herington’s journey from a marketing major who once feared working in a cubicle to a senior IT leader demonstrates how embracing curiosity, valuing team success, and maintaining perspective on what truly matters can lead to unexpected and fulfilling career paths.