Donna Kidwell

Inspirer
DISC Type : di

Chief Information Officer at University of Toronto

Toronto, Ontario, Canada

Overview

Dr. Donna Kidwell is the Chief Information Officer at the University of Toronto, leading teams in cybersecurity, infrastructure, and learning technology. With a Doctorate in Business Administration, she is a recognized expert in technology commercialization and digital trust. Colleagues describe her as insightful, creative, visionary, and forward-thinking.

Outside of her primary role, she co-chairs the World Learning Conference with colleagues in Norway and is active in several CIO organizations. In a recent podcast, she mentioned her passion for traditional weaving on a walking loom, a tradition connected to her fathers cabin in northern New Mexico.

She received an award from the Governor of Gyeonggi Province, Korea, for her efforts in economic development on behalf of small businesses.

Personality Overview

Fast Adopter

Generous

Charming & Persuasive

They measure a product on its merit but can be influenced by strong testimonials.  They respond well to objective pitches but also attach some value to relationships. They don’t mind taking a stand if they believe in something.

Topics They Care About

Digital Trust
A central theme in her recent talks and past roles, focusing on security, privacy, and empowering users with agency over their data.
Learning Innovation
Co-chairs the World Learning Conference and previously led the creation of online educational offerings for major organizations like ASU and Keller Williams.
Tech Commercialization
Holds a Master's in Technology Commercialization and a Doctorate focused on the commercialization of science, with research interests in innovation.

Media Appearances

Donna has no verified media appearances

Work History

5-2025
Chief Information Officer at University of Toronto
10-2024 - 5-2025
Acting Chief Information Officer at University of Toronto
5-2024 - 10-2024
Chief Information Security Officer and Deputy CIO at University of Toronto
11-2020 - 5-2024
Chief Information Security and Digital Trust Officer & Deputy CIO at Technology at Arizona State University
10-2016 - 10-2021
Adjunct Professor at Western Norway University of Applied Sciences

Education

2008 - 2012
Doctorate Business Administration from Grenoble Ecole de Management
2006 - 2007
MSTC from The University of Texas at Austin

More Information

Social Presence :

Prographics :

Exp : 9 Location : Toronto, Ontario, Canada Job Level : Leadership Designation : Chief Information Officer at University of Toronto
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Insights For Selling To Donna

During A Call Or A Meeting

DO's

  • Get them to a point where they are ready to bat for your product internally
  • Acknowledge their status and position during the conversation
  • Clearly address the competitive aspects

DONT's

  • Don’t be very informal even if they are being so themselves
  • Don’t keep repeating the same information, it could make them impatient
  • Avoid focusing only on the product or its ROI, keep building trust subtly

When Cold Calling

When Writing An Email

While Negotiating & Closing

    The secret to closing fast with Donna is

  • Confidence in the product’s value is critical, followed by relationship and a sense of achievement.
  • Will you ever get a clear answer from Donna

  • They will not hesitate to say no if they do not develop conviction.

Insights For Deal Planning

    How fast (or slow) will Donna move?

  • If they develop confidence in your product and you, then they can make fast decisions.
  • Can Donna take some risk or not?

  • If necessary, they have the ability to take risky decisions.

You And Donna

Personality Compatibility


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