The Story of the CXO Nexus
Our team launched Tech Community Nexus in 2024 with an initial vision of standing on the shoulders of the great community leaders that have come before us to mobilize the technology community across Ohio and elevate this state as THE place to be if you are in technology, to help Ohio become the self proclaimed Silicon Heartland.
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As we started talking to our initial target customer, the tech leader, we started hearing about the pain you were feeling, the big goals you are chasing, the packed calendars pushing you from meeting to meeting, and a wave of “urgent” that keeps getting in the way of the important. This led us to our first real pivot towards the CIO Nexus, with a new vision for the Nexus to come alongside the tech leader and help them on their personal and professional journey: bringing together growth, exposure and wayfinding all surrounded by community to solve real problems. Momentum picked up. Excitement started to build. Still, we as founders couldn't help but think "Is this enough? How are we really helping them deliver the business outcomes they are after?"
This led to our next pivot, a laser focus on two focused offerings we could provide to deliver clear and distinct outcomes:
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Nexus Performance Edge to help the tech leader assess and tune the performance of the IT function
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Nexus Career Navigator to help the tech leader figure out what they want to be when they grow up and map out a path to get there.
As we worked to build out these offerings into robust technology platforms, we kept hearing from our friends in other roles across the executive suite. "But what about me? Can you do this for me?" And the answer is a clear and resounding yes! With a little forethought and intentionality, we believe we can abstract everything we are building for the tech leader and provide it for every function in the executive suite. To provide us with that longer term north star, we decided to pivot once again, becoming the CxO Nexus. We will keep the best of what we build for the tech community and add what other c-suite leaders really need to move the needle: focused playbooks, expert operators, and accountability that turns ideas into KPIs. We will help CEOs and tech leaders turn technology into a force multiplier for their business AND we can extend that disciplined capability across the whole C-suite.
It has been a bit of a winding road to this point but we are excited about what the future holds. Where we will go from here? That remains to be seen. But we will continue to keep the executive at the center of what we do and look for more and better ways to help them on their journey. Join us for the ride! Welcome to the Nexus.
Our Team
CXO Nexus Founders
Meet the innovative minds driving CXO Nexus forward. Each founder brings a unique perspective and expertise to the table, shaping the future of the Nexus.
Michael Fulton
Co-founder
Mike is an award-winning senior technology executive with global experience within several multi-billion-dollar organizations as well as roles in companies of all sizes seeing technology from every angle. Among his roles, Mike has worked as a Chief Innovation Officer, twice as a Chief Information Officer and as a company founder. He has also served on and lead many private, industry and non-profit boards and is a big believer in the power of community.
He offers corporate leadership, an innovative mindset, a strategic viewpoint, a strong network and deep understanding of every aspect of a digital operating model backed by a proven track record demonstrating technology strategic planning, enterprise architecture, team building proficiencies and the ability to deliver rapid adoption of technology that matters.
With a professional travel agent as a wife, two kids in college and a third in the workforce all in separate states, you never know where Mike might turn up next. But as a proud alumni of and adjunct professor at The Ohio State University, the first place to look is probably his home in Columbus, Ohio.
Jason Skidmore
Co-Founder
Jason Skidmore is an executive leader, entrepreneur, business advisor, and board member with experience founding, leading, and advising organizations for success. As a Founder and CEO of a technology talent organization, he led the company to multiple awards and recognition, including three-times as an Inc 5000 winner. After a successful exit, Jason went on to become Co-Founder of a business that works closely with Executive Technology leaders in navigating a successful career life cycle. Jason is passionate about enabling these leaders to align their technical acumen with business strategy to achieve superior results for themselves and the organizations they lead.
As a Board and Strategic advisor to multiple private and non-profit organizations, Jason has helped them understand market positioning, enhance operational efficiencies, and build go-to-market strategies to achieve scale. He is also an active participant and leader of technology communities and trade associations.
A husband and father of four awesome kids, ages ranging from elementary school to college, Jason spends his free time navigating their chaotic family schedule – and loving every minute of it!
Troy Gibson
Co-Founder
Troy Gibson is a transformative thought leader offering 20+ years of experience innovating and reengineering technology and business environments, developing and launching product and service offerings, establishing best practices-based processes and systems, and pursuing and closing multimillion-dollar key accounts. Passionate coach and mentor to diverse teams, identifying and nurturing high-potential talent, and building the bench strength critical for organizational advancement.