BWA Podcast Show: The Human Side of Technology Transformation
A focus on putting Humans at the Centre of Tech Transformation
As technology accelerates, one truth is becoming increasingly clear: organisations that put humans at the centre of transformation consistently outperform those that don’t.
Global research now shows that human-centred technology adoption leads to higher productivity, stronger engagement, better innovation outcomes, and more sustainable change.
In this episode of the Business Women Australia Podcast show, Lyn Hawkins is joined by Marion Burchell to explore what’s working, not just what’s breaking, when organisations balance technology and humanity.
Drawing on lived leadership experience across government, industry, and complex systems, Marion shares what enables people to adapt, thrive, and perform when technology is introduced thoughtfully, responsibly, and with purpose.
This is a conversation about human capability as a strategic advantage — not a soft consideration. Technology transformation doesn’t fail because of the technology — it fails because of how change is experienced by people.
Let’s shift the conversation from systems and productivity to the human impact of innovation. From emotional responses to streamlined processes, to skills anxiety and technology fatigue, Lyn and Marion will explore what leaders must understand if they want transformation to actually build better workplace cultures.
If you are interested in designing change that works for people, tune in to this important episode.
About Marion Burchell
Marion is an experienced strategy, innovation and change agent in the public and private sectors. She is renowned for getting things done as well as bringing a different perspective.
Marion is currently the Managing Director at Azolla Holdings, a management consulting practice that is focused on leveraging her quality networks to deliver bespoke solutions to clients. Previous to establishing Azolla Holdings, Marion was a Director at Deloitte co-leading the Civil Government practice, a member of the national open data and the national GovLab team.
Marion was the first female Government Chief Information Officer for Western Australia (interim) delivering whole of government to deliver better services to people using technology. During this time she drove the social inclusion and digital divide agenda, created the cyber security CRC in WA, created greater transparency and governance of the GovNext-ICT reform, and laid the foundation for the inter-jurisdictional data sharing initiative.
In her role as the Executive Director, Policy and Governance, she delivered the State’s first innovation strategy and implemented a number of programs aimed at growing the startup ecosystem. She led the development and implementation of the State’s Open Data policy, including regularly supporting hackathons that delivered solutions to challenges.
Marion led the whole of government innovation agenda, which sought to inculcate a culture of innovation. The program received a Premier’s Award nomination for collaboration across government agencies. Her experience spans a range of areas such as water, agriculture, intergovernmental relations, social policy and data and digital reform.
Marion is published nationally and internationally in public sector innovation and public participation in the development of public policy. Her co-design case study has been published by an international government as best practice.
Marion believes that the world is multi-disciplinary and therefore has degrees in Science, Sociology and Policy and Planning. She has also studied at Harvard Kennedy School of Government graduating with a Certificate in Public Leadership.
About Lyn Hawkins
Lyn Hawkins is the National Director of Business Women Australia and Principal of Hawkins Marketing. With decades of experience advising organisations from startups to enterprises, Lyn is a highly sought-after strategist, facilitator, and executive coach. Her expertise spans business growth strategy, leadership development, cultural change, philanthropy, marketing and business development.
Passionate about creating opportunities for women, Lyn leads Business Women Australia’s national community, fostering collaboration, knowledge-sharing, and peer-to-peer support. She is dedicated to amplifying the voices of women in leadership, helping women elevate their brands, careers, businesses, and influence. Lyn also works with the Peel Community Foundation.
About Business Women Australia
Business Women Australia (BWA) is a vibrant national collective of women from all sectors, industries, and professions. With a fast-growing group of more than 20,000 followers, BWA provides access to:
- A supportive network of professionals, entrepreneurs, and leaders.
- Professional development programs, leadership masterminds, and retreats.
- Inspiring podcasts, webinars, and thought-leadership events.
- Opportunities to collaborate, connect, and grow.
BWA’s vision is to elevate women with knowledge, influence, and connection, helping members achieve their full potential both professionally and personally.
👉 Join today and be part of a national movement of women making an impact.
🔗 businesswomenaustralia.com.au/membership