Women Who Move Nations - The Public Transport Podcast

Kylie Gorham is a Senior Product Manager at NEC Australia. In her interview with host Michelle Batsas, Kylie talks about the innovative edge of public transport. Listen as they unpack the impact of technology on operational intelligence and passenger experience. Kylie shares her career journey and insights, including the importance of travelling to different cities and experiencing the local transport networks first-hand to gain perspective on potential improvements. They discuss the role of Artificial Intelligence in enhancing public safety and the flexibility required to address evolving transport needs. Tune in to gain insights into Kylie’s leadership philosophy and her perspective on gender diversity in transport leadership roles.

This episode of PTAANZ’s Women Who Move Nations podcast features Mel Barber, Managing Director at NEC New Zealand. Guest hosted by Rowan Selwood-Eyles, Public Transport Advisor at Waka Kotahi NZ Transport Agency and PTAANZ Emerging Mobility Leader, Mel discusses her transformational leadership approach in the industry as she touches on public transport projects, community engagement, and the integration of technology like AI for enhancing public safety and accessibility. Explore insights on leadership practices, diversity in leadership roles, and the impact of mentorship. This episode provides a comprehensive look into improving public transportation in Wellington, and the broader implications of technology and leadership in the industry.

In the third episode of Season 7 of the Women Who Move Nations podcast proudly sponsored by NEC, your host Michelle Batsas welcomes Dr Nicole Kalms, Associate Professor and Founding Director of the Monash University XYX Lab. Dr Kalms shares her ground-breaking work on gender-inclusive urban design, diving into the challenges girls, women and gender-diverse individuals face within city design. Dr Kalms also shares how her team's research is shaping safer, more navigable cities. From responsive lighting to digital safety tools, the discussion illuminates practical strategies for transforming public spaces. Discover how engaging communities and leveraging technology can create more equitable urban environments.

In this episode of Women Who Move Nations proudly sponsored by NEC, Michelle Batsas interviews Ishra Baksh, Executive Director Strategic Insights and Transformation at Queensland's Department of Transport and Main Roads. Ishra and Michelle discuss the fusion of technology, diversity, and leadership in transforming transport and mobility, and Ishra shares reflections from her journey from graduate to Executive Director. The conversation also touches on the critical role of diversity and inclusion, Ishra's personal growth as a woman leader of colour, and the importance of authentic leadership styles. They explore strategies for increasing leadership diversity, the impact of transport on the cost of living, and the future of public transport in Queensland. This episode is a must-listen for anyone interested in the future of transport, leadership, and the power of embracing diversity to drive positive change.

Welcome back to the Women Who Move Nations podcast with your host Michelle Batsas. In the first episode of season 7, proudly sponsored by NEC, we welcome Veronica O. Davis, a pioneering voice in public transport and author of "Inclusive Transportation – a Manifesto for repairing divided communities." Veronica discusses the essence of equitable transport systems and her mission to mend divided communities through better transport planning and community engagement. Her insights challenge us to rethink accessibility and advocate for change. Delve into a conversation that intersects innovation with action, uncovering how diverse leadership is vital in steering the future of public mobility. This episode is not just a dialogue; it's a call to all for creating an inclusive, connected society. Tune in for an empowering session that drives home the need for equality in every lane of our transport networks.

Join us for this milestone episode of the PTAANZ Women Who Move Nations podcast! This is episode 50 and we've been lucky enough to talk to Natalie Reiter, Deputy Secretary of Strategy and Precincts at the Department of Transport and Planning. Natalie shares her invaluable insights on the future of public transport, emphasising the need to increase accessibility and reduce car ownership. Discover her unique journey in transportation planning and leadership, shaped by her experiences in private consulting. Uncover the secrets of leadership growth and challenging traditional hierarchies, as Natalie encourages listeners to embrace paradigm shifts for professional success. Explore the crucial topics of change management, communication, and leadership with practical advice on navigating career challenges and the importance of networking. Join the conversation on work-life balance and gender dynamics, where Natalie candidly addresses discrimination and highlights the ongoing battle against gender bias.In a powerful segment on career advice, host Michelle Batsas and Natalie share their dreams and offer inspiring guidance on making the most of every experience. This is a must listen!

Natasha Zulkfili is a globally recognised change-maker in the public transport sector. Her inspiring career includes studying in Kuala Lumpur, New Zealand and London, extensive experience in Malaysian public transport, running the Malaysia-Europe Forum (MEF) and representing Malaysia on USAID and ASEAN Business Advisory Council (ASEAN-BAC) initiatives. She is currently a Director at YTL Construction, part of the project team that is building the new 192km electrified double track rail link for the Malaysian Government in the state of Johor. In 2017 Natasha founded Women in Rail Malaysia, a not-for-profit entity that supports and promotes equality and diversity within the Malaysian rail industry, which will host their next conference in Kuala Lumpur on 3 August 2023.

Get to know PTAANZ’s new Chief Executive, Lauren Streifer, in her inspiring interview with Michelle Batsas, Executive Director of Future Mobility at the Victorian Department of Transport and Planning and a PTAANZ Ambassador. Lauren has built an incredible career by getting to know as many people as possible, creating a diverse network of mentors and taking every opportunity she can. Lauren also shares her passion for public transport, especially big infrastructure projects and the legacy of investment decisions made now for future generations. Hear how Lauren is breaking down gender barriers, managing executive life and preparing to have a baby. As Lauren says, “You can be a leader, be a woman, have a baby and work it out”!

Joanne (Jo) McDonald is the Chief Legal and Risk Officer at Kelsian Group, Australia’s largest integrated multi-modal transport provider and tourism operator, which also has bus operations in Singapore, London and the Channel Islands. Jo shares unmissable advice on developing strategic influencing and management skills, how she has built a sustainable career and key lessons she’s learnt along the way. Jo emphasises that for her, working in public transport is so satisfying because it’s connected with people’s everyday lives, it involves systems and is purpose driven. Tune in now to hear Jo’s interview with Jamie-Lee Owen, a PTAANZ Emerging Mobility Leader and Passenger Experience Lead for the Level Crossing Removal Project at Metro Trains Melbourne.

Katarzyna (Kat) Stapleton is the Chief Executive Officer of Queensland Rail, the integrated customer and rail infrastructure business that manages Queensland's railways and train services. Kat has an inspiring discussion with Sally Stannard, PTAANZ Chair and Deputy Director-General (Translink) at the Queensland Department of Transport and Main Roads. Kat shares insights on her diverse role that involves being an ambidextrous rail operator, focusing on the local croquet club, the economy, community connectivity and working to eradicate gendered violence. Kat also takes us on her professional journey from starting her career in the Canadian Navy, to joining telecommunications in the 1990s and early 2000s, when that sector was going through a fascinating period of change driven by fast-evolving technology, to ending up in rail where she believes there's no better place to work.

Stephanie Speck is the Chief Communications and Experience Officer at the Victorian Department of Transport and Planning. In her interview with Judith Sturman, Executive Group Manager of Transport Canberra and a PTAANZ Board Director, Stephanie talks about her incredible career spanning 23 countries and what excites her about her current role. Stephanie shares how compelling she finds the complexity and future focus of the public transport sector and her appreciation for working with committed, passionate experts. Stephanie also has fantastic, actionable advice for professionals in any industry looking to develop strategic thinking and leadership skills.

Alana Newbrook is the Chief Executive Officer and Managing Director of SYSTRA ANZ. In her interview with Michelle Batsas, Executive Director of Future Mobility at the Victorian Department of Transport and Planning, Alana shares how she’s harnessing SYSTRA's global insights and applying them to Australia and New Zealand’s public transport sector. Alana discusses her passion for delivering city-shaping and life-changing projects, relishing how her role allows her to make tangible contributions to creating more equitable communities. Alana also shares insights into how she fosters innovation in her organisation and how she’s navigated her career and parenthood.

The Hon Catherine King is Australia’s Minister for Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government and the first woman to hold the transport portfolio at the national government level. In her interview with member host Michelle Batsas, Executive Director of Future Mobility at the Victorian Department of Transport, Minister King shares insights on Australia’s fast rail future, reflections on her 20-year political career and advice for aspiring politicians and policymakers.

Samantha Gain is Kaiwhakahaere Matua Metlink / General Manager of Metlink, the public transport agency for Greater Wellington Regional Council in New Zealand. She is interviewed by guest host Sally Stannard, Deputy Director-General (Translink) at Queensland’s Department of Transport and Main Roads and Vice Chair of PTAANZ’s Board of Directors. Sam trained as a lawyer and loves the legal complexities of delivering public transport services and projects, as well as the diverse range of people she gets to work with and the community service it provides. Sam also shares fun and actionable advice about leadership and building the career you want.

Crissy Ditmore is the Head of Public Policy, North America at Optibus, an end-to-end software platform for more equitable, sustainable, and efficient transport services. In her interview with member guest host Katie Cooper, Chief Executive Officer of Metro Tasmania and a PTAANZ Board Director, Crissy shares inspiring insights into how technology and data can be used to create more equitable, accessible public transport networks. Crissy also shares her exciting career journey that started with using public transport all over the world while travelling as a performer, to becoming an industry thought leader renowned for her dedication to leveraging technology for the public good. Don’t miss Crissy’s empowering advice on building supportive professional relationships and making sure you and your organisation are prepared for the unexpected.

Judith Sturman is the Executive Group Manager of Transport Canberra and a Board Director for the Public Transport Association Australia New Zealand (PTAANZ). In her interview with Michelle Batsas, Executive Director of Future Mobility at the Victorian Department of Transport, Judith analyses and shares lessons from her 30-year public transport career, which started in the United Kingdom and led her to Australia where she has worked in Sydney, Melbourne and now Canberra. Judith highlights her excitement for how zero emissions vehicles are changing transport for the better and gives empowering insights into her professional successes and leadership style.

Bonnie Crawford is the General Manager and Vice President of Umo Mobility, part of Cubic Transportation Systems. She is interviewed by guest host Sally Stannard, Deputy Director-General (Translink), Department of Transport and Main Roads, Queensland and Vice Chair of the PTAANZ Board of Directors. Bonnie shares her professional journey from the mailroom to the boardroom by getting a variety of experiences early in her career, then becoming more intentional mid-career to put herself on a leadership pathway and ending up in a sector she loves. Like many women in public transport, Bonnie is inspired by the positive impact her work has on the community. She’s passionate about using software and technology transformation to create connections and access for riders from every walk of life.

Sue Chan is currently acting as Chief Executive Officer of the Public Transport Association Australia New Zealand (PTAANZ). Her education and career have spanned across Asia-Pacific and Australia and she has worked with stakeholders worldwide. In her podcast interview with guest host Tabitha Carr, Marketing Specialist at Mercedes-Benz Truck and Bus and a PTAANZ Emerging Mobility Leader, Sue shares inspiring insights from her professional journey, how she transitioned from a career in admin and finance to transport planning and consulting and advanced her career by taking risks and achieving strategic outcomes. Sue encourages women to believe in themselves, stay positive and keep learning and explains why you shouldn’t be afraid to fail.

Samantha Abeydeera is the Executive Director of Strategic Operations at Transport for NSW, one of Australia’s largest transport authorities. In her interview with Michelle Batsas, the Chief Executive Officer of the Public Transport Association Australia New Zealand (PTAANZ), Sam shares unmissable insights into how she’s proven herself with outstanding results and become a champion for diversity in the sector. Be empowered by Sam’s advice on how you can use your unique selling proposition to overcome barriers and build the career of your dreams.

Laura Shoaf is the Chief Executive of the West Midlands Combined Authority in the United Kingdom (UK). Laura is also Chair of the Urban Transport Group, the UK's network of city region transport authorities and she previously led Transport for West Midlands. In her interview with Michelle Batsas, Chief Executive Officer of the Public Transport Association Australia New Zealand, Laura shares a range of valuable insights into getting passengers back on to public transport as we recover from Covid, the upcoming 2022 Commonwealth Games to be hosted in Birmingham UK, and how she leads as her authentic self. Be inspired by Laura’s passion for the sector which stems from her belief that public transport is social justice.