--- title: "Meaning & Key Takeaway of: In ten years, I’m certain every COO worth…" description: "\"“In ten years, I’m certain every COO worth their salt will have come from IT. Any COO who doesn’t intimately understand the IT systems that actually ru..." image: "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/c85/gene-kim-2268_business_in-ten-years-i-m-certain-every-coo-worth_2072376.jpg" --- # In ten years, I’m certain every COO worth their salt will… ![“In ten years, I’m certain every COO worth their salt will have come from IT. Any COO who doesn’t intimately understand the IT systems that actually run the business is just an empty suit, relying on someone else to do their job.” quote by Gene Kim](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/c85/gene-kim-2268_business_in-ten-years-i-m-certain-every-coo-worth_2072376.jpg) [Download](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/c85/gene-kim-2268_business_in-ten-years-i-m-certain-every-coo-worth_2072376.jpg) [Open image](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/c85/gene-kim-2268_business_in-ten-years-i-m-certain-every-coo-worth_2072376.jpg) > ““In ten years, I’m certain every COO worth their salt will have come from IT. Any COO who doesn’t intimately understand the IT systems that actually run the business is just an empty suit, relying on someone else to do their job.”” [Gene Kim](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/gene-kim/) ## About This Quote This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation. Effective leadership now requires deep technical knowledge; a COO lacking IT insight cannot truly steer modern businesses. **In simple terms:** COOs need IT understanding to lead. Key Takeaway Learn IT basics to enhance leadership. Themes leadership technology business strategy Mood strategic realistic Type advisory inspirational When to use this quote - executive decision making - strategic planning - IT governance Key Concepts digital transformation operational excellence Questions to Reflect On - How will you acquire IT fluency? - What tech skills are critical for your role? 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