About

Welcome to the Driven Element

The Driven Element is where leadership, strategy, technology, and amateur radio intersect. If you’re looking for insightful analysis, forward-thinking perspectives, and solutions-oriented discussions, you’re in the right place. My name is Jim Idelson, and I bring decades of experience in business leadership, strategic execution, and amateur radio innovation to this platform. This blog isn’t just about pointing out what’s wrong—it’s about exploring what’s possible, identifying what works, and driving meaningful change.

My Professional Journey: Strategy, Leadership, and Execution

For over 40 years, I’ve built and led technology-driven businesses in industries ranging from telecommunications and SaaS to semiconductor manufacturing and marketing technology. My expertise spans:

• VP of Product, Strategy & Innovation – Developing and launching market-leading software and hardware solutions.
• Business Leadership & Growth – Scaling organizations and driving long-term, sustainable success.
• Strategic Execution – Bridging the gap between high-level vision and real-world results.
• Global Business & Partnerships – Working with companies like Pfizer, Ford, Adobe, IBM, Memorial Sloan Kettering, Goldman Sachs, and the U.S. Department of Defense.

I’ve led teams in fast-moving, high-stakes environments, where success depends on making tough decisions, executing strategy effectively, and constantly adapting to change.

Through this work, I’ve developed a CEO’s perspective—an ability to align vision, strategy, and execution to create lasting impact. This perspective influences how I approach problem-solving, leadership, and innovation in every sector I engage with.

I hold a Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering from Worcester Polytechnic Institute (WPI) and an MBA from Boston University School of Management (BU), specializing in international business and strategic management. To stay ahead in leadership and product strategy, I’ve pursued continuing education from institutions like Pragmatic Institute and IDEO U.

Professional mentoring is important to me. There is nothing I enjoy more than the sense of satisfaction I get from helping younger professionals grow in their careers. I'm so proud of the many product managers, engineers, marketers and sales people who have worked hard on my teams and gone on to build stellar careers as leaders and innovators.

Amateur Radio: A Lifelong Passion for Learning, Service, Innovation and Leadership

I’ve been a licensed amateur radio operator since age 12, and my passion for the hobby has never faded. Over the years, I’ve explored many facets of amateur radio, including:

• Operating & Competition – Competing at the highest levels in contesting and DXing, including WRTC participation and numerous ARRL DX Contest and CQWW championships.
• Technical & Construction – Designing, building, and maintaining high-performance stations, antennas, and digital modes.
• Safety & Advocacy – Founding the Zero Falls Alliance to improve tower safety in amateur radio.
• Mentorship & Community – Helping new hams get started, mentoring contesters, and leading training efforts through clubs, Field Day, and online communities.
• Strategic Leadership in Amateur Radio Organizations –
  • ARRL Contributions – participation in both governance and leadership in the field as well as writing for QST, NCJ, The Radio Amateur’s Handbook and The Antenna Book.
  • ARDC (Amateur Radio Digital Communications) – Evaluating and funding grants that support amateur radio growth, innovation, and education.

Why Read The Driven Element?

This blog is different because it connects leadership, strategy, and amateur radio in a way that few others do. Here’s what you can expect:

📌 A Unique Perspective – I blend real-world business and strategy expertise with deep knowledge of amateur radio to uncover what’s really happening in the community.

📌 Actionable Insights – My writing isn’t just about identifying problems—it’s about offering real solutions based on proven leadership and governance principles.

📌 Diverse Topics – From emerging technologies and station design to strategy, governance, and leadership in amateur radio organizations, I cover topics that matter for the future of the hobby.

📌 A Commitment to Meaningful Discussion – I encourage healthy debate, critical thinking, and engagement from readers who care about the future of amateur radio.

📌 Not Just Jim – Over time, I’ll invite other voices with valuable perspectives to contribute to the conversation.

Join the Conversation

Join me as we dive into the worlds of leadership, technology, and amateur radio, and discover how these passions converge on the path to an exciting future.

📢 Let’s drive the conversation forward—together.