AI and Data Analytics: Shaping the Future of Public Services - Ima Okonny - Episode 131

The future of government is being rewritten—and it’s digital. In this insightful episode, we sit down with Aneesh Joshi and Omar Shabbir from Infrastructure Ontario (IO) to explore how cutting-edge technologies like Digital ID systems, AI, and Digital Twins are revolutionizing public services. From eliminating bureaucratic silos to creating seamless, citizen-centric experiences, Aneesh (Technology Advisory Lead) and Omar (Growth Practice Lead) break down: - Why Ontario needs a secure Digital ID—and how it could transform everything from healthcare to transit. - The game-changing potential of Digital Twins—virtual replicas of infrastructure that optimize urban planning, healthcare, and more. - Overcoming barriers to innovation in government—from privacy concerns to fostering cross-sector collaboration. - Lessons from global leaders and actionable steps for public-sector leaders to accelerate change. Whether you’re a policymaker, tech enthusiast, or simply curious about the future of government services, this conversation offers a bold vision for a smarter, faster, and more connected Ontario. Tune in and discover how emerging tech is turning bureaucracy into breakthroughs.   Aneesh Joshi and Omar Shabbir from Infrastructure Ontario.   For more great insights head to www.PublicSectorNetwork.co        

This thought-provoking episode invites Jacqui Loustau, AWSN Executive Director, Australian Women in Security Network, Professor Matthew Warren, Director of the RMIT Centre of Cyber Security Research and Innovation, RMIT who tackle the pressing issue of diversity in Australia’s cybersecurity sector, featuring Jacqui Loustau and Professor Matthew Warren. They discuss the current under-representation of women—just 17% of the workforce—and examine the barriers, including gender pay gaps and limited career advancement, that hinder progress. Through insights from a recent study, they highlight practical solutions like flexible work arrangements, mentorship programs, and innovative training initiatives aimed at closing the gap and building a more inclusive cybersecurity workforce. Tune in to learn how collaboration between industry and government is driving change.   Jacqui Loustau, AWSN Executive Director, Australian Women in Security Network, Professor Matthew Warren, Director of the RMIT Centre of Cyber Security Research and Innovation, RMIT   For more great insights head to www.PublicSectorNetwork.co      

In this engaging episode, we hear from Stewart Wong, Vice President of Strategy, Sustainability and Communications, Holland Bloorview Kids Rehabilitation Hospital, as he takes us on a creative and candid journey through one of the hospital’s most ambitious challenges: space optimisation during rapid growth. Blending Star Trek metaphors with real-world strategy, Stewart shares how Holland Bloorview responded to a post-pandemic staffing boom, disorganised booking systems, and mismatched clinical workspaces—transforming the chaos into a cohesive, people-first space strategy. From establishing governance and principles to engaging teams in meaningful co-design, this story is about much more than bricks and mortar. It’s about building culture, community, and clarity—without a capital expansion. Tune in for practical lessons on innovation, leadership, and turning constraints into catalysts for change. Stewart Wong, Vice President of Strategy, Sustainability and Communications, Holland Bloorview Kids Rehabilitation Hospital   For more great insights head to www.PublicSectorNetwork.co  

In our latest episode, Natalie Bekis, Assistant Secretary Health Workforce Planning and Strategies Branch, Australian Government Department of Health and Aged Care, Fiona Notley, Chief Operating Officer, and Vice President, RMIT delve into the pressing issue of the technology skills shortage in Victoria, unpacking the challenges and opportunities that come with building a resilient, future-ready workforce. It explores how partnerships between the tertiary education sector and the public sector can strengthen the talent pipeline, ensuring that Victoria has the right skills to meet its digital demands. Our listeners will also gain insights into how the Victorian Government can build a strong Employee Value Proposition (EVP) that attracts and retains top talent—from crafting compelling job ads to investing in meaningful employee development. Finally, the episode examines how the public sector can strike the right balance between technology and human resources to optimise workflows and deliver better outcomes for Victorians. Natalie Bekis, Assistant Secretary Health Workforce Planning and Strategies Branch, Australian Government Department of Health and Aged Care, Fiona Notley, Chief Operating Officer, and Vice President, RMIT For more great insights head to www.PublicSectorNetwork.co  

This episode features Dr. Krista Jangaard, President and CEO of IWK Health Centre in Nova Scotia, sharing how her organisation is navigating one of the most ambitious healthcare transformations in the province's history. Dr. Jangaard reflects on what it means to modernise health systems in a time of volatility and opportunity—from integrating digital tools like "YourHealthNS" and a provincial health record, to tackling big issues like staffing, infrastructure, and patient access. She also unpacks Nova Scotia’s Action for Health strategy, exploring how real-world listening tours, system-wide collaboration, and governance reform are helping shape a more inclusive, data-informed, and people-centred future for care delivery. Expect honest lessons on leadership, the pitfalls of “shiny object syndrome,” and why transformation in healthcare is about balance—moving faster where possible, while pausing to reflect where it matters most. Krista Jangaard President and CEO, IWK Health For more great insights head to www.PublicSectorNetwork.co  

In this panel discussion, leaders from Colorado public sector sit down together and discuss what their priorities are in 2025 and beyond, and how to ensure they are successful.   Heather Weir, Senior Director of Strategy, Performance and Admin Office, Colorado Governor’s Office of Information Technology Andrea Day, Senior Information Technology Director, Customer Office, Colorado Governor’s Office of Information Technology Morgan Reed, AWS Executive Government Advisor, Amazon Web Services Moderator: Len Zheleznyak, Lead of Value, Strategy, and Innovation for State and Local Government Google Cloud.   For more great insights head to www.PublicSectorNetwork.co    

In this candid and compelling episode, Alex Benay and Karen Figuerola share an unfiltered look at the cultural and systemic issues behind Canada’s HR and pay challenges—and the bold transformation underway to fix them. From the $7 billion Phoenix failure to the rollout of Dayforce, Alex explains why fixing the tech alone isn’t enough. True change, he argues, starts with shifting behaviours, embracing radical transparency, and putting people at the centre of every decision. With real talk on AI, automation, executive accountability, and the power of user-centred design, this episode is both a wake-up call and a roadmap for leading transformation in the public sector. If you care about meaningful change, leadership that’s unafraid to fail, and building systems that simply work, you won’t want to miss it. Alex Benay, Associate Deputy Minister, (Enterprise Pay Coordination), Public Services and Procurement, Karen Figuerola, Partner, People Consulting, EY.   For more great insights head to www.PublicSectorNetwork.co  

In this episode of Public Sector Podcast, Ireland’s Government Chief Information Officer shares the country’s journey from traditional e-government to a bold, citizen-centred digital transformation. With a focus on inclusion, trust, and user-first design, Ireland is rethinking how government services are delivered—one life event at a time. Discover how Ireland is building shared infrastructure, adopting agile practices, and aligning with EU digital standards, all while navigating legislative hurdles and cultural change. Whether you're in policy, IT, or service delivery, this episode offers valuable lessons for governments striving to meet people where they are—both online and offline. Barry Lowry, CIO, Government of Ireland. For more great insights head to www.PublicSectorNetwork.co  

Join us in this insightful podcast as we sit down with Kimberly Roy Wilson, Commissioner, Information Technology & Services Division, City of Cleveland, to explore Ohio local government's challenges and opportunities in innovation and technology. Kimberly Roy Wilson Commissioner, Information Technology & Services Division, City of Cleveland For more great insights head to www.PublicSectorNetwork.co  

In this episode, Ima Okonny, Chief Data Officer, Assistant Deputy Minister, Employment and Social Development Canada shares how one of Canada’s largest federal departments is using data, AI, and innovation to deliver more inclusive and responsive public services. The conversation explores the importance of building a strong data foundation, developing ethical and transparent AI practices, and ensuring no citizen is left behind. Listeners will hear how ESDC is tackling demographic change, accessibility needs, and complex service delivery through in-house AI development, integrated data strategies, and a culture of trust and transparency. Whether you're in government, tech, or policy, this episode offers valuable insights into what it takes to lead digital transformation with purpose. Ima Okonny, Chief Data Officer, Assistant Deputy Minister, Employment and Social Development Canada For more great insights head to www.PublicSectorNetwork.co