My career hasn’t followed a traditional, straight line, but that’s exactly what has made it interesting. While digital strategy has been the consistent thread throughout, I’ve always enjoyed stepping into roles that push me out of my comfort zone. This has led me to a wide range of experiences – from the regulatory side of creating government digital solutions to the high-pressure, fast-paced world of elite international sport.
Even in my current role I have multiple responsibilities. One moment, I am the voice for Maritime’s target-state for a digital future, the next I am a business analyst diving deep into our processes and current pain points.
The common thread through my entire career has always been making sure the person on the other end has a clear and positive experience. Whether I was working on digital solutions through my own agency, MCing athletics meets, or freelance writing from stadiums overseas, the user experience is always front and centre.
This diverse background that has taught me how to be adaptable, and it’s a perspective I bring to every project.
Here’s the path that got me where I am now. I’m looking forward to the next challenge and where it takes me.
Regulatory Owner – Transport for NSW (Maritime)
2022 to present
The opportunity to lead Maritime’s transition from the legacy Government Licensing System to the new State Digital Asset Licence NSW was an opportunity too good to miss, so I left my part-time role to take on the multi-year project in a diverse role often wearing multiple hats as Product Manager, Business Analyst and Business Partner. Working with Digital NSW, Government Technology Platforms and Service NSW has been an exciting challenge as together we transition 1 million customer licences and 7 regulatory schemes to deliver improved digital customer experiences.
Gig Buddies Volunteer
2021 to present
One day during COVID I woke up and thought to myself I am not giving back in any meaningful way, so I began volunteering with Gig Buddies, a program pairing volunteers with individuals who have mild to moderate learning disability or autism, who want to make new friends and do fun stuff. Returning to the disability sector, where my career first began, has been a timely reminder of the importance of inclusion and ensuring no one is left behind.
Operational Policy & Projects Officer – Transport for NSW (Maritime)
2019 to 2022
I didn’t intentionally seek out a career in the maritime sector, but landing there felt right. As the son and nephew of boatbuilders and the great-grandson of a sailor, there’s plenty of family history on the waterways of Australia. It’s been incredibly rewarding to take the digital and procurement skills I honed in my digital career and in the elite sports environment in Italy and apply them to a world that my family has always been a part of.Founded Staart Digital
2017
Following my return from Italy, Staart Digital was the realisation of a long-held goal to have my own business. As Director, I delivered end-to-end digital solutions for national and international organisations. A highlight was leading Digital Communications for Athletics Australia at the 2018 Commonwealth Games, rapidly assembling a creative team to deliver high-pressure event coverage.
A Side Gig on Three Wheels
2017 to 2019
Taking on a completely new venture was the perfect way to settle back into life in Australia. After years of cruising Sydney in my own sidecar, I launched a boutique tour business to share that magic. For 18 months, as Sydney Sidecar, I guided locals and tourists through the city’s best sights. I’m incredibly proud to have maintained a 100% five-star TripAdvisor record, thanks to my wonderful passengers.
Leading Australia’s Olympic Hub in Italy
2014 to 2017
I spent three years managing Australia’s elite high-performance hub on the shores of Lago di Varese, Italy at the AIS European Training Centre. Overseeing daily operations and sports science and sports medicine support for Olympic teams including through the Rio 2016 campaign was a career pinnacle. Bridging the gap between Italian and Australian legislation was a regulatory challenge – and I loved every minute of it. Ensuring compliance across two distinct legal landscapes was as rewarding as it was demanding. This once-in-a-lifetime role was kind of all-in work wise, but my partner and I also explored Europe and made lifelong friendships.
