In a year defined by rapid digital shifts, ADAPT’s Top 10 Community Interviews of 2023 offer a unique glimpse into how leaders across various industries are navigating their organisations through transformative times.  

These insightful discussions cover pivotal themes such as adopting user-centric methods, managing the complexities of cloud technology, and the nuanced challenges of AI governance.  

Delving into topics like ensuring security in open source software to formulating digital strategies within law enforcement, these engaging interviews provide valuable perspectives, shining a light on the journey ahead in our increasingly digital world.  

 

1. User Centricity as the Key to Gold Coast Health’s Transformation 

Emphasising the centrality of users in digital transformation, Sandip Kumar, Executive Director of Strategy, Transformation, Major Capital, and Digital at Gold Coast Hospital and Health Service, shed light on this crucial aspect in this community interview.  

Sandip detailed how Gold Coast Health incorporateed new technology in healthcare, prioritising user input in the design process and focusing on customisation and modular technology.  

This approach was critical for aligning digital strategies with desired outcomes, a need further heightened by the rapid digital transformation in healthcare spurred by COVID-19.  

He also talked about how the organisation measures the success of its transformation through various metrics, which reflects resource stewardship and the experiences of staff and patients. 

 

2. Tackling Cloud Complexity: Coles Group’s Innovative Approach to Cloud Management  

In the face of growing cloud complexity, Coles Group has taken a noteworthy approach to managing cloud sprawl and shadow IT.  

In this community interview, Robert Mamone, former Acting Head of Cloud & Engineering, discussed how Coles implemented a cloud centre of excellence and automated self-serve capabilities, allowing application teams to build with essential security and control.  

Their strategic shift from AWS to Azure and the inclusion of Google Cloud Platform highlighted their commitment to a multi-cloud strategy, balancing efficiency with cost-effectiveness, and setting a benchmark in cloud management strategy. 

 

3. Uncovering the Pitfalls of AI: A Call for Multifaceted Governance in Addressing Bias 

In a complex digital world where AI is increasingly shaping many business decisions, Edward Santow, Director of Policy and Governance at the University of Technology Sydney, warned of the inherent risks associated with AI and data science.  

Edward categorised these risks into legal, financial, and reputational domains, pointing out the multifaceted nature of algorithmic bias.  

He called for organisations to adopt a comprehensive approach in governing bias, involving diverse stakeholders and balancing automated tools with more analogue, hands-on strategies to ensure fairness and compliance in AI usage. 

 

4. Securing the Open Source Frontier: Insights from Gitlab’s CISO 

Francis Ofungwu, Global Field CISO at Gitlab, brought focus on the critical challenges in open source software security.  

In this community interview, Francis discussed the complexities of managing the open-source software supply chain and talked about the need for a holistic security approach.  

He highlighted the early-stage struggles organisations face, especially in ensuring the trustworthiness of their software.  

Stressing the need for proactive risk management by users, developers, and engineers, Francis advocated for efficient handling of vulnerabilities, signifying a major shift in how security is perceived and managed in the open-source realm. 

 

5. The Art of Influencing Decision Makers in Education  

Fostering effective leadership in education requires more than just strategic decisions; it demands transparency and trust-building, as highlighted by Rowan Dollar, Chief Information Officer at Catholic Education Office Archdiocese of Canberra and Goulburn in this community interview.  

His insights revealed the significance of clear communication and understanding among all stakeholders in educational settings, from executives to parents.  

Rowan’s approach exemplifies the importance of aligning actions with the core mission of enhancing student and teacher outcomes, and the need for agility and adaptability in navigating the complexities of educational leadership. 

 

6. Redefining IT’s Role in Business: Insights from a Top CIO 

In the realm of digital transformation, Sami Yalavac, former Chief Information Officer (CIO) at Bupa and #1 CIO50 in 2022, underlined the crucial role of IT as a business driver.  

He recommended IT leaders to view themselves as integral to business leadership.  

This involves using structured frameworks for stakeholder debates, understanding the expectations from various quarters like government and customers, and focusing on delivery while balancing regular business operations with innovation.  

Sami also stressed the need to unravel business value beyond financial metrics, especially in sectors like government where the value lies in citizen services.  

Effective IT governance and prioritisation, he suggested, should be both an art and a science, requiring distinct accountabilities within the organisation and a strategic approach to project management using Agile methodologies. 

 

7. Adapting to Change: RMIT’s Blueprint for Transformational Success 

Chaminda Ranasinghe, Chief Experience Officer at RMIT, discussed the need for organisations to undertake large-scale transformation to maintain relevance in times of relentless change.  

In a community interview, he highlighted the significant role of disruptions and evolving audience expectations as catalysts for change.  

Chaminda also talked about the importance of aligning digital transformation with organisational strategy, advocating for a culture that prioritises data, insights, and performance-driven decision-making.  

He pointed out that successful transformation hinges on more than technology; it’s about fostering the right environment and empowering people.  

The approach, he suggests, should start small and scale gradually, with an emphasis on demonstrating value before expansion. 

 

8. Empowering Citizens in the Digital Age 

The Hon. Victor Dominello, Director UNSW/UTS Trustworthy Digital Society Hub, Tech Council of Australia Board Member and Former Minister for Customer Service and Digital Govt and Founder of ServiceGen, strongly championed individual control over personal data in a world where information equates to power.   

Post his political career, he focused on reforming digital identity and credentials to enhance privacy and empower over 80% of NSW citizens using digital licences.   

His directorship at the Trustworthy Digital Society Hub and involvement with the Tech Council of Australia signify his commitment to shaping citizen-centred digital platforms.   

Victor emphasises the need for government agility in adopting emerging technologies, warning that delays build public distrust and hinder innovation.   

He argues for seamless integration of digital identities and credentials, moving beyond siloed government services to create more unified, efficient citizen experiences. 

 

9. Confronting Data Generation and Infrastructure Challenges in the Digital Era 

As the digital world grapples with the relentless surge of data, Simon McFadden, Global Client Director, Data Centres & Telco at Aurecon, delved into the complexities of managing this data influx and the associated infrastructure challenges.   

In this community interview, he pointed to a crucial balancing act between technological advancement and sustainability.  

In the race to keep up with escalating data generation, there is an urgent need to plan infrastructure design and construction with an eye on sustainability.   

This challenge also involves making selective decisions about data collection acknowledging the hidden costs in terms of both time and resources.  

Simon’s perspective highlights the need for a strategic approach to handle the growing demands on data infrastructure while aiming for carbon neutrality. 

 

10. Driving Change in Law Enforcement: Victoria Police’s Digital Evolution 

Victoria Police’s Chief Digital Officer, Steve Hodgkinson, offers a fresh perspective on digital transformation.   

Steve zeroed in on the concept of ‘digital fitness’ as a cornerstone of continuous innovation within Victoria Police.   

Unlike traditional one-off digital initiatives, Steve advocates for a dynamic approach, adapting quickly to changes and focusing on efficient project delivery.   

His strategy involves stepwise incremental innovation, aligning financial planning with strategic objectives, and embedding security by design.   

This approach addresses cyber threats and nurtures a culture of confidence and continuous learning, crucial for sustaining digital innovation in a complex organisation like Victoria Police.  

Contributors
Peter Hind Principal Research Analyst at ADAPT
One of the ICT industry’s foremost analysts and commentators, Peter Hind has spent over 25 years advising and talking on topics across... More

One of the ICT industry’s foremost analysts and commentators, Peter Hind has spent over 25 years advising and talking on topics across the technology industry. His primary areas of interest are the potential of technology to transform the way organisations operate, the change management obstacles executives encounter in realising this potential, as well as the tactics and techniques leaders have deployed to overcome these difficulties.​

With roles across IDC, Unisys, NCR, Sigma Data, and others, Peter now takes on multiple roles within ADAPT including the moderation of private events and roundtables, interviewing business executives about the strategies they are pursuing and assisting with the structuring of delegate surveys.​

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Shane Hill Principal Research Analyst at ADAPT
Shane manages ADAPT’s research agenda and is responsible for driving survey evolution.​ He has over 20 years of experience in technology delivery... More

Shane manages ADAPT’s research agenda and is responsible for driving survey evolution.​

He has over 20 years of experience in technology delivery and market intelligence roles. This includes over six years serving technology and services providers at Gartner.​

Shane has deep knowledge of the UK and Australian markets, across financial services, government, professional services and energy/utilities sectors.​

As an IT services expert, he is equipped to advise organisations as they commoditise technology foundations to then differentiate through world-class experiences.​

Shane builds on this expertise to advise on practical ESG, data & AI, and the application modernisation strategies required to realise those aims.​

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Gabby Fredkin Head of Analytics & Insights at ADAPT
As the Head of Analytics and Insights at ADAPT, Gabby Fredkin’s primary role is managing analysis to produce ADAPT’s actionable insights to... More

As the Head of Analytics and Insights at ADAPT, Gabby Fredkin’s primary role is managing analysis to produce ADAPT’s actionable insights to identify trends supporting organisations in Australia.

With a passion for creating stories with data, Gabby is consistently rated as one of the top speakers at ADAPT’s events. In roundtable discussions, he specialises in using statistics to initiate thought-provoking discussions, enabling ADAPT’s customers to become more data-driven.​

Using modern data science techniques, he provides ADAPT and its customers with confidence in the accuracy and validity of the information used for ADAPT’s research, advisory and events.

Working across artificial intelligence, machine learning, AI ethics, DevSecOps, end-user behaviour, and human-centred design, Gabby’s vast experience continues to grow, supported in part by a Master of Business Analytics from Deakin University.

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Sandip Kumar Executive Director, and CIO (Chief Information Officer) of Gold Coast Health
Sandip has established a distinguished reputation as a visionary leader, adept at steering organizations towards designing outcome-focused strategies and realizing them through... More

Sandip has established a distinguished reputation as a visionary leader, adept at steering organizations towards designing outcome-focused strategies and realizing them through purposeful transformation and focused innovation. As a dynamic c-suite executive, Sandip has an impressive track record of delivering sustainable and agile results, with several industry firsts to his credit. With a breakthrough innovation focus, Sandip’s diverse background in corporate finance, strategy, transformation, digital, infrastructure, research, and operational functions has enabled him to provide unique insights and solutions across domains.

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Robert Mamone Acting Head Of Cloud & Engineering at Coles Group
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Edward Santow Director of Policy and Governance at University of Technology Sydney
Specialties: Human Rights, Technology, Artificial intelligence, Public Law, Constitutional Law, Administrative Law, Anti-discrimination Law, Anti-terrorism law.

Specialties: Human Rights, Technology, Artificial intelligence, Public Law, Constitutional Law,
Administrative Law, Anti-discrimination Law, Anti-terrorism law.

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Francis Ofungwu Global Field CISO at GitLab
I am an experienced information security and digital privacy leader with proficiency in building programs, business development, product management, and leading cross-functional... More

I am an experienced information security and digital privacy leader with proficiency in building programs, business development, product management, and leading cross-functional teams. I have a strong track record of leading new initiatives to produce measured value, and transforming existing operations to align with stakeholder expectations.

I am passionate about simplifying complex information security and privacy concepts, and coaching technology professionals in communication and organizational alignment.

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Rowan Dollar Chief Information Officer at Catholic Education Office Archdiocese of Canberra and Goulburn
Named in the top 20 CIOs in Australia in 2018, Rowan is an acknowledged thought leader, innovator and sought-after advisor across the... More

Named in the top 20 CIOs in Australia in 2018, Rowan is an acknowledged thought leader, innovator and sought-after advisor across the corporate spectrum. Rowan’s current role sees him responsible for providing strategic leadership as well as the delivery of business-focused technology outcomes across the digital landscape and through legacy systems, data analytics, AI and automation and security enabling the Department of Human Services (SA) to supply efficient services to the most vulnerable people in our society.

With a technology career spanning 35 years, Rowan’s reputation for technology leadership is widely recognised across private and public sectors. As business, government and our society become more dependent on technology enablement, automation and artificial intelligence, Rowan is a vigorous proponent of a user centred approach with ethics and security integral as part of the technology DNA.

A people focussed leader, Rowan is keenly aware of the power that cognitive diversity brings to the decision and design table. He believes that it’s an exciting time to be part of the tech industry but with that comes great responsibility for the future.

Prior to this role, Rowan was a Chief Information Officer for the Northern Territory Government, where he was best known for his AI and Wi-Fi innovations. He currently sits on the board of the Melaleuca Refugee Centre, an organisation assisting the survivors of torture and trauma to become part of Australian society.

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Sami Yalavac Former CIO at Bupa Australia and New Zealand
Chief Information Officer (CIO), responsible for Information Services & Technology, business roadmap planning and delivery across all businesses in the Australia &... More

Chief Information Officer (CIO), responsible for Information Services & Technology, business roadmap planning and delivery across all businesses in the Australia & New Zealand region; Private Health Insurance (PHI), Care Homes, Optometry, Dental, Tele-medical Services, Visa Services, Wellness and all the other Bupa business in the region. Part of the Executive team in the region and the Global IS Leadership team.

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Chaminda Ranasinghe Chief Experience Officer (CXO) at RMIT University
An accomplished senior executive leader with 25 years of deep subject matter expertise in digital, marketing and technology within iconic multinational organisations... More

An accomplished senior executive leader with 25 years of deep subject matter expertise in digital, marketing and technology within iconic multinational organisations in the financial services, utilities, automotive, retail, travel and education sectors. Diverse experience at transforming organisations into innovative, profitable and market leading digital businesses across the globe.

Strong reputation for leading cross-functional teams that deliver customer focussed outcomes while delivering exceptional business results, with a proven approach of focussing on people and culture first. Recognised for driving significant business growth while revolutionising customer experience by balancing a deep understanding of digital and technology, strong commercial acumen and a transformational leadership style. Able to motivate teams to achieve exceptional performance with an inclusive, lead by example style that fosters a culture of collaboration, innovation and a dedication to excellence. A passion for serving people, solving customer problems, building teams and purpose-led organisations that can thrive in a rapidly changing world.

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Victor Dominello, MP Minister for Customer Service and Digital Government at NSW Government & Member for Ryde
The current Minister for Customer Service and Digital Government is Victor Dominello since 2 April 2019, having previously served as the Minister... More

The current Minister for Customer Service and Digital Government is Victor Dominello since 2 April 2019, having previously served as the Minister for Finance, Services and Property from January 2017 until April 2019. The minister is assisted in that role by Eleni Petinos, the Minister for Fair Trading, appointed with effect from 21 December 2021.

Together, the ministers administer their portfolio through the Customer Service cluster, in particular the Department of Customer Service, Service NSW, the Office of Fair Trading, the State Records Authority, NSW Registry of Births, Deaths and Marriages, Liquor & Gaming NSW, and a range of other government agencies.

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Simon McFadden Global Client Director, Data Centres & Telco at Aurecon
With over 20 years’ experience in Australia and Europe in the delivery of major telecommunications and utilities infrastructure projects, in engineering, commercial,... More

With over 20 years’ experience in Australia and Europe in the delivery of major telecommunications and utilities infrastructure projects, in engineering, commercial, sales, and business development roles, I am now working with clients in the data centre and telecommunications sector as Aurecon’s Client Director, Data & Telco.

Some highlights: creating a joint venture to develop an 800MW gas fired power plant in northern Poland (initial equity of 25m euro); acquiring land for a 800MW power plant in the UK (12m GBP) via an option; acquiring tower portfolios for Crown Castle in Australia; leading a team to forecast UK electricity prices for a 1bn euro business case; and leading growth of 75% in annual rent in BA’s site sharing business.

My skills are in commercial management, sales, negotiation, acquisitions, leading teams, project management and business development.

Current clients include Telstra, Amazon, Vodafone NZ, Spark NZ, Singtel Optus, NEXTDC, Equinix.

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Steve Hodgkinson Chief Digital Officer at Victoria Police
Steve has been the CIO of the Victorian Department of Health & Human Services since 2014. He leads a team of 220... More

Steve has been the CIO of the Victorian Department of Health & Human Services since 2014. He leads a team of 220 staff and delivers projects totalling $60-80M p.a. He is a member of the Victorian Governement’s Cybersecurity Strategy Group.

In 2018, Steve was ranked #2 in Australia’s CIO50 list, made a Fellow by IPAA Victoria and Overall Champion in the #TechDiversity Awards (for the Rise at DHHS program).

In 2017, Steve was ranked #7 in Australia’s CIO50 list and State & Local Government CIO of the Year in the ITNews Benchmark Awards.

He was previously the global Chief Analyst Public Sector for the UK-based research and advisory services firm Ovum for 8 years.

Before that he was the Director eGovernment Strategy & Policy and Deputy CIO for the Victorian State government in Melbourne.

Steve had earlier founded and sold an e-commerce company, movinghome.com.au, and worked in a range of executive and consulting roles in the government and utility sectors in Europe and Australasia.

He is a graduate of the ANZSOG Executive Fellows program and the AICD Company Directors course, has a doctorate in Management Studies from the University of Oxford and also a first class honours degree in Commerce from the University of Otago in New Zealand.

Specialties: Steve is a strategy professional, with skills in “seeing the wood from the trees” in the technology landscape. He is an excellent communicator who can engage business and IT audiences. He is insightful, and able to “join the dots” in practical and meaningful ways to reveal trends and define practical strategic choices and directions. In executive roles he has a demonstrated track record in leading digital transformation in large scale complex organisations.

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Transformation Leadership Customer Experience