Performance vs Culture: How the CTO Role is Evolving

This CTO report provides an in-depth exploration of the changing role of Chief Technology Officers (CTOs) within the Australian tech industry. Based on research and interviews with leading CTOs, it highlights several key trends and challenges:

1. Evolving CTO Role:

   • CTOs are transitioning from a purely technical focus to strategic business partners, emphasizing customer experience and growth.

2. Balancing Productivity & Culture:

   • With economic pressures and hybrid work models, CTOs are managing the balance between high performance and maintaining a positive workplace culture.

3. Agile Methodologies & Metrics:

   • Emphasis is on lean workflows and adopting metrics like DORA and SPACE, focusing on efficiency and team well-being.

4. AI & Automation:

   • The adoption of AI is emerging, focusing on boosting productivity while mitigating potential security risks.

5. Building Positive Cultures:

   • Creating a supportive work environment is crucial for talent retention and driving innovation.

Featured Contributors

Think & Grow acknowledges the contributions from the following industry experts:

• Nick Wong, CTO, Bupa
• Damian Cronan, Chief Digital Information Officer, ABC
• Michelle Aguilar, CTO, Vagari
• Rajini Carpenter, CTO, Beforepay
• Jins Kadwood, CTO, AgriDigital
• John Barton, CTO, Amber Electric
• Sally Casey, Ex CTO, Ocean Software
• Nick Benjamin, CTO, Envato
• Sean Geoghegan, Ex CTO and Cofounder, Sendle
• Craig Penfold, SVP Engineering, Culture Amp
• Doug Rathbone, CTO, HotDoc
• John Madden, CTO, Ettu
• Joseph Vartuli, CTO, CreditorWatch
• Ben Caldwell, VP Engineering, Ignition
• Joe Waller, CTO, Finder
• William Cowell, Director of Engineering, MyPass Global
• Nick Glynn, CTPO, FeeWise
• Francois Gourichon, CTO, Mosh
• Simon Farrell, VP Engineering, Forage
• Pierre Bergamin, CTO, Indebted
• Jason Fischer, VP Engineering, Prospa