How to Talk to a CIO About Software Testing (If You Really Have to…) - Keith Klain

The question I get asked more than any other than “How did you get our job”, is “How do you talk to your CIO about software testing”. As software testers are typically not in positions of authority in organisations, this question seems natural, but more important is to find out why aren’t there more testers in management positions. Why do CIOs and senior IT management put people with non-testing backgrounds in charge of such an important function? Through this talk, I will attempt to answer those questions through profiles of CIOs I have worked with and the approach I have taken to tell the testing story, as well, I will offer my opinion why more testers aren’t in management positions and what we can do about it. So put your bias aside and join me as we take a hard look at what’s working (and what’s not working) in software testing management, the culture of skilled testing, how to join the ranks of management without losing your soul.