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David Thodey

Cofounder, Telstra

Search every verified David Thodey interview, podcast appearance, and on-the-record quote — each transcript cross-checked by AI and human review to confirm speaker identity. David Thodey, a former CEO of Telstra and current Chairman of the CSIRO, has spoken publicly about the rapid pace of technological change and its implications for research and industry. In a 2015 interview, he described the current period as unique due to the convergence of technology innovation and new business models, citing developments from the internet and cloud computing to big data and artificial intelligence. He also advocated for greater efforts to attract people into science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) fields, arguing that Australia is not producing enough graduates in these areas and that such careers offer opportunities to make a difference in society. In earlier appearances as Telstra CEO, Thodey discussed the company's focus on customer service, cultural change, and digital transformation. He accepted the Customer Service CEO of the Year award in 2011, crediting Telstra's staff for improvements and acknowledging that the company still had progress to make. He also addressed questions about the environmental impact of printed directories, noting that Telstra had begun piloting an opt-in model for the White Pages in Melbourne as part of a transition toward digital services. In a 2015 discussion on leadership, he expressed support for setting gender diversity targets, while questioning how companies handle the consequences of not meeting them, and suggested that more flexible, non-linear career paths could better prepare leaders for complex roles.

Recent appearances

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