Things. Reasons: The independent show for Australian IT leaders (AI, Tech & IT Leadership)

Things. Reasons.

Things. Reasons. is the independent podcast for Australian IT leaders. Hosted by Naran McClung and Jono Staff, we unpack what is actually driving change in Australian IT — cloud strategy, AI, cybersecurity, managed services, and vendor dynamics. Not vendor theatre. The conversation after the meeting. New episodes every two weeks. A podcast for CIOs, CTOs, and technology leaders navigating AI, cloud, and enterprise transformation. Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4P8vzwHxXabBX8a3krD4jp?si=a25ab47654c047a4 Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/things-reasons/id1775311397 LinkedIn: linkedin.com/company/things-reasons

  1. ٢٨ أبريل

    $10M ARR With 15 People | Jason Serda on How AI Is Rewriting Australia's Startup

    Episode overview  Australia's startup market just hit an inflection point. $503 million raised across 25 rounds in the first two months of 2026.  Twenty five per cent up on the year before.  US venture funds are looking south. Singapore now has more family offices per capita than anywhere else in the world, and they are writing cheques into Australian tech.  Something has shifted, and the rules of who gets funded have shifted with it.    About the guest  Jason Serda founded Blue Fire and sold it to Dimension Data. He ran global CTO at NTT. He now leads Utiliti Group, a Sydney and US-based venture firm with $150 million invested, 50-plus companies backed, and 13 exits on the board. His focus is helping Australian founders crack the US market.    What this episode covers: Why a $10m ARR business now runs on 15 to 20 people instead of 50 to 70.   Why 'growth at any cost' is finished and 'profit in months, not years' is the new venture standard.   How Utiliti uses AI to assess 80 to 90 pitch decks every month before a human reads one.   The single ratio Jason uses to read a founder's execution capability in under a minute. The ZOUD, the named meeting Jason ran at NTT that he thinks every exec team should bring back.  What separates the founders who get funded from the ones who get politely declined.    Why now: AI is reshaping how Australian companies raise capital, build product, and run operations.   The investors with the lowest cost of selection win.   The founders with the highest revenue per employee compound.   The teams that can hold a difficult conversation in private avoid the public correction.  Who this episode is for:  Founders thinking about their first or next raise.   Tech and commercial leaders being asked by their boards what AI changes for headcount and capital allocation.   Investors who want to see how a working AI venture pipeline operates in practice. Anyone with an idea sitting on the back burner who needs a reason to pick it up.

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  2. ١ أبريل

    The Cloud Left 70% of the World Behind. This Guy's Coming to Fix It. | Ep. 11

    The cloud was supposed to connect everyone. It didn't.  When the hyperscalers built their massive data centers, they reached about 30% of the world and called it a day. The other 70%? Left behind. And as AI explodes into every corner of our lives — from autonomous vehicles to oil rigs to disaster response — that gap is becoming a crisis.  Dan Wright, co-founder and CEO of Armada, is on a mission to close that gap. His answer is modular, rapidly deployable AI factories called Galleons that sail to wherever the data is, not the other way around. Remote mines. Ships in the middle of the ocean. The Alaskan wilderness. Anywhere.  In this episode, Dan joins Jono and Naran fresh off the plane from San Francisco to talk about why sovereign AI is the most important conversation, what the US National AI Action Plan actually means on the ground, and why physical AI — robots, autonomous rigs, self-driving everything — is coming faster than any of us are ready for.  He also makes the case that Australia, with its land, its energy, and its strategic position, has a once-in-a-generation opportunity to matter in the global AI race. The question is whether we'll move fast enough to take it.  Buckle up. Follow Naran McClung on LinkedIn here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/Naranmcclung/  Follow Jono Staff on LinkedIn here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jonathanstaff/

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  3. ١٩ مارس

    Human Things. AI Reasons. | Ep. 10

    Artificial intelligence is everywhere, in headlines, boardrooms, and strategy decks.  In this episode, we sit down with Dr. Kate Gwynne, who works at the intersection of technology, leadership, and education, helping organizations navigate AI adoption while keeping people at the center of the equation.  We talked about the gap between AI ambition and execution inside businesses. Why leaders are struggling to translate AI strategy into real organizational impact. And why the future of AI might not be about replacing human intelligence — but amplifying it.  We also asked mandatory uncomfortable questions shaping the future of work:  What happens to entry-level jobs?  How should universities prepare the next generation?  And what responsibility do leaders have when automation starts reshaping entire roles?  Technology may be advancing quickly, but the real challenge is still deeply human.  This episode explores why human-centred AI might be the only path forward.  Follow Naran McClung on LinkedIn here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/Naranmcclung/  Follow Jono Staff on LinkedIn here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jonathanstaff/  Listen on Spotify:   Listen on Apple Podcasts:  Watch on YouTube: https://youtu.be/He4CTa26Rj4  If your need beautiful merch with zero hassle, head to:Marque Store     And don't forget to subscribe and rate the show! We love hearing your thoughts and answering questions.  For all enquiries, contact pru@thingsreasons.show

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  4. ٩ فبراير

    The Hyperscalers Are Winning. Are You? | Rant Cast #2 | Ep. 9

    Most hyperscale sellers are formally trained. Most hyperscale buyers are not. And that imbalance isn't theoretical — it shows up in your contract terms, your cloud architecture, and your long-term bill. In this episode, we unpack how hyperscalers like AWS actually sell: the methodologies, champion strategies, architectural tactics, and trust-based playbooks that quietly influence major decisions inside your organization. We're not here to bash hyperscalers. They're doing exactly what they're designed to do. The question is whether you're equally prepared on the other side of the table. If you're accountable for a multi-million-dollar cloud relationship and you've never been trained to sell, this conversation may change how you approach every renewal, optimization review, and "strategic partnership" meeting. This is about levelling the playing field — and asking whether you're negotiating… or just approving. Hosts: Naran McClung & Jono Staff. Follow Naran McClung: https://www.linkedin.com/in/Naranmcclung/ Follow Jono Staff: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jonathanstaff/ Follow Things. Reasons.: https://www.linkedin.com/company/things-reasons/ Instagram / TikTok: @things.reasons Enquiries: pru@thingsreasons.show

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  5. ١٦‏/١٢‏/٢٠٢٥

    The Analyst, the Disclaimer, and the Two-Speed AI Economy

    Things. Reasons. is an independent podcast. The views expressed by hosts and guests are their own and do not represent any company or organisation. Content is for general information and entertainment only and should not be taken as professional, legal, or financial advice. While care is taken, no guarantee is made as to accuracy. Any references to people or organisations reflect personal opinions only and are not intended to harm reputation or imply wrongdoing. Follow Naran McClung on LinkedIn here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/naranmcclung/ Follow Jono Staff on LinkedIn here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jonathanstaff/ Watch on Youtube: https://youtu.be/0YbxPo0LFFc  And don't forget to subscribe and rate the show! We love hearing your thoughts and answering questions. For all enquiries, contact pru@thingsreasons.show

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  6. Australia's AI Energy Emergency with Andrew Sjoquist

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    Australia's AI Energy Emergency with Andrew Sjoquist

    What happens when the world's fastest-growing technology meets one of Australia's biggest natural advantages — renewable energy? In this episode, Andrew Sjoquist — Australian tech founder and CEO of WinDC — joins us to unpack the explosive energy demands of AI, why traditional data centers can't keep up, and the bold idea he believes could reshape the industry. Andrew breaks down: How portable, renewable-powered AI data centers actually work — and why they could transform access to compute. The limitations of today's hyperscale data centers and why proximity to energy matters more than ever. What this shift means for regional Australia — jobs, infrastructure, and new innovation hubs. Why understanding the power supply chain is becoming a core skill for tech leaders. The role of government, regulation, and long-term policy in enabling (or blocking) AI growth. A sharp, practical conversation about energy, innovation, and the global race to build the infrastructure AI will need next. Show Notes: Things. Reasons. is an independent podcast. The views expressed by hosts and guests are their own and do not represent any company or organisation. Content is for general information and entertainment only and should not be taken as professional, legal, or financial advice. While care is taken, no guarantee is made as to accuracy. Any references to people or organisations reflect personal opinions only and are not intended to harm reputation or imply wrongdoing. And don't forget to subscribe and rate the show! We love hearing your thoughts and answering questions. For all enquiries, contact pru@thingsreasons.show

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  7. ١٩‏/١١‏/٢٠٢٥

    What's Really Happening Inside Microsoft, Boomerang Execs and Intrapreneurship

    Why would someone leave Microsoft — twice — and still come back for a third round?  Gustavo Fuchs has done exactly that. Now leading Channel Sales across Asia, he's seen the company evolve from the inside out — from old-school enterprise to AI-era operator.  In this episode, Gustavo joins Naran and Jono to unpack:  What's really changed inside Microsoft — culture, speed, and decision-making in the AI era.  Why so many AI projects stall at proof-of-concept stage — and how to break through it.  How leaders should approach their first 90 days differently — what to do before you make any big calls.  The rise of the intrapreneur — building, learning, and influencing fast inside complex organisations.  Why some people just can't stay away from big tech — and what that says about the culture at Microsoft.  A grounded conversation about leadership, culture, and staying relevant when the pace of change never slows down.  Show Notes  Things. Reasons. is an independent podcast. The views expressed by hosts and guests are their own and do not represent any company or organisation.  Content is for general information and entertainment only and should not be taken as professional, legal, or financial advice. While care is taken, no guarantee is made as to accuracy. Any references to people or organisations reflect personal opinions only and are not intended to harm reputation or imply wrongdoing.  Follow Naran McClung on LinkedIn here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/naranmcclung/  Follow Jono Staff on LinkedIn here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jonathanstaff/    And don't forget to subscribe and rate the show! We love hearing your thoughts and answering questions. For all enquiries, contact pru@thingsreasons.show

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  8. ١١‏/١١‏/٢٠٢٥

    Tech Layoffs, Lazy Leadership, and the Myth of "AI Efficiency"

    We finally tempted Matt Boon to 'rant cast', and it didn't disappoint.  Matt's been shaping how Australian IT leaders think for decades. He's the person the industry turns to when it needs perspective.  Together with Jono and Naran, the conversation hits the uncomfortable stuff: the tech layoffs dressed up as "AI efficiency," AWS's 30,000 cuts, and why announcing record profits straight after firing people is a leadership fail.    They dig into cloud overspend, digital transformation fatigue, and the reality that most "modernisation programs" never actually end.  Matt throws out ROI in favour of ROV — Return on Value. Jono questions why boards never carry the cost of technical debt, and Naran presses on what real accountability should look like.  It's direct, a bit uncomfortable, and exactly the kind of conversation our sector needs more of.    Show Notes  Things. Reasons. is an independent podcast. The views expressed by hosts and guests are their own and do not represent any company or organisation.  Content is for general information and entertainment only and should not be taken as professional, legal, or financial advice. While care is taken, no guarantee is made as to accuracy. Any references to people or organisations reflect personal opinions only and are not intended to harm reputation or imply wrongdoing.  Follow Naran McClung on LinkedIn here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/naranmcclung/  Follow Jono Staff on LinkedIn here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jonathanstaff/  And don't forget to subscribe and rate the show! We love hearing your thoughts and answering questions. For all enquiries, contact pru@thingsreasons.show

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Things. Reasons. is the independent podcast for Australian IT leaders. Hosted by Naran McClung and Jono Staff, we unpack what is actually driving change in Australian IT — cloud strategy, AI, cybersecurity, managed services, and vendor dynamics. Not vendor theatre. The conversation after the meeting. New episodes every two weeks. A podcast for CIOs, CTOs, and technology leaders navigating AI, cloud, and enterprise transformation. Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4P8vzwHxXabBX8a3krD4jp?si=a25ab47654c047a4 Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/things-reasons/id1775311397 LinkedIn: linkedin.com/company/things-reasons

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