CITI Member Spotlight: Blaine Kovacik on Adaptability, Mentorship, and Finding His Fit in Tech‍

In this CITI Spotlight, we sit down with Blaine Kovacik, a tech strategist and consultant helping industrial companies bridge the gap between technology and business results. Blaine opens up about his turning point in tech, lessons from career setbacks, volunteering for data-driven non-profits, and how community and mentorship have shaped his growth. His story is a reminder that adaptability, curiosity, and strong networks can turn uncertainty into opportunity.

Tell us what you currently do
I lead a consultancy that partners with local companies in the industrial sector. Our work reflects the variety of experiences I’ve had throughout my career — from technology and AI strategy to business development, software implementation, and analytics maturity. I enjoy helping organizations bridge the gap between strategy and execution, and guiding them toward solutions that actually move the needle.

Turning Point Moment
My “this is it” moment came during my MBA. I was in a conversation with my teammates about our goals when they said something that stuck with me: my strengths — comfort with numbers, curiosity about how things work, and ability to help people adapt to change — naturally align with technology. That conversation shifted how I saw myself and clarified where I could make the most impact. Five years later, I’m still on that path, still learning, and still grateful for how that realization shaped my career.

Early Setbacks & Self-Discovery
In 2020, I started what I thought would be my dream job — an AI strategy consultant role. Then the pandemic hit, and I was laid off. It was a hard reset. I wasn’t sure what was next. A former Deloitte colleague, who later became a mentor, offered me a role on his team in a completely different domain — something I knew almost nothing about. I took the leap, and it turned out to be one of the best decisions I’ve made.

That experience taught me two big lessons: always maintain a strong, diverse network, and never be afraid of unexpected opportunities. You never know which one will open the next door.

Adaptation and Learning
In 2016, I worked on the response to the Fort McMurray wildfires, conducting environmental assessments around air, water, and soil safety. It was one of those experiences that forces you to make critical decisions with limited and evolving information. Balancing urgency and accuracy was tough, but it taught me how to be comfortable with uncertainty — a skill that’s invaluable in both tech and leadership.

Mentorship & Community
Mentorship has played a huge role in my journey — both formal and informal. Having people to bounce ideas off, and to hear how they handled challenges before you face them yourself, is invaluable.

Communities like CITI have also been important to me. Being surrounded by curious, driven, and open-minded people changes how you think. Every conversation has the potential to shift your perspective and introduce you to new ways of approaching problems.

Any exciting projects you’re working on?
I’ve been volunteering with a local non-profit, helping them improve their analytics maturity. It’s been exciting to see leaders start using data more effectively to guide decisions. One key metric we’ve focused on is NPS (Net Promoter Score), and it’s been rewarding to see that number climb as the team becomes more data-driven. It’s a small example of how analytics can empower people and strengthen organizations from the inside out.

Vision / Future Self
In the next three to five years, I see myself leading a team that helps organizations align strategy with the power of data and technology. I want to focus on creating clarity — helping teams leverage tools that drive real results, not just trends. Most importantly, I want to keep supporting my team every step of the way, because impact happens when people feel equipped and empowered.

For Blaine, the key to making his future vision real is finding the right fit — the right challenges, the right people, and the right opportunities to make meaningful change.

To connect with Blaine and other professionals like him, Join the CITI Community HERE