Some people chase success; others define it on their terms. Shane McDaniel, the Chief Information Officer (CIO) of the City of Seguin, Texas, has done both. His career trajectory is anything but conventional—spanning military service, federal intelligence, private-sector cybersecurity, and now municipal IT leadership. But for McDaniel, success isn’t measured by salary or titles. It’s about impact, fulfillment, and staying true to his roots.
In a candid conversation with Josef Martens, the Tech Executive Club podcast host, McDaniel shared his journey—from a small-town upbringing in East Texas to leading technology initiatives in one of America’s fastest-growing cities. He spoke about the sacrifices he made, the risks he took, and the philosophy that has guided his leadership. Most strikingly, McDaniel calls himself “the luckiest CIO walking the face of the earth,” not because of financial rewards but because he has found deep purpose in his work.
What drives a person to leave a lucrative Fortune 500 job, take a $40,000 pay cut, and jump into local government? For McDaniel, it was simple: he wanted to make a real difference. His journey is one of perseverance, risk-taking, and a relentless pursuit of meaningful work—qualities that make him a standout leader in the tech industry.
The Road Less Traveled: A Journey of Purpose and Innovation
From Small-Town Roots to Global Experience
Shane McDaniel’s story begins in a modest East Texas town, where he grew up in a blue-collar environment. College was never the obvious choice for him. “I wasn’t a great student,” he admits. Instead, he took a different route that would ultimately shape his leadership style in profound ways.
McDaniel joined the Air Force, a decision that gave him discipline and structure and introduced him to the world of technology. “The Air Force gave me my start in tech almost 30 years ago, and I still use some of those same skills today,” he says.
His military career took him far beyond the boundaries of Texas. He spent years in Europe, gaining exposure to different cultures and ways of thinking. That global perspective proved invaluable when he transitioned to the intelligence sector, where he worked for the National Security Agency (NSA), the National Reconnaissance Office (NRO), and later moved into private industry, leading cybersecurity operations for a Fortune 500 company.
Yet, despite the impressive resume and financial stability, something felt off.
The Bold Leap: Leaving Corporate for Public Service
On the eve of his 40th birthday, McDaniel made a decision that many would consider risky—if not downright reckless. He left his secure, well-paying job in private industry without a concrete next step lined up. “I knew in my soul that I was a public servant at heart,” he explains.
It wasn’t about money. It wasn’t about prestige. It was about meaning.
That leap of faith led him back to Texas, where he found a role in local government IT. It was a significant pay cut, but McDaniel didn’t hesitate. “Hindsight being 20/20, I don’t regret it,” he says. “It took years to recover that salary, but waking up with a smile every day made it worth it.”
His move to the City of Seguin—a rapidly growing municipality outside the San Antonio-Austin corridor—felt like coming full circle. He was back in a small-town setting, but this time, he had the opportunity to leverage cutting-edge technology to drive meaningful change.
Building a Culture of Innovation
When McDaniel took over as Seguin’s CIO, he was not only managing IT infrastructure but also leading a transformation.
Under his leadership, Seguin has won 24 innovation awards in just seven years. His team has implemented AI-driven cybersecurity tools, cutting-edge cloud solutions, and major enterprise IT projects while maintaining a close-knit, collaborative culture.
But for McDaniel, leadership isn’t just about technology. It’s about people.
“I have 15 people on my team, and I want every single one of them to succeed—whether in our organization or somewhere else,” he says. “If someone leaves for a better opportunity, I see that as a win. That means we’ve done our job in developing them.”
His leadership philosophy is simple: invest in people, foster trust, and embrace change. He no longer sees himself as the driver of innovation—his team does that. “I’m the head cheerleader and facilitator,” he laughs.
Advice for the Next Generation of Leaders
McDaniel’s journey is filled with lessons for young professionals navigating their paths. His most significant piece of advice? Take risks while you can.
“Taking risks is easy when you’re young and don’t have much to lose,” he says. “That’s the time to explore, fail, and learn. If you get knocked down 10 times, get up 11.”
He also challenges conventional wisdom about education. Despite earning his bachelor’s and master’s degrees over 12 years of night classes, he believes a four-year degree isn’t the only path to success in tech. That’s why he partnered with a local school district to launch a cybersecurity program that allows high school students to graduate with an associate’s degree and industry certifications—setting them up for careers right out of school.
“I’m proof that you don’t need a traditional path to make it in this field,” he says. “If college is right for you, great. But if not, there are so many other ways to build a successful career in tech.”
A Work in Progress: The Evolution of Leadership
Even with decades of experience, McDaniel considers himself a “work in progress.” He embraces continuous improvement—whether that’s in leadership, technology, or personal growth.
He references Kobe Bryant’s philosophy of getting “1% better every day” and applies it to his leadership journey. “You don’t just hit a point where you stop growing,” he says. “That doesn’t make sense, especially in IT where things change constantly.”
That mindset has allowed him to evolve as a leader. Early in his tenure, he was more rigid and directive. Over time, he learned to trust his team more, shifting from a top-down approach to a more collaborative model.
“I used to drive innovation here. Now, my team does,” he says. “And honestly, that’s how it should be.”
Finding Success on His Terms
Today, McDaniel is precisely where he wants to be. He calls Seguin home, enjoys a four-mile commute, and spends his lunch breaks with his wife and dogs. “I cannot believe how fortunate I am,” he says.
But just because he’s happy doesn’t mean he’s slowing down. His team continues to push boundaries in technology and cybersecurity, winning national and even international recognition—including a feature in a Paris-based magazine highlighting Seguin’s cybersecurity leadership.
McDaniel’s story is about more than just technology. It’s about finding purpose, taking risks, and defining success to align with who you indeed are.
And if you ask him, he’ll tell you the same thing every time: “I’m the luckiest CIO walking the face of the earth.”
Lessons from Shane McDaniel’s Leadership Journey
Shane McDaniel’s story is more than an inspiring career path—it’s a blueprint for professionals seeking purpose and fulfillment in their work. Whether you’re just starting in tech, considering a career shift, or leading a team, his journey offers valuable risk-taking, perseverance, and leadership lessons.
Here are some actionable takeaways from McDaniel’s experience:
1. Take Risks While You Can: McDaniel left a secure, well-paying corporate job because it didn’t align with his values. Don’t be afraid to take a leap if you’re feeling stuck or unfulfilled. The earlier you take risks, the easier it is to recover and learn from them.
2. Define Success on Your Terms: Many professionals chase higher salaries and prestigious titles, but McDaniel chose meaning over money—and found happiness. Ask yourself what truly motivates you. Is it an impact? Growth? Autonomy? Build your career around those values, not just external rewards.
3. Invest in Continuous Learning: McDaniel spent 12 years taking night classes to earn his degrees, several industry certifications, and constantly pushes himself to improve. Learning never stops. Whether through formal education, certifications, or hands-on experience, always strive to be 1% better daily.
4. Build a Culture of Trust and Innovation: As CIO, McDaniel shifted from driving innovation to empowering his team to lead the charge. Great leaders don’t have all the answers. Build a team you trust, and let them take ownership of new ideas and initiatives.
5. Explore Alternative Career Paths: McDaniel supports non-traditional education, partnering with local schools to help students earn cybersecurity degrees before they even graduate high school. There are multiple paths to success in tech. Traditional degrees aren’t the only route—certifications, apprenticeships, trade schools, and hands-on experience can be just as valuable.
6. Stay Authentic and Keep Growing: Even after decades in leadership, McDaniel sees himself as a work in progress. He constantly refines his approach, embraces feedback, and stays open to change. No matter how experienced you are, there’s always room to grow. Stay humble, stay hungry, and never stop evolving.
7. Give Back and Lift Others: McDaniel actively mentors his team and encourages them to pursue their goals—even if it means leaving the organization. A true leader measures success by personal achievements and how many people they help along the way.
Shane McDaniel’s journey from a small-town upbringing to leading one of the country’s most innovative municipal IT teams is a testament to the power of perseverance, purpose, and passion. His story reminds us that success isn’t just about climbing the corporate ladder—it’s about finding work that aligns with who we are and what we truly value.
McDaniel didn’t take the conventional route nor let external expectations dictate his path. Instead, he made bold decisions, took calculated risks, and embraced change to create a career that fulfills him daily. His leadership style—rooted in trust, authenticity, and continuous growth—has shaped the City of Seguin’s technological evolution and inspired the next generation of IT professionals.
The heart of his message is a simple yet profound truth: Success is what you make of it. Whether you’re an aspiring leader, a tech professional searching for purpose, or someone looking for the courage to leap, McDaniel’s story is a powerful reminder that happiness and achievement go hand in hand when you stay true to yourself. And if there’s one thing we can all strive for, it’s to wake up every day, like McDaniel, and say: “I’m the luckiest professional walking the face of the earth.”
Want to hear Shane McDaniel’s insights firsthand? Watch the full, live podcast interview [click here]
