UIT Leadership Spotlight: Tim Goodale, Senior Product Manager, Cable Plant

Where are you from originally?

I was born and raised in California’s San Joaquin Valley. I come from a line of ranchers and cattlemen. 

What post-secondary degree(s) do you have, in what subjects, and from which school(s)?

When I started my education journey, IT did not exist as it does today. There were no classes or educational pathways leading to an IT career. What we know now as a computer did not exist, and no one had heard of Microsoft or Apple. We did have social media — it was called a party line. You could pick up the phone and listen in on all the neighbors’ conversations. Over the years, as IT evolved, I have taken many classes and certification programs. 

What led you to the University of Utah? 

Prior to working for the university, I spent 15 years doing engineering, buildout, and administration for Navy Marine Corps Intranet (NMCI). One of my job requirements was being deployed with the troops. When I hit the deployable age limit, I was asked to train a couple of younger folks to take over my job. At that point, I started looking for a job that I could retire from. I wanted to work in an environment where I could use my many years of diverse infrastructure and network experience to benefit the community. The University of Utah fit the bill, and I was blessed to be hired as the product manager for UIT’s Cable Plant.

Can you describe the path you took to IT leadership? 

I started my leadership journey as a copper wire technician for power, phone, and cable TV companies. I had a desire to do much more and felt a purpose to innovate. With the help of my wife, I grew my copper install business into a successful fiber mapping and design business that had offices in five states.

In the 10-plus years we had that business, I wanted to be a more effective leader and bring in more clientele, so I got a practitioner degree in neurolinguistic programming. While I did a teaching style assessment for the Dale Carnegie Center in Texas, I met a few really successful folks. I spent a few years learning as much as I could from each of them.

How would you describe your leadership style and/or philosophy?

I view leadership as an opportunity to serve those you lead. I take the time to know each person individually, and I take a genuine interest in their development. I have found that a few basic leadership methods work well for me and seem to serve those whom I lead well, too.

• Lead by example — be the person you want them to be
• Be clear in your expectations
• Don’t ask anyone to do anything you have not done or are not willing to do yourself
• Be honest and have unquestionable integrity
• Own your mistakes
• Be quick to forgive
• Lead the charge — leadership has no room for bystanders

What do you enjoy most about your role at the U?

The people I am privileged to work with and the feeling of accomplishment when the community is made better by something I did. 

What do you find most challenging about your job?

Living up to my own expectations.

What are some of your hobbies?

Family and the outdoors. My family comes first, and I will chose spending my time with them over anything else. The outdoors comes in second. My favorite way to get to the wilderness is on a horse. In an off-road vehicle and on a hike are also ways I like to get there. 

Is there a fun fact about yourself that you’d like to share?

When I was 13 years old, I raised a goat in my bedroom.

Is there anything else that you think our readers would like to know about you? 

I have five children and 13 grandchildren. My youngest daughter graduated from the U last year.

 

Node 4 Search