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August 28, 2025
Giles
Parnell
he/him/his
Senior Software Development Manager, IT Business Strategist
New South Wales
Brand statement
Building and growing high performing teams will always deliver more business value than the strongest individual contributor.
Career Journey
Career Story
After 13 years as a Senior Software Development Manager at AWS, I’ve stepped back to reimagine the next chapter of my career. At AWS as a senior software development manager, I thrived at the intersection of people leadership, business vision, and technology strategy. Now, I’m ready to step up into a broader executive role—CTO, Director, or COO—or to pivot into work that creates deeper impact in people’s lives. I’m passionate about building cultures where teams flourish and scaling organisations with both heart and high performance. Whether as a Head of People & Culture, an Executive Coach, or a Director of Organisational Transformation, I want my next role to combine leadership, strategy, and meaningful impact. I’m looking for opportunities that not only move me forward but also allow me to help others grow, transform, and succeed.
Career Highlight
Career Goal
After 13 years as a Senior Software Development Manager at AWS, I’ve stepped back to reimagine the next chapter of my career. At AWS as a senior software development manager, I thrived at the intersection of people leadership, business vision, and technology strategy. Now, I’m ready to step up into a broader executive role—CTO, Director, or COO—or to pivot into work that creates deeper impact in people’s lives. I’m passionate about building cultures where teams flourish and scaling organisations with both heart and high performance. Whether as a Head of People & Culture, an Executive Coach, or a Director of Organisational Transformation, I want my next role to combine leadership, strategy, and meaningful impact. I’m looking for opportunities that not only move me forward but also allow me to help others grow, transform, and succeed.
Experience
Experience 1
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Experience 2
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Experience 3
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Career & Personal Growth
My career goal is...
After 13 years as a Senior Software Development Manager at AWS, I’ve stepped back to reimagine the next chapter of my career. At AWS as a senior software development manager, I thrived at the intersection of people leadership, business vision, and technology strategy. Now, I’m ready to step up into a broader executive role—CTO, Director, or COO—or to pivot into work that creates deeper impact in people’s lives. I’m passionate about building cultures where teams flourish and scaling organisations with both heart and high performance. Whether as a Head of People & Culture, an Executive Coach, or a Director of Organisational Transformation, I want my next role to combine leadership, strategy, and meaningful impact. I’m looking for opportunities that not only move me forward but also allow me to help others grow, transform, and succeed.
My personal goal is...
How I want to split my time
Vision of Success
What success looks like to me..
Managing personal and work commitments more effectively so there is better balance across both. Balance that I role model to colleagues, teams and clients. Happy family, client, colleagues and teams = high performing All
In five years time, I want to be...
Following through on my own personal start up ideas, having grown and scaled to be a successful, profitable, and equitable venture.
Pursuits
What I want to make or do...
I want to take on more...
Red Flags & Focus Areas
Stop me if I ever...
... am rude, disrespectful or unreasonably and unconstructively critical of your work prematurely, ... and or if I don't give you the attention and 1-1 face time we all deserve when engaging on something together.
I want to take on less..
Manual, repetitive work that can be automated away with systems and AI.
Contact Information
Phone
0401027141
Email
gilesparnell69@gmail.com
LinkedIn Profile
CV
Work Preference
Prefered Working Location
Sydney
Work Preference
Onsite,Hybrid,Remote
Expertise & Skills
Primary Expertise
Technology
Secondary Expertise
People & Culture
Seniority Level
20 - 25 years
Key Skill
Active listening,Algorithms,Brainstorming,Business Operations,Cloud computing,Collaboration,Compassion,Conflict management,Creative thinking,Crisis managing,Critical thinking,Emotional Intelligence,Goal-setting,Leadership,Mentoring,Performance reviewing,Problem solving,Strategic planning,Strategy,Written communication
Impact
What type of impact are you interested in making?
Impact By Numbers
40+
Grew high performing teams that delivered business
33%
Reduced attrition
1 Million
Impacted 1m devices across 38 regions
Flair
- Am working on a startup that helps US college students navigate the college application process (https://www.collegerocket.app/) - Mentor South African students, helping them get a foot into the door for their first careers (https://jumpstart.org.za/) - Fly fly fly-anything, anywhere !
Beyond the Bio
Fun fact 1
I could talk all day about
Flying! Any form, anything, any medium. I'm constantly looking towards the sky and clouds wondering what the flying conditions will be like
Fun fact 2
Three famous dinner party guests I’d love to host
Nelson Mandela, Elon Musk, and The Dalai Lama
Fun fact 3
My dream vacation is
To hike the Appalachian trail, all 2 200 miles of it. Ideally with a hiking buddy for most of it, but happy to do sections on my own- becoming at peace with the competing voices in my head :-)
Education & Qualification
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