CIO Profiles: Manish Kapoor Of NuStar Energy

Career Track

How long at NuStar Energy: About three and a half years at this pipeline operator.

Most important career influencer: All my former bosses have had an impact on my career in some way. I closely watched their strengths and have tried to incorporate them into how I approach my career -- and I learned from their mistakes to make sure I don't repeat them.

Decision I wish I could do over: I don't jump to an application before understanding the need and the business process involved. But I did do it once because of pressures of time and user requests, and it was not a success. If I were to do it over again, I would do it exactly the way I do all of our other projects now: review the business process, identify the requirements and then look for the best solution.

On The Job

IT budget: $25 million opex and $10 million capital

Size of IT team: 80 people across North America and Europe

Top initiatives:

Vision

The most overrated IT movement: Every technology has its usefulness. A specific technology can be overrated for one industry but could be a lifesaver for another. Carefully analyze the technology as it pertains to your business needs and don't adopt it just because the whole world is adopting it.

What I need from tech vendors: Stop trying to sell everything in your portfolio and become a true partner by providing us with products that relate to our business.

One thing I'm looking to do better: We want to turn around projects faster and with a lot more involvement from the business.

Most common cause when IT projects go wrong: Two common pitfalls are failing to involve the business user enough throughout the project and not tightly managing the change process.

Kids and tech careers: I will let my kids choose careers based on their interests. They can't do justice to a profession if their heart isn't in it.

Personal

The fastest way into my doghouse: Providing technology solutions without understanding the business process and needs

Favorite pro sports team coach: Gregg "Pop" Popovich, head coach of the San Antonio Spurs, who believes the success of a team lies in great teamwork

Best book read recently: Good To Great by Jim Collins

If I weren't a CIO, I'd be ... a management consultant

Ranked No. 58 in the 2012