In this episode of the NewyTechPeople podcast, James sits down with Adam Ingles, a fractional CFO and Director at Quick:Ratio, who works with technology startups. Adam shares his experience in the tech industry and explains the benefits of fractional CFO roles for early-stage startups. He breaks down when companies should bring in finance expertise, the current fundraising landscape, and the key elements of a strong pitch deck. Adam also offers advice on funding options, the challenges faced by ...
Mar 20, 2025•22 min•Ep. 115
In this episode of the NewyTechPeople podcast, we sit down with Roger Crellin, a seasoned technology executive who has recently moved to Newcastle. Roger shares his extensive international experience in the commercial side of technology, including roles at Fujifilm, smart TV manufacturers, and casino software companies. He discusses the challenges and rewards of working abroad, offering valuable advice for those considering international career moves. Roger emphasises the importance of networkin...
Jan 30, 2025•41 min•Ep. 113
In this episode of the NewyTechPeople podcast, we sit down with Michael Graham, a partner at Cutcher & Neale. Michael shares his journey from labourer to accountant to systems consultant, highlighting the importance of adaptability and continuous learning in the ever-evolving world of technology and finance. He discusses the shift from traditional accounting systems to cloud-based solutions, the impact of AI on various industries, and the importance of understanding core business processes. ...
Nov 06, 2024•47 min•Ep. 114
Our latest episode of the NewyTechPeople Podcast features Josh Jeffress, Principle at Design Anthology. Josh, a passionate innovator and industry veteran, shares his incredible journey from trade school to establishing a design powerhouse in the Hunter region. Discover his insights on: * The importance of education beyond degrees * The power of innovation through cross-pollination * How relationships and partnerships drive success in tech * The invaluable role of learning and embracing challenge...
Jul 24, 2024•48 min•Ep. 112
Join us as we speak with Adam Boyle, CEO of EngageRM and founder of Pegasus, an Australian tech company that started in mining safety and grew into a global player before a successful exit. We'll hear how Pegasus got its start doing labour hire and training in the mining industry before expanding into software like digital safety inductions. When the mining downturn hit, Pegasus pivoted to new industries like retail, developing contractor management portals for major companies like Woolworths. J...
Jul 09, 2024•50 min•Ep. 111
This episode of the NTP Podcast features Brett Thomas, COO of The Melt. Brett recounts his journey from aspiring professional soccer player to founding The Melt, a hardware startup accelerator. After a leg injury ended his soccer career, Brett backpacked internationally for a year before working in surveying and offshore hydrographic positioning. He later helped build out the internet's fiber optic infrastructure during its rapid growth. Brett then joined mining supply chain software startup Qma...
Jan 08, 2024•47 min•Ep. 110
Join us as we speak with Josh Weeks, founder and Director of Alpha Echo, an Australian cybersecurity company. Josh shares his journey from wanting to be a teacher to becoming an aerospace engineer for the Australian Defence Force. After leaving the ADF, Josh struggled to find work but eventually launched his own contracting company in Canberra. He later moved his family back to Newcastle and slowly grew his business by expanding into new government contracts. Today Alpha Echo has 35 employees ac...
Dec 11, 2023•46 min•Ep. 109
In this episode, Carolyn Breeze shares her career journey through the world of tech and payments. Starting at eBay, she gained experience at large Silicon Valley companies before becoming Country Manager for Braintree in Australia. Her passion for payments grew as she helped expand GoCardless's services down under. After a stint as Chief Commercial Officer at Zepto, Carolyn took on the CEO role at Scalare Partners - an early stage investment firm with a unique model. Carolyn outlines how Scalare...
Nov 27, 2023•1 hr 3 min•Ep. 108
On this episode of the Digitally Diverse podcast, Ellen talks to Sophie Benjamin, Content Designer at Canva. Sophie talks about going through three career changes, and the process of transitioning into tech. We discuss the principles of content design and the similarities and differences between them and UX or Product Design. The episode also covers a wide range of topics spinning out of Sophie's varied career history, including how to build a sustainable culture, find your workplace fit, manage...
Nov 15, 2023•46 min•Ep. 107
In this episode, James talks to Michelle Crawford, Chief Conversationalist of Being More Human. Michelle sheds light on the power of good leadership. People often forget that leadership and management is a technical capability and shares tips to help listeners develop that skill. We also look at how the best leaders have excellent strategic thinking capabilities and embrace ambiguity. We discuss your genius zone, where you are most efficient, and how to identify and assist your team to work in t...
Nov 13, 2023•43 min•Ep. 102
On this episode of Digitally Diverse, we talk to Jalissa Lawson, a Senior Product Designer at Zip Co. Jalissa talks about her experience transitioning from marketing to product design and UI, what it's like working in the fintech space and how she's adapted to a start-up way of thinking. Jalissa also shares how she's upskilled via university, boot camps and good old-fashioned YouTube, along with what makes a stand-out workplace culture, and more.
Nov 08, 2023•30 min•Ep. 101
To celebrate our 100th NTP Podcast episode, we filmed our first-ever live episode! In this episode, we take time to reflect on the progress that Newcastle has made from a steel city into a technology hub. We talk about how the technology community fuels and is fuelled by this evolution and how we can keep it growing strong into the future. We also reflect on a massive 100 episodes, with many more to come! This podcast features previous guests of the podcast and some new faces, including Justin H...
Oct 30, 2023•1 hr 15 min•Ep. 100
On this episode of the Digitally Diverse series we chat with Ryan Whitmore, Senior Product Design at Ready Tech. We chat about Ryan's career to date, his role at Ready Tech, resources he recommends and the problems the team at Ready Tech are solving. Hope you enjoy the interview!
Oct 15, 2023•58 min•Ep. 106
On this episode of the Digitally Diverse series we chat with Gloria Chan, Head of Design at Wisr about her career to date, advice for those wanting to start a career in design, what the team at Wisr are currently working on and representation in the design industry. Hope you enjoy the interview!
Oct 13, 2023•39 min•Ep. 105
On this episode of the Digitally Diverse series with our host Ellen Bennett we chat with Mikey Ford, Product & Creative Technology. Mikey shares his career journey starting as a developer and moving into the project management space, productivity tips and his perspective on the ever changing technology scene. Hope you enjoy the interview!
Oct 05, 2023•45 min•Ep. 104
On this episode of the NTP Podcast we chat with Jackson Clarke about his career to date, his experience at University studying a masters and what problems Tentacle CM&I are solving. Hope you enjoy the interview!
Sep 28, 2023•57 min•Ep. 103
On this episode of the NewyTechPeople Podcast we interview Adriaan Steyn, Product Design Lead at Hide and Seek Digital. Ellen and Adriaan chat about his career to date, his experience studying at University in South Africa, the projects Adriaan is currently working on as well as his passion for making meaningful impact with his work. Hope you enjoy the interview!
Sep 25, 2023•44 min•Ep. 102
In our latest podcast episode we chat with Andre Pinkowski about his career to date, his experience as a founder and invaluable tips for scaling startups.
Sep 11, 2023•44 min•Ep. 101
In this episode of the NewyTechPeople Podcast’s Digitally Diverse Series, Ellen Bennett has an insightful chat with Ash Ivory, Head of Product at Askable. Ash shares how they amplify the collaborative culture at Askable, gives a peek into the projects their team have been working on, the key learnings they have acquired over their career, and the innovative ways they weave AI into their day-to-day workflow.
Aug 14, 2023•58 min•Ep. 100
On this episode of the NTP Podcast, our host Ellen Bennett sits down with Kavita Agarwal, QR Lead at Arq Group.
Jul 26, 2023•41 min•Ep. 99
On this episode of the NTP Podcast, our host Ellen Bennett sits down with Amanda Chan, Lead Product Designer at Lyka, to discuss the mission of Lyka in creating nutritional food for dogs. Amanda sheds light on the misconceptions surrounding the pet food industry and how Lyka is working to provide transparency and quality in the products they create. Amanda also shares her journey and career in technology, highlighting her passion for creating products that make a positive impact on people and th...
Jul 16, 2023•28 min•Ep. 98
In this episode of the NewyTechPeople Podcast, we sit down with Matt Gardan, the Founder of Digital Native. Matt shares his career journey to date, including his experience working overseas. He discusses the problems that Digital Native is solving, and how the internet has changed the workplace. Matt also shares his insights on building resilience in the face of adversity, achieving work/life balance, and the importance of networking. This is not an episode to miss!
Jul 10, 2023•37 min•Ep. 97
In this episode of the NewyTechPeople Podcast, we sit down with Amanda Maykot, Product Design Manager at REA Group, to discuss her career to date. Amanda shares insights from working in product design and management, including what she's learned from women in leadership positions and the importance of mentorship. We also discuss career advice for younger designers and how mentorship can help guide your professional development. If you're interested in a career in product design or management, th...
Jun 27, 2023•37 min•Ep. 96
In this episode of the NTP podcast we chat with Ben Tattersfield, Product Owner & Business Analyst at Codafication. We discuss Ben’s experience founding a startup, the transition into his current role, what the team at Codafication are currently working on and key learnings from his career. Hope you enjoy the interview!
May 11, 2023•45 min•Ep. 95
In this episode of our Digitally Diverse series with host Ellen Bennett we interview Rebecca Bolton, Brand Designer at Enigma. We discuss her university experience, freelance work, passion for design and key insights she would give to those wanting to start a career in technology. Hope you enjoy the interview!
Apr 17, 2023•38 min•Ep. 94
In this episode of the NTP podcast we chat with Daniel Borg, Director/Designer at psyborg®. Daniel is a Newcastle local and well known in the Newcastle technology community. We hear more about his experience in the design space and key learnings building a business from startup phase. Hope you enjoy the interview!
Mar 15, 2023•50 min•Ep. 93
In this episode of the NTP podcast we chat with Ria ODonnell, Managing Director at Custom Learning Design. We discuss Ria's career to date, how she transitioned into her role as managing director and a focus on learning and business development. Hope you enjoy the episode!
Feb 28, 2023•24 min•Ep. 92
In this episode of the NTP podcast we chat with Sam Bricknell, Co-Founder and Director of Techvisa. Techvisa are the go-to in the tech space for Immigration advice, with a combined 30+ years of experience. They have worked with some of Australia’s largest VC funds supporting their start-up portfolio members to navigate the process of securing talent offshore. We chat about Sam's career to date, his experience Co-Founding a company and advice he would give to younger tech professionals. Hope you ...
Feb 08, 2023•26 min•Ep. 91
On this episode of the NTP podcast we chat with Mark Boswell & Alek Patsouris from Strategic Group. We discuss Mark & Alek's career to date and what they are currently working on as well as their teams focus on building strong relationships with employees working remotely. Hope you enjoy the interview!
Jan 23, 2023•44 min•Ep. 90
On this episode of the NTP podcast we chat with Mitchell Bright, Lead Electronics Engineer at D+I Newcastle. We discuss his career to date, his university experience and the transition into Design and Industry. Hope you enjoy the interview!
Dec 05, 2022•42 min•Ep. 89