John Shea

John Shea joined Advent in 2021. He serves as Chief Technology Officer and is a Managing Director, based in Boston. John is responsible for information security, technology infrastructure, computer operations, business applications, and data science. John is a member of Advent’s Operating Committee (BOLT).

John has more than 25 years of experience leading global IT organizations, with extensive experience as a Chief Information Officer, leading and developing teams. John served on nuclear submarines and retired as a Captain in the US Navy Reserve.

John obtained his bachelor’s degree in Marine Engineering from the Maine Maritime Academy and an MBA from Anna Maria College.

What about your job inspires and drives you?

I am driven by the opportunity to effect change across the business daily. My inspiration lies in building a high-quality team and fostering a culture of continuous learning. As a lifelong learner, I find that technology allows endless exploration and improvement. I aim to create an environment that encourages questions and better solutions.

At Advent, I expected a fast-paced private equity environment but have found a balance of teamwork and shared purpose, which fosters a culture of innovation and makes it an exciting workplace.

Since you began your career, what’s changed the most or least about the technology industry?

Throughout my long career in technology, the pace of change has been unyielding, driven by innovations, shifting architectures, and evolving business models. Yet, despite all these advancements, the greatest joint opportunity and challenge has remained constant: people. Success in technology isn’t merely about adopting the latest tools or systems; it’s about collaborating with people to embrace and adapt, and ultimately, meet their technology needs to drive the business forward.

What does learning and growing look like at Advent?

Within the technology team, we are always learning. You need to stay informed about current and future technologies. We help our investment and corporate colleagues by providing the tools and information they need to do their jobs better. Within Advent, there is a great foundation of support across functions, which allows us to work seamlessly across our organization. We operate on a basis of mutual respect and frequent knowledge sharing, allowing us to enhance our technology offering in a meaningful way. We’re here to enable all aspects of the business by putting emerging tech in people’s hands.

What’s a mistake you made early on in your career, and what did you learn from it?

Early in my Navy career, I led a team of experienced sailors, many older and more knowledgeable than I. I mistakenly thought leadership meant having all the answers. I learned that authentic leadership involves listening, respecting people’s time, and leveraging team expertise. This lesson has stayed with me throughout my time in the Navy, financial services, and private equity. Success comes from asking the right questions, trusting your team, and fostering an environment where the best ideas can emerge.

What’s the best career advice you’ve received?

The best career advice I’ve received – and now share with others – is to love what you do, love who you do it with, and remain a student of the game. This is a synthesis of the wisdom I’ve gathered over the years and reflects my career journey. Passion for your work keeps you engaged, great colleagues make challenges worthwhile, and continuous learning ensures you keep growing. Regardless of the industry or role, these principles have guided me and continue to shape my approach to work every day.