Significant shifts are underway within some of Australia’s largest organisations, where designers are increasingly embedded at the front lines of business transformation. In this edition of #work_out_loud, Jana speaks with Steph, Bri, and Janett to explore how design is being practiced inside ANZ Bank, Telstra, and Medibank. The conversation delves into the evolving role of design and the levels of maturity these organisations are reaching in 2025.

This conversation builds on momentum from the recent Design Outlook Leadership Conference, which continues to foreground the realities—and possibilities—of contemporary design leadership.

Steph Ransom, Service Design Chapter Lead at ANZ Bank uses design process to solve problems. Steph is curious about how and why people do things, collaborating with others to make a good idea great. She believes that business acumen is critical to successful design and strategic outcomes.

Bri Johnstone, CX Strategy and Service Design, at Telstra. Bri is attracted to large change and transformation programs. She is a creative and passionate professional who is driven to create effective tools and resources, and immersive experiences (themed workshop anyone?). Bri is an innovative thinker, always looking for ways to work with colleagues to make ideas and processes more effective and efficient.

Janett Egber, is a CX leader at Medibank. Her focus is on capability building, starting with our humanity first and foremost. Janett plays an active role in growing and supporting the Social Intrapreneurship movement, through the Global League of Intrapreneurs – and the role of business in society to deliver on the SDGs (Sustainable Development Goals).

Jana Perera, is the Student Assistant for the Master of Design Futures. Jana has extensive experience in higher and vocational education in Australia. She has successfully led large marketing teams, driven community engagement initiatives, and facilitated industry development, ensuring that education aligns with the evolving needs of the workforce.

The RMIT MASTER OF DESIGN FUTURES is a post-professional postgraduate program, centred on the research, study and practice of human-centred-design and attendant practices. The program is fully online. Please contact Dr Marius Foley marius.foley@rmit.edu.au if you would like to talk through your opportunities to enhance and elevate your practice with an infusion of design.