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Women in Tech Recap: Key Insights from Our Recent Event in Sydney
Katharine Whittaker • May 22, 2025
On Wednesday 21 May, Derwent was delighted to host our "Women in Tech" event in Sydney, bringing together female Chief Information Officers, Chief Technology Officers, GM Tech leaders in the Digital and Technology industry.
This session explored navigating the path to the boardroom, offering insight into why it matters to be Board ready in an evolving landscape – where digital transformation, emerging technologies, and strategic innovation are reshaping the expectations of board directors. Recently, there's been a notable shift in boardroom mandates emphasising digital transformation and a deep lense on people and culture background to bring boardroom table.
We were joined by Claudine Ogilvie, former CTO at Jetstar Airways & current Non-Executive Director of Scyne Advisory and Cuscal Limited, and Michelle Gardiner, Managing Partner of Derwent's Board practice who shared their perspectives, drawing from their experience across multiple board roles throughout the Digital and Technology industry.
Key Themes & Takeaways:
Importance of Being T-shaped
- Emphasise the importance of T-shaped concept. Ensuring breadth of knowledge/experience and taking on leadership roles to build out commercial skill set and broaden expertise.
- For many Tech, Digital & Data Executives who have spent most of their career in a deep functional domain, it is harder for them to gain the “T-shape” when pursuing a board career. The “T-shape” refers to having deep technical experience combined with the breadth of commercial skills. Boardrooms are seeking executives with strong commercial & operational experience across an organisation, which is most commonly seen in a CEO or COO.
Transitioning to Board Roles
- The first board appointment is often the most challenging, with boards seeking individuals who have both experience and a deep understanding of the company and strategy. Be strategic in your first Board role, sit on a Board you know best, sectors you have most executive experience and knowledge of. This is encouraged to further develop your professional career; this can be done in conjunction with an Executive career.
AI & Governance
- At the Board level, it's critical to remember that while the technology may be new, the fundamentals of governance remain the same. It’s still about managing risk, identifying opportunity, ensuring transparency, and asking open questions.
- With any emerging technology – including AI – Boards need to focus on how it's changing the organisation’s risk landscape, operating model, and competitive context. That means engaging in open, informed discussions with management, and ensuring there are clear frameworks for oversight.
Why Work on a Board Role?
- Working on a board role is a powerful opportunity for professional development. It offers a unique chance to adopt a board-level mindset, broadening your strategic thinking and understanding of governance at the highest level.
- Enjoy governance for what it is – interesting – give it go – see how you feel – you can learn a lot.
- Engaging in professional development and adopting a board-level mindset is particularly enriching. It’s also great to work with a diverse range of companies, each presenting unique challenges that require innovative and strategic thinking.
Advice for Aspiring Board Members
- Engage in industry events, conferences, and courses (e.g., AICD) to build connections and increase visibility. Take on projects or roles that demonstrate leadership and strategic thinking.
- Engage in roles that offer exposure to various aspects of business operations, including P&L management, team leadership, and strategic initiatives.
- Stay updated on technological advancements and their implications for business to remain relevant and valuable in Board discussions.
- Always back yourself, ask open ended questions – this can show other people that you can bring a different perspective and think differently.
The discussion generated active engagement, with questions and conversation focusing on strategic entry into Board roles, balancing Executive and Board commitments and passion. Our speakers emphasised the value of the T-shaped concept – highlighting that while technical expertise as a CIO or CTO is crucial, combining it with commercial and business strategy is essential to stand out and add value at the Board level.
We extend our thanks to Katharine Whittaker, Principal in Derwent’s Digital, Technology & Services practice, for hosting the event, and to Claudine Ogilvie, Michelle Gardiner and attendees for contributing to a valuable discussion.
If you’re interested in learning more, get in touch at events@derwentsearch.com.au
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