Public Sector Podcast

In this episode, Emily Mailes, Chief eHealth Strategy Officer at the Victorian Department of Health, joins us for a fireside chat on navigating digital transformation in healthcare. She shares how Victoria is tackling outdated systems, adopting AI, and reshaping its digital strategy to improve patient care and system efficiency. From managing billion-dollar IT backlogs to building interoperable platforms and developing AI governance frameworks, Emily offers practical insights into balancing innovation with safety, ethics, and long-term sustainability. Essential listening for health leaders, policymakers, and digital strategists looking to modernise healthcare while keeping patients at the centre. Emily Mailes, Chief eHealth Strategy Officer, Victorian Department of Health For more great insights head to www.PublicSectorNetwork.co    

In this episode, we sit down with two visionary leaders driving innovation in municipal government: Jan Bradley, Chief Information Technology Officer (CITO) of Calgary, and Scot Barker, Chief Innovation Officer (CINO) of Burlington, Vermont. From AI adoption and cybersecurity to legacy system modernization and equitable digital access, they share candid insights on: Balancing innovation with risk: How cities experiment with emerging tech (like Calgary’s "Wave Centre" for rapid prototyping) while safeguarding data and public trust. The post-COVID mandate: Why digital transformation is no longer optional—and how it’s reshaping citizen engagement and service delivery. Data as a strategic asset: Practical approaches to unlocking value from data (without drowning in legacy systems or privacy pitfalls). Talent and partnerships: How to attract tech talent to the public sector and collaborate effectively with vendors, academia, and communities. The future of govtech: Bold predictions on AI, quantum computing, and the technologies that will redefine local government in the next 5 years. Whether you’re a public sector leader navigating tight budgets and complex stakeholder needs or a solution provider looking to align with government priorities, this conversation offers actionable lessons and real-world examples from the front lines of civic innovation.   Jan Bradley, Chief Information & Technology Officer, City of Calgary & Scot Barker, Chief Innovation Officer, City of Burlington   For more great insights head to www.PublicSectorNetwork.co  

This episode features Mark Lenzner, Executive Director, ICT / Digital Sourcing, Digital.NSW, NSW Department of Customer Service, who explores how the Test and Buy Innovation model is transforming public sector procurement. Learn how agencies can adopt more agile, outcome-focused approaches to tackle community challenges—by prioritising the problem rather than prescribing the solution. From fostering procurement flexibility to unlocking access to a wider pool of tailored, innovative offerings, the discussion dives into strategies that drive better results in public service delivery. A must-listen for public sector leaders and innovators rethinking how government buys and builds. Mark Lenzner, Executive Director, ICT / Digital Sourcing, Digital.NSW, NSW Department of Customer Service.   For more great insights head to www.PublicSectorNetwork.co  

In this episode, we hear from Joshua McKenzie, Manager, Cyber Governance, Risk and Assurance, Parliament of NSW who explores how government service providers can strike the right balance between compliance, cost-effectiveness, and risk management—without compromising on safety or service delivery. Listeners will gain insights into prioritising tasks through a people-centric lens, applying threat-based risk strategies, and implementing practical, scalable approaches to achieve compliance. Whether you're in operations, policy, or cyber risk, this conversation offers actionable takeaways for building safer, more effective government services. Joshua McKenzie, Manager, Cyber Governance, Risk and Assurance, Parliament of NSW For more great insights head to www.PublicSectorNetwork.co  

In our latest episode, Jamey Martell, Senior Director, One Person One Record, Nova Scotia Health Authority, Dr. Julie Maranda, Chief Medical Information Officer, One Person One Record, Nova Scotia Health Authority highlight that as healthcare systems go digital, trust and security must be built in from the start. Our healthcare leaders from Nova Scotia Health and its OPOR (One Person One Record) share how they’re designing a unified, province-wide health record system that puts governance, privacy, and user needs at the centre. Find out how OPOR is embedding protections throughout system design, aligning clinical and technical teams, and safeguarding sensitive health data—while also building public trust in the future of digital care.   Jamey Martell, Senior Director, One Person One Record, Nova Scotia Health Authority, Dr. Julie Maranda, Chief Medical Information Officer, One Person One Record, Nova Scotia Health Authority For more great insights head to www.PublicSectorNetwork.co  

This episode, Nicholas Davis, Co-Director, UTS Human Technology Institute takes listeners on a deep dive into the transformative world of Artificial Intelligence and the essential guardrails needed to ensure its safe, ethical, and effective application. Drawing on global best practices, emerging domestic trends, and state-level strategies, the conversation explores how NSW and the broader Australian public sector can harness AI’s potential while maintaining public trust and navigating complex regulatory landscapes. From understanding the technology and building a clear strategy, to implementing governance frameworks and operationalising AI at scale, this episode unpacks every layer of the journey. Whether you're exploring use cases or managing risk, it offers a roadmap for safely accelerating AI adoption across government. Nicholas Davis, Co-Director, UTS Human Technology Institute   For more great insights head to www.PublicSectorNetwork.co    

The future of government is being rewritten—and it’s digital. In this insightful episode, we sit down with Aneesh Joshi and Omar Shabbir from Infrastructure Ontario (IO) to explore how cutting-edge technologies like Digital ID systems, AI, and Digital Twins are revolutionizing public services. From eliminating bureaucratic silos to creating seamless, citizen-centric experiences, Aneesh (Technology Advisory Lead) and Omar (Growth Practice Lead) break down: - Why Ontario needs a secure Digital ID—and how it could transform everything from healthcare to transit. - The game-changing potential of Digital Twins—virtual replicas of infrastructure that optimize urban planning, healthcare, and more. - Overcoming barriers to innovation in government—from privacy concerns to fostering cross-sector collaboration. - Lessons from global leaders and actionable steps for public-sector leaders to accelerate change. Whether you’re a policymaker, tech enthusiast, or simply curious about the future of government services, this conversation offers a bold vision for a smarter, faster, and more connected Ontario. Tune in and discover how emerging tech is turning bureaucracy into breakthroughs.   Aneesh Joshi and Omar Shabbir from Infrastructure Ontario.   For more great insights head to www.PublicSectorNetwork.co        

This thought-provoking episode invites Jacqui Loustau, AWSN Executive Director, Australian Women in Security Network, Professor Matthew Warren, Director of the RMIT Centre of Cyber Security Research and Innovation, RMIT who tackle the pressing issue of diversity in Australia’s cybersecurity sector, featuring Jacqui Loustau and Professor Matthew Warren. They discuss the current under-representation of women—just 17% of the workforce—and examine the barriers, including gender pay gaps and limited career advancement, that hinder progress. Through insights from a recent study, they highlight practical solutions like flexible work arrangements, mentorship programs, and innovative training initiatives aimed at closing the gap and building a more inclusive cybersecurity workforce. Tune in to learn how collaboration between industry and government is driving change.   Jacqui Loustau, AWSN Executive Director, Australian Women in Security Network, Professor Matthew Warren, Director of the RMIT Centre of Cyber Security Research and Innovation, RMIT   For more great insights head to www.PublicSectorNetwork.co      

In this engaging episode, we hear from Stewart Wong, Vice President of Strategy, Sustainability and Communications, Holland Bloorview Kids Rehabilitation Hospital, as he takes us on a creative and candid journey through one of the hospital’s most ambitious challenges: space optimisation during rapid growth. Blending Star Trek metaphors with real-world strategy, Stewart shares how Holland Bloorview responded to a post-pandemic staffing boom, disorganised booking systems, and mismatched clinical workspaces—transforming the chaos into a cohesive, people-first space strategy. From establishing governance and principles to engaging teams in meaningful co-design, this story is about much more than bricks and mortar. It’s about building culture, community, and clarity—without a capital expansion. Tune in for practical lessons on innovation, leadership, and turning constraints into catalysts for change. Stewart Wong, Vice President of Strategy, Sustainability and Communications, Holland Bloorview Kids Rehabilitation Hospital   For more great insights head to www.PublicSectorNetwork.co  

In our latest episode, Natalie Bekis, Assistant Secretary Health Workforce Planning and Strategies Branch, Australian Government Department of Health and Aged Care, Fiona Notley, Chief Operating Officer, and Vice President, RMIT delve into the pressing issue of the technology skills shortage in Victoria, unpacking the challenges and opportunities that come with building a resilient, future-ready workforce. It explores how partnerships between the tertiary education sector and the public sector can strengthen the talent pipeline, ensuring that Victoria has the right skills to meet its digital demands. Our listeners will also gain insights into how the Victorian Government can build a strong Employee Value Proposition (EVP) that attracts and retains top talent—from crafting compelling job ads to investing in meaningful employee development. Finally, the episode examines how the public sector can strike the right balance between technology and human resources to optimise workflows and deliver better outcomes for Victorians. Natalie Bekis, Assistant Secretary Health Workforce Planning and Strategies Branch, Australian Government Department of Health and Aged Care, Fiona Notley, Chief Operating Officer, and Vice President, RMIT For more great insights head to www.PublicSectorNetwork.co  

This episode features Dr. Krista Jangaard, President and CEO of IWK Health Centre in Nova Scotia, sharing how her organisation is navigating one of the most ambitious healthcare transformations in the province's history. Dr. Jangaard reflects on what it means to modernise health systems in a time of volatility and opportunity—from integrating digital tools like "YourHealthNS" and a provincial health record, to tackling big issues like staffing, infrastructure, and patient access. She also unpacks Nova Scotia’s Action for Health strategy, exploring how real-world listening tours, system-wide collaboration, and governance reform are helping shape a more inclusive, data-informed, and people-centred future for care delivery. Expect honest lessons on leadership, the pitfalls of “shiny object syndrome,” and why transformation in healthcare is about balance—moving faster where possible, while pausing to reflect where it matters most. Krista Jangaard President and CEO, IWK Health For more great insights head to www.PublicSectorNetwork.co  

In this panel discussion, leaders from Colorado public sector sit down together and discuss what their priorities are in 2025 and beyond, and how to ensure they are successful.   Heather Weir, Senior Director of Strategy, Performance and Admin Office, Colorado Governor’s Office of Information Technology Andrea Day, Senior Information Technology Director, Customer Office, Colorado Governor’s Office of Information Technology Morgan Reed, AWS Executive Government Advisor, Amazon Web Services Moderator: Len Zheleznyak, Lead of Value, Strategy, and Innovation for State and Local Government Google Cloud.   For more great insights head to www.PublicSectorNetwork.co    

In this candid and compelling episode, Alex Benay and Karen Figuerola share an unfiltered look at the cultural and systemic issues behind Canada’s HR and pay challenges—and the bold transformation underway to fix them. From the $7 billion Phoenix failure to the rollout of Dayforce, Alex explains why fixing the tech alone isn’t enough. True change, he argues, starts with shifting behaviours, embracing radical transparency, and putting people at the centre of every decision. With real talk on AI, automation, executive accountability, and the power of user-centred design, this episode is both a wake-up call and a roadmap for leading transformation in the public sector. If you care about meaningful change, leadership that’s unafraid to fail, and building systems that simply work, you won’t want to miss it. Alex Benay, Associate Deputy Minister, (Enterprise Pay Coordination), Public Services and Procurement, Karen Figuerola, Partner, People Consulting, EY.   For more great insights head to www.PublicSectorNetwork.co  

In this episode of Public Sector Podcast, Ireland’s Government Chief Information Officer shares the country’s journey from traditional e-government to a bold, citizen-centred digital transformation. With a focus on inclusion, trust, and user-first design, Ireland is rethinking how government services are delivered—one life event at a time. Discover how Ireland is building shared infrastructure, adopting agile practices, and aligning with EU digital standards, all while navigating legislative hurdles and cultural change. Whether you're in policy, IT, or service delivery, this episode offers valuable lessons for governments striving to meet people where they are—both online and offline. Barry Lowry, CIO, Government of Ireland. For more great insights head to www.PublicSectorNetwork.co  

Join us in this insightful podcast as we sit down with Kimberly Roy Wilson, Commissioner, Information Technology & Services Division, City of Cleveland, to explore Ohio local government's challenges and opportunities in innovation and technology. Kimberly Roy Wilson Commissioner, Information Technology & Services Division, City of Cleveland For more great insights head to www.PublicSectorNetwork.co