In this episode, host David McClelland sits down with Luis Suarez, Chief Technology Officer at H.I.G. Capital, to explore the evolving art of negotiation in digital leadership and the strategic role of technology in private equity. As global firms move at lightning speed to capitalize on emerging opportunities, tech leaders like Luis face the dual challenge of enabling innovation while safeguarding security. Luis shares how H.I.G. integrates security from the ground up, embraces agile transformation, and uses collaboration—not confrontation—to drive results. They discuss the importance of empathy in negotiation, the pitfalls of fear-based sales tactics, and how generative AI is changing the way leaders prepare for high-stakes conversations. Luis also offers actionable insights on how to build long-term vendor relationships, manage risk without slowing progress, and foster a collaborative team culture grounded in mutual respect. Beyond the boardroom, Luis reflects on his career journey from entry-level analyst to CTO, his passion for mentorship, and the leadership lessons he’s carried through a 20-year tenure in one of the world’s most dynamic investment environments. With technology advancing at breakneck speed, how can CTOs stay ahead without sacrificing trust, security, or human connection? And how do great leaders turn every negotiation into a win-win?