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How to avoid being fired Most CIOs don’t lose their job because of one big mistake - it’s usually a collection of small but important things that get overlooked. Here are the five core factors I see most often, and what leaders can learn from them. 1. Missing Clarity Clarity is almost always the first problem. Some CIOs deliver major projects without a clear strategy that explains the value technology brings to the organisation. Others create strategy documents that sound imp

Quantum computing is increasingly viewed as a genuine cyber-risk, not just a distant technical concept. Intelligence and industry reports warn that state-sponsored actors are preparing for a future where quantum machines could undermine today’s encryption systems - a threat the Australian Signals Directorate (ASD) also recognises. ASD guidance states that organisations should stop using traditional encryption (such as RSA and ECC) by 2030 as part of Australia’s post-quantum c

You’re a technology executive reporting to the CEO, with a strong relationship with the board. You’ve delivered on your strategy, successfully mobilised programs, and embedded new ways of working. But something still feels missing, you are aware you need to be broader with leading tech change across the business. Beyond the buzz around AI, new waves of technological transfer are reshaping how industries operate. If your organisation doesn’t consider and integrate these emergi

It’s Melbourne Cup week - that time when many organisations in Australia lose a bit of rhythm. Although the public holiday is only observed in Melbourne, it often feels like the whole country slows down. I’ve seen it firsthand. When I was leading technology teams, progress would pause around Tuesday, and it could take the rest of the week to get back on track. That said, I’ve always enjoyed this time of year. When I lived in London from 2001 to 2010, I’d often return to Melbo

Have you ever wondered why your organisation’s initiatives or performance feel inconsistent - sometimes energised, other times sluggish? Unblocking organisational performance is key for many executives. Often, the issue isn’t at the executive or general manager level, but rather within the management layer. These individuals are usually committed and capable, yet lack the broader context, experience, or tools to lead through today’s complex change programmes. The challenge is

Have you ever wondered why people respond so differently to change in your workplace? Some stay calm and engaged, others become anxious or distant. Two well-researched ideas - Attachment Theory  and The Biology of Stress  - help us better understand these human responses and how leaders can work with them rather than against them. This requires leading through instinct and is based on research. The Roots of Attachment Attachment Theory, developed by psychologist John Bowlby,

You don’t need to be a technologist to lead in 2026, but you do need to understand the digital forces shaping business. The essentials are now clear: flexibility, trustworthy data, secure systems, and the right people to use them well. These are Beyond AI Modern platforms are the foundation. Deloitte’s Tech Trends 2025 report highlights that organisations with modular, cloud-based systems can adapt faster to market change. The goal is agility — building technology that can f

There’s so much happening across the technology sector right now, influencing business in ways that are both exciting and, at times,...

The Roman generals of antiquity are remembered for their strategy, discipline, and ability to lead men in the most demanding of...

Over the years, I’ve seen that sustaining value as a CIO isn't about chasing the latest headline trend, but consistently returning to a...

Over the years, I’ve observed that there are four elements that really enable CIOs to sustain their value to the organisation and create...

Executives today are drowning in complexity - markets are shifting, technology is evolving at breakneck speed, and people expect more...