Fractional Expert Brisbane, Australia

Nina - Interim/Fractional Chief Information Officer

At Maestro, we know there’s more to life than work. In fact, it’s the experiences, relationships and pursuits we have outside of work that can often give us an edge in what we do each day. We are kicking off an interview series called “Meet the Maestro” where we interview our Maestros and get an insight to who they really are and what makes them tick - beyond the CV.

Nina is a calm, clear and deeply human leader who thrives in the middle of complexity. With more than 15 years in C-level technology, operations and transformation roles, she specialises in working out what really matters, turning big challenges into practical plans and delivering results through focused execution. Her experience spans healthcare, human services and utilities across ASX-listed, not-for-profit and highly regulated environments, where she has led large-scale digital, operational and enterprise transformations. Known for building high-performing teams and restoring confidence, Nina blends deep technical expertise with strong coaching and leadership capability. Her superpower is simple and powerful: getting things done while developing people, especially when the problems are big, the stakes are high and transformation truly matters.

1. Tell us about a career highlight to date…

My career highlights. Seeing people that reported to me, become an executive in their own right, completing a mega huge transformation project, achieving my coaching accreditation.

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

‍Undertaking a coaching qualification is a weird / unusual avenue for most people in IT. I started my first coaching qualification because I thought it would make me a better leader – which it did. I had always developed people, their technical skills, but then I also fell in love with developing people through coaching. Thus I did my second qualification and become accredited through the International Coaching Federation.

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

I don’t remember if I wanted to be something specific as a young child, but I went through high school wanting to be an architect. I did some of the ‘boy’ subjects as the only girl in the class (Geometric Drawing and Perspective). I missed out (based on quota) on getting into Architecture at University, decided to do IT for one year, and the rest is history.

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

I write children’s cyber safety books. There are 5 on amazon.

I also love pilates, I go at 5:30am each day to make sure I don’t get distracted by other things.

I love travelling. I fit this in wherever I can.

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

Teleportation – just think of the places you could go at a moment’s notice.

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

Being on the edge of discomfort – it is where the most growth happens.

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

Solo travelling – learning to trust that you can plan and find your way in a totally different country. Overcoming these challenges makes me confident in my independence, ability to adapt to challenges and be resilient.

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

In 10 years time, I don’t think I will have “a” job so much as I would like to be engaged in fractional challenging projects and coaching.

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

Iceland – why not? I’d explore its fire and ice landscapes.

10. What does success look like to you?

Success for me – healthy (the foundation of being able to physically do what I want), financially comfortable (being able to afford what I want without worrying about money) and happy (enjoying life and all of its dimensions).