Introducing Valence Howden, Principal Analyst for Info-Tech Research Group. Valence Howden is a Principal Analyst at Infotech Research group with over 30 years of experience in IT. He helps organization develop and optimize their Service Management, IT Governance, Digital Strategies, and Risk Management practices while driving improvement in the processes and performance metrics.
Valence is also delivering a seminar at SITS in May, called ‘Getting commitment – selling the value of service management practices.’
1. Tell us about your journey with SITS, how has the show shaped your growth?
The SITS show is one that I’ve been aware of and been interested in for a few years now. Since I’m based out of north America it was hard to get this on my schedule but I’ve been aware of the size and scope of the show, and how it helps people in our industry. I also have colleagues who have attended or spoken at SITS and had great, positive things to say about it.
2. What do you love most about what you do?
What I enjoy most it the ability to help organizations really understand what they are trying to accomplish and how to adjust and optimize themselves to contributes to their organization’s value and success in a real, tangible way.
3. What have you got in store for your session?
In my session, I’m really looking to help people create an articulate case for the value of the work they do, by helping them clearly understand where they fit into the mission of their organization – associating what they do to what matters. I hope to add context and perspective to help refocus direction.
4. How did you get into the IT profession (or IT support)?
I got into IT by providing end-user support on devices, services and networks for a telecom company in Canada. I was an phone rep for the company, but would be pulled off the phones if there was a systems issue and would fix the outages before returning to take calls again. This was while going to university. When the technical resources were absorbed by the IT arm of the company, I moved into the IT organization. I’ve moved through tech support, service and network, coding and software development, and IT leadership in my career.
5. Why would you recommend a visit to SITS?
I always recommend attending SITS – and shows in general – because it’s an incredible place to learn, to meet with peers and to gain new insights that help us all progress in our careers. I’ve gone from attendee to speaker and contributor over the years, but always find something of value when I attend.
Valence Howden’s session titled ‘Getting commitment – selling the value of service management practices’ will be held at SITS, The Service Desk & IT Support Show, on 10-11 May 2023 at ExCeL London.
The presentation is at 13:00 – 13:45am, May 10 in Theatre 3.