Ray S. MacDonald

Executive Advisor

Instructor

Leadership Coach

  • Helping leaders think clearly in an age of AI, cyber risk, and constant change.

    I've spent over twenty-five years in technology leadership; from Oracle and IBM to TD Bank, Marsh McLennan, and Arctic Wolf Networks.

    Now I serve as an independent executive advisor and instructor, helping organizations and people navigate the intersection of technology, strategy, and human leadership.

    My approach is practical: translate complexity into clarity, bridge ambition with accountability, and leave teams wiser than they started.

    I bring a rare balance of perspective: I’ve been both the trusted vendor and the enterprise decision-maker.

  • Expertise

    From global enterprises to tech startups, I offer a background in:

    Enterprise AI

    Plan for the future, empower the present - from data to infrastructure intelligence.

    Inspiring People

    Build outstanding teams, secure executive trust and support

    Modernizing Technology

    Revitalize your digital journey - Cloud, Infrastructure, and Platforms that deliver

    Cyber Resiliance

    Protect your business, strengthen infrastructure, and thrive more securely every day.

  • Connect with me!

    Connect below with LinkedIn or email, I'd love to discover how I can help...

    Ray MacDonald LinkedIn account

    LinkedIn

    MacDonald IT Executive Consulting logo

    Exec Advisor

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    Email
    @rayoflighttech IG public account

    Instagram

  • "The network is the computer.

    Everything with a digital or electronic heartbeat will be connected to the Internet.”

     

    Scott mcnealY, former ceo sun microsystems (late 90’s)

  • Ray of light on technology life

    Thoughts, musings, and reflections on life with technologies.

    AI Bubble = Not! the Next Equilibrium = Re-valuation
    28 août 2025 · ai bubble market tech valuations
    AI Bubble = Not! The Next Equilibrium = Re-valuation AI Bubble = Unlikely, yet the Next Equilibrium will True Up Future Valuations after exuberance! I see headlines frustrating to me everywhere asking: “Is AI a bubble?” or even some others stating, “The AI Bubble!” as if it exists to warn...
    Future Workplace:
    7 mai 2021
    The Future Workplace: Identifying a trifecta of vital transformations for the journey. Ray MacDonald -Technology Consultant, May 7, 2021 There are many publications, postings, and consulting firm recommendations about the future of work and how the workplace must at a minimum adopt to it, yet...
    Innovation while under Economic Shutdown
    30 avril 2020 · innovation,fightcovid,innovation canada
    Is the Price worth it? Some people wonder if the sudden shutdown of the economy is worth it to fight the COVID-19 pandemic. I’ve seen some celebrity business news folks openly wonder if it was worth the shutdown to “save the older generations”? I have a personal experience: in my family the COVID...

  • I passionately deliver…

    How I Help

    The Reality-Check

    I ask the questions others avoid.

    The Catalyst

    I re-energize leaders and boards when transformation stalls or teams lose trust.

    The Translator

    I make the technical legible - ensuring boards understand the real risks, costs, and possiblilities of AI and cybersecurity.

    Teaching and Speaking:

    I teach and design courses for professionals who need to communicate, lead, and decide better in a technology-saturated world.

    From Communications for Customer Service Professionals at Cheridan College to teh new Take the Ride : Learn in Motion programme, my goal is to turn learning into motion - where insight meets action.

    Experience Snapshot:

    • Guided and recovered multi-hundred-million-dollar transformation programmes for major financial institutions.
    • Former VP of global cybersecurity expertise at Arctic Wolf Networks
    • Advisor to investors and technology firms through AlphaSights, GLG, Third Bridge.
    • Board and Advisory Council member in seniors' campuses with long-term-care, applying leadership to service and stewardship.

    Let's have a conversation:

    Whether it’s board advisory, executive coaching, or technology strategy, I’d be glad to connect...
    👉 Ray's Calendar - grab some time! [click here]

  • Education and development

    Highlights...

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    Master Business Administration

    Executive MBA

    Athabasca University

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    Artificial Intelligence: Business Strategies and Applications

    Executive Development

    UC Berkeley Executive Education

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    Business Marketing

    Diploma

    Sheridan College

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    Leadership

    Executive Development

    Ivey Executive

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    ITIL Certification

    Service Management (ITSM) Certification

    Pink Elephant

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    Managing IT Effectively

    Executive Development

    Ivey Executive (with CIPS)

  • Gallery

    Moments and places. The joy of personal photography...

    Neuschwanstein Castle Bavaria 1997
    The Peoples flowers at Buckingham Palace gates the day after Lady Diana’s funeral 1997
    Gartner Group Conference
    Muskoka Chairs
    St. Ives, Cornwall, UK
    Toronto, Canada
    Malin Bay, Co. Donegal, Ireland
    Slieve League, Co. Donegal, Ireland
    Malin Bay, Co. Donegal, Ireland
    Sligo area, Ireland
    Toronto Canada from east-side in early morning
    Yorkminster
    Radio City Music Hall, New York City in 2018
    Hanz Zimmer at Radio City Music Hall stage 2018
    MacDonald IT Executive Consulting AI generated logo
    fresh snow at Bradley Museum, Mississauga, Ontario, Canada
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  • reach out

    I’m available for discussion

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