Steve Vamos is a global executive and former CEO with more than 40 years’ experience in information technology and digital media and has lived and worked in Australia, New Zealand, the USA and Asia. He has been on the frontline of technology, economic and industry shifts and shocks since the 1980s working with companies such as IBM, Apple, Microsoft, ninemsn and Xero. His last executive role was as CEO of ASX listed Xero.
Steve has also been a non-executive director of ASX listed companies such as Telstra, Fletcher Building and David Jones and several smaller start-up and emerging businesses.
Steve’s focus in his leadership roles has been to build great teams and a business culture that supports growth and change.
Steve has recently published a book called "Through Shifts and Shocks" that shares his experiences and his roadmap for leading organisations and teams in changing times.
Talking Points
Leadership in Times Like No Other & Creating and Enabling Innovation at Work
The world is now a highly connected and fast-changing economic and social system, as are the organisations within which we work.Leadership in Times Like No Other & Creating and Enabling Innovation at Work
Information and communications technology has amplified the potential of people (and the organisations they work for) as the internet, low-cost computing devices and communications networks connect people with others of common interest and new sources of knowledge and information.
People, their knowledge, relationships and the extent to which management encourages and enables them to create and innovate increasingly determine how value is created for their organisation. This is a big change to embrace because traditionally, we hired people to do what they were told, and now we want them to create, collaborate and innovate.
Technology doesn't innovate – people do! Technology isn't disrupting your business; people are!
As a result, organisations that don't focus on enabling their people to create the future and innovate will find it tough to succeed in the future.
Steve Vamos will discuss the leadership and management consequences of the changes in the world and outline approaches business leaders and their teams can employ to drive creativity and innovation in their organisations.
Change is a Human Thing, Not a Technology Thing
In a world where change is constant and accelerating, successful leadership means understanding that change is fundamentally a human issue, not just a technological one. Global tech leader Steve Vamos brings over 40 years of insights from the front lines of technology and organisational transformation, highlighting how people—not systems—drive successful change. Steve dives into why change efforts often stumble due to resistance and unmet potential in teams. His approach focuses on equipping leaders to inspire genuine engagement and guide their teams to embrace change effectively.Change is a Human Thing, Not a Technology Thing
Key Takeaways:
- Understand why change is more about people than technology, and how this impacts leadership and team dynamics.
- Learn practical strategies for overcoming resistance and fostering a team culture that thrives on change.
- Gain actionable insights on how to improve both individual and team responses to change, enhancing productivity and unlocking potential.
- Gain tangible tools to drive sustainable, people-focused change within organisations, boosting overall productivity and engagement.
Video
Digital Disruption is a human thing - Steve Vamos at TEDx Melbourne
Steve believes that now more than ever the old way of doing things is hurting more than helping. Digital disruption requires new ways of thinking. Here he explains why. Steve advocates that we need to think about how much of our conditioning at work is about doing what we're told rather than about how to create the future. He believes having an adventurous mind means being willing to try new things and perhaps failing and to be a learn it all not know it allSteve Vamos, Xero - Five traits of a powerful culture | #BBDSummit 2020
Straight from the stage at Better by Design's CEO Summit 2020. Watch talks from some of the brightest minds in the most innovative businesses in the world.Steve Vamos at Creative Innovation 2013 Asia Pacific
Non Executive Director of Telstra, Medibank and David Jones, Steve Vamos stresses the importance to recognise the potential of your employees and to define success. Steve also asks what will leadership success look like for Australia, and urges us to act now in order to stop the inertia.Steve Vamos @SaxtonSpeakers Australia Speaks
Steve Vamos has more than 30 years' experience in the information technology and online media industries and has lived and worked in Australia, the United States and Asia. He currently serves as a non-executive Director of Telstra and as Chairman of Australian startup (and now New York based) Reading Room Inc, a social network for book lovers.Steve Vamos
Steve Vamos is an information technology and online media industry leader who understands the challenges of operating in the connected and fast changing economy we work in today. He is a passionate speaker on a variety of topics including leadership, organisational performance and potential, innovation and digital strategies, as well as his personal views on the leadership, culture and management approaches needed in the face of the major global issues affecting Australian companies.Steve Vamos has a remarkable presence when connecting with a group. He has the ability to relay his stories of his career with candour and ease that gets people's attention. He is a truly au ... keep reading KDT Consulting
Steve was great. His talk hit the mark and was both insightful and delivered in comfortable style that was perfect to engage the audience. There were plenty of takeaways for the team to think about.
Steve was the stand-out speaker of the day, we have had fantastic feedback about his presentation and content and style.
Delegates thought that Steve Vamos was incredibly down to earth and very dynamic.
I would like to thank you for your inspirational and engaging presentation. The feedback from the staff about your presentation has been fantastic. They really enjoyed hearing about your personal journey in the workforce and the messages and stories you shared were very valuable. Hearing your journey helped spark in-depth discussion about issues that affect us all and I know the female staff were able to relate to many of your experiences. The day concluded on a high note with many solutions and suggestions being tabled. Being the first of many forums we will hold for our staff, your contribution was pivotal in making the day such a great success. It has helped to empower and engage our staff in being part of the solution.
Steve is an exceptional speaker and thought leader. He is spearheading a new school of thinking around leadership that enables others to reach their potential, and challenges us to think differently/adopt a new, collaborative mindset that is critical to the success in a rapidly changing and connected world. A perfect message for anyone leading today and into the future. Steve is ahead of his time and leaders of today need to catch up if they wish to remain competitive in the future.
