Mindful CIO Podcast

• Episode #7 - Psych. Safety, Priorities and Presence: The Leadership Philosophy of Miranda Ratajski

  In this episode of The Mindful CIO Podcast, Nathalie Heynderickx sits down with Miranda Ratajski, CIO of Group Business Units at Westpac. With a career spanning 25+ years across global industries, Miranda is recognised for her transformative leadership and her advocacy for diversity and psychological safety in tech. Miranda opens up about her unlikely leadership training — managing 80 teenage girls at Coles as a teen herself — and how that experience shaped her understanding of empathy, communication, and self-awareness. A core focus of the conversation is healthy culture, one of the four pillars of the Mindful CIO Manifesto. Miranda shares how she fosters psychological safety across Westpac, using skip-level meetings, feedback forums, and inclusive listening techniques to ensure every voice is heard — especially those less inclined to speak up. She also talks about her self-care practices, including teaching yoga, walking her dogs mindfully, and allowing herself the grace of imperfection. Her honest take on managing energy — not just time — offers valuable insight for leaders navigating complexity. Miranda reflects on her role in advancing diversity at Westpac, where she sponsors the Diversity in Tech and Accessibility programs. She discusses the success of the “Empower Up” returnship for women re-entering the workforce and Westpac’s long-standing leadership in gender and inclusion. Her mindset: diversity is not optional — it’s a non-negotiable. On the topic of non-technical challenges, Miranda addresses the real work of prioritisation. From managing competingdemands to knowing when to say no, she offers practical strategies grounded in purpose, transparency, and courage. She closes with a reminder that true leadership isn’t about doing more — it’s about doing what matters, sustainably. And her favourite quote from Dr. Seuss says it all: “Today you are you. That is truer than true. There is no one alive who is youer than you.” 🎬 IN OUR EPISODE:00:00 – Introduction to the Mindful CIO Podcast01:00 – Meet Miranda Ratajski: CIO at Westpac03:00 – Early Lessons in Leadership: Managing 80 Teenage Girls04:50 – The Mindful CIO Manifesto and Building a Healthy Culture07:20 – Creating Psychological Safety and Diverse Spaces09:00 – What COVID Taught Me About Energy and Inclusion10:20 – Self-Care Routines, Yoga Practice, and Being Present13:00 – Compassionate Leadership and the Inner Critic15:00 – Great Leadership Role Models: Authenticity, Integrity & Vision18:00 – The Power of Empowerment and Situational Leadership20:00 – Early Resilience: Family, Education and Belief22:30 – Attracting Talent and Winning Investment Through Clarity25:00 – Portfolio Mindset: Prioritisation and Saying No27:00 – Driving Diversity in Tech: Empower Up and Accessibility30:30 – Final Reflections: Sustainable High Performance in Tech Teams 🎙️ LISTEN & SUBSCRIBE TO OUR AUDIO PODCAST ✦ Website: https://mindfulcio.community/podcast/ ✦ Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/podcast/mindful-cio-podcast/id1765106205 ✦ Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/1gomcBWSDwdfoEZeZD7Usu _____________________________________ 🔗 CONNECT WITH MIRANDA RATAJSKI * LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/mirandaratajski/

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• Episode #6 - Letting Go, Lifting Others: How Great CIOs Evolve with the Role with Adam Carthew

  In this episode of The Mindful CIO Podcast, Nathalie Heynderickx connects with Adam Carthew, Chief Information Officer at Service Victoria and one of Australia’s Top 50 CIOs (2021 to 2023). With a career spanning executive roles at ANZ, Coles Financial Services, and Target Australia, Adam brings a rich perspective on the human side of tech leadership, especially within the shifting dynamics of government and the digital age.Adam shares his compelling transformation from being “the smartest person in the room” as a solution architect to becoming an empowering, people focused leader. He reflects on a pivotal moment when coaching helped him shift his leadership centre of gravity from self-validation to team outcomes, sparking a lasting change in how he develops others.Drawing on personal stories, Adam explores how diversity of thought, managing up as well as down, and responding humbly to feedback are essential traits for today’s CIOs. He unpacks his leadership philosophy using a unique metaphor: the Maremma dog versus the Border Collie, illustrating the difference between trust led leadership and fear-based management.From transitioning between the private and public sectors to navigating AI adoption in government, Adam shares insights on sustainable digital delivery, responsible innovation, and building high performance cultures. He opens up about the pressure of big transformations, leading through crisis, and his belief that “leadership is about behaviour, not title.”This episode is rich with practical advice for aspiring and seasoned CIOs alike on aligning teams to purpose, leading with humility, and creating cultures where discretionary effort thrives.Quote of the episode:"Leadership is about who you are. Management is about what you do." – Adam Carthew🎬 IN OUR EPISODE:00:00 – Introduction to the Mindful CIOPodcast02:50 – Meet Adam Carthew: CIO at Service Victoria03:09 – A Surprising Start: Missionary Work and Early Leadership Lessons04:13 – Reflections on The Mindful CIO Manifesto05:46 – The Power of Diversity and Challenging Your Thinking07:11 – From Architect to People Leader: A Career-Defining Shift11:09 – Coaching, Humility and the Journey from “Smartest” to “Most Effective”11:43 – Managing Up, Building Influence and Navigating Perception12:21 – Staying Grounded: Golf, Family and What Really Matters16:45 – Private vs Public Sector: Leadership Lessons from Both Worlds20:59 – Leading Through Crisis: Building a New Team at Target26:58 – Influence Without Authority: The ANZ Asia-Pacific Story30:23 – Responsible AI in Government and the Role of Policy35:57 – The Maremma Metaphor: Leadership by Trust, Not Fear41:09 – Final Thoughts: Advice for Aspiring Tech Leaders 🎙️ LISTEN & SUBSCRIBE TO OUR AUDIO PODCAST✦ Website: https://mindfulcio.community/podcast/✦ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TheMindfulCIO-Community✦ Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/mindful-cio-podcast/id1765106205✦ Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/1gomcBWSDwdfoEZeZD7Usu?si=d5c28da86c984e2a___________________🔗 CONNECT WITH ADAM CARTHEW LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/adamrcarthew/CIO50 Awards Australia 2023 - https://www.cio.com/awardee/642638/adam-carthew.html

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• Episode #5 - Vulnerability and Growth in Tech Leadership with Jorge Silveira

  In this episode of the Mindful CIO Podcast, host Nathalie Heynderickx speaks with Jorge Silveira, a multi-award-winning senior executive recognized for his transformative work in healthcare, automotive, government, and technology sectors. Jorge shares personal anecdotes from his childhood in Brazil and reveals his lesser-known passions for painting, sculpting, and songwriting. The conversation delves into the principles of the Mindful CIO Manifesto, particularly the support for leaders' growth, and how Jorge fosters a culture of trust and empowerment within his teams. He emphasizes the importance of passion, belief, and behaviour alignment in leadership. The discussion also explores the role of CIOs and CDOs in the age of AI, stressing the need for multidisciplinary oversight and business acumen. Jorge highlights the critical need for organizations to understand their core purpose and align their AI strategies accordingly. This episode offers profound insights into leadership, vulnerability, and the responsible implementation of AI in tech.🎬 IN OUR EPISODE:00:00 Introduction to the Mindful CIO Podcast00:15 Meet Jorge Silveira: A Visionary Leader03:14 Personal Insights: Beyond the LinkedIn Profile04:45 The Mindful CIO Manifesto04:52 Empowering Leadership and Growth09:00 The Importance of Vulnerability in Leadership17:02 Self-Care Strategies for High-Pressure Roles22:00 Building Strong Team Relationships22:51 The Sinkhole Metaphor: Supporting Each Other28:10 Childhood Lessons33:03 Inspiring Leadership: Role Models and Mentors38:48 The Importance of Purpose inCareer Choices41:50 Non-Technical Aspects of TechLeadership47:44 Learning About a New Organisation51:23 The Ownership of AI in Organisations56:55 Keys to Leading High-Performing TechTeams01:05:21 Final Thoughts and Farewell___________________🎙️LISTEN & SUBSCRIBE TO OUR AUDIO PODCAST✦ Website: https://mindfulcio.community/podcast/✦ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TheMindfulCIO-Community✦ Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/mindful-cio-podcast/id1765106205✦ Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/1gomcBWSDwdfoEZeZD7Usu?si=d5c28da86c984e2a___________________🔗 CONNECT WITH JORGE SILVEIRA LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jorgesilveira/ AI Leadership Series S1E3: TheRise of the Chief Artificial Intelligence Officer (CAIO):  https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/ai-leadership-series-s1e3-rise-chief-artificial-officer-silveira-vpa7c/?trackingId=bPbEBZdODt3Jk9M3eeabbw%3D%3D Music Lyrics - (Under MichaelO’Brandel artistic name) Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/artist/0bvXEjTbsv0O39gFljLlbK?si=229xEYVJRAy9xb_aJ_TkXw Apple Music - https://music.apple.com/au/artist/michael-obrandel/1784747087 Video Clips: Valentine https://youtu.be/Xy5Kr0e_v8Y?feature=shared Sculptures: Australian BoabTrees Website - https://www.iamboab.com

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• Episode #4 – From Construction Sites to C-Suite: An Unconventional Path to Tech Leadership with Hani Arab

  In Episode 4 of the MINDFUL CIO podcast, we spoke with Hani Arab, CIO of Seymour Whyte, an award-winning Australian company. Hani shared his journey from civil engineering in the construction industry to his current role as CIO. He reflected on how leadership in the tech sector has evolved and offered his perspective on servant and mindful leadership. As a mature leader, Hani emphasised the importance of empathy and adaptability. He discussed how understanding the unique needs of your team and fostering a culture of camaraderie can unlock their full potential. He also highlighted the drawbacks of micromanagement and command-and-control leadership styles, advocating for empowering teams to drive long-term success. Our conversation was genuine, thought-provoking, and packed with invaluable leadership insights. We trust it will inspire you to adopt some of Hani’s wisdom and take your own leadership journey to the next level. Chapters 00:00 Introduction 01:56 Guest Introduction: Hani Arab 03:35 Hani's Career Journey 05:30 Personal Insights and Hobbies 07:45 The Mindful CIO Manifesto 08:07 Servant Leadership 08:27 Empathy and Leadership Styles 10:32 Downsides of Micro-managing 12:01 Curiosity and Ongoing Learning 14:15 Command and Control leadership 15:49 Self Care Activities and Routines 16:37 The Power and Benefits of Pause and Prayer 19:31 Roles Models and Inspiration of Great Leadership 23:08 With Great Power comes Great Responsibility 25:24 Sustainable High Performance 28:55 Leading Change and Communicating the Vision 29:40 Stakeholders Relationship Development 31:55 Defining the Future State in a New Role 33:46 A Critical Habit for Successful Leadership 36:25 Engaging the Board with Hard Metrics and ROI 39.15 Getting to Know Your Team and Their Motivations 42:27 Final Thoughts – Snippets of Wisdom Connect with Us: Follow the podcast for more discussions on Mindful Leadership in Tech. Subscribe and hit the bell icon to stay updated on our latest episodes! Links from this episode: • Connect with Hani Arab on LinkedIn – https://www.linkedin.com/in/hani-arab/recent-activity/articles/ • ADAPT Interview with Hani Arab - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dwczvU50jgk • SIT-DOWN Roundtable with Hani Arab - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=y5Bzl5b9KX8 • Nat’s LinkedIn article on Servant Leadership - https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/what-servant-leadership-nathalie-heynderickx/ #Sefcare #Empathy #ServantLeadership #MindfulLeadership #Podcast #CIO # CTO

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• Episode #3 - Building a Sustainable and Purpose-Driven Tech Environment with Henrik Mitsch

  In this episode, Henrik Mitsch, VP Digital at Elli Volkswagen Group Charging, discusses his journey from career-driven to purpose-driven leadership. He shares insights from his pioneering work in electric vehicle charging infrastructure and energy trading on the European stock exchange. Henrik also reflects on his transformative experiences at MIT Sloan School, highlighting the role of systems thinking in addressing complex business and climate challenges. Drawing on lessons from professors John Sterman and Frances Frei, he explores frameworks for building trust and resilience within tech teams. Henrik details his unique approach to team development, incorporating 5-minute learning sessions on topics like non-violent communication, active listening, bias handling, and delegation. He emphasizes the power of open communication, empowerment, and aligning individual goals with company objectives, fostering a supportive environment for high-performing teams. Chapters: 00:00 Introduction 03:36 From Career-Centered to Purpose-Oriented Focus 05:52 Elli: The Volkswagen Group Charging Company 06:25 Transformation of the Automotive Industry 06:55 Bi-Directional Charging Capabilities 08:44 Mobility, Sustainability, and Climate Change: There Is No Planet B! 10:44 The Mindful CIO Manifesto: The Role of IT Leaders 11:44 Focus and Presence 13:50 Tai Chi and Mindfulness 16:07 The MIT Sloan School Experience 16:50 Professor John Sterman: Systems Thinking 17:31 Professor Frances Frei: The Trust Triangle Framework 20:55 Human Skills: 5-Minute Learning Segments 22:40 Nonviolent Communication, Handling Bias, Levels of Listening, and Delegation Poker 25:18 Leading Change 25:26 Building a Shared Understanding 25:50 Seeking the Truth and Reaching Small Agreements to Collaborate and Learn 28:27 Purpose: Start with the "Why" – Purpose Can Be Found Anywhere 30:50 Feedback: The Radical Candor Framework by Kim Scott 35:35 Delegation Poker: The 7 Levels 39:35 Managing Competing Demands and Priorities 40:40 Systems Thinking: Awareness-Based Systems Change 41:56 Empowering the Edges 42:31 Professor Frances Frei: What Do You Need to Be Wildly Successful? Connect with Us: Follow the podcast for more discussions on Mindful Leadership in Tech. Subscribe and hit the bell icon to stay updated on our latest episodes! Links from this episode: ·       MIT Sloan School - https://mitsloan.mit.edu/ ·       Non-Violen Communication (NVC) - https://www.cnvc.org/ ·       Professor Frances Frei (HBR) - https://www.linkedin.com/in/francesfrei/ and https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pVeq-0dIqpk ·     The Trust Triangle – https://hbr.org/2020/05/begin-with-trust ·       Radical candor by Kim Scott - https://www.radicalcandor.com/ ·       TED Talk – Mike Robbins (high expectations and high nurturance) - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bd2WKQWG_Dg ·     Delegation Poker - https://management30.com/practice/delegation-poker/ ·       TED Talk - Simon Sinek | Start with Why - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u4ZoJKF_VuA ·       Professor John Sterman on Systems Thinking – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l3_3IRcgt-8 ·       Handling bias (purple flag) - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VEP7_BeXH64 ·       Levels of Listening – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5kFjKUmIVps #Mobility #Sustainability #TechforGood #MindfulLeadership #Podcast #CIO # CTO

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