Lynda Bourne is CEO and MD of Stakeholder Management Pty Ltd. The company performs consultancy, training and software sales in organisations wanting to improve how they engage stakeholders. We asked Lynda a few questions about her journey and perspective on the IT industry.

Lynda BourneHow long have you been in IT, and where did you start?
I started in IT in 1985, primarily working on IT project management roles.

Why do you love working in IT?
There is always a challenge in IT: it is still a new profession compared to many others, but these days it is vital to the success of every organisation. My extra challenge is the people dimension of IT.

Why did you join the public policy committee?
I see it as a good chance to contribute to the advancement of ACS and the IT profession.

Where do you most see a need for policy and change in IT?
I see the need to achieve the recognition of the people dimension of IT. The focus of policy should always be in the frame of people doing work to benefit other people, even when the work involves automation and restructuring of organisations. The challenge will always be the impact of the people and how IT innovation impacts people.

What do you think it will take for progression in the IT sector?
More people who are prepared to think strategically and to deliberately focus on the stakeholder engagement dimensions of implementation of new IT.

Do you have any inspiring words of wisdom others wanting to work in IT?
It’s not just about the wonders of the technical – we must remember the needs of the people working with and using the application or affected by it.

Have you had any key milestones in your life that changed the direction of your career?
I re-entered the workforce after having a family and had the opportunity to move from programming to IT project management. That change of career, along with the new skills of negotiation and management, from having children, allowed me to work successfully in that part of IT.

What is your hope for the IT industry?
Practitioners will be able to step up to management and strategy that allows IT to have a ‘seat at the executive table’ instead of just being the facilitator.

Why would you encourage others to become more involved in ACS?
Networking with like-minded people at all levels of experience, and the opportunity to be involved in setting the direction for IT into the 21st century.