28 April 2026 - UCISA26 Andreau Cretu Reflections
Attending the UCISA26 Leadership Summit was something I was really looking forward to. As someone working within IT services in higher education, the opportunity to step away from the operational side and focus on leadership, strategy, and future direction felt particularly valuable. I was especially interested in hearing how leaders across the sector are navigating change, supporting their teams, and shaping IT services to meet evolving demands.
My first impression of the summit was how open and honest the discussions were. It didn’t feel like a typical conference where everything is polished here was a real willingness from speakers and attendees to share challenges as well as successes. The atmosphere was collaborative and reflective, which made it easier to engage and relate to the conversations.
One of my main takeaways was the importance of people-focused leadership. A lot of the discussion centred around supporting teams through change, building trust, and creating an environment where staff feel valued and empowered. It reinforced the idea that strong leadership is not just about strategy, it’s about understanding people and bringing them with you.
Another key theme was leading through uncertainty. With constant changes in technology, security threats, and user expectations, leaders are expected to make decisions without always having complete information. The emphasis was on being adaptable, communicating clearly, and maintaining direction even when things are evolving.
The third takeaway was around strategic thinking and long-term vision. Rather than focusing only on immediate challenges, there was a strong message about aligning IT services with wider institutional goals. This includes thinking beyond systems and processes and considering how IT can actively contribute to the overall student and staff experience.
For anyone attending the Leadership Summit for the first time, my main advice would be to engage with the conversations and reflect on your own leadership style. It’s not just about listening to speakers it’s about thinking how those ideas apply to your own role, your team, and your organisation.
Overall, the UCISA26 Leadership Summit was insightful and thought-provoking. It provided a valuable space to reflect, learn from others, and gain a broader perspective on leadership within the higher education IT sector.
