Connie Mui-Reilly
EVP & Chief Information Officer
Douglas Elliman
Connie Mui-Reilly is the EVP & Chief Information Officer for Douglas Elliman, a $35 billion in sales and rentals transactions organization. She is a seasoned technology leader with over 25 years of experience at the intersection of technology and real estate. Connie excels in driving digital transformation, leveraging innovations like AI and machine learning to enhance operational efficiency and revenue growth.
A fun fact about Connie is that she immigrated to the USA when she was 5 years old and didn't speak English at the time. This experience taught her resilience and adaptability, qualities that she says have greatly contributed to her success in technology and leadership.
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Give us a brief overview of the path that led to your current role.
My path to my current role as EVP & Chief Information Officer for Douglas Elliman began with a foundational experience right out of college, helping organizations transition from DOS to Windows and the Microsoft platform. Over the years, I have held various technology leadership positions, consistently focusing on leveraging innovative technologies to drive digital transformation. This journey has equipped me with extensive expertise in real estate technology, strategic leadership, ERP implementation, and cybersecurity, ultimately leading to my current position at Douglas Elliman.
What is one of your guiding leadership principles?
One of my guiding leadership principles is fostering a culture of continuous improvement and innovation. By encouraging my team to embrace new technologies and methodologies, we can drive transformative change, enhance operational efficiency, and achieve sustainable growth.
What is the greatest challenge technology leaders face today, and how are you addressing it?
The greatest challenge in my role as EVP & Chief Information Officer for Douglas Elliman is ensuring robust cybersecurity while driving digital transformation. The increasing sophistication of cyber threats demands constant vigilance and proactive measures. We address this by implementing advanced security protocols, conducting regular risk assessments, and fostering a culture of cybersecurity awareness. Additionally, we leverage cutting-edge technologies like AI and machine learning to enhance our defenses and streamline operations, ensuring that our digital transformation initiatives do not compromise data integrity and security.
What is the key to success for someone just starting out as a CIO?
The key to success for someone just starting out in a C-level role is to embrace continuous learning and adaptability. It's essential to understand both the technological landscape and the business objectives. Building strong relationships with stakeholders, fostering a culture of innovation, and maintaining a strategic vision are crucial. Additionally, focusing on effective communication, risk management, and leading by example will help navigate challenges and drive the organization forward. Prioritizing cybersecurity and staying updated with emerging technologies are also vital for long-term success.
How do you measure success as a leader?
I measure success as a leader through team engagement and satisfaction, achieving strategic goals, fostering innovation, and receiving positive stakeholder feedback. Additionally, I look at operational efficiency and the professional development of my team members. These metrics collectively indicate the effectiveness of my leadership and the overall growth and success of the organization.
What is the value of being a member of the Evanta community?
Being a member of the Evanta community provides invaluable opportunities for networking and collaboration with other C-level executives. It offers access to exclusive events, peer-driven insights, and best practices that can help leaders stay ahead in their industries. Additionally, the community fosters a collaborative environment where members can share challenges and solutions, driving innovation and strategic growth. This collective knowledge and support network enhances professional development and contributes to the success of its members and their organizations.
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