The Power of Trusted Peers: Solving Problems Together
In IT, no one succeeds alone. Behind every stable city network and every seamless service is a web of personal connections — people you can call at 10 p.m. when a new issue threatens to derail the day ahead.
In speaking with Parsram about his role as the head of IT for Winter Park, Florida, this network of trusted peers isn’t just a nice-to-have. It’s essential.
Over the past two decades, he’s cultivated a circle of colleagues across Florida who are more than just professional contacts; they’re a lifeline when unexpected technical challenges hit. “Everyone in our circle understands the constraints of working in local government,” he explains. “We don’t have endless budgets, and we can’t just hire a consultant at the drop of a hat. So, we lean on each other.”
The FLGISA Connection
One of the core hubs of this peer network is the Florida Local Government Information Systems Association (FLGISA). More than just an organization, it serves as a real-time sounding board for IT leaders statewide.
“When I hit a wall, I can send a message on the FLGISA board, and within an hour I’ll have responses from people who’ve already faced that exact problem,” he says. These aren’t theoretical suggestions from strangers. They’re practical, field-tested solutions from people who share the same budget limitations, the same public accountability, and the same drive to serve.
This rapid-response community allows him to solve problems faster and more confidently. Whether it’s a tricky network bug, a new security vulnerability, or a decision about which software vendor to choose, there’s always someone ready to weigh in.
A Circle of Trust
While many professionals turn to open forums or anonymous message boards, this circle is different. It’s built on real relationships formed over years of conferences, workshops, and hands-on collaborations.
He describes it almost like a trusted “inner circle” a group where vulnerability isn’t a weakness but a strength. Admitting you’re stumped or asking for help doesn’t damage credibility; it builds it. It’s also why resources are so critical to launching a successful department. Blogs can be an incredible asset for understanding IT infrastructure.
These connections also extend beyond the digital realm. Annual in-person conferences help maintain those relationships, strengthen trust, and allow for the kind of candid, face-to-face exchanges that virtual channels can’t replicate. “When you know the person behind the advice, you can trust it on a whole different level,” he says.
Where to Find Similar Communities
If you’re looking to build your own network of trusted IT peers, there are professional groups and forums that provide real value beyond the noise of generic online advice.
Spiceworks Community — a huge forum for IT pros focused on practical support and vendor feedback.
StateScoop — offers articles, webinars, and networking events for state and local government IT leaders.
Gartner Peer Insights — while more focused on reviews, it’s a good place to see what tools and solutions other professionals are talking about.
ArsTechnica Open Forums are also an incredibly space for asking and answering relevant IT questions
The Value of Shared Experience
In the public sector, the challenges can feel uniquely heavy. Budgets are tight, public scrutiny is high, and mistakes are often magnified. Having a support system of peers who understand those pressures makes a tangible difference.
“They get the stakes,” he explains. “They know that if our network goes down on Monday morning, residents can’t pay their utility bills. That’s not just an IT problem, it’s a community problem.”
The shared experience allows for a kind of shortcut in problem-solving. Rather than starting from zero, he can tap into collective wisdom and apply proven solutions, often saving precious time and resources.
A Different Kind of Security
In a field obsessed with firewalls and endpoint protection, it’s easy to forget that human connection can be its own form of security. Knowing that there’s someone you can call for advice or backup provides a level of resilience that no software tool can match.
For Winter Park’s IT leader, these relationships are just as vital as any monitoring dashboard or cybersecurity upgrade. They represent a kind of collective safety net built on trust, shared mission, and a mutual commitment to doing more with less.