In Conversation with Bevan Slattery:

Lessons on Careers, Courage and the Future of Technology

The future of technology is being shaped right now, and for graduates and early-career professionals, knowing where to focus their time and energy has never been more important. At Women in Digital’s In Conversation with Bevan Slattery, powered by Subco, guests gathered to hear one of Australia’s most influential technology leaders share his personal journey, reflections on career growth, and insights on what lies ahead for the digital economy.

The event also featured a panel discussion with Kristy Arcodia (Acting Chief of Staff, SUBCO), Amanda Pinaud (Head of Cyber Security Compliance, Megaport), and Daisey Stampfer (Group Executive, Business and Wholesale, Superloop), who added their perspectives on career transitions, challenging stereotypes, and finding opportunity in disruption.

What followed was an evening filled with candid stories, practical advice, and future-focused inspiration.

Building a Career Without a Map

Bevan opened with honesty: as a young person, he didn’t know what he wanted to do. Without qualifications or clear expectations, what he did have was curiosity, and that curiosity led him down pathways he could never have planned.

His advice for the next generation? “Give things a go and work towards being indispensable.” Many of Bevan’s early ventures were built with people who didn’t have degrees but had drive, adaptability, and the courage to learn on the fly. At Megaport, for example, his first employees, Mitch and Cam, along with the CEO, all came without formal degrees. For Bevan, qualifications are valuable, but they aren’t everything.

Learning From Failures

Bevan was quick to share that his success has been shaped just as much by failures as wins. He spoke about business decisions that didn’t go his way and the painful lessons it taught him, including the importance of mastering accrual accounting and, most importantly, owning the customer.

Integrity, he emphasised, is critical. In a fast-moving industry where hype often overshadows substance, building trust and doing right by customers is what ensures long-term success.

The “Chair Swivel” Moment

While technology has enabled remote and flexible work, Bevan underlined the irreplaceable value of being physically present. He called it the “chair swivel moment”. Those small, spontaneous interactions in the office can spark collaboration, mentorship, and opportunity. And for young professionals, showing up in person creates visibility and opens doors that might otherwise remain closed.

Male Allyship and Courage

The conversation also turned to gender equity and allyship. Bevan was clear: male allyship wasn’t a conscious choice for him, but a natural outcome of backing talent wherever it appeared. His advice to leaders? “Throw women in, regardless of what they’re saying about themselves.” Too often, capable women hold back out of hesitation or imposter syndrome. By giving them opportunities anyway, leaders can help build their confidence.

The panel echoed this sentiment, sharing how mentors and sponsors had pushed them into roles before they felt ready, giving them the external perspective needed to see their own potential.

Advice for Young Women

One of the evening’s standout moments was Bevan’s advice for young women:

• “Thirty is not the new twenty.” Use your twenties intentionally to build skills, experiences, and networks that will pay off later.
• Focus on building personal and identity capital, the experiences and achievements that become the foundation of your career story.
• Find mentors who can offer courage and grace when self-doubt sets in. 

Imposter syndrome, the panel noted, often surfaces during times of change or in the “squiggly” career paths many women navigate. Talking to others, taking stock of achievements, and recognising the milestones you’ve reached are important practices for building confidence.

The Future of Tech and AI

When asked about what’s next, Bevan highlighted the opportunities, and threats, of artificial intelligence. AI is not only reshaping industries but also redefining the skills required in the workforce. His prediction? AI-native graduates will bring fresh perspectives, making suggestions and solutions others may not have considered.

However, he also stressed the importance of sovereignty. As global giants like Google and Meta build powerful systems, Australia must ensure ownership of its own data and connectivity at hyperscale. Without it, we risk falling behind in both innovation and security.

For women in particular, the intersection between technology, AI, and people presents a unique opportunity. With strong soft skills and an ability to bridge technical and human considerations, women are well-placed to lead in this new era.

Balance, Mentorship, and Moving Forward

The evening closed on a personal note: the myth of balance. Bevan reminded the audience that it’s unrealistic to expect perfect alignment between work, family, and study at the same time. Instead, it’s about making intentional choices and recognising that different areas will take priority at different stages.

Mentorship came up again as a theme – having external voices who can offer guidance, challenge perspectives, and provide encouragement is essential to career growth.

Final Thoughts

The conversation with Bevan Slattery and the panel of industry leaders was more than just a glimpse into the future of technology. It was a reminder that success comes from curiosity, integrity, and the willingness to step into opportunities before you feel ready.

For the graduates and early-career professionals in the room, the message was clear: be intentional, build your identity capital, embrace learning, and don’t wait until you feel “ready” to take the leap.

As the pace of digital change accelerates, these lessons will be the ones that turn disruption into opportunity.

The 2025 Women in Digital Report is now available!

The conversation around gender equity in tech has never been more urgent or more important. The 2025 Women in Digital Report “Driving Change in Tech 2025” dives deep into the lived experiences of people in digital and technology roles across Australia, providing a powerful data-driven overview of where we are, and where we need to go.

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