Blog

Moving Beyond AI Hype And Headlines

AI is everywhere, but are organisations getting the value they expected? The research raises some important questions. MIT NANDA (2025) reports that 95% of generative AI pilots show no measurable profit and loss impact. S&P Global (2025) found that 42% of enterprises had abandoned most AI initiatives. RAND (2024) identified leadership misalignment as a key contributor to AI project failure, while Deloitte (2026) reports that only one in five companies has mature governance fo

3 days ago2 min read

Preparing IT For Economic Uncertainty

As a CIO or IT executive reporting directly to the CEO and providing updates to the board, now's a good time to consider an IT assurance document. As the economy changes, leaders need a clear view of their technology investments, priorities and the value their IT function delivers. It is critical you communicate and prepare IT for economic uncertainty. Start With Purpose And Scope An effective assurance document should begin with the overall purpose and scope of the IT functi

Oct 222 min read

Knowing What To Keep And Change

When the economy becomes challenging, it's worth taking a step back and asking a simple question... Are your products and services delivering the value your business needs? For leaders, this isn't just about cutting costs or improving margins. It's about understanding what's working, what needs attention and where the next opportunity for growth might come from. I’m working through this with a couple of clients, using three practical steps to assess their products and serv

Oct 162 min read

Five Business Truths Shaping 2026

There are five things I know to be true in 2026. These aren't predictions, they are 2026 truths. They're observations from working with organisations and leaders and seeing where businesses are investing their time, money and attention. Service Creates The Difference You don't have to be the cheapest to win and maintain strong client relationships. Increasingly, service is where organisations can differentiate themselves. The question isn't simply what you sell, but how you

Sep 232 min read

From Technology Manager to True Leader

The difference between a technology manager and a technology leader is subtle, but profound. One seeks to control conversations. The other coordinates them. One imposes opinion early. The other creates space before forming a judgement. In an era where CIO influence is directly tied to enterprise impact, this distinction matters more than ever. How do you evolve from technology manager to true leader? Diversity Of Thought Creates Stronger Outcomes Technology managers often att

Mar 192 min read

Where Digital Strategy Really Sits

Stepping into a CIO role from a GM position creates one of the biggest shifts in executive responsibility. The scope expands quickly, and with that comes new expectations - not just to run technology well, but to shape how the organisation competes and grows. For many leaders, this transition is where the real learning begins. One of the most important differences you’ll encounter is the distinction between Digital strategy and traditional IT strategy. These two are often use

Mar 52 min read

What High-Performing CIOs Review Regularly

If you’re a CIO, you’ve probably had the quiet thought - things are working… but they could be better. Not broken. Not failing. Just not as aligned, effective or future-ready as they need to be. That’s why I’ve introduced a free CIO Scorecard . So how does it work? The scorecard is designed to help you step back and assess where your function really sits today across four critical factors. Here is what great CIOs review. First, “Clarity” of strategy. Not the strategy on paper

Feb 51 min read

Why CIOs Get Fired

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

Nov 28, 20252 min read

Quantum Risk Is Rising

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

Nov 21, 20252 min read

Leading Tech Change 2026

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

Nov 13, 20252 min read