Cruise Planners CIO Brian Shultz Inspires Future Tech Generations
In October, Brian Shultz, CIO of Cruise Planners, an American Express Travel Representative, was invited to Johnson & Wales University’s College of Engineering & Design in North Miami, FL to speak to students about technology and the ever-changing industry. Maureen Lloyd-James, Ph.D, Ed. S, a full-time professor at the university and now Cruise Planners Travel Advisor, invited the innovative CIO to be the first speaker for the university’s newly launched Computer Science Program.
“I knew Brian would be a great speaker for the new computer science program,” Maureen said. “He has charisma and presents well while generating engagement with the audience.”
Looking to the Future
As an executive in a competitive industry, leading a team in a constantly changing field, it’s important to always be at the forefront. Brian shared how important it is to be thinking about the next big boom in the industry and leapfrog the competition, remaining ahead of the game.
Every year there are many changes tech departments and companies must evolve and adapt to. Always thinking about what’s next is the main takeaway for the audience.
It’s due to Brian’s innovative, forward-thinking leadership that positions Cruise Planners and inspires a robust in-house team to set the company on a winning streak for multiple innovation and technology awards.
Some of the awards include:
• Brian Shultz honored with CIO of the Year by South Florida Business Journal (2019)
• Travel Weekly’s Gold Magellan Award for Technology Innovation (2019)
• Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA)’s Hall of Fame Travel Agency Innovator Award (2018)
• Franchise Business Review’s Top Innovative Franchise (Since 2017)
• International Franchise Association (IFA)’s Franchise Technology Award (2017)
Tech Opportunities Expanding
Although Brian ultimately learned his passion was geared toward technology, while working as an IT help desk technician for his university, it wasn’t his major in college. He studied social sciences and delved further into tech during his spare time. Realizing how many career paths were out there and the vast opportunity in the making, he left no stone unturned and researched every angle of computer science. Brian encouraged students to learn about the diverse opportunities relevant to today’s industry, as well as what is evolving in the future of technology, just as he did while studying in school.
Some areas discussed:
• Software engineering
• App development
• Quality assurance
• Cybersecurity Web design
Cruise Planners CIO speaking to Johnson & Wales University’s computer science students.
Follow Your Passion
Wanting to give the students a truly valuable piece of advice, Brian highlights passion.
“Find something you really enjoy and feel you’re making a difference in what you’re doing,” said Brian. “Keep in mind that education is key, whether it’s teaching yourself outside of class or primarily through your formal education, use as many resources as possible and learn.”
This is a similar message he instills in Cruise Planners new franchise owners during his in-person, hands-on trainings at STAR University.
Arming Up for Cybersecurity
When discussing cybersecurity, Brian noted improved security measure examples from the new travel advisor websites which were recently rolled out by Cruise Planners technology and marketing teams. The collaborative team works across the board to ensure all technology – from mobile apps and websites to the company’s back-end propriety CRM, CP Maxx to ensure ease of usability while incorporating the highest security.
“At Cruise Planners’ technology department, when we think about cyberattacks, the goal is to always make our advisors’ websites stronger and more robust,” said Brian. “We want to provide our franchise owners’ clients a seamless user-friendly experience while securing the site on all ends.”
