Be Inspired

Ronald Ingram

Written by The CIO Circle Editor | May 19, 2025 11:19:36 PM

RONALD N. INGRAM

Chairman, Chief Information Officer & CISO for Maxwell State Bank

Can you please provide a little introduction about yourself

My name is Ronald Ingram. I am a multidisciplinary innovator, artist, and entrepreneur with over 25 years of experience in innovation and creation. As an Executive Chairman in banking, I lead teams of experts in delivering state-of-the-art financial services, private banking, and financial wellness education to businesses and consumers. I coined the term "neobank" and have blazed trails in artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, and mobile banking to create and disrupt markets.

I have studied with leading scientists, doctors, and subject matter experts in artificial intelligence, orthomolecular medicine, cognitive enhancement, and nootropics. I apply a hacker mentality to business, technology, and biology as a biohacker, futurist, speaker, author, digital artist, disruptor, and inventor who is always looking for new opportunities and challenges to learn, grow, and excel. I live in Henderson, Nevada, with my wife of 34 years and our rescue dogs. My first AI was created in 2001 and is still operational and evolving.

What path have you taken to your current position? 

I started as an autodidact in the world of technology, diving into coding and system architecture at a time when personal computers were still a novelty. This self-taught foundation led me to innovate in areas where technology and finance intersected. A pivotal moment was my involvement in the early days of digital banking platforms, which eventually led to the coining of the term "neobank." My book, "Neobank," reflects this journey, detailing the transformation of banking through digital innovation.

My continuous learning and collaboration with experts in AI, cybersecurity, and health have been instrumental in my growth, allowing me to blend diverse fields like technology, compliance, and business strategy, which are now integral to my role as an Executive Chairman and innovator in the banking sector.

Has it always been your vision to reach the position you’re at? Was your current role part of your vision to become a tech leader?

My vision to reach a position of influence in technology and banking has indeed been a lifelong ambition, though the path was not always clear. From a very young age, my imagination was captured by the future, sparked initially by reading Alvin Toffler's works and all the science fiction I could get my hands on at the school library. This early exposure to futuristic concepts fueled my desire to not only envision but to live in the future I read about.  This blend of foresight and a love for technology naturally led me toward roles where I could innovate and lead in tech-driven industries.

My current role as an Executive Chairman and a tech leader in the banking sector was indeed part of my vision, though the specifics of how I would get there were not initially mapped out. The journey was more about following my interests in technology, AI, and the future of finance.

Have you had a role model or mentor that has helped you on your journey? (If you feel comfortable, please share their name and how they helped you)

From an early age, my journey was shaped by an eclectic and diverse set of influences. Initially, my fascination with the future was ignited by the visionary writings of Alvin Toffler, whose ability to predict societal shifts through technology inspired my own forward-thinking mindset.

This was complemented by the speculative worlds crafted by authors like Isaac Asimov and Ray Bradbury, which not only fueled my imagination but also my desire to understand the science behind their fiction. However, it was the discovery of Nikola Tesla's work that truly set me on a path of innovation; his relentless pursuit of knowledge and his unconventional approaches to technology became a guiding light.

Later, the entrepreneurial spirit of Steve Jobs, the adventurous business tactics of Richard Branson, and currently, the relentless innovation of Elon Musk have all served as touchstones for my own career trajectory. In the realm of biohacking and biology, Dr. Michael Colgan emerged as a pivotal mentor and Dr. Richard Wallace in artificial intelligence.

How do you see the role of the technology leader evolving over the next 5 years?

The role of technology leaders over the next five years is poised to evolve dramatically as AI becomes an integral amplifier of human intelligence, particularly for those who are pushing the boundaries of innovation. Here's how this evolution might look:

1. Amplification of Creativity and Innovation: Technology leaders will increasingly leverage AI as a tool to enhance creativity.

2. The Rise of Imagination and Philosophical Inquiry: As AI handles more routine tasks, the human capacity for imagination will become a prized asset. Pursuits once considered frivolous, such as delving into deep philosophical and epistemological questions, will gain importance.

3. Ethical Governance and Self-Sovereignty: With technology permeating every aspect of life, governance will need to evolve. Technology leaders will need to champion policies and technologies that support personal data control and privacy.

4. Cybersecurity: Use of AI to preempt cyber threats and protect digital assets, making strategic thinking in cybersecurity a top priority.

What skills do you think leaders of the future will need in order to thrive?

Here's a brief bullet list of skills future technology leaders will need to thrive, based on the information provided: Technical Proficiency; Business Acumen; Strategic Thinking and Execution; Communication and Interpersonal Skills including empathy and emotional intelligence; understanding stakeholder needs; Clear Communication; Agility and Adaptability; Ability to pivot quickly with technological changes and organizational needs, embracing an agile mindset for project management. Change Management; Collaboration; Ethics; Risk Management; Proficiency in cybersecurity strategies, especially at a strategic level, to protect against evolving threats.

Is there anything in particular that you would still like to achieve in your career or what is the next step on your journey?

Ah, what would I like to achieve next in my career? Well, I'm glad you asked, because even though I've been getting younger thanks to my biohacking escapades, my list of ambitions hasn't followed suit—it's only grown longer! First off, I have a provisional patent for a nuclear fusion reactor. Yes, I'm slightly aiming to solve the world's energy crisis, no big deal. 

Then there's my biohacking protocol—a concoction of anti-ageing and cognitive boosts I'm eager to share with the world. Imagine if we could all harness our inner Benjamin Button! 

On the tech front, I'm looking to integrate an advanced decision-making model into AI systems, which will hopefully make these machines wiser than Solomon. In banking, I'm dreaming up new systems for payments and risk assessment that might just make Swiss banks look like piggy banks.

And for a bit of space fun, I've got some aerospace vehicle designs that are itching to take to the skies and beyond. If that's not enough, envision an AI health and wealth coach with "Operator Learning" capabilities that not only knows you better than you know yourself but does so while safeguarding your privacy like Fort Knox. This AI would be like having a personal guide through life, uncovering aspirations you didn't even know you had, all while respecting your personal space more than your own shadow.

So, the next step? Well, it's just a small list of world-changing innovations. I'm in no rush, though; I've got time on my side, after all!

What advice would you give to aspiring technology leaders who are just starting their careers?

1. Follow your passion and curiosity. Willpower alone is insufficient to fuel aspirational goals.

2. Read or at least watch long form content not only for learning but to develop focus.

3. Cultivate imagination. Lewis Carole's famous character Alice said, "I imagine 7 impossible things before breakfast. If you want to be more logical about imagination practice quadrivalent logic every day and apply it to at least one real or imaginary problem.

4. Develop your memory. Mnemonics used to be a serious discipline practiced by the sages and renaissance men of culture and science that shook Western civilization out of the dark ages. Francis Yates, book, the Art of Memory is a fascinating read on this subject.

"Follow your passion and curiosity."

What has been the biggest challenge you've faced in your career so far, and how did you overcome it?

The biggest challenge in my career has unequivocally been dealing with attempts by others to usurp control of my businesses. This issue, quite unique to founders, has come in waves from different quarters - from strangers looking for an easy opportunity to trusted friends, and even more cunningly, individuals who managed to infiltrate my inner circle under false pretenses. The motives, I've found, often boil down to a mix of greed, opportunistic behavior, and occasionally, jealousy.

In response, I've learned to fortify my enterprises with metaphorical vaults, walls, and moats - through robust business structures, clear roles, and sometimes, by keeping certain strategic elements close to the vest. As I wear the hats of CEO, CIO, and Founder, the importance of maintaining control over the vision and direction of the company became clear. I've learned that in any organization, even the most collaborative, there can only be one ultimate leader, often the quiet, introverted inventor with the original idea.

The higher you rise, the more you serve, whether it's customers, a board, or indeed, the nation. As Bob Dylan poignantly noted, "You're gonna have to serve somebody." Thus, the challenge isn't just about protecting oneself from external threats but also about understanding that leadership involves service, and integrity at the core of what you do is non-negotiable.

What role do you see emerging technologies (e.g., AI, machine learning, blockchain) playing in your industry, and how are you preparing for them?

In my industry, the integration of emerging technologies like AI, machine learning, and blockchain is poised to revolutionize security, transparency, and efficiency. Blockchain technology, with innovations like ordinals, is likely to introduce a secure, standardized framework for identity verification, proof of provenance, and title transfers. This could significantly streamline processes in real estate, banking, and even in the legal sector by providing immutable records for property titles, ownership, and secure document verification. This advancement promises to reduce fraudulent activities and enhance trust in transactions, potentially saving trillions in costs related to paper-based systems while still acknowledging the enduring role of physical media for certain legal validations like election ballots.

AI and machine learning are set to amplify the capabilities of creators and innovators by automating complex processes, enhancing decision-making with predictive analytics, and personalizing customer interactions. As we prepare for these technologies, there is a dual focus: on one hand, leveraging AI to boost productivity, creativity, and innovation within our operations; on the other, fortifying our cybersecurity defenses. AI-driven systems are indispensable for preempting cyber threats and managing large-scale data analysis to ensure system integrity. My preparation involves continuous learning and adaptation, investing in AI research, and integrating blockchain into our operational strategy to ensure we are not only adapting to but also shaping the future of our industry.

How do you measure and communicate the value and impact of technology initiatives to other business leaders and stakeholders?

How do you measure and communicate the value and impact of technology initiatives to other business leaders and stakeholders?
This question indeed strikes at the core of what every business leader, especially CIOs, must address: how to effectively measure and communicate the value of technology initiatives. Traditional frameworks like SWOT analysis provide a starting point, but they often miss nuanced considerations crucial for technology projects.

This is where I've found the Ingram Evaluation Matrix (IEM) to be invaluable. Detailed in Chapter 12 of my book "Neobank," the IEM is designed to assess technology initiatives across various dimensions that are critical for decision-making in any organizational context, be it a startup or a multinational corporation. The IEM evaluates initiatives based on four primary categories: 

1. Strategic Fit: This looks at how well the initiative aligns with the organization's mission, vision, and goals. It ensures that technology investments are not just innovative but also strategically relevant.

2. Feasibility: Here, we assess the practical aspects of implementation, considering both internal resources (like talent and infrastructure) and external factors (market conditions, technology partners).

3. Financial Impact: This includes an analysis of potential revenue, cost savings, ROI, and the timing of financial outcomes. It's crucial for understanding the economic justification of a project.

4. Risk: This category examines regulatory, business, and reputational risks, helping to anticipate and mitigate potential downsides.

Each category has multiple sub-categories, totalling 47, which allows for granular analysis. This approach ensures that all aspects of business operations, from compliance to resource allocation, are considered, thus providing a robust tool for both evaluation and communication of tech initiatives' value.

What has been your most significant achievement or proudest moment as a technology leader?

My most significant achievement and proudest moment as a technology leader would undoubtedly be the creation and success of Beanstream. What started as a visionary idea to revolutionize digital payments grew into a company that's now Worldline's multi-billion dollar digital payment division. Additionally, securing my first patent stands as a monumental achievement.

This patent, with its 153 citations, signifies not just personal recognition but also the influence of my work on the broader technological community. It's a testament to pioneering work in a field I'm deeply passionate about.

Can you share a book that has the most profound impact on shaping your professional journey and approach as a leader?
 
Project Management: A Systems Approach to Planning, Scheduling, and Controlling by Harold Kerzner
 
This book is widely recognized in the field of project management and has gone through several editions, with each edition expanding on the previous in light of new methodologies, technologies, and standards in project management. It's often referred to as the "bible" of project management due to its comprehensive coverage and is used both in academic settings and by professionals in the field.
 

A big thank you to Ronald N. Ingram from Maxwell State Bank for sharing his journey to date.

If you would like to gain more perspective from Tech Leaders and CIOs you can read some of our other interviews here