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Sara Wissmueller

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Sara Wissmueller

Chief Information Officer · Phillips Industries

Her CIO journey connects business judgment, stretch assignments and accountable leadership.

Sara Wissmueller is Chief Information Officer at Phillips Industries and previously led information technology at Phillips Connect. In her conversation with Bob Hansen, she explains how an accounting and information-systems background, work with CFOs and cross-functional assignments shaped her leadership, and why AI investments still need a business case, security and human judgment.

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The conversation

Sara Wissmueller, CIO of Phillips Industries, traces an accounting-to-technology career path shaped by mentors, stretch assignments and the confidence to make decisions. With Bob Hansen, she discusses high standards, team culture and translating IT investment into business value, then examines where AI can improve support and manufacturing—and where security, economics and human judgment should limit it.

Lessons from this leader

  • Build business fluency alongside technical fluency so technology decisions serve operational outcomes.
  • Combine initiative with responsibility instead of waiting indefinitely for permission to lead.
  • Set high standards, own mistakes and build a team culture of mutual support.
  • Test AI through practical pilots, return on investment, cybersecurity and human oversight.

Appearances