Hack The Gap: IT Talent and Innovation Forum

This forum will unpack what matters most right now to IT leaders and the challenges they face when finding and keeping great people, tackling skills shortages, building resilience and leading through constant change. Expect honest conversations on burnout, quiet quitting, shifting expectations, automation and the impact of AI.

This event isn’t about theory, it’s about open conversations, shared lessons and creating a space for real conversations and practical insights that leave you better equipped for the challenges ahead.

Your Panel Speakers:

Shantell Williams - Shantell Williams is the Chief Technology Officer at Tiimely, where she leads the development and scaling of its AI-driven credit automation platform. With over 20 years of experience across Europe, Africa, and Australia, Shantell has an outstanding track record in driving growth and transformation in the fintech sector through strategic leadership of software engineering, infrastructure, and data teams.

Since joining Tiimely in 2021, she has guided high-performing teams through scaling challenges, fostering innovative ways of working that enhance collaboration and delivery. Under her leadership, Tiimely’s platform has been transformed to support growth, scale, and innovation, delivering on the company’s vision for seamless, AI-powered financial solutions. She believes that cultivating great talent is the most powerful driver of innovation in technology.

Craig Carter - Craig Carter is a highly experienced senior executive, specialising in delivering robust technological environments that support customer service, responsiveness, and operational efficiency. With over 25 years of expertise in both the public and private sectors, Craig has developed and implemented world-class technology solutions that enable organisations to meet the challenges of dynamic, fast-paced environments. 

Since joining ACH Group as Chief Information Officer in 2018, Craig has been instrumental in driving the organisation's digital transformation journey. He leads the strategy and delivery of technological services that underpin ACH Group’s commitment to providing outstanding care for older people. Craig’s focus is on leveraging technology to enhance customer service, improve operational efficiency, and ensure that ACH Group remains agile and responsive to the evolving needs of its customers and residents. 

Craig’s leadership is defined by his ability to bridge the gap between technology and business, ensuring that IT systems and services align with ACH Group's strategic goals. His work spans IT strategy, service management, and technology transformation, always with a focus on delivering practical, results-driven outcomes that improve service delivery and enhance the user experience. 

Craig brings a wealth of experience in managing complex IT projects and programmes. His work has included leading large-scale technology initiatives and improving business operations, ensuring that organisations can leverage technology to achieve their strategic objectives. 

Dr Eva Balan-Vnuk - Dr Eva Balan-Vnuk joined SA Power Networks as Chief Digital Officer in March 2025 after seven years as SA Government's Chief Information Officer. As a member of the Executive Team, Eva is responsible for SA Power Network's technology and digital strategy and operations to help connect South Australians to a better energy future, as well as support the operations and growth of Enerven.

Prior to her role in SA Government, Eva worked for Microsoft in Europe, Asia and Australia, including State Director for Microsoft South Australia. Eva has a PhD in innovation and entrepreneurship from the University of Adelaide, and is Founder and Director of HerTechPath Limited, a grass-roots social enterprise she established in 2016, to promote STEM careers to girls. Eva also contributes as a Director for Novita that provides services to people living with a disability, and she is a Trustee of the History Trust of South Australia. 

Connor O'Rourke - Connor O’Rourke runs Overlay, a fast-growing startup using computer vision AI to help frontline teams in energy, defence, and infrastructure work smarter and safer. Their tech turns real-world activity into real-time data, streamlining training, safety, and asset management with AI that understands what it’s looking at.

Before this, Connor co-founded Nuago, a cybersecurity and managed services company that scaled fast and was acquired by Brennan IT in 2024. He stuck around to lead growth across South Australia, working with enterprise and government clients on complex IT overhauls. 

With more than 20 years in tech, Connor has led teams through everything from boot strapped startups, scale-ups, M&A and integrations. In 2023, he was named Entrepreneur of the Year in the 40 Under 40 Awards, recognised not just for the companies he’s built, but for how he builds them: fast, lean, and with a killer mix of vision and execution.

At Overlay, he’s focused on building a culture where innovation is baked into how the company operates. Hiring people who ask smart questions, rewarding bold thinking, and making sure great ideas don’t die in the backlog. He brings a founder’s mindset into every room. A balance of being commercially sharp, culturally tuned in, and never one to play it safe. And when he’s not deep in product or scaling teams, he’s at home wrangling three young kids which, let’s be honest, might be the toughest leadership gig of all.