Linda Apsley – Leading With Innovation and Integrity

Linda Apsley, a distinguished technology executive with over 25 years of experience, has made significant contributions across multiple industries, including insurance, finance, retail, and technology. Linda is currently the CEO of Apsley Consulting Group (ACG). ACG provides technology and architecture strategy and leadership development and coaching services. She is a Senior Advisor at Boston Consulting Group (BCG), focusing on technology, data, and AI in the insurance and finance sectors. Additionally, Linda Apsley advises two start-ups, Runpod.io and Vendia, providing strategic technical and business development guidance. Her career reflects a blend of technical expertise, leadership understanding, and a commitment to fostering innovation and excellence.

We recently had a conversation with Linda to discuss her background and what inspires her successful professional career.

What inspired you to pursue a career in your chosen field?

My love for people, excellence, and computers has always driven me. As a child, my mother taught me to learn from the best to excel in anything I pursued. She enrolled me in ballet classes with top teachers, which instilled a strong work ethic and the desire to achieve excellence. This foundation carried over to my career in technology, where I sought out the brightest mentors at Microsoft and dedicated myself to continuous learning. Leadership and public speaking also became passions of mine, and I’ve had the privilege of giving many talks on technology and leadership, always aiming to inspire and educate my audience.

Can you share a defining moment that shaped your career?

My pivotal moment was being nominated for the Microsoft Bench Program, which focused on leadership and strategy. This experience boosted my confidence and helped me realize my potential as a technology leader. Another defining moment occurred in high school during an English class assignment. Our teacher asked us to memorize a meaningful poem, and I chose “The Road Not Taken” by Robert Frost. The poem’s message about taking unique paths resonated with me, reinforcing my belief in making independent, thoughtful decisions throughout my career.

How would you describe your personal and professional values?

My core values are Family and integrity, followed by excellence, innovation, curiosity, and enjoying life. I strive to align my actions and decisions with these values, personally and professionally. Integrity guides my interactions, ensuring I maintain trust and respect with colleagues and clients. Excellence drives me to improve and innovate continuously, while curiosity fuels my passion for learning and exploring new ideas.

What advice would you give your younger self?

I would advise my younger self to follow her heart and use her head. It’s essential to have a solid foundation before embarking on new ventures. This mindset has helped me drive transformation in my career, allowing me to take calculated risks and successfully implement solutions where others have failed. I have learned the importance of resilience and strategic planning in overcoming challenges and achieving success.

What personal or professional achievements are you most proud of?

Raising six well-functioning adults who live honorable lives is my most outstanding achievement. Professionally, I am proud of my contributions to various groundbreaking projects. At Microsoft, I was part of the team that designed Office 365 and re-architected Xbox Live. At Amazon, I was a leader in the development of a financial ledger system. At Capital One, I successfully migrated the data tier to the cloud and built a data infrastructure to support AI. As GEICO’s first CTO, I transformed the technology team and designed a high-scale insurance data ecosystem. I have mentored engineers in all these roles, providing them with opportunities to grow and excel.

How do you manage stress and maintain a healthy work-life balance to ensure well-being?

When my children were younger, I prioritized being present for them and maintaining solid relationships. I made time for meditation and exercise, which helped me manage stress and maintain my health. I have completed ten Vipassana meditation courses and continue to meditate regularly. Currently, I exercise at least four times a week and meditate daily. This routine helps me stay focused and balanced, allowing me to perform effectively at work and in my personal life.

How do you define success?

To me, success is defined by a life well lived. It involves aligning my thoughts, words, and deeds with my values and striving to make a positive impact. Seizing opportunities to do good and constantly aiming for personal and professional growth. Success is not just about achieving goals but also about the journey and the difference I can make.

Who is the one entrepreneur or business leader you consider your greatest example and inspiration? Why?

Choosing one leader is challenging because in my career, I have had the opportunity to work with many inspiring individuals, including Bill Gates and Warren Buffet. However, Dave Thompson, from my time at Microsoft, stands out. He was a brilliant technologist and a demanding leader who taught me the importance of excellence and continuous learning. Working closely with him was a crash course in becoming a well-rounded technology leader. His high expectations pushed me to grow and excel, and his mentorship has impacted my career.

Are there any charitable organizations or community service-oriented activities that you are involved in?

I have spent significant time working with the Anita Borg Institute, culminating in my role as Co-Chair of their Senior Advisory Board. Currently, my volunteer work is more focused on assisting in the lives of my eight grandchildren. I believe in giving back to the community and supporting initiatives that promote growth and development, particularly in the technology sector.

Please tell us an inspirational, uplifting story about a time you helped change someone’s life, or someone helped change your life and made a difference.

A memorable experience involves a colleague at Microsoft who initially seemed brash but later became a good friend. He began working for me as my career progressed and followed me to several teams. One day, he didn’t show up for work, and after some investigation, I found out he had passed out at home and was in critical condition. He recovered, joined Alcoholics Anonymous, and later thanked me for my compassion and high expectations, which helped him rise to the challenge. This experience taught me the importance of empathy and integrity, shaping my interactions with others throughout my career.

Additionally, I have helped several administrative assistants transition to more meaningful careers. Recognizing their talents and aspirations, I mentored them and provided growth opportunities. Seeing them succeed in their new roles has been incredibly rewarding and underscores the importance of nurturing potential and supporting others in their professional journeys.

Final Thoughts

Significant achievements, a commitment to excellence, and a dedication to mentoring others mark Linda Apsley and her journey in technology and leadership. Her values of family, integrity, and continuous improvement guide her both personally and professionally. As she continues to shape the future of technology, Linda remains a driving force for innovation and positive change in the industry.