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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

As the financial year draws to a close in Australia and some other parts of the world, it presents an ideal moment to pause, reflect, and...

Despite AI’s potential, many strategies fail and technical debt is a key contributor . Gartner reports that 85% of AI projects deliver...

The topic of technical debt and the challenges that are arising with it is surfacing among new executives in role. So what is technical...

In recent weeks, I've been presenting, discussing, guest podcasting, and pitching my 2030 Tech Trends research. These trends are...

Earlier this week, I presented to 120 COOs at their annual gathering on Cybersecurity. As part of my keynote, I ask everyone to stand and...

Later this month, I'll be delivering a keynote addressed to 150 Chief Operating Officers. The event brief is to explain cybersecurity in non

AI - everyone is talking about it. I delivered forty keynotes on the topic in 2023, making it my most requested keynote topic of the...

Many countries worldwide remain close to full employment. Australia forecasts the unemployment rate to be around 4.25% in 2025 due to a...

In the business realm, Design Thinking, Lean Start-Up, and Agile often cause confusion due to their interchangeable use, necessitating a...

Our former, much-loved and wise VP regularly reminded our international technology team that 'technology trends will come and evolve, but...

Precision Questioning (PQ) is an intellectual toolkit developed at Stanford University for critical thinking and problem-solving. Bill...

A few weeks ago, I met with a former senior colleague, whom I deeply respect and have learned much from. We always have great...

As a former CIO and Digital Executive, I understand and empathise with any technology executive when it comes to balancing their time....

My child’s school was hacked. The school communicated very well to those impacted, with regular and detailed information as it emerged. A...

“What do you think I need to do?” That is one of the most common questions I have been asked over the last five years as I have supported...