Leaders in technology and business strategy navigate innovation, collaboration and problem-solving. They use cutting-edge advancements to disrupt industries, foreseeing opportunities where others see obstacles. With visionary foresight, they translate tech possibilities into strategic plans, creating and revolutionising markets. Collaboration bridges the gap between tech and business acumen, fostering innovation and data-driven solutions. These leaders are the architects of the future driving businesses to new heights with sustainable growth.
Amongst these forward-thinking leaders stands Nadene Serman—Global Chief Technology Officer at InfoTrack who is recognised for her remarkable achievements and transformative leadership. With an illustrious career marked by groundbreaking initiatives, Nadene has become a trusted figure in Australia’s corporate landscape.
With strategic vision and a knack for innovation, Nadene has spearheaded unprecedented transformations across various sectors. Notably, she led Qantas through its largest finance transformation, delivering substantial financial gains and revolutionising revenue systems. Similarly, during the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic, she managed an end-to-end digital and data transformation at a2 Milk, supporting its market position.
She has also played a pivotal role in architecting and implementing next-gen technology and data transformations, helping to prepare organisations like Virgin Australia for IPO and future growth. Moreover, her innovative mindset has led to the development of new revenue streams and the execution of multibillion-dollar projects, significantly impacting company revenues.
Specialising in innovation, transformation, technology and business leadership, strategic planning, financial management, and organisational change, Nadene brings a comprehensive skill set to the table. Her ability to engage with boards, manage stakeholders and foster cross-functional collaboration sets her apart as a true leader in the industry.
Join the conversation about Nadene’s pioneering efforts in driving innovation and transformation!
A Champion of Equality and Inclusivity
Nadene’s formative years in South Africa deeply influenced her, fostering values of equality and inclusivity from an early age. She reminisces, “I was fortunate to be surrounded by a loving family who were true equality warriors.” Surrounded by people that championed these ideals, she has always treated everyone with respect, regardless of societal labels. Nadene fondly recalls her father’s words, “You greet the CEO and the cleaner of a company in the same way, and you pay them the same respect, they are people first.”
She says, “Being surrounded by such entrenched inequality in a country where many did not consider all lives equal impacted me significantly.” The stark disparities present in her homeland fueled Nadene’s determination to always create environments where everyone feels valued and included. This is the ethos that has led Nadene to successfully build many high-performing teams over the years.
Her diligent focus on equality, particularly in addressing gender bias, has shaped her professional endeavours and influenced her parenting philosophy. Nadene believes in empowering her children to believe in their capabilities without limitations imposed by gender stereotypes. She affirms, “They can do anything because they are their unique beautiful, powerful selves.”
Outside her immediate circles, Nadene extends her advocacy for equality by mentoring women in her field. She understands the transformative impact of guidance and support in helping individuals realise their full potential. For Nadene, fostering inclusivity is a guiding principle that she actively incorporates into every aspect of her personal and work life.
The Triad of Leadership
In Nadene’s role as the Global Chief Technology Officer, her passion is fueled by three key elements: people, technology, and change.
“People,” she emphasises, “are at the heart of everything I do.” Having led numerous high-performing teams across many industries and diverse cultures, Nadene values creating an environment of mutual respect and inclusion. “I believe in fostering an atmosphere where people feel safe to think, share and act,” she explains. This approach has facilitated team cohesion and led to ongoing success, with team members choosing to remain by Nadene’s side despite industry or organisational changes.
Regarding ‘technology,’ Nadene sees it as a dynamic force driving continual transformation. She acknowledges the ever-accelerating pace of technological advancements, turning what was once deemed impossible into achievable feats within increasingly shorter timeframes. “Staying ahead of these trends and leveraging them to drive meaningful change and value creation excites me,” she remarks. Embracing technology as a business enabler and a catalyst for profound organisational evolution is central to her role.
Lastly, Nadene thrives on ‘change.’ As a Global CTO, she encounters new challenges daily, relishing the opportunity to navigate through the unexpected. While change may be unsettling for many, Nadene finds excitement in its unpredictability. “Every day brings something new and exciting,” she reflects.
Nadene’s role as a global technology leader is driven by her fervent commitment to people, her fascination with the transformative power of technology and her embrace of change as a catalyst for growth and innovation.
Navigating Motherhood and Leadership
Nadene reflects on a pivotal moment in her journey, she shares, “One of my most grueling experiences that ultimately led to a breakthrough moment and is largely responsible for shaping me into the leader I am today, was returning to work with a babe in arms.”
Amidst feelings of vulnerability and uncertainty, she confronted the challenge of balancing motherhood with a demanding career, operating in an industry with few females in senior leadership positions, which meant fewer people empathetic to her situation.
“Without much support during this transitionary phase in my life, I found the experience incredibly challenging, but I persevered by backing myself every day as I showed up and reminded myself that I was doing my best, and I was enough,” she affirms, recalling her daily mantra during this period.
From this profound experience emerged a guiding principle—to build, steer and drive transformation whilst leading with kindness. Nadene recognises the importance of empathy, particularly in environments where compassion may be perceived as a weakness. “We must take the time to understand and respect each other,” she asserts, emphasising the significance of collaboration in achieving shared objectives.
As Maya Angelou aptly stated, “I’ve learned that people will never forget how you made them feel.” Nadene embodies this sentiment, prioritising the well-being and dignity of those she leads. Her leadership style is rooted in compassion, leaving a lasting impression on those around her. Through her journey of perseverance and self-discovery, Nadene has forged a path characterised by empathy, resilience, and authenticity.
Fostering an Inclusive Environment
In Nadene’s view, fostering an inclusive environment is paramount to success. She ensures this by adhering to several principles.
Firstly, Nadene emphasises the importance of respecting every individual. Whether interacting with customers, executives, stakeholders, or team members, she highlights the value each person brings to the table. Nadene often shares the Zulu phrase “Umuntu ngumuntu ngabantu,” underscoring the interconnectedness of humanity and the significance of empathy and communal support. This mantra reinforces the idea that everyone’s unique perspective contributes to the collective whole.
Additionally, Nadene promotes a culture of “fail fast, no blame.” When encountering challenges or setbacks, she refrains from assigning culpability. Instead, she encourages her team to focus on analysing the situation, understanding its causes, and assessing its impacts. This collective learning from experience fosters growth and improvement. Importantly, Nadene ensures that once the lesson is understood, the team moves forward without dwelling on the past. This approach cultivates a sense of psychological safety, allowing team members to take risks and innovate without fear of repercussions.
Furthermore, Nadene believes in leading by example. She embodies the principles of inclusion and accountability in her own actions, setting a standard for others to follow. By consistently demonstrating respect, empathy, and a willingness to learn from setbacks, Nadene creates a positive and empowering work environment where individuals feel valued and supported.
Addressing Negative Behaviour Swiftly
In addition to fostering inclusion and promoting a culture of learning, Nadene prioritises addressing negative behaviour swiftly and decisively. She understands the corrosive impact that unchecked misconduct can have on team dynamics and overall performance.
For Nadene, dealing with harmful behaviour promptly is essential to maintaining team cohesion and trust. She believes that tolerating misconduct not only allows it to persist but also creates fractures within the team. Left unaddressed, these issues can escalate, diverting energy away from productive endeavours and eroding morale.
As a leader, Nadene takes proactive steps to confront and resolve instances of destructive behaviour as soon as they arise. By doing so, she prevents toxic dynamics from taking root and ensures that her team can focus on tackling challenges collectively.
To encapsulate her commitment to driving positive change through inclusive leadership, Nadene turns to the words of Mahatma Gandhi: “Be the change you want to see in the world.” This quote serves as a guiding principle for Nadene, inspiring her to lead by example and empower others to do the same. She strives to create a workplace where every individual feels valued, respected, and empowered to contribute their best.
Approach to Value Creation
From Nadene’s perspective, having a synergistic mindset is crucial for a tech leader, as it compels business partners to be viewed as genuine collaborators in creating value for customers, employees, and the organisation as a whole. She understands that technology should never be adopted for its own sake but must instead serve as a tool for propelling the organisation forward, with customer success and employee well-being as keystones.
Moreover, Nadene emphasises the importance of technology leaders adeptly managing and championing transformation. She believes in constantly seeking new avenues to facilitate business advancement, viewing innovation as essential for staying ahead in today’s dynamic market.
Recognising the rapid pace of change, Nadene underscores the significance of a relentless pursuit of learning and knowledge among technology leaders. She emphasises the necessity of continually acquiring information, deepening understanding, and contextualising insights to navigate the complexities of the digital age effectively.
Cybersecurity Vigilance
Nadene’s upbringing in South Africa instilled in her the values of respect, trust, and continuous learning. As a technology leader, she ensures alignment with the organisation’s strategic vision by constantly seeking out emerging trends and innovations. “I’m always looking out there for the next and best,” she explains, “The importance of staying ahead in a rapidly evolving landscape cannot be overstated.”
In her role, Nadene recognises the critical importance of cybersecurity. She maintains a vigilant approach, ensuring that security remains a top priority for both her and the leadership team. “We are never ‘done’ with cybersecurity,” she affirms focusing on the ongoing need for awareness and proactive measures to safeguard against digital threats.
Building strong relationships with CEOs and boards is another bedrock of Nadene’s leadership approach. She provides comprehensive analysis, education, and solutions to address emerging challenges and opportunities. By fostering open communication and collaboration, Nadene reinforces trust and support within the organisation.
Nadene’s commitment to staying informed, proactive and security-conscious reflects her dedication to driving organisational success in the technological landscape. Through her leadership, she ensures that her team remains prepared and adaptable, ready to navigate the challenges and seize the opportunities of tomorrow.
Change Management
Nadene’s role as a Global CTO goes outside simply staying resilient in the face of change. It encompasses actively translating evolving landscapes into actionable initiatives that drive business success while prioritising customer and employee well-being. Embracing change is her domain, she leads her teams with a mindset focused on opportunity amidst challenges.
Despite her official title, Nadene sees herself as a catalyst for change. She infuses her team meetings with optimism, welcoming each new week as an opportunity for growth and learning. Drawing inspiration from an African proverb that expresses gratitude in the face of hardship, Nadene approaches challenges with appreciation for the lessons they offer.
For Nadene, conquering obstacles doesn’t always mean overcoming them entirely. Instead, sometimes it involves understanding and adapting to coexist with them. By embracing this approach, she empowers herself and her team to navigate uncertainty with resilience and grace.
Guiding Principles
Nadene draws wisdom from various sources, including personal experiences and lessons from her children. From there, she has gleaned invaluable principles that guide her approach to life and leadership. “Be true to yourself,” she emphasises, highlighting the importance of authenticity in all endeavours.
Backing oneself and making one’s voice heard are other key tenets Nadene lives by. She believes in the power of self-confidence and assertiveness, encouraging others to advocate for themselves and their ideas. Moreover, she stresses the value of continuous learning and sharing knowledge with others. “Teach people everything you know,” she advises.
Respect and kindness form the foundation of Nadene’s interactions, both personally and professionally. She advocates for mutual respect and empathy, fostering a culture of inclusivity and compassion. Additionally, she advocates for courage in addressing difficult situations. “Call out the elephant in the room,” she asserts, urging others to confront challenges head-on.
Nadene embraces change as an opportunity for growth and innovation. She encourages a positive mindset, emphasising the importance of finding joy and gratitude in everyday experiences. Recognising the significance of appreciation, she underscores the importance of expressing gratitude. “Always, always say thank you,” she affirms, recognising the power of acknowledgment and appreciation in building strong relationships.
