The West Tech Podcast

In Episode 011 of the West Tech Podcast, Dean Mumford is joined by Stuart Freer, Chief Information & Digital Officer at Coates, to discuss his career in technology, the evolution of digital transformation and the changing demands of technology leadership.

Originally from the UK, Stuart's career has taken him through major organisations including Tesco, Coles, MECCA and Coates, spanning retail, supply chain, digital commerce and industrial services.

He reflects on the opportunities that shaped his career, including stepping into a significant leadership position in his late twenties, the challenges of imposter syndrome and the value of having mentors who challenge and support your development.

The conversation also explores Stuart's current role at Coates, where technology, data and AI are being used to improve operational performance, customer experience and business decision-making.

Dean and Stuart discuss how AI is changing the way organisations access and use data, why technology leaders need to understand commercial priorities and how to distinguish meaningful innovation from industry hype.

They also cover Stuart's leadership philosophy, attracting and developing technology talent, and his advice for those starting their careers in an industry that continues to evolve.

An engaging conversation about the intersection of technology, business and people, and what it takes to remain relevant as both a professional and a leader.

In Episode 010 of the West Tech Podcast, Dean Mumford welcomes Shane Wootton, Chief Information Officer at ComfortDelGro Australia, for a conversation about career development, technology transformation and leadership.

Shane's career began in aviation, training as a commercial pilot before an unexpected change of direction led him into IT. What started as a natural interest in computers eventually became a career spanning technical roles, team leadership and large-scale technology transformation.

Today, Shane leads technology within one of Australia's largest transport businesses, where innovation, operational reliability and safety go hand in hand.

Dean and Shane explore the evolution of the CIO role, the opportunities and challenges presented by AI and automation, and the importance of translating technology into meaningful business outcomes.

They also discuss Shane's approach to developing future leaders, creating high-performing teams, managing competing priorities and why cultural fit can be just as important as technical capability.

Throughout the conversation, Shane reflects on the value of mentoring, continuous learning and the importance of backing yourself when opportunities arise.

Topics covered include:

A valuable listen for technology professionals, aspiring leaders and anyone interested in the intersection of technology, people and business.

What does it take to build a successful technology leadership career?

In this episode of the West Tech Podcast, Dean Mumford sits down with Hani Arab, Chief Information Officer at Seymour Whyte, to discuss an extraordinary career journey from civil engineering into executive technology leadership.

Hani shares how curiosity, continuous learning and taking ownership of his career enabled him to transition industries, lead large-scale technology transformation and build high-performing teams. The conversation explores AI, leadership, career strategy, technology adoption and why today's CIOs need to be as strong in people and business as they are in technology.

This is a practical discussion for anyone aspiring to lead in technology or build a long-term career in the industry.

Topics include:

• From engineering to Chief Information Officer
• Taking ownership of your career rather than waiting for opportunity
• Lessons in leadership and decision-making
• AI adoption and the future of enterprise technology
• Building high-performing technology teams
• What Hani looks for when hiring technology professionals
• Why today's CIO must balance people, process and technology

What does technology leadership look like in an industry most people wouldn't associate with cutting-edge innovation?

In this episode, Dean Mumford sits down with Matt Baker, Head of Enterprise Applications & Automation at Komatsu Australia. With more than 20 years at Komatsu, Matt shares his career journey from infrastructure engineer to technology leader, and how curiosity, continuous learning and a strong understanding of the business have shaped his success.

The conversation explores the evolving role of enterprise applications, digital transformation, AI, leadership, and why technology professionals need to think beyond the technology itself to deliver real business value.

Topics include:

• Building a long-term career in technology
• Why curiosity is one of the most valuable career traits
• Leading high-performing technology teams
• Enterprise applications, automation and digital transformation
• AI, governance and the future of enterprise technology
• Why business knowledge is becoming just as important as technical expertise
• Advice for aspiring technology leaders

Episode 007: How to Ask for a Pay Rise (And Actually Get One)

As recruiters, one of the most common questions we're asked is: How do I ask for a pay rise?

In this episode, Dean Mumford sits down with Sam King to break down the practical strategies that give professionals the best chance of success. From building a strong business case and understanding your market value, through to timing the conversation and handling different responses, they share the advice they give candidates every day.

Whether you're preparing for a performance review or simply wondering if you're being fairly compensated, this episode provides a practical roadmap to approaching the discussion with confidence and professionalism.

Topics include:

Episode 006 of the West Tech Podcast features Richard Harris, GM Technology at Endeavour Energy.

In this episode, Dean Mumford and Richard discuss technology leadership, transformation, AI, culture, and the evolving role of the modern CIO within critical infrastructure environments.

Topics covered include:

• Building trust between IT teams, executives, and boards
• Leading technology transformation programs
• Leadership styles and managing diverse teams
• The future impact of AI across organisations
• Technology innovation within the energy sector
• Hiring for adaptability, culture, and curiosity
• Career lessons and reflections from executive leadership

A candid and insightful conversation for technology professionals, business leaders, and anyone interested in the future of digital transformation.

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After a short break, the West Tech Podcast returns with Episode 005, and it’s worth the wait.

In this episode, Dean Mumford sits down with Wayne McMahon, a highly accomplished technology and digital leader who played a pivotal role in driving the digital transformation of Domino’s and shaping innovation across major consumer brands. 

This is a candid, real-world conversation that goes beyond the headlines, unpacking what it actually takes to lead transformation at scale, build high-performing teams, and stay ahead in an industry that never stands still.

In this episode, we cover:
• Driving digital transformation in legacy businesses
• Innovation that actually moves the needle, not just buzzwords
• Leadership lessons from high-growth, high-pressure environments
• Why so many tech projects fail, and how to get it right
• The evolving role of technology leaders in modern organisations
• AI, automation and what’s real vs what’s hype

The West Tech Podcast brings together CIOs and senior IT leaders to share real stories, practical insights, and the lessons that shape careers in technology. 

🎧 Take a listen, and don’t forget to like, subscribe and share.

 In this episode of The West Tech Podcast, host Dean Mumford sits down with Sidd Jolapara from Amazon Web Services (AWS), where they delve into the evolving world of cloud computing and the critical role finance plays in tech-driven industries. Sidd shares his unique journey from a career in chartered accounting to working at AWS, where he bridges the gap between finance and technology to help businesses make the most of their cloud investments. They discuss industry shifts, best practices for cloud cost management, and the intersection of finance, technology, and culture in achieving sustainable growth. This episode is essential for anyone interested in the future of cloud technology and strategic financial management within tech. 

In this episode of The West Tech Podcast, I sit down with my right-hand man, Sam King, from West Recruitment Consulting, to discuss the competitive landscape of job searching in Sydney's IT market.

We share practical tips and strategies on how job seekers can stand out from the crowd, including the importance of networking, optimising your CV, and leveraging platforms like LinkedIn. Whether you're actively looking or just want to stay prepared, this episode offers valuable insights to help you land your next role.

For more about Sam King, connect with him on LinkedIn or reach out to him directly at West Recruitment Consulting.

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In this episode of The West Tech Podcast, host “Dean Mumford” sits down with Rebecca Meli, the Chief Technology Officer at Jaybro, a leading supplier in the civil consumables and safety sector. We explore Rebecca's impressive career trajectory, her pivotal role in driving technological innovation at Jaybro, and how she has helped scale and shape the company's IT operations through effective technology strategies. We also dive into her insights on the challenges and opportunities in industry, as well as her leadership approach in a rapidly evolving tech landscape. This episode is a must-listen for those interested in the intersection of technology and industry innovation.