Public Sector Podcast

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
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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
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In this episode we hear from Sarah Tuneberg, Director, Colorado Digital Services, as she unpacks what Wave 3 of the Digital Government Strategic Plan means in practice for agencies. She walks through key milestones, reflects on lessons learned from recent digital transformation efforts, and discusses how governments can move past long-standing challenges to deliver more innovative, citizen-focused services. The conversation focuses on helping organisations align their priorities with Wave 3 objectives, offering practical strategies to strengthen service delivery, improve outcomes for citizens, and accelerate progress through smarter collaboration and forward-looking approaches.
Sarah Tuneberg, Director, Colorado Digital Services
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In this episode, Shannon Salter — Deputy Minister to the Premier, Cabinet Secretary and Head of the BC Public Service — shares British Columbia's vision to make government feel simple, human and connected by 2030. She outlines how "Connected Services BC" aims to redesign services around real life events, so people experience one coordinated system rather than navigating multiple ministries and programs.

Through the story of Amina and lessons from the Civil Resolution Tribunal, Shannon explains why true transformation requires more than new technology: it depends on clear purpose, shared standards, secure data-sharing, and a culture willing to learn and take thoughtful risks. The conversation also explores how improving service delivery can rebuild public trust by making support easier to access—especially for those facing the greatest barriers.
 
Shannon Salter, Deputy Minister to the Premier, Cabinet Secretary and Head of the BC Public Service, Government of British Columbia
 
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