F14-11/5: How to Talk to a CIO About Testing (If you really have to…)

Track/s: Keynote

The question that Keith Klain gets asked most often (other than “How did you get your job?”), is “How do you talk to your CIO about software testing?” As software testers are typically not in positions of authority in organizations, this question seems natural but more important is to find out why aren’t there more testers in management positions. Why do CIOs and senior IT management put people with non-testing backgrounds in charge of such an important function? Through this talk, the presenter will attempt to answer those questions through profiles of CIOs he has worked with and the approach he has taken to tell the testing story. He will also offer his opinion as to why more testers aren’t in management positions and what we can do about it. So put your bias aside and join Keith as he takes a hard look at what’s working (and what’s not working) in software testing management, the culture of skilled testing, and how to join the ranks of management without losing your soul.

Session Takeaways:

  • Why aren’t there more testers in management positions?
  • Why do CIOs and senior IT management put people with non-testing backgrounds in charge of such an important function?
  • What’s working (and what’s not working) in software testing management and the culture of skilled testing?


Download Presentation

Please Note: The presentations are intended for attendees only. The presentations page is password protected – contact info@softwaretestpro.com for verification of attendance and the password to access the presentation.


Session Speaker:

Keith Klain – CEO, Doran Jones Testing
Keith KlainKeith Klain is the CEO for Doran Jones, a technology consulting firm specializing in software testing and agile development. With 20 years of multinational experience in enterprise-wide testing programs, Keith has built and managed global test teams for financial services and IT consulting firms in the US, UK, and Asia Pacific. Keith is a current member of the board of directors for the Association for Software Testing and was the recipient of the 2013 Software Test Professionals Luminary award.

Speaker Details:

Keith Klain – CEO, Doran Jones Testing
Twitter: @KeithKlain
LinkedIn: Keith Klain
Blog: QualityRemarks.com
Past Events: STPCon, CAST, STAR