Sarah Dods PhD

Professional Background

Sarah Dods is a dynamic and innovative leader, bringing over 20 years of extensive experience across four industry sectors. A lifelong advocate for embracing cutting-edge technology, Sarah excels in helping businesses realize their potential while effectively managing risks to ensure robust commercial outcomes. Her career journey has seen her transition from technical roles to influential business leadership positions, underpinned by a profound understanding of strategic, technical, and operational perspectives.

Sarah's leadership approach is marked by her high emotional intelligence (EQ), strong strategic thinking capabilities, and entrepreneurial mindset. These traits, combined with her solid operational management skills and a passion for technology, allow her to navigate high levels of uncertainty and implement change successfully. Notably, she has a rich background in data science, AI, and digital transformation, making her a pivotal figure in the integration of technology into business strategies.

Education and Achievements

Sarah's educational background is impressive, featuring a mixture of advanced studies and executive management training. She holds a PhD in Electrical & Electronic Engineering with a focus on photonics from the prestigious University of Melbourne and a BSc (Hons) in Physics from the same institution. Her commitment to continual learning is further exemplified by a Certificate in Executive Management and Development from AGSM at UNSW Business School and graduation from the Australian Institute of Company Directors' Course with Order of Merit. Additionally, Sarah has received training in implementation methodologies at Implementation Institute and MLC, further enhancing her diverse skill set.

Throughout her career, Sarah has held pivotal roles in several respected organizations, where she has leveraged her expertise in data science to innovate and drive significant business outcomes. Notable positions include serving as the Advanced Analytics and AI Leader for Southern Hemisphere at GHD Digital, where she contributed to advancing data-driven decision-making processes. Furthermore, she held the position of Head of Data Science at Arq Group and was the General Manager of eHealth Solutions at Telstra Health, testament to her versatile skill set and ability to lead complex projects in various sectors.

Leadership Philosophy

Sarah's leadership philosophy is grounded in four key principles:

1. Empowerment and Support: She firmly believes that to bring out the best in her team, individuals must feel safe, supported, informed, energized, and empowered. By fostering an environment where everyone has each other’s backs and focuses on their shared purpose, she cultivates high-performing teams.

2. Diversity and Inclusion: Sarah is a strong advocate for diversity and inclusion in the workplace. She recognizes that a diversified team, rich in varied life experiences, is better equipped to make informed decisions and identify hidden challenges. She champions inclusivity by ensuring every team member understands that their unique contributions are valued and crucial to the team's success.

3. Embracing Failure as a Learning Tool: Sarah encourages a culture where it is acceptable to be wrong, emphasizing that exploring incorrect paths can often lead to discovering the right direction. She welcomes feedback from her team, acknowledging that collaborative discussions can surface perspectives that may have been overlooked.

4. Focus on People in Tech Implementation: She emphasizes that successful technology implementation revolves around understanding the human aspect and managing change effectively. By fostering a shared sense of purpose and displaying empathy, Sarah navigates the complexities of technological challenges to identify effective solutions.

Current Focus and Future Aspirations

Currently, Sarah is captivated by the vast potential of data science and artificial intelligence. As businesses continue to unlock the power of their data assets, she is excited to be a part of an ever-evolving landscape that opens up new avenues for innovation and transformation. Her background in creating and implementing data analytics products, her experience in strategic roles, and her enthusiasm for cutting-edge technology position her as a leader in the field, where she continues to drive impactful change.

Sarah's vision for the future is to be at the forefront of the digital revolution, which she believes is just beginning—a captivating journey into a transformation that is expected to span a century. Her passion drives her to map global megatrends and harness them for future opportunities across various industries. As a leader, co-founder of startups, and innovator, she looks forward to collaborating with organizations to embrace these trends and adapt strategically, ensuring they excel in this new digital age.