I post a weekly reflection on my journey to make AI in critical infrastructure safe to scale.
Hi, I’m Wayne.
This is my personal blog. I write here in a personal capacity, describing my opinions, ideas, and lessons learnt as I lead our organization’s adoption of AI. Nothing here reflect the views of the organization I work for, and nothing should be read in that context.
While there is endless AI content online from academics, consultants, etc. I could not find much from people actually going through this journey. Especially in critical infrastructure where we operate within strict regulations and with low levels of risk tolerance. Here I post a weekly reflection of my journey to make AI safe to scale in critical infrastructure, to hopefully inform others facing similar challenges.
I am the General Manager of Digital Business in critical infrastructure and the bestselling author of The Digital Utility. My most recent book, The Digital Director, helps executives and directors understand their role in supporting their organisation’s digital aspirations.
Since obtaining a Masters in Information Systems over twenty years ago, I have been developing and delivering IT and Digital strategies in Australia and Asia. More recently I have completed studies at MIT in Leading the AI Driven Organisation and Applied Agentic AI for Organizational Transformation.
I live in Geelong, Australia with my wife Claire and our four children. If you would like to contact me, please connect with me at https://www.linkedin.com/in/wpales/
Experience
Barwon Water
GM Digital
March 2024 – To Present
Leading the transformation to engage with AI responsibly to amplify our people’s ability to deliver on our commitments to our customers, community, and Country.
Breast Cancer Network Australia
Chief Digital Officer
June 2022 – March 24
Leading our digital transformation and IT operations to extract full value from our technology investments so all Australians, effected by breast cancer, receive the very best care, treatment, and support.
The Chapel Group
Founder & Director
August 2015 – June 2023
Helping executives and directors improve their digital literacy and help them understand the role they need to play in supporting their organisation’s digital aspirations.
The Security Collective
Chief Digital Officer
Oct. 2021 – Sept. 2022
Led the development of a digital platform that assesses the skills and experience of applicants for Chief Information Security Officers roles to assist in the recruitment process.
Australian Energy Market Operator
GM Technology Strategy & Architecture
Jul. 2018 – Oct. 2019
Part of a team of Executives and Senior Managers responsible for the development of AEMO’s digital transformation, with a focus on enabling distributed energy such as solar panels to play an active role in Australian energy markets and power grid.
China Light & Power (Hong Kong)
GM Smart Grid
Jan. 2012 – Jan. 2016
Led a business unit responsible for South East Asia’s first demand response program, obtained government support for the rollout of smart meters in Hong Kong, and led a wide range of projects exploring and implementing smart grid technologies.
China Light & Power (Hong Kong)
GM IT Strategy, Architecture & Cyber
Sep. 2009 – Dec. 2011
Established a regional cyber security capability covering China, India, South East Asia, and Australia. Established CLP’s first innovation centre to identify and pilot emerging technologies to help address business and customer problems.
AGL Energy
Head of IT Strategy, Architecture & Cyber
Jan. 2006 – Sep. 2009
Part of the IT Executive Team responsible for defining the strategy and delivering a program of work to modernise and simplify AGL’s technologies and standardise business processes to drive down cost to serve while improving customer experience
Publications
Recognitions
