In the Information Technology Leadership Program (ITLP), Stanford IT professionals, alongside peers from universities across the country, cultivate a deliberate practice of reflection that leads to greater confidence, influence, and more intentional leadership.
In September, eight Stanford IT leaders marked the culmination of their eight-month journey through the Information Technology Leadership Program (ITLP) by sharing key takeaways with their managers during their cohort graduation.
As they reflected on their experiences, several themes emerged: empowerment and delegation, redefining leadership and confidence, and systems thinking. Notably, the practice of reflection emerged as a defining principle of the program.
“Reflection is foundational to leadership growth,” said Sujith Dhati, director of Computer Resource Consulting in University IT. “It unlocks just about everything else we have learned in ITLP.”
Reflection not only served as an exercise for participants to pause, examine their assumptions, and refine their leadership approaches; it emerged as an engine that drives leadership growth. By integrating new tools and insights, they strengthened their ability to empower others, coach with purpose, and lead with clarity. The result was not only greater self-awareness and confidence, but also stronger and more effective teams across Stanford IT.
As Will Johnson, SUNet Backbone manager in University IT, shared, “I had a very rigid definition of leadership; I wasn’t allowing the best parts of my authentic self to show up. Working with my coach and cohort, I consciously rewrote my definition of leadership. Today I feel more confident, capable, and relaxed as a leader—and I can see the difference in how my team responds.”
Congratulations to the 2025 ITLP cohort graduates!
- Edmond Chow, software developer, LBRE IT
- Jamal Clark, assistant director for support services, Residential & Dining Enterprises
- Sujith Dhati, director of computer resource consulting, University IT
- James Han, senior information security and compliance manager, Graduate School of Business
- Will Johnson, SUNet backbone manager, University IT
- Ashish Kulkarni, director of core financial and asset management, University IT
- Michelle Mason, senior IT project manager, Residential & Dining Enterprises
- Xandra Gangbin, associate director of the Operator Services Center, University IT
About ITLP
More than 120 Stanford participants have graduated from Stanford’s ITLP since its establishment in 2005.
The program is designed to:
- Enhance the professional and personal development of individuals who will play increasingly important management and leadership roles within information technology.
- Broaden each participant’s understanding of the strategic and technological issues facing higher education institutions and how each institution is shaping its choices.
- Strengthen relationships within and across participating universities to foster the collaboration needed to leverage resources on shared priorities.
Learn more and get involved
- Nominate yourself or a colleague by completing the ITLP nomination form.
- Download the MOR program brochure for program components and 2026 dates
- Review the 2025 Coffee & Careers slide deck, which spotlights the ITLP and STLP Programs.
