When IT works well, no one notices. But when it breaks, everyone feels it. That’s why Cal Krome, Head of IT at Calm, takes a proactive approach—building systems designed to empower people, not control them.
In this episode of Go Beyond the Connection, Cal shares a real-world playbook for IT leadership in remote-first, cloud-native companies. The strategy? Build trust. Automate early. Design systems that scale without slowing anyone down.
From Fixer to Enabler: Rethinking IT’s Role
Cal’s IT journey started with building his first computer at six years old. But his career has been defined by more than technical skill—it’s about enabling growth without friction.
“I try to think of everything as IT being the WD-40 that lets things move more freely.”
That mindset shows up across Calm’s fully remote environment. New employees arrive ready to work—with automated provisioning and secure access already in place. “They should be ready the day they get there,” Cal explains.
Trust as Infrastructure
Trust is a recurring theme throughout the episode—and Cal sees it flowing both ways.
“You’re giving people access to a lot of tools and data,” he says. “You need to trust them—and verify with good monitoring.” That might mean flagging unused apps or revoking stale permissions, but it starts with assuming positive intent.
Just as important is building trust with leadership. Cal’s team earns credibility by proving value, not just requesting budget. “We said we needed this tool, and here’s how it’s delivering.”
Automate Before You Have To
During his time at Lyft, Cal built over 40 global offices and served 200+ employees as the sole IT resource. That experience cemented his belief in automation as a survival tool.
“Anything you’re going to do later, do earlier. It’s really painful to take things away.”
From onboarding to access management, automation is essential for scaling without chaos—and it creates a smoother experience for employees, too.
Why Cloud-First Is Non-Negotiable
For Calm, cloud infrastructure isn’t a convenience—it’s the backbone of remote success. By leaning into platforms like AWS and Google Workspace, Cal’s team minimizes maintenance and maximizes flexibility.
“If something breaks in AWS, it’s not my fault—it’s my problem. But it means we’re in the same boat as 10 million other companies. And it’s a seaworthy ship.”
AI Can Help—But Not Lead (Yet)
Cal sees promise in AI—especially in triage and support. His team uses generative AI to script tasks and surface documentation faster. But he draws a line at full control.
“You can’t give the keys to the kingdom to something you can’t fully trust.”
Final Word: Don’t Wait for the Fire
Cal’s advice for IT leaders is clear: don’t wait for problems to emerge. Plan ahead and prevent them altogether.
“You never want to be in a place where you’re putting out fires. Build fire sprinklers well in advance.”
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Based on a podcast interview with Cal Krome, Head of IT at Calm.
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