Changing the Cost‑Center Mindset: Insights from Novant Health’s CIO Angela Yochem

Angela Yochem, Executive Vice President and Chief Transformation & Digital Officer at Novant Health, oversees all digital health operations for the nonprofit system, including 24/7 clinical services, device companies, data science, an innovation lab, and new business‑growth initiatives.

During a Tech Whisperers podcast, Yochem discussed her journey from CIO to P&L leader and how she redefines the traditional view of IT as a cost center. She emphasized that every successful product or service now rests on a strong digital foundation and that business development cannot be separated from technological advancement and unprecedented data access.

She argued that highly automated processes—research, design, procurement, manufacturing, distribution—are essential for designing, building, and selling anything today, and that advanced insights, predictive models, and personalized stakeholder interactions must drive major decisions.

Yochem highlighted the persistent mindset in many organizations that technology exists merely to support business, and she called for a shift: at least one executive on the leadership team must understand the technical foundation and its strategic importance.

She noted that modern enterprises allocate budget to digital capabilities that differentiate products and services, and that while IT may still aggregate costs, the decision‑making power lies with the executive team.

Key advice for leaders includes recognizing that leadership is a role, not a title, and that sometimes the best decisions for the greater good require sacrificing plans within a specific domain.

Yochem described the rebranding of Novant Health’s IT organization to “Digital Products and Services” (DPS), which now includes teams focused on new business growth, market analysis, operational feasibility, and financial viability, as well as a digital health business offering 24/7 virtual clinical services.

She explained that the DPS structure encourages collaboration across traditional IT and broader digital initiatives, allowing IT staff to participate in a wider range of projects.

When evaluating new opportunities, Yochem considers three factors: mission (impact on community health), personal influence (the ability to make a meaningful difference), and growth (continuous learning and contributing to the growth of the organization and its people).

The interview concludes with a reminder that clear communication, courageous decision‑making, and deep personal engagement are essential for leaders navigating the complex digital transformation landscape.