They say the best stories are told over a shared drink. This year, I’ve sat across the table from actuarial legends, cybersecurity warriors, and digital pioneers.

I’ve tasted everything from the unfortunate "paint stripper" Samoan whisky to award-winning Tasmanian malts. But more importantly, I’ve learned that in the world of tech, the data is just the starting point—it’s the people and of course the "drams" that make a career worth savouring.Pull up a chair, pour yourself a drink and get ready for the 2025 Year in Review. I’m your host, Sarah, and this is Data & Drams. I created this show to break down the boardroom barrier and give you a seat at the table with the leaders shaping our industry.Today is a bit different. There’s no guest, just me, and a recap of the most powerful lessons we’ve "distilled" over the last few months. Whether you’re a developer looking for that next step or a leader trying to be the best for your team, this episode is your executive summary of the year.Thank you for joining me at the table this year. If you loved these episodes, I’d be thrilled if you took a moment to leave a rating and review wherever you listen to your podcasts. You can also connect with me on Instagram and LinkedIn over at Data & Drams for episode updates and my latest whisky recommendations. Until next year... pour yourself something good, and keep building a career worth savouring. Slainte!

Welcome back to Data & Drams!

In this episode, I was joined by Bradley Watson, the Founder and CEO of Akela Group, a leading consultancy that just celebrated its 5th anniversary.

With over 30 years of experience spanning the Australian Army, the Australian Signals Directorate (ASD), and the public sector, his career has covered everything from cyber warfare and counterterrorism to disaster recovery.

Today, he works directly with Boards and CEOs to design national frameworks and uplift cyber capabilities across critical infrastructure—but in this conversation, we strip away the corporate strategy to look at crisis in its raw form.

Brad shares the story of a near-fatal house fire two years ago—a defining moment where his now co-owner, Jarod, saved his life. It’s a powerful discussion on how that terrifying experience reinforced the leadership lessons he learned in the military and still applies today.

Now, for the drams. For those listening on Apple you may want to head to Youtube/Spotify to get the full experience as there are some moments where we taste and savour our drams.

Mind you, it was less of a single pour and more of a tasting flight, Brad was generous enough to bring a lineup for our episode where we kicked things off with a Samoan Whisky that—to be honest I was expected beautiful tropical notes but actually—tasted a bit like paint stripper, he knew this as well and I’m fairly sure he just wanted to see me suffer.

But we recovered quickly, moving through The Singleton 18 Year Old, a Sullivans Cove Double Cask, some local Dog & Gun, and a smoky Talisker 10 Year Old.

The Talisker actually highlighted a fascinating point - Brad shared how the fire altered his sensory perception, to crave those intense, peaty flavours whereas before, he preferred a much smoother palate.

We eventually finished on a high note with the Glenfiddich 23 year old Grand Cru. Matured in American and European oak casks and finished in rare French cuvée casks, it was a silky, refined conclusion to an incredible tasting lineup.

This episode is a rollercoaster of emotion, high-level strategy, and whisky.

So pull up a chair, pour yourself a drink (maybe skip the paint stripper), and join Brad and I for Data & Drams.

Welcome back to Data & Drams!

In this episode, I was joined by James Wilson, a Partner in Data & AI at Mantel Group. James shares his fascinating and truly diverse career journey, starting from his early days in the Big Five consulting world with international experiences in London, Zurich, and France, all the way to leading major digital transformations across a range of industries.

Our conversation dives deep into the three distinct phases of his professional life, highlighting pivotal moments at companies like REA Group, Tabcorp, and Telstra, and eventually leading to his current role at Mantel Group, focusing on leveraging AI and data for business growth.

James emphasises the importance of soft skills in leadership, focusing on intentional listening, communication, and the crucial work of building authentic relationships. We also explore the rapid impact of Generative AI and data in today's corporate landscape, touching upon the excitement and challenges that come with these emerging technologies.

Now, for the dram. While we were being responsible adults and met for lunch on a working day, you know I couldn't let James leave empty-handed! So, he went home with a Archie Rose Single Malt Whisky and I eventually got to try it myself at the Whisky Live expo on the Gold Coast earlier this year.

Crafted to highlight six malts for a richer, more expressive flavour, this whisky is matured in a unique combination of Australian Apera, ex-bourbon, and ex-rye casks, delivering a palate of sticky date pudding, amaretto, and espresso. I can confirm it was worth the wait as it was delicious.

James's deep dive into intentional listening, communication, and the importance of soft skills offers a crucial counterpoint to purely technical focus. His journey proves that great leaders are built on more than just code.

If you loved this episode, I’d be thrilled if you took a moment to leave a rating and review wherever you listen to your podcasts. You can also connect with me on Instagram and LinkedIn over at Data & Drams for episode updates and my latest whisky recommendations.

Join me next time as we dive into another amazing career journey over a delicious drink. Until then, slainte! 🥃