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! 🥃

Welcome to Data & Drams, in this interview, I was thrilled to be joined by ⁠Sasenka Abeysooriya⁠, who shared his fascinating, non-linear journey from the Netherlands to Australia, all the while navigating the professional evolution of project management into the critical field of data governance.

As Strategy Director for ⁠The University of Queensland⁠ and ⁠AUSCERT⁠, he leads initiatives that strengthen resilience, foster innovation, and address complex organisational challenges.

We dove into his love for cricket and his candid perspectives on how soft skills like listening and empathy are the essential, yet often-underrated, components of true leadership, contrasting them with purely technical abilities and highlighting the invaluable asset of diverse backgrounds in a modern team.

A committed advocate for equity and inclusion, Sasenka has led transformative programs expanding access to higher education and serves as a non-executive director at ⁠World Wellness Group⁠, an organisation focused on equity in healthcare. Tackling the crucial topics of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI), Sasenka underscores the significance of trust, proper measurement, and representation at the decision-making level for real impact.

Over our chat we enjoyed a delicious ⁠Lark Symphony Nº1⁠, which has been crowned Australia's Best Blended Malt at the World Whiskies Awards four years in a row! This exceptional whisky is a true Tasmanian icon, celebrated for its poise and incredible balance. Full of life from start to finish, it carries the uncompromised signature style of LARK whisky.

You’ll also hear us talking about the ⁠Whisky Club⁠ and ⁠Barrel Lane⁠, both incredible membership options to explore new whisky’s across the world and throughout Australia. Check them out if you’ve been wanting to try something new.

Sasenka has a unique perspective on career, leadership, and the power of soft skills which I know will resonate with so many of you which is why I can’t wait for you to hear it.

So pull up a chair, pour yourself a drink, and join Sasenka and I for Data & Drams.

In this interview I was thrilled to be joined by Louise Lowde, who shared her 20 year journey from an actuarial graduate to the head of data.

We dove into her passion for math and problem-solving, exploring the pivotal moment she transitioned from actuarial science to data analytics. Louise offers candid perspectives on her career's challenges and breakthroughs, including navigating gender bias in the tech industry and her personal strategy for maintaining a professional edge while embracing motherhood.

Over our chat we enjoyed a delicious Archie Rose Double Malt and Ginger Beer. Its base blend of malts—from their award-winning whisky—combined with a zesty, pop of Australian native finger lime made it the perfect, approachable 'starter whisky' for any palate.

I’ve had the pleasure of working previously with Louise and she is one of the most enthusiastic people about data and the tech industry I’ve ever met. I just know that her excitement and passion comes through in this interview and I can’t wait for you to hear it.

So pull up a chair, pour yourself a drink and join Louise and I for Data & Drams.

Welcome to Data & Drams, the podcast where we distill the best careers in tech!

I’m your host, Sarah. And every two weeks, I’m putting aside the emails, the meetings, and the corporate speak to sit down with a leading professional in the tech industry for a truly intimate conversation over a glass of whisky.

In my role, I get a front-row seat to the discussions and decisions that shape the tech landscape. And what I've learned is this: Leadership isn't some unattainable superpower. It’s a journey shared by relatable people.

But I know that many in the industry still see a barrier to entry—a sense that those rooms where key decisions are made, or leadership itself, are completely out of reach. That’s why I created this show. I want to break that barrier down and offer you a seat at the table.

This series is your unique glimpse behind the curtain. We’re not here for high-level technical jargon. We’re here to savour the experience and career wisdom.

Here’s what you can expect:

First, Candid Conversations.

We’ll delve into the personal stories behind the professional achievements, uncovering the true challenges, the quiet triumphs, and the lessons learned along the way.

Second, Actionable Insights.

Each episode will distill key takeaways you can use immediately to elevate your career. Practical tips on everything from networking and personal branding to team leadership and innovation.

Now, you might be curious about the name, Data & Drams.

Well, I wanted to create a relaxed, informal environment—kind of like finding a hidden speakeasy—a safe space for genuine, unfiltered connection. And personally, I have a real appreciation for a good dram, plus I’m eager to break down the outdated notion that whisky is solely a drink confined to the boardroom or a specific demographic of people. This is about shared stories and diverse perspectives.

So, who should listen?

If you’re a developer looking to advance your career and make a greater impact or if you’re a tech professional interested in learning from successful leaders... or if you simply enjoy a good conversation, a good story, and maybe even a good dram... pull up a chair and get comfortable. This is your glimpse into the wisdom often shared in pivotal rooms, all while we enjoy a virtual dram together.

New episodes launch every fortnight. Subscribe wherever you get your podcasts so you don't miss a drop.

Welcome to Data & Drams, the podcast that distills the best careers in tech!

I'm your host, Sarah, and every two weeks, I'm joined by a leading professional in the tech industry for an intimate conversation over a glass of whisky. Having a front-row seat to the discussions shaping tech, I've learned that great leadership isn't some superpower—it's a journey shared by relatable people.

This series offers a unique glimpse into the insights and strategies of successful tech leaders. I'm here to break down the barriers and offer you a seat at the table to help you build a career worth savouring.

You can connect with me on Instagram and LinkedIn over at Data & Drams for episode updates and my latest whisky recommendations.

So, pull up a chair, pour yourself a drink, and join me for Data & Drams.