WSIB’s Samantha Liscio wins 2020 CIO of the Year Award
Among the recently announced winners of the CIO Association of Canada was Samantha Liscio, Chief Information and Technology Officer at WSIB.
Receiving the award for best ‘public sector CIO’ (other categories included private sector, not-for-profit and next-generation leader), Liscio’s recent endeavours have been focused on creating a transformative, tech-based infrastructure combined with a client-centric model.
It was thanks to her visionary efforts that, at the onset of the COVID-19 lockdown, WSIB (Workplace Safety and Insurance Board) was able to migrate over 4,000 staff from 16 corporate offices to a remote working model within one week, a significant logistical feat.
InsurTech Digital had the privilege of interviewing Liscio prior to her win (full article available here), wherein we found out about the changes in the sector she had witnessed throughout her career:
“The last 25 years in technology have been amazing. All the changes that are happening due to digital transformation, creating a ubiquity of technology and being able to do everything online.
“When I joined WSIB three years ago, they were in the process of transforming services to better serve people at the times when they're most vulnerable.”
Not just a tech innovator but a true leader in her field, Liscio values an empathetic approach which accommodates employee needs and recognises that change of any kind can be a difficult experience.
“I believe an innovation mindset is important, thinking about what is possible, both from a technology and a customer implementation perspective and then finally adaptability and resilience, to be consistent and able to sustain through transformation.”
Regarding her part in ensuring the continuity of business operations following the pandemic, Liscio emphasises that it was her business philosophy combined with tech acumen that ultimately yielded such a positive result:
“Many industries weren't prepared to work from home, many people were being furloughed and not able to work. So having empathy that everyone's dealing with difficult change circumstances, I think, is critical.”
Read our full interview with Samantha Liscio in InsurTech Digital July 2020
