MEET THE MAESTRO INTERVIEW

SUE - Technology leader and strategist

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At Maestro, we know there’s more to life than work. In our “Meet the Maestro” series, we peek beyond the CV to discover what makes our Maestros tick.

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Sue is a Melbourne-based technology leader known for turning complex challenges into clear, impactful solutions. She drives digital innovation while cultivating people-first cultures in purpose-driven organisations. Her true superpower lies in recognising the unique strengths in others - spotting what lights people up and what they’re uniquely brilliant at. By bringing together complementary talents, Sue builds high-performing teams that blend technical excellence with emotional intelligence, delivering outstanding outcomes with heart and precision.

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1. Tell us about a career highlight to date…‍

I have been lucky enough to work in some fantastic organisations. So many highlights it's hard to choose. Having said that, one of those highlights was from my last role at Up - Bendigo Bank where we explored the humble idea of whether we could take Up’s technology platform and reuse all the capabilities (people, tech and ways of working) to build new and exciting digital experiences for Bendigo. It was a resounding yes, and then some. We were able to prove that we could do this quickly and safely. This work pioneered the way for Up to become the Digital Division for the whole Bendigo group. 

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2. Talk us through an unusual career choice you’ve made along the way…‍

While travelling through Europe in my late twenties I made the choice to work in Florence in the leather markets selling belts and wallets to tourists and the occasional local. It gave me a fresh perspective on customer experience  :) 

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3. When you were little, what did you want to be when you grew up?‍

I wanted to be a wizard author of course!

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4. What are your passions outside of work and how do you make time for them?‍

I am a passionate long distance hiker. I love nothing more than strapping on my back pack and hitting the open trails.  I have walked the Oxfam Trailwalker, the Camino de Santiago, and you can often find me on multi day hikes around Victoria. My list of next hikes is probably my longest to do list. I make time for these by trying to get the ROI on my pricey lightweight kit and a very supportive partner who looks after the kids while I stomp through the bush.

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5. If you could instantly master any skill or hobby, what would it be and why?‍

Anything musical or language related. I can see myself sitting behind the piano and getting lost in the music. An amazing way to be swept into another world. I would love my family and neighbours to smile as they hear the music wafting under the door. 

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6. What’s a personal value or belief that guides the way you live your life?‍

That's like being asked to choose your favourite song or movie! I would say the following: curiosity, courage, integrity, simplicity and fun.

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7. What’s a challenge you’ve overcome outside of work that shaped you?‍

Learning to travel on my own. My first solo trip was travelling by the Trans Mongolian train in 2001. It taught me a lot about how to be courageous and curious at the same time. To be able to truly look after myself and others. It made me realise that just about anything was possible. 

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8. What do you think your job will look like in 10 years time? ‍

I am really not sure. What I do know is that it will come down to how we are able to adapt and change. As a workforce we need to be able to be open to the forces of change which will undoubtedly include generative AI, increased global instability and the growing need for health care, and human connectivity.  Again, being open and curious is going to help us shape the workforce and the type of work we will face in 10 years time.

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9. If you could travel anywhere in the world tomorrow, where would you go and what would you do?‍

Top of my list is both hiking through Finland during the midnight sun and also the Northern lights. Oh, and another Camino.

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10. What does success look like to you?‍

Success, to me, is leading transformative tech initiatives in purpose driven organisations that make people's lives easier, all while keeping being able to attend as many of my kids soccer matches as possible and remembering where I left my glasses