Unlocking Momentum
By: Project Brilliant
Language: en
Categories: Business, Management, Careers
Transformation doesn’t come from theory. It comes from motion. From momentum. And from leaders willing to do things differently. Unlocking Momentum is for the evolving CIOs, strategic leaders who aren’t satisfied just managing systems, but driving growth, enabling innovation, and building the future of their organizations. Hosted by Aaron Kopel, founder of Project Brilliant and creator of the Momentum Locksmith framework, this show is where forward-thinking leaders come to grow.
Episodes
This CIO Brings Leaders to a Nature Expedition to Rethink Leadership
Jan 07, 2026Why should CIOs step away from being the "technical fixer" to lead effectively?
In this episode, Aaron Kopel sits down with Jeff Ton, former CIO of Ton Enterprises, LLC, and a seasoned leader in IT and leadership development. Jeff shares his journey from COBOL punch cards to guiding leaders on transformative expeditions inspired by the Lewis and Clark trail. He explains why leadership is about more than just technical skills and how understanding core values can shape a team’s vision.
Leadership comes with both challenges and rewards, and Je...
Duration: 00:31:18Why Communication is the Secret Skill Most CIOs Get Wrong
Dec 23, 2025Momentum is built in the uncertain moments, when leaders are stretched, cultures shift, and teams look for someone steady to move them forward.
In this episode, Aaron Kopel sits down with Warren Lenard, CIO of the Indiana Office of Technology, whose path has taken him through some of the toughest environments a CIO can face. From guiding a retail organization through COVID to stepping into statewide leadership with no public-sector background, Warren has led in seasons that reveal what leadership truly means.
Key takeaways
Leadership evolves when leaders shift from controlling... Duration: 00:48:25This is How To Lead Your Team Through a Massive Change
Dec 10, 2025Transformation takes shape in the chaos of everyday work. It's in tough choices and moments when nothing feels certain, and leaders stand at the center of it all, steadying their teams and helping them move with purpose.
In this episode, Aaron Kopel chats with Republic Airways CIO Matt Belanger, who’s right in the middle of one of the most intense seasons a CIO can walk into. New headquarters are coming online, flight operations systems are being rebuilt, a major acquisition is closing, and two cultures are preparing to come together. It’s the kind of environment wher...
Duration: 00:39:10This is Unlocking Momentum with Aaron Kopel
Dec 03, 2025Transformation doesn’t come from theory. It comes from motion. From momentum. And from leaders willing to do things differently.
Unlocking Momentum is for the evolving CIOs, strategic leaders who aren’t satisfied just managing systems, but driving growth, enabling innovation, and building the future of their organizations.
Hosted by Aaron Kopel, founder of Project Brilliant and creator of the Momentum Locksmith framework, this show is where forward-thinking leaders come to grow.
Duration: 00:00:51