Public Sector Podcast

This week, we are joined by Sarah Soto-Taylor, Deputy Secretary of Strategic Development, California Government Operations Agency and Chris Given, Deputy Secretary for Technology and Innovation, California Government Operations Agency who explore why cross-functional collaboration is essential for turning innovation into real-world impact. By bringing technologists and programme leaders into the same conversations, organisations can ensure emerging tools are aligned with operational priorities and practical needs — not just technical ambition.

We learn how to strengthen dialogue between technical and business teams, close the gap between capability and delivery, and create solutions that are relevant, usable and widely adopted. Listeners will gain insights into building more effective collaboration models that drive measurable results.
 
Sarah Soto-Taylor, Deputy Secretary of Strategic Development, California Government Operations Agency and Chris Given, Deputy Secretary for Technology and Innovation, California Government Operations Agency
 
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As data breaches become more common, governments need to be ready to respond quickly, clearly and in a way that protects public trust. Join  Arilea Sill, Chief Information Access and Privacy Officer, Province of Nova Scotia and Kathy Hartlen, Manager, Privacy Program, Province Nova Scotia as they delve into how the way an agency handles a breach can either undermine confidence or strengthen long-term resilience.

Our guests look at practical ways to manage breach response effectively, strengthen privacy and information management, and build a culture that treats data protection as everyone's responsibility. Arilea and Kathy describe lessons from real public sector incidents, how to improve governance and staff readiness, and why transparent communication is critical to maintaining public confidence.
Arilea Sill, Chief Information Access and Privacy Officer, Province of Nova Scotia, Kathy Hartlen, Manager, Privacy Program, Province Nova Scotia
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In this episode, Shawnzia Thomas, State Chief Information Officer and Executive Director, Georgia Technology Authority explores how Georgia is advancing digital transformation by weaving innovation into the fabric of everyday government operations. Shawnzia highlights how leaders are moving beyond pilots and positioning technology as a core driver of smarter, more responsive governance — with a clear focus on delivering outcomes that genuinely improve citizens' lives.

From leveraging AI and automation to streamline operations and enhance engagement, to strengthening digital equity and inclusive access, Georgia's approach is both ambitious and practical. The conversation also unpacks how secure cloud adoption, Zero Trust strategies and scalable innovation models are helping build a more resilient, future-ready state.
Shawnzia Thomas, State Chief Information Officer and Executive Director, Georgia Technology Authority
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Tune in this week to hear Peter Floyd, Chief Digital Officer at the Department of Local Government, Water and Volunteers, as he shares a practical and people-focused approach to making cyber security everyone's business. He explains why most cyber risk comes from everyday behaviours—not technology—and how organisations can lift awareness and capability across the workforce without extra budget or heavy technical language.

Through real examples, Peter shows how short, engaging communications, humour, and simple behavioural nudges can dramatically improve cyber awareness and reduce risk. The episode offers clear, relatable lessons for public sector leaders looking to build a stronger security culture by meeting people where they are and making cyber relevant to their daily work and lives.
Peter Floyd, Chief Digital Officer, Department of Local Government, Water and Volunteers
For more great insights head to www.PublicSectorNetwork.co

In our latest episode, David Shanks, Deputy Commissioner of Enterprise and Integrated Integrity Services at Inland Revenue New Zealand, explores how governments can strike the right balance between embracing technological innovation and managing risk. Drawing on personal experience across regulation, digital policy and emerging technology, he reflects on the opportunities AI presents — and the very real harms that can arise when innovation outpaces oversight.

Through compelling real-world stories, David argues that opting out of technological change isn't realistic. Instead, public sector leaders must learn to move forward deliberately, paying close attention to early warning signs, lived experience and unintended consequences. The episode offers a thoughtful, grounded perspective on responsible innovation in an age of rapid digital change.
David Shanks, Deputy Commissioner, Enterprise and Integrity Services, Inland Revenue NZ
For more great insights head to www.PublicSectorNetwork.co