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 Podcast

01:00 – Meet Miranda Ratajski: CIO at Westpac

03:00 – Early Lessons in Leadership: Managing 80 Teenage Girls

04:50 – The Mindful CIO Manifesto and Building a Healthy Culture

07:20 – Creating Psychological Safety and Diverse Spaces

09:00 – What COVID Taught Me About Energy and Inclusion

10:20 – Self-Care Routines, Yoga Practice, and Being Present

13:00 – Compassionate Leadership and the Inner Critic

15:00 – Great Leadership Role Models: Authenticity, Integrity & Vision

18:00 – The Power of Empowerment and Situational Leadership

20:00 – Early Resilience: Family, Education and Belief

22:30 – Attracting Talent and Winning Investment Through Clarity

25:00 – Portfolio Mindset: Prioritisation and Saying No

27:00 – Driving Diversity in Tech: Empower Up and Accessibility

30:30 – 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/

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 CIOPodcast
02:50 – Meet Adam Carthew: CIO at Service Victoria
03:09 – A Surprising Start: Missionary Work and Early Leadership Lessons
04:13 – Reflections on The Mindful CIO Manifesto
05:46 – The Power of Diversity and Challenging Your Thinking
07:11 – From Architect to People Leader: A Career-Defining Shift
11:09 – Coaching, Humility and the Journey from “Smartest” to “Most Effective”
11:43 – Managing Up, Building Influence and Navigating Perception
12:21 – Staying Grounded: Golf, Family and What Really Matters
16:45 – Private vs Public Sector: Leadership Lessons from Both Worlds
20:59 – Leading Through Crisis: Building a New Team at Target
26:58 – Influence Without Authority: The ANZ Asia-Pacific Story
30:23 – Responsible AI in Government and the Role of Policy
35:57 – The Maremma Metaphor: Leadership by Trust, Not Fear
41:09 – 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

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 Podcast

00:15 Meet Jorge Silveira: A Visionary Leader

03:14 Personal Insights: Beyond the LinkedIn Profile

04:45 The Mindful CIO Manifesto

04:52 Empowering Leadership and Growth

09:00 The Importance of Vulnerability in Leadership

17:02 Self-Care Strategies for High-Pressure Roles

22:00 Building Strong Team Relationships

22:51 The Sinkhole Metaphor: Supporting Each Other

28:10 Childhood Lessons

33:03 Inspiring Leadership: Role Models and Mentors

38:48 The Importance of Purpose inCareer Choices

41:50 Non-Technical Aspects of TechLeadership

47:44 Learning About a New Organisation

51:23 The Ownership of AI in Organisations

56:55 Keys to Leading High-Performing TechTeams

01:05:21 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

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 –

• ADAPT Interview with Hani Arab -

• SIT-DOWN Roundtable with Hani Arab -

• Nat’s LinkedIn article on Servant Leadership -

#Sefcare #Empathy #ServantLeadership #MindfulLeadership #Podcast #CIO # CTO

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

Join us for an engaging conversation with Ben Allwood, CIO of IPD Group, as he shares his inspiring journey from engineering and robotics to leading digital transformation. Ben's passion for technology extends to his home life, where he encourages his children’s interest through hands-on projects. 

In this episode, we explore the key elements of a healthy work culture and effective leadership. Ben draws from historical examples to highlight the importance of open communication and respect, even during disagreements. He also shares his strategies for maintaining balance while managing the demands of multiple time zones. 

We'll discuss how to preserve company culture amid technological advancements, as well as the critical roles of cybersecurity, AI and data governance. Join us for this insightful discussion on creating a unified and innovative organization. 

Chapters 

00:00-Introduction  

01:50-Interview starts 

03:03-Ben’s Journey 

07:39-His Baptism by Fire at IDP Group 

10:14-Reflections on the Mindful CIO Manifesto 

11:06-Defining Healthy Culture 

13:53-Self-care and Delegation  

16:28-Boundaries and Time Zones 

17:57-The Power of Pause 

21:24-Acquisitions, Culture and Tech 

28:16-Cultural Fit vs. Cultural Diversity  

33:34-Board Engagement, Cyber and AI  

41:36-Technology as an Enabler 

42:15-Successful Change Management  

45:02-Outgrowing your role and organization 

47:19-Closing Remarks 

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: 

#MindfulLeadership #Podcast #CIO # CTO  

--------- EPISODE SUMMARY ---------

What if the key to successful tech leadership lies not in your technical skills but in your ability to understand and motivate people? This episode of the Mindful CIO Podcast features Andrew Ogbourne, an IT veteran whose career spans across publishing, insurance, and community services. Andrew takes us on a journey from his academic roots in physics and maths to his present role where he emphasizes the human elements of technology leadership. Discover how technology serves as an enabler rather than the star of the show and gain insights into creating sustainable, inspiring work environments.

Andrew shares the principles of the Mindful CIO Manifesto, advocating for the power of emotional intelligence and the importance of recognizing neurodiversity within teams. By understanding personal motivations and valuing different strengths, leaders can cultivate a high-performing and enjoyable workplace culture. We explore how caring about employees can lead to greater commitment and discretionary effort, and why human skills often trump technical proficiency in effective leadership.

Finally, the conversation shifts to the complexities of leading organizational change and the importance of prioritization and adaptability. Andrew underscores the necessity of self-acceptance, self-compassion, and empathy, drawing inspiration from Kristen Neff’s work. Learn how to embrace uncertainty, plan flexibly, and lead with vulnerability to foster trust and open problem-solving within your team. This episode offers a comprehensive guide to human-centered tech leadership, blending personal anecdotes with practical advice to ensure productivity and well-being.

--------- REFERENCES ---------

• Andrew Ogbourne LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/aogbourne/

• Kristen Neff research on self-compassion - https://self-compassion.org/the-research/

• Martin Seligman – Achievement, one of the 5 pillars of holistic wellbeing - PERMA Model - https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/perma-wellbeing-model-nathalie-heynderickx/

--------- ENTITIES ---------

• Make a Wish Foundation – https://www.makeawish.org.au/

Murdoch Children's Research Institute - https://www.mcri.edu.au/

• Deloitte Australia - https://www.deloitte.com/au/en.html

--------- EPISODE CHAPTERS ---------

(0:00:03) - Leadership in Tech

(0:10:10) - The Mindful CIO Manifesto - Human Skills over Technical Prowess

(0:24:10) - Building Empathy and Positive Relationships

(0:32:50) - Leading Change

(0:41:03) - Leading With Focus and Adaptability

(0:48:37) - Embracing Uncertainty in Leadership

--------- EPISODE KEYWORDS ---------

Tech Leadership, Emotional Intelligence, Human Skills, Positive Workplace, Neurodiversity, Organizational Change, Purposeful Organizations, Sustainable Work Environments, Mindful CIO Manifesto, Empathy, Positive Relationships, Self-Acceptance, Self-Compassion, Kristen Neff, Empowering Work Environment, Leading Change, IT Departments, Prioritization, Adaptability, Vulnerability, High-Performance Teams, Eisenhower, Humility, Problem-Solving, Leading by Example, Mindfulness Meditation

--------- EPISODE SUMMARY ---------

Welcome to the Mindful CIO podcast! Join me, your host Nathalie Heynderickx, as we explore the human side of tech leadership and what it takes to lead high-performing tech teams mindfully and sustainably. With over 15 years of experience in tech leadership across Fortune 500 companies in Brazil and Australia, I now wear many hats as an executive coach, founder of the Mindful CIO community, and educator in positive psychology. In this episode, I introduce the podcast's purpose and format, including monthly interviews with inspiring tech leaders from diverse industries. Together, we will learn about their professional journeys, leadership experiences, and the keys to success for mindful and sustainable leadership.

In this episode, I share my personal journey, from my beginnings in Rio, navigating various tech roles in Brazil and Australia, to my transformative experience with corporate mindfulness training. You'll hear about my career milestones, the challenges I faced, and the pivotal moments that led me to specialize in mindfulness-based leadership. Listen in as I recount the best and worst leadership. Whether you're a seasoned tech executive or an aspiring leader, this podcast aims to inspire and equip you with the strategies and lessons needed to elevate your tech leadership impact in the age of AI.

--------- EPISODE KEYWORDS ---------

Mindful CIO, Tech Leadership, Mindfulness, Mindful Leadership, AI, Professional Paths, Leadership Experiences, High-Performing Teams, Sustainable Leadership, Executive Coach, Positive Psychology, Mindful CIO, Corporate Mindfulness Training